Good morning, Huntsville.

Two local middle schoolers will host a lemonade stand on Saturday, July 11 at their neighborhood clubhouse in Heritage Station to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

They will serve lemonade, Chick-fil-A goodies + donated baked treats with raffle games for community fun.

Ding How Restaurant, a popular Chinese spot in Huntsville, will reopen at 4800 Whitesburg Drive after repairs from a 2024 fire + its returning team will welcome fans with favorite dishes.

No reopening date has been announced.

City officials and the Huntsville Salutes America’s 250th Committee have unveiled plans for the July 4 celebration at Big Spring Park, with festivities starting at 4 p.m. A parade and fireworks will follow, and free parking will be available with road closures, + a pre-show airing at 4:30 p.m.

Newsweek announced that Mazda Toyota Manufacturing and Torch Technologies have been named among Alabama's Greatest Workplaces of 2026.

Mazda Toyota is in Madison and Torch is based in Huntsville, earning the honor for strong leadership, fair pay, and work-life balance.

Six local independent bookstores in Madison and Huntsville will host the Rocket City Book Crawl on July 18 — readers will pick up passports at 10 a.m. to collect stamps and enter a prize contest.

Fantasy Playhouse Children's Theater and Academy announced its 66th season lineup with tickets on sale beginning July 1.

The season features The Little Mermaid in September on the Boulevard and a holiday show at the Von Braun Center Playhouse in December, with other productions scheduled for early next year.

Gas prices in Madison and Huntsville dropped 9.1 cents per gallon and averaged $3.40 on Monday, which is 56.9 cents lower than a month ago but 63.3 cents above last year, according to GasBuddy's survey (261 stations).

Alabama is set to expand First Class Pre-K by adding 64 new classrooms statewide, including three in Huntsville and one at Creekstone Academy in Madison.

Families can pre-register through July 27 for lottery seats, and Priceville mother Fallon Gatlin credits the program with boosting her son’s early development.

Madison Elementary School named longtime teacher Celynn Ballard Teacher of the Year.

Ballard (who began teaching in 1993 and returned in 2009) now instructs second- and third-graders.

Horizon Elementary School in Madison honored special education teacher Tymeria Mackey as 2026 Teacher of the Year during an IEP meeting.

Her recognition (amid personal loss) reflects her dedication to supporting students.

At the MARS Music Hall at the Von Braun Center, the Huntsville Sports Commission and 97.7 ESPN The Zone staged the fourth Rocket City Awards today.

Candice Storey Lee earned the Billy Neighbors Lifetime Achievement Award + Bob Jones E-Sports team won Team of the Year after a state title.

Buena Vibra Fest 2026

8 PM — Hops N Guac — Tickets available — Experience the vibrant Latino culture at the Buena Vibra Festival in Huntsville.

MidCity Independence Day Celebration

6-11 p.m. — Apollo Park — Free entry — Celebrate the Fourth of July with local music, a patriotic glow party, and the biggest fireworks show in North Alabama.

La'Trez Anderson Live

6-9 p.m. — Huntsville Levity Live — Tickets starting at $39.87 — Enjoy a night of laughs with the comedic stylings of La'Trez Anderson.

Nike Flag Football Camp - Huntsville, AL

9 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Fern Bell Recreation Center — $339 for 5-day camp — Develop skills in flag football through professional instruction and fun competitions.

Michael Blackson Live Comedy Show

7-10 p.m. — Huntsville Levity Live — Tickets required — Experience the uproarious antics of 'The African King of Comedy' in an unforgettable night of laughter.

Rocket City Market

9 AM – 4 PM — University Pickers — Free entry — Explore an eclectic mix of vintage finds and handmade goods at Huntsville's premier outdoor market.

July 9U-14U Summer Camp

5-7 p.m. — Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium — Great opportunity for young soccer enthusiasts to enhance their skills and enjoy the game.

Sell Your Camera Gear at GigaParts

Jul 17-18 — GigaParts — Free entry — Turn your used camera gear into cash or a bonus trade-up at this walk-in event.

Huntsville City FC vs. Atlanta United 2

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium — $20 per person — Experience local soccer action with families and friends cheering in the stands.

The Market at MidCity

12-4 p.m. — MidCity District — Free entry — Explore over 50 local vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal products, and live music every Sunday.