🚀 Space Command HQ lands in Huntsville

Happy Friday!

I hope everyone’s September is off to a great start!

Before we get started, I’d like to get your input on something. My family loves to work puzzles, and I’ve been tossing around the idea of creating a Huntsville-themed puzzle series.

Each one would feature an iconic Huntsville spot. Think the Saturn V rocket, Lowe Mill water tower, red bridge at Big Spring Park, etc.

The plan would be to partner with a local artist to make some cool artwork and then turn that into a puzzle.

Is this something the community would be interested in?

If so, I’ll look into the idea some more. If not, I’ll scrap it. Vote below and let me know!

Let’s get to it!

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

🚨 Space Command HQ Lands in Huntsville

It’s official: U.S. Space Command will call Huntsville home.

After years of back-and-forth, the federal government has confirmed that Redstone Arsenal will be the permanent home of the Space Command headquarters, bringing with it an estimated 1,400 jobs over the next five years.

The move marks a historic milestone for the Rocket City, further cementing its reputation as a national leader in defense, aerospace, and space innovation.

Local leaders say the move is not just a win for North Alabama, but for the nation’s security. Huntsville’s highly skilled workforce, combined with its deep ties to space and defense, makes it uniquely positioned to carry the command’s mission forward.

THIS EMAIL IS PRESENTED BY THE HUNTSVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

🎃 A Halloween Like No Other

Get ready for a Halloween like no other. On Thursday, October 30, the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra will bring Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho to life by performing Bernard Herrmann’s unforgettable score in sync with the film on the big screen.

First released in 1960, Psycho shocked audiences and redefined suspense, becoming one of the most influential thrillers in movie history. Now, you can experience every tense moment and iconic scene with the added power of a live orchestra.

Tickets are going fast, so reserve your seats today for this spine-tingling cinematic event!

Want to partner with Huntsville Explorer and reach 18,000+ locals? Fill out this form!

🚀 Taking Flight

🎊 The Independent Theatre Finds New Home at Lowe Mill

Huntsville’s indie film scene is in for some big changes as The Independent prepares to move into a permanent space inside Lowe Mill.

The theater will soon set up shop in Studio 150, where it plans to feature everything from indie gems and local filmmaker showcases to movie marathons and midnight specials. The new location will also offer a relaxed, artsy vibe where visitors can grab a drink, bring their lunch, and catch a film.

Renovations are still underway, but once complete, The Independent will give Rocket City movie buffs a true hub for unique cinema experiences. The theater opened earlier this year at its temporary location inside Mad Maltz Brewing.

🎟️ Huntsville Havoc Tickets Now On Sale

Hockey season is right around the corner, and now’s your chance to snag tickets to see the Huntsville Havoc before they run out. With every home game selling out last year, demand is expected to be just as high.

With 29 home games on the schedule this time around, the Havoc plan to roll out a fresh lineup of promotions and event nights, making the atmosphere at the VBC more electric than ever.

The season kicks off on October 24 and runs through March, so don’t wait to secure your spot in the stands. Tickets are available online and at the Havoc front office and the Von Braun Center box office. You can see the full schedule here.

🇺🇸 Toyota Field to Host 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

Toyota Field will once again honor the anniversary of September 11 with its annual memorial ceremony and stair climb.

The ceremony begins at 8:30 AM, with gates opening at 8 AM, followed by a symbolic stair climb at 9 AM, representing the 110 stories of the World Trade Center towers.

This free community event provides a powerful way to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost and pay tribute to the first responders whose bravery defined that day. All are invited to take part in the remembrance, with a coffee cart available on-site for attendees.

❤️ Premium Explorer Shoutout

Thanks to all of our Premium Explorers for making Huntsville Explorer possible! Want to support what we are doing? Click here to join!

🏡 Home Explorer

1271 Becket Dr SE, Huntsville, AL 35801

Ever wonder what a $6 million home looks like? This 5-bedroom, 7-bath French-style estate sits atop the mountain on over 6 acres with more than 10,000 square feet of luxury living space.

Inside, you’ll find custom mahogany woodwork, a gourmet kitchen, multiple gathering rooms with fireplaces, and a first-floor master retreat with a glamorous bath.

The home also features a media room, private en-suite baths for every bedroom, and panoramic mountain views throughout!

🎵 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 St. Stephens Music Hall for sponsoring this section!

🗓️ Explore The Rocket City

Saturday, September 6

• F5 - Fleet Feet Fall Fitness Festival at Hays Farm: A free wellness festival featuring runs, cycling, workouts, music, food, games, and prizes!

• Rocket City Junk Fest at University Pickers: Shop quirky treasures and antiques and enjoy food trucks, music, and community fun!

• Bingo Loco at Mars Music Hall: Chaotic bingo party with DJs, dance-offs, confetti, comedy, and unbelievable prizes!

• Downtown Vintage Market at Greene Street Parking Garage: Vintage market featuring clothing, décor, collectibles, food trucks, and live music!

• Rocket City Cocktail Festival at Joe Davis Stadium: Cocktail festival featuring creative drinks, live entertainment, and support for local charities!

• Beer and Wine Fest at Toyota Field: Enjoy unlimited sampling of over 100 beer and wine selections!

• First Birthday Bash at Favorite Things Boutique: Come celebrate one year with discounts, giveaways, and cake!

• Grand Opening at Magnolia South: Come check out the shop and enjoy snacks, giveaways, and more!

• Brick Galaxy at South Huntsville Public Library: LEGO exhibition showcasing creative builds, interactive displays, and hands-on building activities!

• Oktoberfest Celebration at Casual Pint: Bavarian festival with German beer, food, live music, and stein hoisting competition!

• Pop-Up Market at Rocket City Dog Bar: Community market with local vendors, food, drinks, crafts, and dog-friendly fun!

• Labor Day Picnic at The Providence Market: Snacks, market finds, games, and live music!

• Yoga by the River at Hays Nature Preserve: Free outdoor yoga by the Flint River!

• Makers Market at GigaParts: Family-friendly market with local makers, crafts, tech demos, and handmade goods!

• Maker's Market at Straight To Ale Brewing: Local artisans, handmade creations, craft brews, and delicious food!

• Launchpad Night 2 at Big Spring Park: Celebrate Music Month with free performances from Billy Allen + The Pollies, Laney Janes and the Spirits, and The Wanda Band!

• Battle of the Bands at Home Place Park: Come cheer on 6 talented local groups in a battle of the bands!

• Pierre Bensusan at Tangled String Studios: Enjoy an evening with the French-Algerian acoustic guitar virtuoso!

• Three Dog Night & Little River Band at The Orion Amphitheater: Enjoy an evening of classic rock with Three Dog Night & Little River Band!

Sunday, September 7

• The Grateful Dead 60th Anniversary Tribute Show at The Electric Belle: Grateful Dead tribute show celebrating 60 years of legendary music!

• Jazz in the Park at Big Spring Park: Enjoy a free evening of jazz with Phil Denny, Kayoband featuring Kelley O’Neal, The Emily Joseph Band!

• County Line Road Concert Series at Heritage Park: Grab your crew and enjoy a free concert from Jonathan Laird and Otis Walker Band! 

• Music for Sacred Spaces Concert at Trinity Baptist Church: Sacred selections blending soulful reflection and joyous celebration!

• The Castle Council at Lowe Mill: Adventure awaits with live D&D play full of gnomes, demons, and epic quests.

• Gridiron National Championship Bowl at Milton Frank Stadium: First-ever Gridiron Bowl in Huntsville featuring your hometown Rockets.

Monday, September 8

• Chalk the Walk at North Huntsville Public Library: After homework, help decorate the library patio with art, music, and treats.

• Line Dancing at Hops n Guac: Line dance requests, social dancing, tacos, and cold drinks all night!

Tuesday, September 9

• Trash Pandas Home Game at Toyota Field: Cheer on the boys, plus a glow-in-the-dark T-shirt giveaway for the first 1,000 kids!

• Sip & Stroll Night Market: Sip & Salsa at The Orion Amphitheater: Shop under the stars and enjoy food and salsa dancing with Baila Huntsville!

• Elton John Fall Concert at Grissom High School: Enjoy an evening of Elton John hits, solos, and classic favorites!

• Shadowgrass at Rocket City Honky Tonk: High-energy bluegrass show featuring fast picking and soulful harmonies!

• Flute Frequencies Concert at Huntsville-Madison County Public Library: Free flute ensemble concert showcasing Herman Beeftink’s music!

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!