🍖 WhistleStop BBQ Festival

Happy Tuesday!

For those who have kids in school, I hope you’re having a great fall break!

Before we get into things today, I’m excited to announce our next giveaway for our American Heart Association fundraiser. Next week, I’ll be giving away:

• $50 Gift Card to Field Day

• $50 Gift Card to Lola’s Cocina

• 60-minute float at Float Huntsville ($84 value)

To have a chance to win one of these prizes, all you need to do is donate a minimum of $10 to our fundraiser. Every $10 = 1 giveaway entry.

I’ve still got tons of things to give away, so the earlier you donate, the better chance you have to win. Plus, you’ll be supporting a good cause. It’s a win-win, really.

Here’s the link to donate. I’ll announce the winners next week.

Let’s get to it!

🚀 Taking Flight

🍖 WhistleStop BBQ Festival Returns This Month

Get your appetites ready, WhistleStop BBQ Festival is back for another year on October 17!

Crowds of hungry foodies will be flocking to the MidCity District for a weekend of fun and flavor. This year’s event promises sizzling BBQ competitions, live music, and a full weekend of festivities.

A North Alabama favorite since 2001, WhistleStop continues its legacy of community and flavor, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the EarlyWorks Foundation. Cook team sign-ups and tickets are on sale now!

🎉 City Barbeque Brings Its Famous Smokehouse Flavor to Huntsville

City Barbeque is opening its first-ever Alabama location to South Parkway (near the Walmart), bringing award-winning brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and scratch-made sides to the heart of the Rocket City.

Known for its authentic, slow-smoked flavors inspired by barbecue styles from Kansas City to the Carolinas, City Barbeque is all about fresh food and community spirit. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal, planning catering, or grabbing takeout curbside, this new option gives you one more reason to head south on the Parkway, and bring your appetite.

Still no word on an exact opening date, but we’ll be sure to let you know when it’s announced. You can check out the menu here.

🤠 Rock the South Moves Decatur

After more than a decade in Cullman, Rock the South will make its new home in Decatur starting next Summer.

The festival’s new site in the River City will give fans over 150 acres of space to spread out, dance, camp, and enjoy their favorite artists across two stages. Organizers say the move will bring better shade, more amenities, and a smoother experience for fans.

Whether you’ve been going since the early days or are planning your first trip, your Rock the South experience just got a whole lot closer and a whole lot bigger!

THIS EMAIL IS PRESENTED BY THE ORTHOPAEDIC CENTER

🦴 Leading the Future in Orthopaedic Care

TOC is leading the way in robotic orthopedic surgery, using cutting-edge computer-assisted technology to improve outcomes for spine, hip, and knee procedures.

Their team of skilled orthopedic surgeons, including recent additions Dr. Wesley Honeycutt, Dr. Cody Russell, and Dr. John David Murphy, combines years of experience with the latest tools to deliver precise, personalized care. Whether you're recovering from injury or planning a joint replacement, TOC helps you move forward with confidence.

Learn more about how robotic surgery at TOC is changing the future of orthopedic care by clicking the button below.

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

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

📆 7 Things To Do This Weekend

🎬 Movies in the Park: “Soul”

October 10 | 5-9 PM | Big Spring Park | Free | More Info

Grab a blanket and cozy up under the stars for a free showing of Soul! Enjoy food trucks and tunes starting at 5 PM before the movie kicks off at sunset.

🌙 Moonlight Market

October 10 | 6-10 PM | Downtown Square | Free | More Info

Downtown Huntsville comes alive under the stars with over 40 local artisan vendors and live music!

🏛️ Guided History Tour: Old Town Huntsville

October 11 | 10 AM | 127 Walker Ave | Free | More Info

Take a stroll through one of Huntsville’s most storied neighborhoods. This free, guided tour dives into the city’s history and architectural charm!

🎃 Little Monsters Mash

October 11 | 10-1 PM | Huntsville Botanical Garden | $20+ | More Info

Dress up your little ghouls for a morning of festive fun at the Garden! Enjoy costume contests, trick-or-treat trails, inflatables, pumpkin decorating, and more!

🎻 Bluegrass & BBQ Festival 2025

October 11 | 1-7 PM | Southside Park | Free | More Info

Get ready for foot-stompin’ tunes and finger-lickin’ BBQ at this South Huntsville favorite! Plus, enjoy performances from The Grasstronauts, Appalachian Road Show, and more!

👻 Fright Lights – Halloween Laser Show

October 11 | 6:30 PM | Campus 805 | $10 | More Info

Experience Halloween like never before with a jaw-dropping laser show set to spooky classics like Thriller, Monster Mash, and Godzilla!

🎭 Masquerade Murder Mystery

October 11 | 7-10 PM | The Blind Tiger | $97+ | More Info

Step into an opulent masquerade where secrets, deception, and danger await. Sip cocktails, mingle with mysterious guests, and help unravel the deadly mystery before the final shocking reveal!

THIS EMAIL IS PRESENTED BY HIDDEN RIVERS FARM

🍂 Fall Fun on the Farm

Fall has arrived, and Hidden Rivers Farm is open for the season every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through October 31!

Tickets start at $8 and there is so much to do... Apple cannons, zip lines, pumpkin patch, farm animals, gem mining, and a maze, just to name a few.

Even better, save the picture above and show it at the farm, and you'll get a free lemonade!

Go ahead and text your spouse right now and make plans to head to the farm this weekend! Hidden Rivers Farm is located in Hartselle at 169 Goose Pond Road!

🎵 Live Music Lowdown

Thank you to our friends at St. Stephens Music Hall for presenting this section!

📆 Explore the Rocket City

🌟 Featured Event

Light Up the Night for Cancer Fundraiser Walk

October 11 | 6:30 PM | Hays Farm | $25 | More Info

Help raise money to fight breast cancer with a family-friendly walk through the trails at Hays Farm that will be lit up by luminaries!

Wednesday, October 8

• October Movie Night at Field Day: Enjoy a free showing of Hotel Transylvania on the big screen!

• Bingo Night at The Camp: Grab your crew and enjoy a fun night of bingo and prizes!

• All Cheerleaders Die at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: Horror-comedy where high school cheerleaders face dark magic and unexpected battles!

• Modern Country Swing Dance Night at The Electric Belle: A free modern country swing dance class!

• Fall Break Fishing Fest at Hays Nature Preserve: Free fishing with crafts, popcorn, and fun outdoor activities!

Thursday, October 9

• Stupid Cupid Singles Mixer at Nitro Tales: Whether you're looking for love, new connections, or just a fun night out, this event is for all singles 25 and up!

• Sidechat: Longform Improv Show at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: Unscripted comedy night with seasoned performers and special guest surprises!

• Line Dancing Night at The Electric Belle: Beginner-friendly line dancing night!

• Mickey and the Motorcars at Rocket City Honky Tonk: Doors open at 6:30!

• Phantogram at VBC Mars Music Hall: An electronic rock duo blending dreamy vocals with pulsing synth-driven beats!

Friday, October 10

• Movies in the Park at Big Spring Park: Bring the whole family for a free showing of Soul in the park!

• The Moonlight Market at Downtown Square: Shop artisan vendors and enjoy live music!

• Diarrhea of the Mouth at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: Five comedians battle through rounds and audience votes to crown the winner!

• Cocktails & Cosmos: Earth Enders at U.S. Space & Rocket Center Planetarium: Explore cosmic threats, asteroid impacts, and humanity’s defense plans to protect Earth!

• Barn Dance at Piper & Leaf Farm: Lively contra dancing with live caller, music, and a welcoming community vibe!

• Fantastic Folklore of Appalachia at Monte Sano State Park: Dive into Appalachian folklore with a spooky look at legendary cryptids!

• Homegrown Comedy at Straight To Ale Brewing: An evening of laughter with local comics!

• Gem, Jewelry, and Mineral Show at Jaycee Community Building: Gems, fossils, jewelry, digs, and family fun!

• Chase Perryman & Soul Town at St. Stephens Music Hall: An unforgettable evening celebrating the timeless music and profound influence of the one and only Otis Redding!

• Corey Smith at the Furniture Factory Downtown: Don’t miss an evening of Americana jams!

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

Thanks for making it to the end!

I’ll be back in your inbox on Friday!