⛸️ Skating in the Park

Skating in the Park is back at Big Spring, a popular Christmas market returns this weekend, and new retail space is coming to Downtown Huntsville!

Author

Andrew Smith
October 31, 2025

Happy Friday!

Welcome to an extra spooky edition of Huntsville Explorer! I hope you get more treats than tricks tonight!

I’ve got some great news about our puzzle. The sample arrived this week and looks GREAT! I’ve just placed the order for 250 units. I’m not sure if they’ll make it in time for Christmas or not, but I will keep you posted!

Lastly, congrats to Christy K. on winning our giveaway for the American Heart Association fundraiser. Fundraising ends on November 5, so I’ll announce our biggest prize yet next week.

Let’s get to it!

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

⛸️ Skating in the Park Returns to Downtown Huntsville

The holiday season in Huntsville wouldn’t be complete without a spin around the rink at Skating in the Park! Opening November 21, this beloved tradition is celebrating its thirteenth year of bringing winter magic to the heart of Huntsville.

Located right next to the Museum of Art in Big Spring Park, the outdoor ice rink transforms downtown into a festive wonderland. Perfect for family outings, date nights, or spontaneous fun with friends, Skating in the Park offers something for everyone.

Skates are available to rent right on-site, along with scooters for those who need a little extra help finding their balance. When you’re ready for a break, you can warm up with hot cocoa or snacks from local vendors, or head to one of the many nearby restaurants for a full winter outing.

Admission is just $8 for skaters ages 10 and up and $5 for children 9 and under. Rental skates are available for $5, but you’re welcome to bring your own too!

TOGETHER WITH HUNTSVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

🎶 A Musical Trip Across Europe

Take a musical trip across Europe with the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra at European Rhapsody. Hear Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3, Dvořák’s Symphonic Variations, and Enescu’s Romanian Rhapsody No. 1.

Guest pianist Jorge Federico Osorio, called “a serious and cultivated Beethoven player” by the Chicago Tribune, joins Maestro Gregory Vajda and the HSO for a powerful and joyful evening of music.

Seats are selling fast, so grab your tickets today!

📅 Friday, November 14
🕢️7:30 PM
📍 Von Braun Center Concert Hall

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🚀 Taking Flight

🎄 Randolph’s Under the Christmas Tree Market

This weekend is your chance to get a head start on your holiday shopping, all while supporting local education programs. Randolph School’s popular Under the Christmas Tree Market starts at the VBC today and lasts through Sunday.

There will be unique gifts, festive décor, and specialty items from vendors across the region. This beloved annual fundraiser brings in over $100,000 each year to support Randolph’s Tailored Tuition program, helping make a Randolph education more accessible to families across the community.

Daily passes are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors. A full list of vendors and more info can be found here.

🛍️ New Retail Space Coming to Clinton Avenue

More retail options are coming to Clinton Avenue after the city approved an expansion of commercial space inside the Clinton Avenue Parking Garage.

The project will add an additional 300 square feet of retail space to the garage and will accompany favorites like Honest Coffee and Sea Salt Oyster Bar.

What new retail stores would you like to see in Downtown Huntsville?

🚧 Goldsmith-Schiffman Park To Get Major Makeover

Big changes are coming to one of Huntsville’s most historic athletic spaces. City leaders have approved a plan to transform Goldsmith-Schiffman Field in Five Points into a vibrant multipurpose park.

Along with new pickleball courts, a playground, and updated restrooms, the space will feature a new pavilion and seating area, perfect for family outings or community gatherings.

Project organizers say the goal is to preserve the almost 100-year-old field’s historic charm while adding modern amenities that bring more value to the community. There is still no timeline for the renovations, but we’ll be sure to update you as soon as they’re underway!

📆 November Events Calendar

I am putting the finishing touches on a massive list of things to do in November and will be sending it out to our Premium Explorers later today.

With the holidays, there’s more to do than ever. The calendar is a great way to plan ahead to make sure you don’t miss out on upcoming markets, shows, concerts, and festivals.

If you’d like to get the calendar (and support Huntsville Explorer in the process), you can become a Premium Explorer here. It’s less than $0.30 a day and goes a long way to keeping this newsletter free for the community!

❤️ 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!

Click the image for more shows at St. Stephens!

🗓️ Explore The Rocket City

Click the image for more shows at The Orion!

Saturday, November 1

  • Rocket City Candy Cane Lane Market at University Pickers: Browse local vendors inside and outside, find unique gifts, and sparkling Christmas décor!

  • North Alabama Ag Expo at The Agribition Center: Explore agriculture exhibits, hands-on activities, and family-friendly learning!

  • Monthly Maker's Market at Straight to Ale: Shop handmade goods, sip craft brews, savor bites, and support local artisans!

  • Stranger Days Halloween Party at Field Day: Dance, sip themed cocktails, play mini golf, and win the costume contest!

  • 4th Annual German Food Fest at Messiah Lutheran Church: Savor German dishes, beer, baked goods, live music, and family-friendly festivities!

  • 10th Annual Rods and Wheels Cruise-In at Ditto Landing: See classic cars, grab local bites, win prizes, and celebrate community fun!

  • Fall Color Special at North Alabama Railroad Museum: Enjoy a scenic train ride, vibrant fall foliage, hot cocoa, and cozy fun!

  • Trick or Treat Watch Party at VBC Propst Arena: Collect candy, meet mascots, and cheer on the Havoc!

  • Warehouse Sale at Sophisticated Salvage: Deals on new furniture, antiques, rugs, lamps, and home decor!

  • Mayor's Tree Planting Day at Brahan Spring Park: Plant trees, pick up litter, and help grow Huntsville’s green spaces!

  • Actin' a Fool at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: Laugh out loud with stand-up comedy from local and regional performers!

  • Raindrops and Runoff at Botanical Garden: Discover water’s journey through fun science activities, garden exploration, and creative crafts!

  • Harris Hill Festival at Harris Hill: Enjoy food trucks, games, vendors, kids’ activities, and fall fun!

  • Noche Latina at La Esquina Cocina: Dance all night with DJs, Latin beats, and costumes!

  • Tye Tribbett - We Outside Tour at VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall: Experience an electrifying night of powerful gospel music and uplifting energy!

  • Masquerade Ball at Shag's Rock and Sports: Dance the night away with live music, costumes, and mysterious masquerade vibes!

Sunday, November 2

  • Doc Mental's Mind Tricks and Treats at The Camp: Experience eerie illusions, mind-bending magic, and family-friendly Halloween-themed entertainment!

  • A Ray of Hope Festival at The Orion Amphitheater: Celebrate cultural diversity with global performances, food trucks, and family-friendly community fun!

  • Goat Yoga at Hidden Rivers Farm: Get ready to laugh, stretch, and cuddle with some adorable goats!

  • Family Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament at Mark Russell Recreation Center: Team up for a timed puzzle challenge!

  • Fall Education Fair at Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve: Learn about nature, enjoy hands-on activities, and explore scenic forest trails!

  • Timmy No Brakes at Huntsville Levity Live: An evening with comedy’s most unhinged rising star!

Monday, November 3

  • The Castle Council at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: Experience interactive fantasy storytelling and hilarious role-play in a family-friendly adventure!

  • Palette Play at Calvary Hill Community Center: a FREE family-friendly art experience designed to bring the Huntsville community together through color and creativity!

Tuesday, November 4

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

Thanks for making it to the end!

Have a great weekend!