Happy Friday!
Welcome to the first official day of spring! The sun is out and hopefully the warm weather is here to stay!
Also, for those who celebrate, happy March Madness! My bracket is still mostly in-tact, but I have a feeling it’s not going to last long. 😅
Let’s get to it!

👨🚀 Blast Off
🏫 New $17 Million Student Building Underway at Calhoun
Construction is picking up momentum on a major addition to the Calhoun Community College campus, as city officials in Decatur have officially approved a building permit for the school’s new Student Union Building.
The permit marks a significant milestone for the roughly $17 million project, which broke ground in late 2025. Once complete, the two-story facility will serve as a hub for students.
The first floor is expected to feature more active areas like a coffee shop, bookstore, and dining options, while quieter study rooms and computer spaces will be located upstairs. The project will also introduce the campus’s first full commercial kitchen, opening the door for future culinary programs and courses.
College leaders say the new Student Union will create a more engaging, student-focused environment for years to come.

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 Spring Enrollment Bonus! 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.
Families must enroll within 30 days of the tour to receive the enrollment bonus. Be sure to mention Huntsville Explorer when you apply. Offer ends April 30, 2026.
P.S. Want to put your business in front of 25,000+ Huntsvillians? Fill out this form!

🚀 Taking Flight
☀ The Ultimate Huntsville Summer Camp Guide
It’s officially spring which means summer is just around the corner… and that means it’s time to start thinking about camps!
To make it easy for you, I rounded up all the North Alabama summer camps I could find and put them all in one place. From outdoor and adventure camps to STEM and sports, this guide is the only one you’ll need.
🪐 Rocket Center Unveils New Mascot Names
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center has officially named its new mascots, Apollo and Artemis.
The names were revealed during a special event this week, following a public naming contest that drew more than 2,000 participants. Inspired by NASA’s historic Apollo program and the current Artemis program, the mascots are connecting Huntsville’s past and future in space exploration.
You can expect to see them at community events, student programs, and special appearances throughout the year! If you haven’t seen them yet, here’s a picture!
🪦 Explore Huntsville’s Past on the Civil War Bones Tour
A new unique walking tour is giving you the chance to step back in time and experience the spookiest side of Huntsville.
The Civil War Bones Tour at Maple Hill Cemetery offers a two-hour guided experience highlighting the lives of those who played a role in America’s most pivotal conflict. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about notable figures buried there, including a Union general and even a relative of President Abraham Lincoln.
Hosted by Huntsville Ghost Walk, the tour runs every Saturday and Sunday through the end of May. Learn more and see upcoming dates here.

❤️ Premium Explorer Shoutout
A big shoutout to all the Premium Explorers that help make this newsletter possible! If you’d like to support us, click here to join!


🎵 Live Music Lowdown
Thank you to our friends at the Huntsville Music Office for sponsoring this section! The Huntsville Music Office exists to support the growing live music scene in Huntsville. See more upcoming live music with their free music calendar!

🗓️ Explore The Rocket City
Saturday, March 21
Disco Night at The Electric Belle: Get ready to boogie down!
Rocket City Reading Fest at The Orion Amphitheater: Celebrate reading with book swaps, story hours, author signings, and fun literacy activities for all ages!
Farmers Market at The Grid: Shop fresh local produce, handmade goods, and artisanal treats!
Annual Rummage Sale at Good Shepherd Catholic Church: Shop affordable items and support a good cause!
Friends of the Library Sale at the Downtown Huntsville Library: Shop hundreds of books of all genres for 25¢ each!
Spring Fling at Railroad Station Antiques: Shop three floors of unique vintage finds!
Dancing with the Stars: Live! at VBC Concert Hall: Live performances featuring your favorite dancers and routines!
Girls Garage at Brahan Spring Recreation Center: A chance for girls to learn the basics of car care and maintenance!
The Shenanigans Spring Fling at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: Family-friendly fundraiser with cook-offs, games, prizes, and interactive carnival fun!
Huntsville City FC vs Chattanooga at Wicks Family Field: Cheer on the boys in their home opener!
Huntsville Havoc vs. Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs at VBC Propst Arena: Cheer on the boys and meet the team from New South Pro Wrestling!
Shenandoah at VBC Mars Music Hall: Enjoy a night of classic country hits!
Race to Space at Bridge Street Town Centre: Participate in the marathon, half marathon, or 5K!
World Water Day Waterway Cleanup at Spring Branch: Spend your Saturday cleaning up the waterway!
Microwave Dave Memorial at Lone Goose Saloon: A night of remembrance for Microwave Dave Gallaher!
Sunday, March 22
Bunny Hops Tea at Botanical Garden: Spring tea party with treats, artisan teas, florals, and adorable adoptable bunnies!
Vinyl Record and Retro Show at the Jaycee Building: Shop 40 tables of vendors!
Cooking Class at Bravo Italian Kitchen: Hands-on cooking class making Chicken Parmesan with pasta!
Heritage in Her Hands at The Curated Gallery: Hands-on workshop creating personalized whipped body butter!
Monday, March 23
Bingo Night at Field Day: Grab your crew and enjoy some free bingo!
Tackle Your To Do List at Downtown Huntsville Library: Finally get rid of those small tasks that you keep putting off!
Tuesday, March 24
Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Watch Party at Jefferson Alley: Watch the special on the big screen and get the best of both worlds!
Seinfeld Trivia at Stovehouse: Test your Seinfeld knowledge and win fun prizes!
Disney Trivia Night at The Casual Pint: Test knowledge of Disney characters, songs, and iconic moments!
Alabama vs Austin Peay Baseball at Toyota Field: Come cheer on the Crimson Tide baseball team!
HSV Quarterly Music Meetup at Tip Top Cafe: A look at what the Music Office has in store for 2026!
Rocket City Blues Listening Event at The Camp: An interactive listening experience of the upcoming album, Rocket City Blues!
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!




