We've got an announcement

Happy Friday,

I hope everyone has had a good week! It’s been a busy one for me, and I’ve got some exciting news to share.

For the first time ever, we are opening up a Premium Subscriber tier. This is a great way to support Huntsville Explorer and get some free stuff in exchange.

As a Premium Subscriber, you’ll be entered into a member-only monthly giveaway to a local business that has a value of at least $20 every month. In addition, after you’ve been a member for 3 months, I will mail you an exclusive Huntsville-themed coffee mug.

Oh, and you’ll also receive a free guide highlighting some of my favorite places in Huntsville and be featured in our weekly newsletter.

Here’s a quick picture summarizing all the benefits:

If you’d like to become a Premium Subscriber, you can sign up here.

This newsletter takes me multiple hours every week to put together, so if you like what I’m doing, this is a great way to support it.

Alright, enough about that. Let’s get to the good stuff!

Fun Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend is here, and we thought it’d be nice to highlight a couple of fun things to do this weekend with your family.

Cotton Row Run

The Cotton Row Run has been a part of Huntsville for 44 years and will be taking place on Monday. Whether you want to run or just come watch, it’s fun for the whole family.

Jamorial Day Backyard Party

Stovehouse is hosting a big party on Monday. There will be live music, face painting, tie-dye creations, hot dogs, drinks, and more!

Trash Pandas Homestand

The Trash Pandas have home games this weekend on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. There will be fireworks after the game on Friday and Saturday and a Memorial Day celebration on Sunday!

The New Huntsville City Hall Building Is Open

Earlier this week, the City of Huntsville cut the ribbon on its new $80 million city hall building. The new building will house the Office of the Mayor, along with the City Council and various administrative departments.

Playa Bowls and Cookie Fix Open at Clift Farm

Two new businesses are now open at Clift Farm. Cookie Fix opened its doors last Saturday and serves some of the best cookies I’ve ever had. Playa Bowls also opened up Saturday and serves healthy and delicious acai bowls.

Taziki’s is Coming to Stovehouse

Mediterranean lovers rejoice—Taziki’s is opening a new location at Stovehouse! An opening date has not been announced yet. I go to Taziki’s in South Huntsville all the time (I ate there yesterday, actually), so I’m pretty excited about this!

Friday, May 24

• Unclaimed Baggage’s Second Annual Big Tent Event: A big tent will be in the parking lot, featuring an abundance of products, with new items rolling out every day. The tent event will be held Friday through Monday from 11 AM to 4 PM. More info.

• Concerts on the Dock: Come listen to live music at Lowe Mill from 6-9 PM. Admission to the concert is free, but you will have to pay $10 to park. Feel free to bring food and drinks or purchase something there. More info.

• Trash Pandas Home Game: The first pitch against the Montgomery Biscuits will be thrown out at 6:35. It’s also Princess Night and there will be fireworks after the game. Tickets.

• Needtobreathe at The Orion: Needtobreathe will be performing at The Orion with Judah & The Lion. Doors open at 6 PM. Tickets.

• City Lights and Stars: Enjoy live music from Iron Horse and Blue Grass Band on the Isenberg Gazebo stage at Burritt on the Mountain. More info.

Saturday, May 25

• Unclaimed Baggage’s Second Annual Big Tent Event: A big tent will be in the parking lot, featuring an abundance of products, with new items rolling out every day. The tent event will be held Friday through Monday from 11 AM to 4 PM. More info.

• Trash Pandas Home Game: The first pitch against the Montgomery Biscuits will be thrown out at 6:35. There will also be fireworks after the game. Tickets.

• Bailey Cove Farmer’s Market: The market is located at St. Thomas Episcopal Church and will be open from 8 AM - 12 PM.

• The Village of Providence Farmer’s Market: The market is located at The Village of Providence Town Center and will be open from 9 AM - 2 PM.

• Lowe Mill Outdoor Market: The perfect market for pickers and art lovers! It will be open from 11 AM- 4 PM at Lowe Mill.

• Guided Hike at Harvest Square Nature Preserve: Join the Land Trust of North Alabama at 9 AM for a guided hike at Harvest Square Nature Preserve. The hike is approximately 1.75 miles and is completely free. Registration is required.

• The Ultimate Elvis Trilogy: The King is back for one night at Mars Music Hall. Tickets.

• Southern Soul R&B Music Festival: Enjoy an afternoon of R&B at John Hunt Park. Tickets.

• St. Stephens Music Hall Grand Opening: Celebrate the opening of a new Huntsville music venue with performances by The Burney Sisters, Wanda, Microwave Dave, and more! More info.

• Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic: Enjoy food, music, fireworks, and over 60 hot air balloons at Alabama Jubilee at Point Mallard on May 25 and 26. This is a free event. More info.

Sunday, May 26

• Unclaimed Baggage’s Second Annual Big Tent Event: A big tent will be in the parking lot, featuring an abundance of products, with new items rolling out every day. The tent event will be held Friday through Monday from 11 AM to 4 PM. More info.

• Trash Pandas Home Game: The first pitch against the Montgomery Biscuits will be thrown out at 2:35. It’s also Princess Night. Tickets.

• The Market at MidCity: If you like farmer’s markets, you’ll want to check out The Market at MidCity this Sunday from 12-4 PM. It’s one of the biggest in town, with 45 vendors!

• Rocket City Bluegrass Jam: Where are my bluegrass lovers at? If you want to play or listen to bluegrass music, head to Straight to Ale from 4-8 PM.

• Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic: Enjoy food, music, fireworks, and over 60 hot air balloons at Alabama Jubilee at Point Mallard on May 25 and 26. This is a free event. More info.

Monday, May 27

• Unclaimed Baggage’s Second Annual Big Tent Event: A big tent will be in the parking lot, featuring an abundance of products, with new items rolling out every day. The tent event will be held Friday through Monday from 11 AM to 4 PM. More info.

• Jamorial Day Backyard Party: Head to Stovehouse to celebrate Memorial Day at their free Backyard Party from 2 - 7 PM. There will be live music, food, tie-dye fun, and more. More info.

Tuesday, May 28

• Summer Reading Kick-Off Party: The South Huntsville Public Library is hosting a kick-off party to celebrate the start of its summer reading program. There will be crafts, games, and fun. More info.

• West Coast Swing Dance Lesson: The Rocket Westies will be giving free West Coast Swing Dance lessons at the Electric Belle at Stovehouse. More info.

• Trivia Night at Urban Cookhouse: It’s Tuesday Night Trivia at Urban Cookhouse. It’s free to play and starts at 6:30.

Wednesday, May 29

• Summer Reading Kick-Off Party: The Downtown Huntsville Public Library is hosting a kick-off party to celebrate the start of its summer reading program. There will be crafts, games, and fun. More info.

Thursday, May 30

• Summer Reading Kick-Off Party: The North Huntsville Public Library is hosting a kick-off party to celebrate the start of its summer reading program. There will be a performance from the Huntsville Community Drumline. More info.

• Greene Street Market: Shop local and enjoy produce, snacks, desserts, and more from local vendors. The market will be open from 3-7 PM. More info.

• Thursday Night Trivia: Head out to The Brewers Cooperative for a night of trivia and prizes. The event starts at 7 PM. More info.

• R&B Vibes at The Camp: Enjoy R&B performances and happy hour specials. Performances start at 7 PM! More info.

• Live Music at Stovehouse: Cheryl Llewellyn will be performing live at Stovehouse starting at 7 PM.

• Cigar Box Festival Day 1: The 20th annual Cigar Box Festival is kicking off at The Casual Pint. Performances start at 7 PM. This is a free event. More info.

Last week we asked you if you thought Alabama A&M should buy Birmingham Southern. Here’s what you said:

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Yes (45.5%)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ No (9%)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Don't care (45.5%)

Here’s this week’s poll

That’s it for this week, thank you all for reading!

And don’t forget about our Premium Subscriber tier. The monthly giveaways alone make it worth it!

Talk soon,
Andrew Smith