🎶 Huntsville's newest music venue

Happy Tuesday!

I hope everyone had a great first day back to school yesterday. It’s hard to believe that summer is over!

The good news is that we are only 23 days away from the first college football game! And just to stir the pot a little bit… I’d love to know who everyone roots for.

Oh, and you may notice the format of today’s newsletter is a little different. Just trying something new!

Let’s get to it!

🚀 Taking Flight

🎵 Huntsville Eyes New Mid-Sized Music Venue

The City of Huntsville is partnering once again with the company that helped bring The Orion Amphitheater to life, all in order to bring a new mid-sized music venue to town.

The planned venue aims to fill a crucial gap between smaller clubs and larger spaces like The Orion and will likely seat between 2,500 and 3,000 people. With the Orion now celebrating its 100th performance and generating over $131 million in local economic impact, the city sees the new project as the next step in strengthening its music infrastructure.

While the exact location is still being finalized, the venue is part of a broader strategy to make Huntsville a national hub for music and cultural events.

🛍️ 3 New Retailers Coming to Bridge Street

Bridge Street is welcoming three new retailers offering everything from outdoor gear to jewelry.

Madewell, known for its premium denim and inclusive sizing, will open this November next to H&M.

Outdoor lifestyle brand L.L.Bean is bringing its first Alabama store to the shopping center in Spring 2026, located near Dick’s Sporting Goods. Also arriving in 2026 is Rowan, a jewelry and ear piercing studio that prioritizes safety and style by using licensed nurses and hypoallergenic materials.

🎄 Vote For The 2025 Huntsville Christmas Parade Theme

Christmas is only 142 days away, and organizers need your help picking a theme for this year’s Christmas parade.

The three options up for a vote are A Very Merry Christmas, A Superhero Christmas, and A Rocket City Christmas. You can cast your vote now on the Mix 96.9 website.

The winning theme will set the tone for floats, costumes, and festivities during the parade, which is scheduled for Tuesday, December 2nd.

THIS EMAIL IS PRESENTED BY DSLD HOMES

💦 Your Poolside Paradise

Summer is here, and there’s no better time to make your move to Crystal Creek, where the community pool is calling your name!

Surrounded by stunning views and wide-open spaces, these homes offer the perfect mix of comfort, style, and a place to cool off all season long.

Starting at just $333,645, Crystal Creek has 5 quick move-in homes available. Your summer by the pool could start sooner than you think!

Want to partner with Huntsville Explorer and reach 16,000+ locals? Let’s chat!

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

📆 7 Things To Do This Weekend

🌕 Moonlight Market

Aug 8 | 6–10 PM | Downtown Huntsville Square | Free | More Info

Shop from 40+ local artisans, enjoy live music and a high-energy DJ, and soak in the vibe of Downtown Huntsville after dark.

🥁 Drummers’ Night Out – 10th Anniversary

Aug 9 | 6 PM and 8 PM | Tangled String Studios | $30 | More Info

Percussion takes center stage at Lowe Mill with world-class drummers. Two shows in one unforgettable night for music lovers.

🚗 Rocket City Octane Auto Show

Aug 9 | 10 AM–4:30 PM | VBC South Hall & Arena | $15 (12 & under free) | More Info

The Southeast’s premier indoor car show is back and bigger than ever. Expect wild rides, family fun, and interactive zones for all ages.

🌳 Community Fun & Wellness Block Party

Aug 9 | 5–7 PM | Butler Green @ Campus 805 | Free | More Info

Celebrate health, family, and connection with free health services, food, games, and community.

🎸 Blackeyed Susan at Mars Music Hall

Aug 9 | 8 PM | Mars Music Hall @ VBC | More Info

Get loud with Blackeyed Susan's powerful rock set. Get ready for an evening of guitar-driven rock anthems you know and love!

⚽ Huntsville City FC vs. Carolina Core FC

Aug. 10 | 6 PM | Wicks Family Field | More Info

It’s School Spirit Night at the pitch! Cheer on Huntsville’s team and rep your favorite school as they battle Carolina Core.

🛍️ The BOLD Market

Aug 10 | 2 PM | The Orion Amphitheater | Free | More Info

Celebrate Black-owned businesses, creatives, and chefs at this community-powered marketplace featuring food, music, and family fun.

THIS EMAIL IS PRESENTED BY SOUTH HUNTSVILLE VETERINARY HOSPITAL

🐶 A Vet That Feels Like Family

Looking for a new vet? South Huntsville Veterinary Hospital offers friendly, affordable care with your pet’s comfort (and your time) in mind.

From the moment you walk in, you’ll notice how warm and welcoming the staff is. They take time to make sure your pet feels safe, and they keep things running on schedule so you’re not stuck waiting around.

Whether it’s a wellness exam, dental care, or something more serious, their experienced team provides high-quality treatment without the high prices.

If you’re ready for a better vet experience, South Huntsville Veterinary Hospital is accepting new patients now.

Learn more or schedule a visit by clicking the button below.

🎵 Live Music Lowdown

All FREE music shows will be listed in the Live Music Lowdown section. Ticketed concerts will still be in the event calendar.

Thank you to St. Stephens Music Hall for presenting this section!

📆 Explore the Rocket City

Wednesday, August 6

• Doc Mental Magic Show at The Camp: Experience mind-blowing mentalism from world-renowned Nicholas Tweedy in this magical live show!

• Cocktails at the View at Burritt on the Mountain: Enjoy a drink with friends or family and watch the sun set over Huntsville!

• Miss Congeniality at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: Watch Miss Congeniality on the big screen at this nostalgic comedy screening!

• Market at the Garden at the Botanical Gardens: Support local vendors and shop for handmade goods and homemade products. No garden admission required.

• White Wine Royalty at Charlie Foster’s: Taste premium white wines, enjoy charcuterie, and explore wine insights at this elegant evening!

• Latin Dance Night at The Electric Belle: Take a free Latin dance lesson and dance the night away to fiery rhythms!

• Huntsville Pub Run at Butler Green: Social run group with 3 or 5 mile route options!

• Beginner Wheel Throwing Class at Sullivan Pottery: Beginner pottery class for kids 10+, includes instruction and all materials!

Thursday, August 7

• Bubble Party at Stone Age Korean BBQ: Celebrate BOBA’s return with bubble-topped martinis, milk teas, LED lights & more.

• The House Party Improv Show at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: Experience bold, unpredictable longform improv from rotating house teams!

• Meet An Astronaut at U.S. Space & Rocket Center: Meet Jan Davis, hear space stories, and snap a photo with he!

• Tea & Coloring at Ravenwood Meadery: Relax with tea, snacks, and coloring in a welcoming, family-friendly community space!

• Master Artist Workshop at Huntsville Museum of Art: Learn alla prima painting, observation, and simplification techniques in this immersive workshop!

• Sci-Fi Trivia at Rocket City Dog Bar: Test your knowledge of all things sci-fi!

• Macy Gray at VBC Mars Music Hall: Celebrate 25 years of soulful hits with Macy Gray live in concert!

Friday, August 8

• The Black Box Comedy Show at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: Enjoy interactive improv games and laughs from an ensemble cast in a casual show!

• Beer Pong Tournament at Rocket City Dog Bar: Play beer pong with friends and pups at this fun dog-friendly hangout!

• Shakespeare in the Garden at Botanical Garden: Watch The Comedy of Errors outdoors in the garden!

• Red Rovers, Red Rovers at U.S. Space & Rocket Center: Discover Mars through robotic missions and future tech preparing for human exploration!

• Rocket City Octane at Washington Street: Cruise into Downtown Huntsville for cars, food, drinks, and a street party!

• Dog Days Party at Preservation Company: A tail-wagging fundraiser to support Therapy Partners.

• Latte & Learn at Studio 127: Learn two image transfer techniques with drinks included from Good Company Café.

• Wilder Adkins / The Burney Sisters at The Common House: Enjoy acoustic sets, rich harmonies, and coffee at this intimate storytelling music night!

• Strung Like A Horse at St. Stephens Music Hall: Experience high-energy Americana with Strung Like A Horse’s wild, interactive live show!

• Dusty Slay: The Night Shift Tour at VBC Concert Hall: Catch stand-up comic Dusty Slay live with his laid-back humor on The Night Shift Tour!

• Dale Jones at Huntsville Levity Live: High-energy comedy, wild expressions, and lightning-fast laughs from a 30-year pro!

• City Lights & Stars: Eric Essix at Burritt on the Mountain: Enjoy an evening of contemporary jazz with Eric Essix at this scenic outdoor concert!

Want to see more upcoming events or add an event to the calendar? Click here.

🎲 Headline Hunt

If you like Wordle, see if you can guess this six-letter Huntsville-themed word!

Thanks for making it to the end!

I’ll be back in your inbox on Friday!