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Axios Huntsville

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Ikea Huntsville grand opening set for Feb. 25

Ikea US announced it will open the store, its first in Alabama, on Feb. 25 with a grand-opening celebration.

Business

It&#x27;s official: Huntsville&#x27;s Ikea store will be open within a week. Why it matters: Ikea has long been among the city&#x27;s most-desired retailers, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announcing last summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/08/12/ikea-huntsville-alabama-store-midcity-opening" data-vars-content-id="1ba8a082-7758-4d5e-92c8-3538a16c77ff" data-vars-headline="Ikea Huntsville grand opening set for Feb. 25" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/08/12/ikea-huntsville-alabama-store-midcity-opening" target="_self">announcing last summer</a> its plan to bring a new, smaller-format store to University Drive near GigaParts.

Inside Huntsville's new smaller-format Ikea

The grand opening of Ikea's first Alabama location is on Wednesday, Feb. 25.

Development

After <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="months of" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/08/12/ikea-huntsville-alabama-store-midcity-opening" data-vars-content-id="3580d4e1-04ed-4988-814f-056567a76daf" data-vars-headline="Inside Huntsville&#x27;s new smaller-format Ikea" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/08/12/ikea-huntsville-alabama-store-midcity-opening" target="_self">months of</a> anticipation, Ikea opens Wednesday on University Drive. Why it matters: Ranking high among Huntsville&#x27;s most-wanted retailers, Ikea is bringing its new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="smaller-format store" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/newsroom/corporate-news/ikea-u-s-to-celebrate-grand-opening-of-first-location-in-alabama-on-february-25-pubf3895110/" data-vars-content-id="3580d4e1-04ed-4988-814f-056567a76daf" data-vars-headline="Inside Huntsville&#x27;s new smaller-format Ikea" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/newsroom/corporate-news/ikea-u-s-to-celebrate-grand-opening-of-first-location-in-alabama-on-february-25-pubf3895110/" target="_blank">smaller-format store</a> to the Rocket City, targeting the rapidly growing area for its first store in Alabama.

"A living museum:" Joy McKee Arboretum takes root

Huntsville plans to open the arboretum in May, weather permitting.

News

Construction is underway at John Hunt Park on the Joy McKee Arboretum, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="newly named to honor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/huntsville-approves-naming-of-arboretum-for-longtime-landscape-director-joy-mckee/" data-vars-content-id="c488d2bc-bbf6-4051-bc2c-0a0715a7063c" data-vars-headline="&quot;A living museum:&quot; Joy McKee Arboretum takes root" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/huntsville-approves-naming-of-arboretum-for-longtime-landscape-director-joy-mckee/" target="_blank">newly named to honor</a> a longtime steward of Huntsville&#x27;s green spaces.Why it matters: City landscapers saw an opportunity to preserve history, support native trees and urban canopy, give visitors a nature break and educate the public in an unused corner of the park.

Senate bill targets police staffing in Huntsville, Montgomery

Senate Bill 298 would require police departments in Alabama's Class 3 municipalities to have two sworn officers for every 1,000 residents by Oct. 1.

A bill introduced in the state Legislature aims to set minimum staffing levels for Huntsville and Montgomery police departments.Why it matters: If passed, the bill could lead to a state takeover of local law enforcement, though Huntsville leaders say the city already meets the bill&#x27;s requirements.

Galaxy of Lights, Huntsville's brightest tradition, turns 30

This year's show at the Huntsville Botanical Garden is stepping it up with new interactive features.

Things to Do

Galaxy of Lights opens Friday, and its 30th anniversary edition is set to be one for the history books.Why it matters: The extensive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="holiday light show" data-vars-click-url="https://hsvbg.org/visit/exhibits/galaxy-of-lights/" data-vars-content-id="a5fab8cf-34a7-4045-b081-d5ef85ac4d7a" data-vars-headline="Galaxy of Lights, Huntsville&#x27;s brightest tradition, turns 30" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://hsvbg.org/visit/exhibits/galaxy-of-lights/" target="_blank">holiday light show</a> is the Huntsville Botanical Garden&#x27;s marquee fundraiser, drawing more than 80,000 visitors annually.

Floriana's MidCity debut comes after years of eyeing Huntsville

Co-owner Jamie Branda said he feels there's space in Huntsville for Floriana's model of traditional fine dining.

Italian restaurant Floriana is opening its third location next year at MidCity. Why it matters: The Washington, D.C., fine dining staple is hoping to elevate Huntsville&#x27;s culinary offerings as the city continues to grow.

Ghost walking into Huntsville's spooky season

Halloween is the last day to "hear stories from Huntsville's haunted past" during the Huntsville Ghost Walk.

<figure><img alt="A tour guide dressed in a Halloween outfit turns and points into the woods during a tour while a small crowd looks on. " height="450" id="5adc87c9-b161-461f-bac7-b8a085f33ea5" src="https://images.axios.com/kbKNw9MJ29C9uqUrtSlk5aqQ1JQ=/2025/10/07/1759841801394.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>The Leroy Pope mansion is a highlight of the Twickenham walk. Image: Derek Lacey/Axios</figcaption></figure>Take a guided walk around Huntsville&#x27;s spooky side if you need some help getting into the Halloween spirit.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Huntsville Ghost Walk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.huntsvilleghostwalk.com/" data-vars-content-id="a8ab144c-2f06-40e1-aa05-5290740dcb93" data-vars-headline="Ghost walking into Huntsville&#x27;s spooky season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.huntsvilleghostwalk.com/" target="_blank">Huntsville Ghost Walk</a> offers a look at downtown Huntsville that you won&#x27;t experience any other way.

Bowl Jam drops in at Get-A-Way Skatepark this weekend

The two-year-old skate park is the most recent chapter in Huntsville's long history with the sport.

Huntsville&#x27;s 2-year-old Get-A-Way Skatepark will host professional skateboarders and competitive amateurs alike on Sunday.Why it matters: The 2025 Bowl Jam will bring the likes of Bucky Lasek to the 52,000-square-foot skate park for a free competition and clinic.

Jim 'N Nick's opens in prime Jones Valley location

Jim 'N Nicks President Bryan Lyman said the decision to open in the area was a "no-brainer."

Food and Drink

Birmingham-based barbecue chain Jim &#x27;N Nick&#x27;s torched the ribbon on its latest Huntsville-area location Wednesday. Why it matters: The third Jim &#x27;N Nick&#x27;s in the metro area, and the chain&#x27;s 58th location, occupies a prime corner at Cecil Ashburn Drive and Carl T. Jones Drive in Jones Valley.

"Mama Zelda" draws crowds to Huntsville Botanical Garden

The Mother Earth Troll Garden features the "Mama Zelda" sculpture by Danish artist Thomas Dambo.

Huntsville Botanical Garden&#x27;s newest tenant is drawing in thousands of new visitors, transporting them to a storybook world with a lesson of sustainability.Why it matters: The Mother Earth Troll Garden and &quot;Mama Zelda&quot; sculpture show how the garden is leaning into permanent installations to set itself apart, said marketing manager Sarah Colvert.

Huntsville Music Month kicks off with stacked lineup

"We're showcasing our talent on the biggest stages yet," Huntsville music officer Matt Mandrella said.

Huntsville Music Month kicks off in September, with a lineup that organizers say will take the event to the next level.Why it matters: The event is increasing Huntsville&#x27;s ever-growing music reputation and providing plenty of things to do, while also supporting local musicians and bringing people and dollars to local businesses.

Why Huntsville can't stop playing pickleball

Pickleball is a growing sport that hasn't yet peaked, Parks and Recreation director James Gossett tells Axios Huntsville.

Pickleball is surging in popularity in Huntsville and around the country. Why it matters: Pickleball has a low barrier of entry: easy to learn, accessible, social, and is a way to stay active and work off the stress of the day, pickleball coach Judy Hayes tells Axios Huntsville. <ul><li>It&#x27;s also driving investment in public and private facilities.</li></ul>

Huntsville Restaurant Week kicks off in August

Around 65 restaurants are participating so far, and officials say each has been asked to feature an exclusive dish or a seasonal ingredient.

The 13th annual Huntsville Restaurant Week starts next Friday, with a brand new app and new restaurants for the ambitious Rocket City eater. Why it matters: We&#x27;re hungry, and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="10-day event" data-vars-click-url="https://www.huntsville.org/events/restaurant-week/?skip=0&amp;sort=rankTitle&amp;subcatids%5B0%5D=459&amp;keyword=one" data-vars-content-id="5acc06c9-a83c-480e-b2eb-d91bf546b7c0" data-vars-headline="Huntsville Restaurant Week kicks off in August" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.huntsville.org/events/restaurant-week/?skip=0&amp;sort=rankTitle&amp;subcatids%5B0%5D=459&amp;keyword=one" target="_blank">10-day event</a> on Aug. 8-17 offers exclusive menus and special deals at Huntsville&#x27;s top restaurants.

Field Day wants to be your other backyard

"We want Field Day to be thought of as a place to just come and eat and drink and hang out," owner Matt Hubbard tells Axios Huntsville.

Huntsville&#x27;s newest hangout spot aims to fill a gap in the city&#x27;s adult entertainment scene with food, drinks and a lineup of activities including mini golf, axe throwing and duckpin bowling.Why it matters: Coming to University Drive near MidCity mainstays like TopGolf and Dave &amp; Buster&#x27;s, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Field Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/fieldday.huntsville/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="f1aa212c-701b-4899-aeda-780823455f37" data-vars-headline="Field Day wants to be your other backyard" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/fieldday.huntsville/?hl=en" target="_blank">Field Day</a> wants to be a third space that, according to owner Matt Hubbard, offers variety and a laid-back atmosphere missing elsewhere.

Things to Do 🗓

Galaxy of Lights, Huntsville's brightest tradition, turns 30

Floriana's MidCity debut comes after years of eyeing Huntsville

Ghost walking into Huntsville's spooky season

Bowl Jam drops in at Get-A-Way Skatepark this weekend

Jim 'N Nick's opens in prime Jones Valley location