Good morning, Huntsville.

The Salvation Army in Madison County is accepting online applications for Christmas assistance from October 6th to October 31st.

The program helps families with food and toys — the agency wants every child to unwrap a gift on Christmas morning.

Fifth Third Bank opened its first branch in Alabama on University Drive in MidCity in Huntsville, offering a tech-forward experience that moves away from traditional teller lines.

The bank said it will open nine more branches in the area over the next 18 months as it expands in the Southeast—citing local growth and the Orion amphitheater as key factors.

Jeff White, owner of a Huntsville gun academy, said proper gun training is needed after a mass shooting in Montgomery where some victims fired back.

He urged gun owners to learn how to act under stress and to leave dangerous situations—training saves lives.

The Curated Gallery is hosting a Hispanic Heritage Art Exhibition—featuring a local artist talk that highlights cultural traditions and art.

The event will run in the coming days and offers community members an opportunity to engage with local heritage displays.

WhistleStop BBQ Festival will take place in MidCity on Oct.

17-18—featuring competitive barbecuing and live music for visitors.

AAA reported that as of October 6, regular gasoline in Huntsville cost $2.73 per gallon while Decatur and Florence saw similar figures and the national average was $3.13 a gallon—local drivers benefit from the lower prices.

Alabama high school seniors can apply for college without paying fees during Alabama College Application Week from Oct.6–10, easing financial barriers to higher education—nearly 30,000 students participated last year as many universities and community colleges join the program.

Alabama A&M is celebrating Homecoming Week with events as students and alumni honor founder Dr. William Hooper Councill—who started the school in 1875 with 61 students and two teachers—by laying wreaths at his gravesite; the celebration marks 150 years of the institution’s legacy in education.

The Huntsville Police Department is asking residents to share feedback through CALEA’s online portal as it works to renew its accreditation that began in 1996 — all comments will be directly reviewed by the commission as part of the process.

Huntsville Utilities has opened a new command center that monitors electric, water, and gas systems—this facility can dispatch crews 24/7 to address outages quickly.

Huntsville's home market will grow over the next 10 years as new jobs from Space Command and other major employers combine with lower rates and fresh loan programs to help both young buyers and retirees—making today's prices seem low.

National trends and local investments will boost demand as housing supply remains limited.

Honor Thy Era Welcome Back Bulldog Party VOL 150

8-11 p.m. — Mars Music Hall — Average ticket price $44 — Experience the live performance of Honor Thy Era in a vibrant atmosphere.

Bluegrass & BBQ Festival 2025

1-7 p.m. — Southside Park — Free entry — Enjoy a day of live bluegrass music and delicious BBQ in the heart of South Huntsville.

Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics

6:45-8:45 p.m. — The Electric Belle — Ticket prices vary — A spooky ambiance with Halloween classics to set the mood for the season.

Sip & Stroll Night Market: Spooky Spirits

5-9 p.m. — The Orion Amphitheater — Free entry — Enjoy a night of artisan goods, food trucks, and tarot readings with a Halloween twist.

Straight No Chaser: Holiday Road Tour

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Mark C. Smith Concert Hall — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of captivating a cappella performances with Straight No Chaser.

Friday Night Flick: Beetlejuice

6-9 p.m. — Land Trust of North Alabama: Three Caves — $15 for members — Enjoy a classic spooky film under the stars in a unique natural setting.

Daikaiju Concert

9:00-11:59 p.m. — St. Stephens Music Hall — Tickets available — Experience the energetic surf rock stylings of Daikaiju, featuring kabuki masks and an anonymous performance.

Senior Saunters: Bradford Creek Greenway

2-4 p.m. — Monte Sano Nature Preserve (Bankhead Trailhead) — Free for members — Discover the beauty of nature on an easy stroll through Bradford Creek Greenway.

Phat Sammy’s Phusion Comedy Open Mic

9-11 p.m. — Phat Sammy's — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughter hosted by local comedians at a weekly open mic comedy event.

Witches Day Celebration

11 AM – 7 PM — Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment — Free entry — Celebrate all things witchy with activities, scavenger hunts, and costumed walks at this family-friendly event.