August 25, 2026
Huntsville's $200 Million Expansion (and Jeni's Opening Date)
The VBC's $200 million expansion is officially moving forward, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams set its downtown opening date, and Madison approved a new 23-acre park.
Happy Tuesday! Congrats, Monday is behind us. In case you forgot, local elections are today, so if you have some time, be sure to swing by your polling place and cast your vote. Let us get to it.
TAKING FLIGHT
🏗 VBC Expansion Is Officially Moving Forward
The heart of downtown is about to look a little different, as the VBC's $200 million expansion plan is officially underway.
Funded through the city's TIF 9 district, the project will add more than 100,000 square feet of new event and exhibit space, roughly the size of another South Hall.
It will also add new meeting rooms, upgraded parking, and improvements that tie into the planned Pinhook Creek greenway.
Construction starts in November, and VBC leaders say the extra space is needed to attract larger conferences, like the Space and Missile Defense Symposium which brought 320 exhibitors and 10,000 attendees.
🍦 Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams Announces Opening Date
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams will host the Grand Opening of its Huntsville location Thursday, September 17, from 6 to 10 PM at 114 Clinton Ave. in downtown Huntsville.
There will be free scoops all night, swag bags for the first 50 people in line, and a giveaway for five people to win free scoops for a year.
The shop is the first Alabama location outside the Birmingham metro area and will keep 20 rotating flavors on hand, including fan favorites like Brambleberry Crisp and Ooey Gooey Butter Cake.
See you in line.
🌳 Madison Leaders Approve New 23-Acre Park
A new park is coming to Madison as the Planning Commission has approved plans in the city's western corridor.
The 23-acre park will sit south of Huntsville Brownsferry Road near Madison Farms. Once complete, it will feature three soccer fields, a playground, multiple pavilions, a dog park, and open green space.
The park does not have a name yet or an expected completion date yet, but we will keep you posted.
7 THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND
☀️ Golden Hour. Friday, August 28, 5 to 8 PM at the Huntsville Botanical Garden. Free. Enjoy an evening stroll through the garden surrounded by live music and the summer sunset.
🎶 Concerts on the Dock: The Gumption. Friday, August 28, 6 to 9 PM at Lowe Mill. $10 parking. Grab your camping chair or picnic blanket and enjoy a concert on the historic loading-dock-turned-stage.
🍁 Fire Cider Workshop. Saturday, August 29, 11 AM to 1 PM at University Pickers. $55. A hands-on workshop where you will learn how to make Fire Cider, a traditional herbal tonic, just in time for cold and flu season.
🎸 Stovefest: Bands & Brews. Saturday, August 29, 4 to 10 PM at Stovehouse. Free. A full night of live local music from five different bands, plus 20 or more local and regional breweries pouring along the way.
🏈 Story Financial Partners Bowl: Samford vs UNA. Saturday, August 29, 6 PM at Joe Davis Stadium. $25 and up. College football is back, and Joe Davis is hosting its first ever Division 1 football game as North Alabama takes on Samford.
🏡 Fall Home and Garden Show. August 29 to 30, 12 to 5 PM at VBC South Hall. $6. Meet local service providers who can help turn your home improvement projects into a reality.
🖤 The BOLD Market. Sunday, August 30, 2 to 6 PM at The Orion. Free. Celebrate Black-owned businesses through shopping, entertainment, food, giveaways, and interactive experiences for the whole family.
🍻 OKTOBERFEST RETURNS TO REDSTONE ARSENAL THIS SEPTEMBER
Clear your calendar for September 25 through 27, because the 29th Annual Redstone Arsenal Oktoberfest is coming to the MWR Activity Field, and everyone is invited.
For three days, bring the whole family out for plenty of German traditions, carnival fun, and more. Dive into the human claw for prizes and hop on rides like the Expo Wheel, Scrambler, Claw, Haunted Mansion, and the all new Rock-O-Plan. Plus, do not miss live polka from two-time Grammy nominee Ted Lange.
Admission is just $15, or get unlimited rides for $25. Enter through Gate 10 on Patton Road, and bring cash for admission.
EXPLORE THE ROCKET CITY
Wednesday, August 26
🐶 Bluey's Big Play at VBC Mark C Smith Concert Hall. A family-friendly live stage adventure featuring Bluey, Bingo, and their family.
👢 Line Dancing Night at The Electric Belle. Dust off your boots and learn to line dance.
🎨 Artist Trading Cards at The Foundry. Create personalized trading cards, exchange artwork, and connect with other creatives.
🎤 Mike E. Winfield at Levity Live. Stand-up comedy from the America's Got Talent favorite.
🎹 Dueling Pianos at Stovehouse. Otis Walker and Lisa Chang battle it out on the keys.
Thursday, August 27
🍷 Sip & Graze at Neighbors On Main. A curated tasting experience featuring thoughtfully paired wines and artisanal charcuterie.
🏺 Ceramics: Slab Dish at Burritt on the Mountain. Learn to make your own slab pottery.
🎵 Singo Music Bingo: YEE HAW at Stovehouse. Country-themed music bingo and sing along with friends.
🥨 Biergarten at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Celebrate German culture with drinks, pretzels, food, and live music under the Saturn V.
🕷 Spider-Man Trivia at Grimaldi's Huntsville. This one is for the web-slinging Marvel fans.
🖼 $5 after 5, Musgrove Sessions at the Museum of Art. Stroll through the museum after hours and enjoy live music.
😂 Michael Loftus at Levity Live. Stand-up from one of the writers and producers of The George Lopez Show.
Friday, August 28
🔭 Red Rovers, Red Rovers: Mars Update at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Explore Mars through the eyes of the Curiosity Rover in this immersive planetarium experience.
🐕 Slumber Paw-ty Pet Adoption Event at Huntsville Animal Services. Put on your comfiest pajamas and come adopt a shelter pup for free.
🎭 The Best Improv Show Ever at The Independent. Quick-witted performers create hilarious characters and share outrageous stories.
🎤 Tacarra Williams at Levity Live. Hilarious stories from the school teacher, plus-sized model, and motivational speaker.
👑 Sing for the Crown at Maggie Meyers. A one night karaoke competition with $250 on the line.
💃 14 Year Anniversary Party at Balia Huntsville. An anniversary weekend packed with workshops, social dancing, performances, and special events.
🌇 City Lights & Stars: Calypso Vision at Burritt on the Mountain. Tropical rock music while the sun sets over Huntsville.
🎸 Excitable, A Tribute to Def Leppard at Furniture Factory Bar and Grill. Live renditions of Def Leppard's greatest hits.
🎻 Jennifer Daniels Benefit Show in The Speakeasy at Straight to Ale. An evening of alt-country and haunting folk rock.
🌮 Food Truck Friday at the County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Grab breakfast from Forever Grateful and lunch from New South Hot Dog & Sushi.
Thanks for making it to the end.
Content sourced from Huntsville Explorer, a free weekly newsletter covering local news, events, and development in the Rocket City. Published every Friday by Andrew Smith.