🎵 Microwave Dave Day Returns

Happy Friday!

I hope everyone has had a great week! Did anyone do anything fun?

My wife and I are expecting our first baby next week, so we’ve been busy getting everything ready for him!

There’s a lot to cover today, so let’s get to it!

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

🚀 Help Shape the Future of the Rocket City

Big changes are on the horizon for Huntsville, and you have a chance to help shape what’s next. Throughout October, the City of Huntsville’s Planning Department is hosting a series of community input events to celebrate Community Planning Month and hear directly from you about the city’s growth, preservation, and future priorities.

This year’s theme, “Huntsville on the R.I.S.E.” (Revitalize, Innovate, Sustain, and Empower), highlights the city’s commitment to equity and sustainable urban development. Whether you’re passionate about preserving Huntsville’s history, supporting new neighborhoods, or strengthening the city’s vibrant music scene, these meetings are your opportunity to make your voice heard.

Town halls are scheduled all across the city, starting October 20th at the Downtown Public Library, October 21st at the North Huntsville Public Library, and October 22nd at the Optimist Recreation Center. Additional sessions will also be held later this month at the Boys & Girls Club, Girls Inc., and Huntsville City Schools.

City planners and local leaders want to hear from you, learn your ideas, concerns, and hopes for the Rocket City’s future. So come out, join the conversation, and be part of the plan that keeps Huntsville moving forward.

THIS EMAIL IS PRESENTED BY THE ORION AMPHITHEATER

👻 A Hauntingly Good Time

Get ready for a hauntingly good time at the Sip & Stroll: Spooky Spirits Night Market — the next stop in The Orion’s Fall Night Market Series!

🕔 Tuesday, October 21 | 5–9 PM
✨ Free parking courtesy of Woody Anderson Ford

Shop an eclectic mix of local artisans, enjoy bites from your favorite food trucks, and sip chillingly delicious bar specials. Dive into the spirit of the season with mini spooky tattoos by Gilded Moth and a costume-friendly crowd!

🎁 Bring new children’s clothing to support Christmas Charities Year-Round and help spread warmth this season.

Want to partner with Huntsville Explorer? Fill out this form, and we will be in touch!

🚀 Taking Flight

🎵 Microwave Dave Day Returns

Get ready to groove for a great cause, Microwave Dave Day is back for its 11th year this Sunday at The Lumberyard.

Starting at 3 PM, you can enjoy a full lineup of live performances, food trucks, local vendors, and student showcases. The event supports the Microwave Dave Music Education Foundation, which helps connect local students with professional musicians and sparks creativity through music education.

With acts like Lana White & the Heights, Big Spring Revival, TreeTop & the Gifted, and Microwave Dave and the Nukes, you’re in for an unforgettable afternoon of rhythm, soul, and Rocket City pride.

🍕 The Boot Pizzeria Closes After 12 Years

After 12 delicious years of serving up pies and community spirit, The Boot Pizzeria (11505 S Memorial Parkway) will close its doors for the final time this Saturday.

The Boot has long been more than just a pizza place. It’s been a gathering spot where you could share a meal, a laugh, and a taste of Italy right here at home. While the pizzeria is closing, you can still join The Boot’s popular cooking classes, where the team will continue sharing their love of food and craft with the community.

So before the final pizza comes out of the oven, make plans to stop by and grab your favorite slice one more time.

❤️ Special Olympics Volunteers Needed

The Madison County Special Olympics Track and Field Event is set for October 21 and is in urgent need of volunteers to help make the day unforgettable for more than 500 incredible athletes.

Each athlete needs two volunteer escorts to guide them from event to event, cheer them on, keep them company, and share in their joy as they cross the finish line.

If you’re 17 or older, you can be part of the magic. It will only take a few hours of your time and will help create memories that last a lifetime. If you’d like to volunteer, here’s the link.

❤️ Premium Explorer Shoutout

Thanks to all of our Premium Explorers for making Huntsville Explorer possible! Want to support Huntsville Explorer and get some awesome perks? Join today!

🎵 Live Music Lowdown

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

🗓️ Explore The Rocket City

Saturday, October 18

• Fall on the Farm at Burritt on the Mountain: Celebrate fall with historic demos, farm fun, and family activities!

• Hot Girl Market at Big Spring Park: A lively night market with shopping, food, music, and fun!

• Huntsville Police and Parks & Rec Halloween Party at John Hunt Park: Family-friendly Halloween party with games, activities, and festive fun for all!

• Makers Market Fallfest at Gigaparts: Family-friendly fall fest with shopping, trunk-or-treating, food, and costume contests!

• Halloween Laser Show at Campus No. 805: Halloween laser show featuring spooky hits, 3D effects, and family-friendly thrill!

• Fall Pop-Up Market at Bailey Cove Farmer’s Market: Shop local goods and seasonal favorites at Bailey Cove’s fall pop-up!

• Trunk or Treat at Ascension Lutheran Church: Family-friendly trunk or treating with costumes, candy, and hot dogs!

• Bubbles’ Boo Bash at Goldfish Swim School Madison: Free family-friendly Halloween event with trunk-or-treat, games, contests, and food trucks!

• Liz Hurley Ribbon Run 5K at Downtown Huntsville: Take part in the Liz Hurley Ribbon Run to support breast cancer awareness!

• Cruise In at Whitesburg Baptist Church: Bring a car or bike and share your story with other enthusiasts!

• Sourdough Bread Class at University Pickers: Learn to bake and score festive pumpkin-shaped sourdough bread!

• Churchill at VBC Mars Music Hall: A captivating one-man show bringing Winston Churchill’s wit, warmth, and legacy to life!

• Pop-up Pet Adoption Event at PetSense: Meet adoptable dogs and find your new furry friend!

• 50 Shades of Pink Hair-A-Thon at The Orion Amphitheater: Community celebration honoring breast cancer survivors with music, vendors, and pink-themed fun!

• Jane Austen 250th Birthday Party at The Snail on the Wall: Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with Regency-themed books, gifts, and treats!

• $0.25 Book Sale at the Downtown Huntsville Library: Add some new books to your bookshelf for just $0.25!

• Ghosts: A Classical Evening of Chilling Beauty at Tangled String Studios: A hauntingly beautiful chamber concert featuring ghostly ragtime, eerie waltzes, and Beethoven’s “Ghost” trio!

• A Tale of Two at St. Stephens Music Hall: An evening combining the best of Americana and blues melodies with timeless Southern storytelling!

• The 77 Experience at The Electric Belle: A nostalgic 70s rock show with classic hits, vintage ads, and retro vibes!

Sunday, October 19

• The Hunt at Back Forty Beer Company: All-women vintage market featuring local makers, music, food, and adoptable pets!

• Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll at Maple Hill Cemetery: Meet historical figures and explore exhibits at this free, family-friendly cemetery stroll!

• Microwave Dave Day at The Lumberyard: Celebrate local music with live bands, food trucks, vendors, and student showcases!

• Fall Festival at Hogan Family YMCA: Celebrate fall with games, treats, and family fun for all ages!

• HYO Fall Concert at Trinity United Methodist Church: Season opener featuring performances from four Huntsville Youth Orchestra ensembles!

Monday, October 20

• The Castle Council at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: Family-friendly fantasy improv where audience ideas shape hilarious city adventures!

• Halloween Kids Night at Zaxbys: Spooky dinner, kids’ meals, costumes, and fun Halloween activities for families!

Tuesday, October 21

• Dino-Light at VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall: Glow-in-the-dark puppetry, dance, and magic bring a dinosaur adventure alive!

• Spooky Spirits Night Market at The Orion Amphitheater: Get ready for spooky season with handmade arts and goods, local food trucks, and chillingly delicious bar specials!

• Michael Chapoutier Wine Dinner at Revivalist: Savor a four-course fall dinner expertly paired with fine French wines!

• Chunky Blanket Class at Lemon & Lavender: Create your own chunky hand-crocheted blanket in this cozy crafting workshop!

• Boo' Up LIVE: A Singles Night at The Camp: Pitch your single friends in this fun, creative singles night event!

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

Thanks for making it to the end!

By the way, don’t forget about our ongoing fundraiser for the local chapter of the American Heart Association. I will be announcing a new giveaway next week, and it’s a good one! You can donate here. Every $10 = 1 entry.

Have a great weekend!