🚀 Pressing Play Again

Happy Tuesday!

The festivities have come and gone and the kids are back to school. Take a minute to unwind and catch your breath. It’s going to be a great year!

Thanks to everyone who has ordered a puzzle so far. I’ve sent almost 100 of them out so far! A few of you have also sent me some kind messages. Here’s one of my favorites:

“My daughter and I finished the puzzle along with two others. We always do puzzles at Christmas and she commented on how well made the pieces were!”

If you haven’t got yours yet, you can order it here.

Let’s get to it!

🚀 Taking Flight

🥒 New Indoor Pickleball Hub Opens This Weekend

The Picklr is opening its first Huntsville location this Saturday on University Drive, next to Gigaparts.

The indoor pickleball facility is designed as a year-round gathering place for players of all skill levels. It features nearly a dozen courts, including championship-sized courts, along with a pro shop, locker rooms, showers, and space for private events.

Players can join leagues, tournaments, lessons, and drop-in play, reserve courts in advance, and use features like AI-assisted coaching and ball machines. If you’ve got some time, enjoy some free play and check out the space!

🎙️ A Beloved Huntsville Music Venue Hits Play Again

The Tip Top Cafe is officially back, bringing new life to one of Huntsville’s most iconic music venues.

After nearly 20 years dark, the Lincoln Mill space on Maple Avenue has reopened and is once again hosting live shows.

Revived by the team behind St. Stephens Music Hall and Campus No. 805, the venue blends its no-frills legacy with fresh energy. Expect live music, a full bar, pizza and sandwiches, plus a few throwback arcade games.

Shows are already underway, and you can see the upcoming schedule here.

🥤 A New Spot for Sweet Sips

If your go-to treat involves something bubbly, sweet, and of course… aesthetics, Rocket Sips is about to become your new favorite stop.

The dirty soda shop has officially opened on Whitesburg Drive, bringing customizable fountain drinks to the Rocket City. You’ll also find sweet and savory snacks perfect for pairing with your drink, and curbside service is rolling out soon to make your sugar and caffeine runs even easier.

Whether you’re introducing the kids to a fun new treat or chasing your next afternoon pick-me-up, Rocket Sips adds a playful, community-loved flavor to South Huntsville’s food scene.

Check out our visit!

TOGETHER WITH ARDENT PRESCHOOL & DAYCARE

📚️ A Smart Start For Little Learners

Looking for a preschool or daycare that helps your child grow, learn, and thrive?

Ardent Preschool & Daycare offers a nurturing, engaging environment that combines a proven early learning curriculum with a strong focus on character and confidence.

Right now, families can take advantage of Ardent’s Winter Enrollment Bonus at their Town Madison, Clift Farms, and Redstone locations. Enjoy your first week free, your waitlist fee credited during week two, and a $30 weekly tuition credit for the first two years of enrollment.

Be sure to mention Huntsville Explorer when you apply. Offer ends January 31, 2026.

P.S. Want to partner with Huntsville Explorer and reach 22,000+ locals? Fill out this form.

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

📆 7 Things To Do This Weekend

🎶 Sol Parade

January 9 | 8 PM | Tip Top Cafe | More Info

Experience the rebirth of a Huntsville music legend while soaking in funk-driven grooves. Sol Parade brings high-energy jams, psychedelic flair, and serious rhythm to the newly reopened Tip Top Cafe!

🐶 Huntsville Havoc Home Games

January 9 and 10 | 7 PM | VBC | $20+ | More Info

Hockey meets tail-wagging fun as the Huntsville Havoc host small dog races during Friday night’s matchup with Evansville, then light things up with Glow Night during Saturday’s game!

🎭 Hadestown: The Musical

January 9-11 | VBC | $80+ | More Info

The Tony Award–winning musical Hadestown brings myth, music, and unforgettable storytelling together in a powerful way that’s equal parts haunting and hopeful.

🎄 Operation Christmas Clean Up

January 10 | 8 AM – 1 PM | John Hunt Park | Free | More Info

Drop off your live Christmas tree, old electronics, batteries, and cardboard to keep waste out of landfills and help your community kick off 2026 a little greener.

🕹 Star Wars vs. Star Trek Pinball Night

January 10 | 2 PM | Straight to Ale Speakeasy | More Info

Choose your universe and battle it out in pinball, trivia, and bingo for cash prizes and bragging rights!

🔍 True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner

January 10 | 6 PM | DoubleTree Suites | More Info

Love true crime? You’ll eat this up, literally. Enjoy a full dinner while solving a hilarious, interactive mystery where the suspect could be sitting right next to you!

☕️ The Tell-Tale Tea

January 11 | 2 PM | Huntsville Botanical Garden | $50+ | More Info

Step into the Conservatory for an intimate, gothic-inspired tea that blends winter beauty with literary mystery. This Edgar Allan Poe–themed experience is perfect if you’re craving something unique, cozy, and a little delightfully dark.

TOGETHER WITH THE GOLF LAB

⛳️ Tired Of Paying A Lot To Golf?

The Golf Lab is a new indoor golf facility in South Huntsville, offering high-end simulator bays for year-round play without worrying about weather or course availability.

But even better, you don’t always have to pay full price. If you’re tired of spending so much on golf, The Golf Lab now drops last-minute Flash Bay Deals exclusively on Instagram.

When a simulator bay opens up, they post a discount code. One bay. One code. One winner. The first golfer to book and apply the code scores the deal.

Want in? Follow The Golf Lab on Instagram, turn notifications on, and stay ready.

🎵 Live Music Lowdown

We are looking for a new sponsor for our Live Music Lowdown section! If you love Huntsville’s local music scene and want your business to be seen by our 22,000+ subscribers every week, hit reply and let’s talk!

📆 Explore the Rocket City

Wednesday, January 7

• Throwback Cinema: The Princess Bride at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: Classic fairy tale adventure featuring romance, swordplay, humor, villains, and moments!

• Whiskey Pairing & Gourmet Dinner at The Boot Pizzeria: Three-whiskey tasting paired with a delicious multi-course meal!

• Demon Slayer Trivia Night at Kamado Ramen: Test your knowledge, compete in teams, and win prizes!

• Amplified Open Mic Night at The Electric Belle: The stage is open for solo acts, full bands, or just fans of live and loud music!

• Huntsville Unplugged at The Nook: A night of storytelling, soul, and incredible local talent!

Thursday, January 8

• Seasonal Sips Cocktail Class at The Orion Amphitheater: Hands-on class crafting infused syrups and vibrant mocktails with expert guidance!

• Sidechat: Longform Improv Show at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: An intimate night of long-form improv!

• Sourdough Workshop at The Boot Pizzeria: Hands-on class teaching sourdough techniques!

• Line Dancing Night at The Electric Belle: Learn and dance a variety of line dances in a fun, social setting!

Friday, January 9

• BTL Presents: Hadestown Opening Night at Mark C. Smith Concert Hall: Tony-winning musical retelling mythic love stories through haunting songs and performances!

• Huntsville Havoc vs. Evansville Thunderbolts at VBC Propst Arena: Cheer on the Havoc as they take on the Thunderbolts and enjoy a special small dog race!

• Bordello of the Damned: A Murder Mystery Event at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: Campy interactive murder mystery with clues, prizes, and wild old-west fun!

• Happy Hour Paint and Sip at Pinot's Palette: Guided painting class with drinks, socializing, and creative fun!

• AfterWORDS Book Launch at The Snail on the Wall: Celebrate Zach Taylor’s new novel, Rockstar, with readings and book signings!

• Cactus Tate at Levity Live: Enjoy an evening of laughter with Cactus Tate’s bold, witty comedy!

• Jim Parker's Songwriters Series at VBC Playhouse: Intimate evening featuring live songwriting stories, acoustic performances, and behind-the-music insights!

• No Cover 90s Night at Maggie Meyers Irish Pub: Dance and sing along to your favorite 90s hits!

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

Thanks for making it to the end!

I’ll be back in your inbox on Friday!