🚀 Loona's opens in Huntsville

Huntsville has a new Australian café, a 40,000 foot pickleball facility is coming to town, and HCFC is on a roll!

Author

Andrew Smith
August 22, 2025

Happy Friday!

Another week is in the books! What’s everyone got planned for the weekend?

Let’s get to it!

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

🚨 Huntsville’s New 40,000 Square Foot Pickleball Facility

Pickleball is booming across the country, and Huntsville is joining the movement in a big way. The Picklr, the world’s largest indoor pickleball franchise, is set to open a 40,000-square-foot facility on University Drive this December.

It’s their second Alabama location, following a successful launch in Birmingham. The Huntsville club will have 11 courts, including seven championship-sized ones, and offer open play, leagues, tournaments, clinics, and private lessons. It will even offer AI-powered coaching to help players track progress and sharpen their skills.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, The Picklr is built to welcome everyone. A full pro shop will stock exclusive gear, and a large event space will host parties, team-building events, and more.

The facility will be open from morning to midnight, so grab your paddle and get ready. The courts open soon!

THIS EMAIL IS PRESENTED BY BROADWAY THEATRE LEAGUE

🎭️ Broadway Favorites in Huntsville

The 2025–26 season at Broadway Theatre League is packed with hit shows you won't want to miss. Back to the Future, Hadestown, Mrs. Doubtfire, & Juliet, The Sound of Music, and more are all headed to the Von Braun Center.

Want to see your top picks without committing to the full season? The Pick 3 Pass lets you choose any three shows, save money, and lock in great seats before single tickets go on sale.

This lineup is one of the best in a while, and passes are already going fast.

Grab your Pick 3 Pass now and get ready for an unforgettable season of Broadway favorites!

Want to partner with Huntsville Explorer and reach 17,000+ locals? Fill out this form!

🚀 Taking Flight

🎊 Loona’s Cafe Is Officially Open

Loona’s Cafe is now open, offering Huntsville an Aussie option for brunch. With airy coastal décor, flower-topped tables, and a menu blending Southern charm with Aussie favorites, Loona’s is a must-visit destination for all foodies.

From whimsical bites like Fairy Bread for the kids to handmade pizza for the grown-ups, you’re bound to find something your speed. If you're mouth isn't watering already, do yourself a favor and scroll through their Instagram page.

Beyond the menu, Loona’s is fostering a true sense of community with a Saturday morning Run Club and plans to add more events soon!

⚽️ Huntsville City FC Keeps Rolling With Sixth Straight Win

There’s no slowing down Huntsville City FC. The Boys in Blue are riding high after securing their sixth consecutive victory, this time in dramatic fashion with a last-second score against New York City FC II.

The energy inside Wicks Family Field has been electric, and fans have rallied behind a team that continues to find ways to win. With confidence soaring and a strong sense of momentum, Huntsville now sets its sights on a tough road matchup against Chattanooga FC before coming back home on September 13.

That night promises even more excitement as they plan a retro return, “Throwback Night,” a chance for fans to celebrate both the team’s present success and its growing place in Huntsville’s sports history.

If you haven’t been to a game yet, there are only three home games left this season! You can see the full schedule here.

🎶 Huntsville Is Making a Mark at AMERICANAFEST 2025

Huntsville Music leaders are about to hit the road. This September, the Huntsville Music Office will organize several events for this year’s Americana Fest in Nashville.

The two special events, Muscle Shoals Meets the Rocket City on September 9 and the Rocket City Ramble on September 11, will spotlight a mix of rising stars and seasoned performers from right here in North Alabama. The event is backed by iconic partners like FAME Recording Studios, and the shows highlight why Huntsville is quickly becoming a major stop on the Americana music map.

Both events are free to attend, so be sure to put them on your calendar if you want to make the drive!

❤️ Premium Explorer Shoutout

Thanks to all of our Premium Explorers for making Huntsville Explorer possible! Don’t forget that we are giving away a free date night terrarium-making class with Root & Bloom!

We will announce the winner on Tuesday. If you’d like a chance to win, then you’ll need to become a Premium Explorer!

🏡 Home Explorer

This 5-bed, 3-bath Craftsman offers spacious living with a mix of modern finishes and classic design. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, a gas range, a farmhouse sink, and a large island, while the formal dining room is perfect for entertaining. The main level includes the primary suite plus a second bedroom that can double as an office. With plenty of storage, a community pool, playground, pond, and direct access to Indian Creek Greenway, this home has it all.

🎵 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 sponsoring this section!

Click the image for more shows at St. Stephens!

🗓️ Explore The Rocket City

Click the image for more shows at The Orion!

Saturday, August 23

  • Sing Along Brunch at Bar Vista: Brunch, cocktails, and sing-along fun with a DJ spinning your favorite tunes!

  • Fight Night: Knock Out Cancer Boxing Tournament at VBC Saturn Ball: Local celebrities box for charity, raising funds to fight cancer!

  • Movies on the Boulevard: Encanto at Fantasy Playhouse Children's Theater: Experience a magical outdoor screening of Disney’s Encanto!

  • Art Tour of Homes at Various Locations Across Huntsville: Check out displays and collections of local art enthusiasts!

  • Watermelon Festival at the Madison County Farmers Market: Swing by the market and enjoy free watermelon slices while you shop!

  • BYO Pool Party at Straight to Ale: Bring your own kiddie pool (water provided) and chill out on the patio, and enjoy cold drinks!

  • End Addiction HSV Walk at Big Spring Park: Honor, remember, support, and celebrate recovery together!

  • Open Auditions: Nutcracker at Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre Studio: Open auditions for this year’s Nutcracker, open to dancers ages 7 and up!

  • Jim Parker Author Signing Event at Harrison Brothers Hardware: Meet local author Jim Parker and illustrator Don Howard for stories and signings!

  • Murder Mystery Dinner at DoubleTree Huntsville South: Solve a hilarious interactive murder mystery while enjoying a delicious dinner!

  • Tasting Party at Harrison Brothers Hardware: Sample handcrafted jams, preserves, syrups, and salsas!

  • LEGO Bluey “Duck Cake” Build Event at Barnes and Noble (Bridgestreet): Build Bluey’s “Duck Cake” with LEGO bricks!

  • Rockabilly Prom at Shag's Rock and Sports: Rock out with six powerhouse bands!

  • The Flip Trade Show at Von Braun Center: Shop over 100+ vendors selling cards, comics, games, and collectibles!

  • High Summer Bash and Low Country Boil at InnerSpace Brewing Company: Enjoy a fresh gulf shrimp boil and live 80’s rock by Sister Luc!

  • Going Beyond Live with Priscilla Shirer at Von Braun Center: A women’s event with worship, teaching, prayer, and fellowship!

  • ALABAMA with Exile at The Orion Amphitheater: Spend the evening with country icons with 43 No.1 hits, from “Mountain Music” to “Dixieland Delight”!

  • Phat Jam at Black Umbrella Studio: Twelve bands, performers, vendors, and food trucks! 

  • The Beastie Goys at VBC Mars Music Hall: A high-energy Beastie Boys tribute show!

  • Kristy Lee at St. Stephens Music Hall: Enjoy an evening with a soulful blues artist with 20+ years of touring!

Sunday, August 24

  • The Common Read Kickoff at The Orion Amphitheater: Celebrate reading with a free community kickoff event with food, music, workshops & family fun!

  • Rocketman Triathlon at Redstone Arsenal Activity Field: North Alabama’s premier Olympic-distance triathlon: swim, bike, run!

  • Doc Mental Mind Reading and Magic Show at The Camp: World-renowned mentalist Nicholas Tweedy performs his mind-bending illusion!

  • Pollinator Count at Blevins Gap Nature Preserve South: Help count pollinators and support our local ecosystem!

  • Sunday Bluegrass at Tangled String Studios: Enjoy an afternoon of lively bluegrass with soulful picking!

Monday, August 25

  • English Conversion Club at Downtown Huntsville Library: Free 1-hour sessions to practice English in a relaxed, welcoming setting!

Tuesday, August 26

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

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