🚀 MidCity's Next Big Act

A major development is in store for MidCity, a new Hawaiian restaurant is coming to town, and a new rec center is open!

Author

Andrew Smith
December 26, 2025

Happy Friday!

Welcome to Huntsville Explorer, where everyone is on the nice list! Jokes aside, I hope everyone had a great Christmas and enjoyed some time with their loved ones!

I’ve also got some great news! Since we last spoke, the Big Spring Park puzzles have arrived and are ready to be sent out!

I’ve got to say, they look really really good. The artwork is from a local artist named Yuri Ozaki and she knocked it out of the park!

Grab your puzzle here and I’ll get them in the mail this week!

Let’s get to it!

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

🚀 MidCity Sets the Stage for Its Next Big Act

MidCity is set for a major expansion that will significantly grow Huntsville’s dining, music, and entertainment district.

Developers have announced a more than $300 million project that will add a new arts-focused area spanning several blocks along Sanderson Road. The expansion will better connect Makers Way, The Camp, and The Orion Amphitheater, making it easier to move between venues, restaurants, and shows.

A centerpiece of the project is a new indoor concert hall designed for mid-sized performances, filling a long-standing gap between small clubs and large arenas.

The Camp will also be upgraded to support larger outdoor events, alongside a new event space that complements The Orion.

Beyond entertainment, the plan includes new office space for tech startups, student programs, and advanced research, supporting job growth and innovation.

New hotels aimed at visitors attending concerts and events will further strengthen MidCity as a destination built around creativity, culture, and economic growth.

TOGETHER WITH THE HUNTSVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

🍾 A Symphonic Toast to the New Year

Ring in New Year’s Eve with elegance, live music, and a little sparkle at the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra’s A Symphonic Toast.

Dress to the nines, grab your date, and enjoy a festive evening featuring guest conductor Todd Ellison, a Broadway veteran praised by The New York Times.

This special concert celebrates timeless favorites, from Viennese classics and Tin Pan Alley hits to cinematic showstoppers. It’s the perfect way to unwind after the holidays and welcome the New Year with great music and great company.

A Symphonic Toast takes place at the VBC on December 31 at 7:30 PM. A limited number of tickets are still available. Reserve your seats today!

🚨 Want to put your business in front of 21,000 Huntsvillians? Fill out this form!

🚀 Taking Flight

🍍 Hawaiian Bros Set to Open in Huntsville

Hawaiian Bros Island Grill is coming to Huntsville as part of the brand’s expansion across North Alabama.

The fast-growing chain is known for its island-inspired menu and casual, welcoming vibe. Once it opens, diners can expect popular dishes like Huli Huli chicken, sweet-and-savory Honolulu chicken, Luau pig, and wraps.

With its focus on comfort food and bold flavors, Hawaiian Bros adds a fresh new option to Huntsville’s dining scene and another spot to gather and try something new without leaving town.

A specific location and opening date have not been announced yet, but we will keep you posted!

🏀 West Huntsville Welcomes New Rec Center

The West Huntsville Recreation Center is now open, offering a new community space just off Zierdt Road near Gate 7.

The 27,000 square foot facility includes gyms for basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and other activities, plus a fitness area and multipurpose rooms for classes, programs, and events. Outside, newly installed lighted pickleball courts expand recreation options.

City leaders say the center is designed to serve residents across West Huntsville and South Madison County, with programming ranging from open-play sports and youth activities to arts, crafts, and social gatherings.

đź‘· Westmoore Landing Development Approved By City Council

Huntsville City Council has approved the rezoning of nearly 381 acres near Interstate 65 for the Westmoore Landing development.

The site, located south of Highway 20 and east of I-65, will become a planned development housing district, clearing the way for a large mixed-use community.

Westmoore Landing is planned as a walkable development with a denser core that transitions to lighter development at the edges. The project will include a wide range of housing options, along with green space and neighborhood businesses.

Developers say the design will be similar in feel to the Village of Providence and will coordinate with Wheeler Wildlife Refuge to help preserve the surrounding environment.

Groundbreaking is expected in the spring, with the first homes ready in about two years. The full project is expected to build out gradually over the next 30 years.

🧩 Big Spring Park Puzzles Have Arrived

Not sure what to do for the rest of the break? How about a puzzle!

The puzzle is 500 pieces and is made out of a high quality blue board material. So the pieces are super thick and durable.

I sent one off to my 89-year-old grandma to work (she’s a puzzle master) and she gave it five out of five stars!

Grab yours here and I’ll get it shipped out this week!

❤️ Premium Explorer Shoutout

Thanks to all of our Premium Explorers for making this newsletter possible! Can we get a new member before 2026? Click here to join.

🎵 Live Music Lowdown

Thank you to our friends at Stovehouse for making this section possible! Click here to see all of their upcoming events!

Click the image for more shows at Stovehouse!

🗓️ Explore The Rocket City

Click the image for more shows at The Orion!

Saturday, December 27

Sunday, December 28

Monday, December 29

Tuesday, December 30

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

Thanks for making it to the end! Don’t forget to preorder your puzzle.

Have a great weekend!