🚨 Shaq Is Coming to Huntsville

Happy Friday!

Thanks for all the support on the Adventure Cards! I’ve got about 20 left if you want to grab one. They’re completely free, but once they’re gone, they’re gone.

On another note, the Water Lantern Festival is coming back to Big Spring Park on Saturday, June 21, and I’ve got 4 tickets to give away!

The giveaway is exclusive to our Premium Explorers, so if you want a chance to win, you can join here.

Lastly, happy early Father’s Day to all of the dads in our community! May your jokes live on forever!

Alrighty, let’s get to it!

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

🌟 5 Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day Weekend

🌳 Dads’ Day at the Park

June 14 | 10 AM –1 PM | John Hunt Park | Free | More Info

Celebrate the father figures in your life with a day full of fun at John Hunt Park! Local leaders are hosting a free event featuring food trucks, live music, games, and even a home run derby with prizes. Bring the whole family for a morning of crafts, laughs, and quality time outdoors.

🎣 Camp Grizzlybeard

June 14 | 12–2 PM | Bridge Street | Free | More Info

Kick off Father’s Day weekend with some lakeside adventure at Camp Grizzlybeard! From catch and release fishing to crafts, live music, and a nature scavenger hunt, this family-friendly event has something for every explorer. You’ll need to bring your own fishing pole, though!

🚂 Father’s Day Train Ride

June 15 | 10 AM | North Alabama Railroad Museum | $15 | More Info

Take Dad on a trip through time with a scenic train ride from the North Alabama Railroad Museum! The Father’s Day Special offers standard seating or a VIP experience aboard a historic sleeper coach. It’s a relaxing way to celebrate the hero in your family and choo-choo-choose your adventure!

🏃 Father’s Day Field Day

June 15 | 3–6 PM | Huntsville Botanical Garden | $14 | More Info

Spend Father’s Day soaking up sunshine and good vibes at the Huntsville Botanical Garden! This fun-filled afternoon brings back classic field day games for all ages—think sack races, relays, and friendly competition. It’s the perfect way to make memories with the whole family.

🥃 Father’s Day Bourbon Tasting

June 15 | 4–5:30pm | Vintage Cigar Lounge | $55 | More Info

Raise a glass to Dad with a premium bourbon tasting at Vintage Cigar Lounge. This guided experience features four curated pours, a crash course in Bourbon 101, and a souvenir glass to take home. Whether you're a whiskey pro or just curious, it’s a smooth way to celebrate Father’s Day.

THIS EMAIL IS PRESENTED BY DSLD HOMES

🎉 You’re Invited

DSLD Homes is hosting the grand opening of Athens Preserve, and you're invited!

Join them on Thursday, June 19 at 3 PM at 16521 Aspen Lane in Athens to explore this brand-new community. Enjoy free lunch, fun giveaways, and a first look at the beautiful homes now available.

Athens Preserve offers a peaceful setting just minutes from Downtown Athens, with thoughtfully designed homes, scenic surroundings, and a welcoming atmosphere for families of all sizes.

Whether you're house hunting or just curious, this is a great chance to meet the team, tour the neighborhood, and maybe even find your next home. Bring a friend and come see what all the excitement is about.

Want to get your business in front of 14,000 locals? Let’s chat!

🚀 Taking Flight

🚨 Breakaway Music Festival Lineup Announced

One of the country’s biggest touring music festivals is making its Alabama debut right here in The Rocket City!

The Breakaway Music Festival, known for its high-energy shows in cities across the U.S., is bringing a stacked lineup to The Orion Amphitheater this Fall.

Headliners include The Chainsmokers, Kaskade, Slander, and DJ Diesel (yes, that's Shaq!). The full lineup is available here, and tickets go on sale today!

🍔 Cheeers Sports Bar Set to Open in July

Cheeers Sports Bar opens up next month on University Drive in the old Hooters building. You can look forward to a menu full of crowd-pleasers, from smash burgers to fresh-water oysters.

Expect live acoustic sets, a private karaoke room where you can sing your heart out, and plenty of TVs for all your favorite matchups, including watch parties for local teams and pay-per-view events.

It might not be that Cheers, but after a few visits, there’s a good chance everyone will know your name.

☕ Lux Brū Wins Best Coffeehouse in Alabama

Big news for local caffeine lovers: Lux Brū has officially been named Best Coffeehouse in Alabama by the Best of Alabama Awards!

This honor highlights businesses that go the extra mile for their community, and Lux Brū’s loyal fans made it happen with votes, visits, and lots of love. Stop by and show some love to this Madison favorite at 8141 Madison Blvd Suite C!

❤️ Premium Explorer Shoutout

A quick shoutout to our newest member, Melody J.!

Thanks to all of our Premium Explorers for making Huntsville Explorer possible!

🏡 Home Explorer

📍 1411 Hermitage Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 35801

• 5 beds, 5 baths

• 4,865 sq-ft.

• $1.89 million English Cottage style home

We are looking for a realtor who’s interested in partnering with us and getting their listings in front of over 14,000 subscribers every Friday. If that’s you, hit reply and let’s chat!

🎵 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 Tangled String Studios for sponsoring this section!

🗓️ Explore The Rocket City

Saturday, June 14

• Ping It UP Summer Fest at Campus 805: A family-friendly festival combining ping pong action, a mini tournament, local vendors, food, crafts, and interactive fun.

• Rocket City Rescue Adoption Event at Rocket City Dog Bar: Meet adoptable pups and support local rescue efforts with Rocket City Rescue.

• Homegrown Comedy at The Speakeasy at Straight to Ale: Grab a pint, sip a cocktail, and settle in for a night of comedy gold.

• Annual Juneteenth Festival at Big Spring International Park: Live music, fireworks, and hands-on STEAM fun for the whole family.

• Phat Jam - Flag Edition at InnerSpace Brewing: Live music, comedy, local vendors & a groovy disco after party—vets enter free.

• Plant & Book Swap at Alabama Constitution Hall Park: Swap stories, stems, and good reads with fellow plant lovers and bookworms.

• Trash Pandas Home Game at Toyota Field: Cheer on the boys as they take on the Blue Wahoos and change their name to the Alabama White Sauce for the night!

• 6th Annual GHHS Community Day at Greater Huntsville Humane Society: Microchips, free pet food, low-cost vaccines, and more for furry friends.

• Noche Latina at La Esquina Cocina: Dance like no one knows your name at this Maquerade-themed party!

• Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Second at Mars Music Hall: Southern rock classics from the original tribute show.

• Kansas & 38 Special at The Orion: Rock legends unite with Jefferson Starship for a night of timeless hits and classic anthems.

• John Doyle and Michael McGoldrick at Tangled String: A traditional Irish music performance by some of the best in the world!!

Sunday, June 15

• Trash Pandas Home Game at Toyota Field: Cheer on the boys as they take on the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and have a chance to win a free grill!

• Rocket City Rodeo at NSS Headquarters: Black Restaurant Week meets rodeo fun—live music, food trucks, contests & more.

• 2nd Annual Dad Games at Dave and Buster’s: Arcade showdowns, team costumes, prizes, and a banquet.

• Father's Day Brunch at Cotton Row: Enjoy a 3-course brunch and celebrate dad!

• Father's Day Features at Rhythm On Monroe: Celebrate Dad with chef-crafted specials, live music by Victoria Greer, and family vibes.

• Rise and Shine at Green Bus Brewing: Group run (or walk/ruck) from Bus Stop Coffee, followed by coffee and social time.

• New South Pro Wrestling at Furniture Factory Bar and Grill: Father’s Day wrestling show with random tag matches leading to a championship battle royal.

• Pynk Beard at The Electric Belle: High-energy, soul-drenched, Southern fun with a twist!

• Po Ramblin’ Boys at Tangled String: A Sunday bluegrass performance that you won’t want to miss!

Monday, June 16

• Rocket City Awards at Mars Music Hall: Annual Rocket City Awards honoring top North Alabama college athletes.

• War on the Greens at RTJ Hampton Cove: Veteran golf scramble honoring fallen heroes and supporting Gold Star families through remembrance.

• Kids in the Kitchen at Southeast Family YMCA: Kids learn cooking basics, nutrition, and kitchen skills in fun summer classes, ages 6–13.

• Mad About Science: Volcanos! at Learning Express Toys: Make and learn about volcanoes!

• Concerts in the Park at Big Spring: A free concert from Tommy "Saxlegend" Friend & Company and Midnight 5!

Tuesday, June 17

• Firefly Garden Hike at Huntsville Botanical Garden: Guided evening hike to see fireflies, learn their lifecycle, and create backyard habitats.

• Growing Plants Year-Round at Madison Public Library: Learn techniques to grow veggies year-round and reduce grocery bills.

• Designer Bag Bingo at The Electric Belle: Play bingo for luxury bags while supporting United Way’s community programs.

• Trash Pandas Home Game at Toyota Field: Cheer on the boys, and the first 1,500 ladies will be entered in a drawing to win a jersey!

• Taylor Swift Trivia at Casual Pint: Swiftie showdown! Taylor trivia night with prizes, drinks, and lots of fun.

• Between Light and Dark at the Space and Rocket Center: Sundial Writers will present captivating new works, set against a stunning backdrop of planetary imagery!

Thanks for making it to the end!

Have a great weekend!