🚀 Saturn IB Rocket

A new rocket will welcome visitors, a new cocktail bar, and a local coffee shop celebrates 19 years!

Happy Tuesday!

I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend and is bundled up for a cold morning!

With a chance of snow later this week, you’d better swing by the store if there’s anything you need before the shelves are empty!

Let’s get to it!

P.S. We will announce the winner of the Brick & Tin gift card this Friday. All Premium Explorers are automatically entered!

🚀 Taking Flight

🍸️ Birmingham Favorite Coming to Downtown Huntsville

The Birmingham-based Adios Cocktail Bar is opening a new location in Downtown Huntsville at The Lumberyard this year.

This James Beard Award finalist is known for its Mexico-inspired atmosphere and creative cocktail menu featuring Latin favorites and inventive drinks. The arrival of Adios adds another standout option to Huntsville’s growing nightlife scene and reflects the city’s continued momentum as a destination for high-quality dining and drinks.

You can scroll through their Instagram if you want to get a feel for the vibe!

🚀 I-65 Rocket to Return to the State Line

Nearly two years after the iconic Ardmore Rocket was removed from along I-65, a familiar landmark is set to return. Plans are moving forward to install a replica Saturn IB rocket at the Alabama Welcome Center near the state line.

The project follows months of coordination between state leaders and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. For decades, the rocket served as a welcoming symbol of Alabama’s deep roots in space exploration.

Once final approvals are complete, the project will move into its final phase, bringing back a recognizable sight for travelers entering the state.

☕️ Angel’s Island Coffee Celebrates 19 Years

Last Saturday, Angel Island Coffee celebrated 19 years in Huntsville, marking nearly two decades as a local favorite.

Founded in 2007 by Angel Hussain, the shop started as a small neighborhood café built around great coffee and community. Over the years, it has grown into a community favorite known for its welcoming atmosphere and quality coffee.

If you’re in the mood for a cup of coffee this week, swing by and tell them happy birthday! You can find them in South Huntsville at 7538 Memorial Pkwy SW.

TOGETHER WITH THE ORION AMPHITHEATER

🎙️ Two Must-See Concerts Coming to The Orion

Two big shows just went on sale at The Orion Amphitheater that you’re going to want to put on your calendar!

Electronic fans can catch Tape B x Levity together on August 6. This co-headlining tour brings together a collision of cinematic production, nostalgic bass, and emotionally charged drops.

Rock fans won’t want to miss Five Finger Death Punch on October 7 as they celebrate 20 years with a powerful anniversary tour packed with hits.

Tickets for both shows are on sale now. Grab yours before they’re gone!

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

🔥 Fire & Ice

January 23 | 7–11 PM | Huntsville Botanical Garden | $45 | More Info

Wander illuminated garden paths, sip specialty cocktails, warm up by the fire pits, and catch live DJ sets and fire-dancing performances during this after-dark garden celebration made for a perfect night out with friends.

💃 Latin Night at The Blind Tiger

January 23 | 8 PM | The Blind Tiger | Free | More Info

Kick off the night with salsa lessons from Baila Huntsville, then dance late into the evening with DJ Rafi Torres spinning Latin beats!

🎭 Twelfth Night

January 23 – February 1 | VBC Playhouse | $26+ | More Info

Shakespeare gets a 2000s makeover in this fast-paced, pop-fueled take on Twelfth Night. Expect mistaken identities, rom-com chaos, and plenty of laughs!

🐦 Birding at Burritt

January 24 | 10 AM – 4 PM | Burritt on the Mountain | $12 | More Info

A full day of family-friendly nature fun featuring falconry demonstrations, guided birding hikes, barnyard visits, and educational programs showcasing beautiful and unusual birds.

🔪 Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show

January 24 | 6 PM | DoubleTree Huntsville | $65+ | More Info

Dinner comes with a side of suspense at this interactive true-crime comedy experience. Enjoy a full meal while solving a mystery, just don’t be surprised if you end up as one of the suspects before the night is over.

🎶 Cosmic Charlie Live

January 24 | 8 PM | Mars Music Hall | $34+ | More Info

Straight from Athens, Georgia, Cosmic Charlie brings the spirit of the Grateful Dead to Huntsville with improvisational jams and high-energy performances!

🎤 Drew Lynch Live

January 25 | 8 PM | Mars Music Hall | $46+ | More Info

America’s Got Talent standout Drew Lynch is coming back to Huntsville and will have you laughing all night long!

🚀 A Message From Huntsville Explorer

If you’re a local business looking to connect with 22,000+ engaged readers, I’d love to chat.

Huntsville Explorer helps local brands show up in a way that feels natural, trusted, and community-focused, not like a billboard or TV spot people tune out. Our partners become part of the newsletter readers look forward to, week after week.

If you’re interested in reaching locals through a modern, relationship-driven approach, fill out this form and I will be in touch to share more about partnering with Huntsville Explorer.

🎵 Live Music Lowdown

We are looking for a local business that’s interested in sponsoring our Live Music Lowdown section. This is a great opportunity to get your business in front of 22,000+ locals every single week!

If you’re interested, just hit reply and let’s talk!

📆 Explore the Rocket City

Click the image for more shows at The Orion!

Wednesday, January 21

Thursday, January 22

  • Stories Under the Stars at the Madison Public Library: Put on your comfy PJs and enjoy storytime under the stars!

  • Fleet Feet Huntsville 22nd Birthday Party at Fleet Feet Huntsville: Community run, shoe demos, clinics, food, giveaways, and celebration of local runners!

  • Stranger Things Trivia at InnerSpace Brewing Company: Test your knowledge of the Upside Down with fun, free trivia!

  • The Castle Council at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: Family-friendly fantasy improv comedy where audience-driven council antics solve roleplaying adventures!

  • Botanical Bookworms at Botanical Garden: A gathering of book lovers, nature enthusiasts, and curious minds!

  • An Afternoon with Jennifer Moorman at the South Huntsville Library: An afternoon for those who love reading books filled with magical realism and Hallmark-esque rom-com sweetness!

  • Book Release Party at Blue Apple Books: Celebrate first-time author Wesley Skinner and his book Destigmatizing Doubt!

Friday, January 23

  • Fire & Ice at Botanical Garden: Winter garden celebration with fire dancers, lights, cocktails, music, and cozy stations!

  • Theatre Huntsville Presents Twelfth Night at VBC Playhouse: Modernized Shakespeare comedy featuring mistaken identities, romance, pop culture, and humor!

  • Danae Hays at Levity Live: Don’t miss an evening of laughter with the Alabama-born and Nashville-based, comedian, musician, and actress!

  • Latin Night at The Blind Tiger: Salsa lessons with Baila Huntsville and live music from DJ Rafi Torres!

  • Winter Book Swap at Back Forty Beer Company Huntsville: Celebrate National Reading Day with a good ole fashioned book swap!

  • Video Game Night at The Bookwyrm: Bring your consoles, controllers, games and settle in for a couple of hours of gaming!

  • Open Family Swim at Goldfish Swim School Madison: Bring the kids and their friends for a family-friendly open swim!

  • A Weekend with Jennifer Daniels at Fantasy Playhouse Theatre: Benefit concert with live music, storytelling, and family-friendly performances!

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!