Good morning, Huntsville.

Huntsville Parks and Recreation released its 2026 Summer Program Guide with over 150 activities including spring break camps, sports registration until early March and citywide events like the Easter EGGstravaganza, giving families free and low-cost ways to enjoy local parks and arts classes.

Huntsville Parks & Recreation invites locals to explore the West Huntsville Recreation Center on Saturday, March 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. during its first Spring Fest at West — a free, family-friendly event featuring interactive games, inflatables, face painting and local program displays at 150 Martin Rd. SW.

G's Country Kitchen, a Black-owned soul food restaurant in Rocket City, is nearing 30 years in business and has been a popular meet-up for hearty meals that bring the community together.

IKEA will open its first Alabama store on Feb.

25 at the University Place Shopping Center (formerly Conn's storefront on University Drive) in Huntsville. The 46,000 sqft store will feature furnished room settings and over 5,000 products on display with pick-up scheduling available for about 2,000 items.

FOX54 previewed Huntsville’s new IKEA store today.

The first in Alabama will be smaller than typical mega-stores — it keeps the familiar look of the brand for local shoppers.

Alabama’s first IKEA store will open early Wednesday morning in Huntsville.

The 46,000 sqft store (located in University Place strip mall) offers furnished rooms for shoppers to explore, kiosks for online orders, and a Swedish Deli serving meatballs and more.

The Curated Gallery is hosting 'Joy Without Consent,' an exhibit honoring 100 years of Black History Month by showcasing Black joy through artworks by 13 local artists including Asé Selah and Tiavalya Befecadu; the event runs until Feb.

28.

Joe Wheeler Park is recognized this Black History Month for its African American heritage — local organizations plan guided walks and talks to share its rich legacy with visitors.

AAA reported on Monday, Feb.

23 that gas in Huntsville cost $2.63 for regular fuel while mid-grade and premium prices ranged from $3.10 to $3.44—state averages are similar. The report also suggests fuel-saving tips like smooth acceleration and reduced idling.

A writer from The Globe Mail visited Huntsville and Birmingham last week to review local economic data and found the growth challenges old stereotypes.

His viral piece, 'How Canada became poorer than Alabama,' has drawn over 5 million views on social media — fueling debate across the border.

Local and state leaders broke ground on The Grove at South Jefferson in Athens as part of the Working for Alabama initiative to boost affordable housing for workers.

The project will offer 120 units plus amenities — including a dog park, playground and pool — and support local job growth.

Trash Pandas’ mascot Sprocket (a raccoon in a trash can outfit) is in the running for a top minor league mascot award in a USA Today contest, with daily votes open until Monday, Mar.

16 at 11 a.m. and winners to be announced on Mar. 25 at Toyota Field.

Yesterday, Feb. 23, more than a dozen North Alabama basketball teams played regional games at Wallace State and Jacksonville State as the second week of the tournament began, with scores updated from each contest.

Huntsville Green Thinks: Cool Rocket City

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Yellowhammer Brewing — Free entry — Engage in discussions on heat resilience while exploring innovative green infrastructure solutions.

2026 Engineers’ Week Banquet

6-9:30 p.m. — Davidson Center for Space Exploration — Ticketed event — Celebrate the contributions of engineers beneath the historic Saturn V rocket.

Disney On Ice: Mickey's Search Party

11 AM – 1 PM — Mark C. Smith Concert Hall — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an enchanting performance featuring your favorite Disney characters on ice.

Gino Rosaria Album Release Concert

7-10 p.m. — ANRO Business and Event Center — $85 (includes food and drink) — Experience an intimate evening of jazz, soul, and storytelling with Gino Rosaria's latest album.

CUSA Basketball Championships - All Sessions Pass

March 10-14 — Propst Arena — Ticket purchase required — Experience the excitement of the CUSA basketball championships featuring teams vying for glory and an NCAA bid.

Anne Wilson Live Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Mark C. Smith Concert Hall — Tickets available — Experience an enchanting evening with Anne Wilson in concert.

Flavor In Ya Ear Vol 2

7 PM – 12 AM — The Note Jazz Lounge — 21+ event — Experience a night of vibrant beats and good vibes at a cozy jazz venue.

Cosmic Charlie Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — Mars Music Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the rescheduled performance of Cosmic Charlie amidst a vibrant musical atmosphere.

42nd International Symposium on Child Abuse

All day — Von Braun Center — Various ticket options — Engage with top experts and network with professionals focused on child maltreatment.

Naturalist Hike

10 AM – 12 PM — Monte Sano Nature Preserve — Free entry — Explore the forest ecology with an expert while enjoying a leisurely hike.