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Huntsville and Colorado Springs bury the Space Command hatchet

The partnership is turning two aerospace development rivals into teammates in the game to land work around the $185 billion Golden Dome initiative.

Aerospace

Colorado Springs and Huntsville are putting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="their feud over" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/20/trump-colorado-springs-space-command-amicus-brief" data-vars-content-id="0c606f75-b416-4b9f-b49f-38ce56e676b5" data-vars-headline="Huntsville and Colorado Springs bury the Space Command hatchet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/20/trump-colorado-springs-space-command-amicus-brief" target="_self">their feud over</a> U.S. Space Command behind them to focus on the next big aerospace imperative: Golden Dome. Why it matters: The partnership is turning two aerospace development rivals into teammates in the game to land work around the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$185 billion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/22/trump-guetlein-golden-dome-interceptors" data-vars-content-id="0c606f75-b416-4b9f-b49f-38ce56e676b5" data-vars-headline="Huntsville and Colorado Springs bury the Space Command hatchet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/22/trump-guetlein-golden-dome-interceptors" target="_self">$185 billion</a> Golden Dome initiative.

Alabama submits bid to build Space Academy in Huntsville

Landing the academy would be another generational opportunity for the Rocket City, further cementing its status as an aerospace hub.

With U.S. Space Command&#x27;s relocation <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in full swing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/12/10/space-command-huntsville-alabama-redstone-arsenal" data-vars-content-id="d561c643-d48f-43e0-aeab-c58946e70336" data-vars-headline="Alabama submits bid to build Space Academy in Huntsville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/12/10/space-command-huntsville-alabama-redstone-arsenal" target="_self">in full swing</a>, Alabama and Huntsville are setting their sights on the next big get: U.S. Space Academy.Why it matters: Landing the academy would be another generational opportunity for the Rocket City, further cementing its status as an aerospace hub and one of the country&#x27;s most important centers for space research and leadership.

Huntsville named a Secret Sauce Community with the right mix for growth

The Rocket City is earning another economic development accolade, but this time it's for what makes it different.

Huntsville has the secret sauce. Why it matters: The Rocket City is earning another economic development accolade, but this time it&#x27;s for what sets it apart: defying assumptions about what a growing American city looks like.

Advanced Navigation launches major Huntsville expansion

The Australia-based company manufactures navigational systems for when GPS isn't available.

Advanced Navigation America is launching an expansion that could more than triple its Huntsville workforce.Why it matters: The expansion adds to Huntsville&#x27;s growing advanced manufacturing field, fueled by a deep talent pool and proximity to aerospace and defense customers.

Pickleball picks up momentum in Huntsville

New player registrations have skyrocketed over the past year — more than almost anywhere else in the country.

Development

Pickleball isn&#x27;t losing any momentum in Huntsville. Why it matters: The city continues to invest in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new pickleball infrastructure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/06/16/john-hunt-rec-center-opens-huntsville-covered-pickleball-courts-sports-tourism" data-vars-content-id="2c37c189-9c21-4382-b4dc-383edcb8d59b" data-vars-headline="Pickleball picks up momentum in Huntsville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/06/16/john-hunt-rec-center-opens-huntsville-covered-pickleball-courts-sports-tourism" target="_self">new pickleball infrastructure</a> as new player registrations have skyrocketed over the past year — more than almost anywhere else in the country, per new national rankings.

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Huntsville

Meet fellow locals over dinner at a restaurant we hand-picked.

Things to Do

Axios Social Club is bringing readers together for dinner in Huntsville&#x27;s MidCity District on Tuesday, Oct. 6.Why it matters: Your city is full of interesting people you haven&#x27;t met yet. We&#x27;re making it easier to change that.

Huntsville gets its first taste of Jeni's

It's an ice cream destination offering something different from what you'll find elsewhere in town.

Business

Jeni&#x27;s Splendid Ice Creams has landed in Huntsville — its first store in the Rocket City. Why it matters: It&#x27;s an ice cream destination offering something different from what you&#x27;ll find elsewhere in town, bringing a late-night sweet-tooth fix to the heart of downtown.

Make the most of Restaurant Week's final days

If you don't make it out this weekend, you'll have to wait another year for a chance at special menu items around town.

Business Brief

Restaurant Week wraps up Monday. Why it matters: If you don&#x27;t make it out this weekend, you&#x27;ll have to wait another year for a chance at special menu items around town.

Monopoly hands the dice to Huntsville for new city edition

The famed real estate board game Monopoly is publishing a Huntsville edition next year and is seeking community suggestions.

Culture

The famed real estate board game Monopoly is publishing a Huntsville edition next year. Why it matters: Boardwalk, Parkway Place? More like U.S. Space and Rocket Center and Big Spring Park.

New John Hunt Rec Center is pickleball-forward

The recreation center was built, like everything else at John Hunt Park, "with sports tourism in mind."

News

John Hunt Park Recreation Center, with its 25 lighted, covered outdoor pickleball courts, is officially open. Why it matters: The long-awaited facility is expected to attract regional tournaments and offer a central location for Huntsville residents.

Huntsville's America 250 plans get bigger with Space Fest

The celebration of Huntsville's role in the Moon landing is planned for July 16–20.

America at 250

Huntsville is finalizing its marquee event marking the summer of America&#x27;s 250th anniversary, and adding to the lineup of events with the city&#x27;s first Rocket City Space Fest.Why it matters: The July 4 celebration headlines the summer at Big Spring Park, while Space Fest highlights Huntsville&#x27;s overlooked but pivotal role in the Apollo Moon landings.

Huntsville dives in for big 250th celebration

The celebration peaks on July 4 in Big Spring Park.

America&#x27;s got a big birthday coming up. Why it matters: Huntsville&#x27;s going all out for the occasion, with events lined up over the next couple of months, culminating in a major July 4 celebration at Big Spring Park.

🎨 Panoply 2026: Major music, artists and a few firsts

This year's Panoply Arts Festival in Huntsville has big headliners, tons of artists and some new additions.

Panoply Arts Festival takes over Big Spring Park this weekend, and it&#x27;s going to include some firsts for Arts Huntsville&#x27;s marquee annual event.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="44th year of the festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.artshuntsville.org/the-history-of-panoply-arts-festival/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="76378905-4df4-453f-81a1-c99b2f5e89ef" data-vars-headline="🎨 Panoply 2026: Major music, artists and a few firsts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.artshuntsville.org/the-history-of-panoply-arts-festival/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">44th year of the festival</a> is expected to be something special, particularly on the music front.<ul><li>&quot;The Voice&quot; star <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jazz McKenzie" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/itsjustjazzmusic/" data-vars-content-id="76378905-4df4-453f-81a1-c99b2f5e89ef" data-vars-headline="🎨 Panoply 2026: Major music, artists and a few firsts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/itsjustjazzmusic/" target="_blank">Jazz McKenzie</a> is headlining Friday, and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Otis Walker Band" data-vars-click-url="https://otiswalkerband.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKPHe5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF2amo1VFJVR1F5ZnJFZU84AR7kZXltyPHyWclvMwJzrV_qOe0Nup0pbVjgKKEHJ-IF2Km3NH59POgaaooTzA_aem_wn_qJ8O2Gega_oXL47b85g" data-vars-content-id="76378905-4df4-453f-81a1-c99b2f5e89ef" data-vars-headline="🎨 Panoply 2026: Major music, artists and a few firsts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://otiswalkerband.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKPHe5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF2amo1VFJVR1F5ZnJFZU84AR7kZXltyPHyWclvMwJzrV_qOe0Nup0pbVjgKKEHJ-IF2Km3NH59POgaaooTzA_aem_wn_qJ8O2Gega_oXL47b85g" target="_blank">Otis Walker Band</a> will perform a tribute to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Microwave Dave Gallaher" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/02/10/huntsville-remembers-microwave-dave-gallaher" data-vars-content-id="76378905-4df4-453f-81a1-c99b2f5e89ef" data-vars-headline="🎨 Panoply 2026: Major music, artists and a few firsts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/02/10/huntsville-remembers-microwave-dave-gallaher" target="_self">Microwave Dave Gallaher</a> for Saturday&#x27;s headlining performance.</li></ul>

Guntersville's small-stage, big ticket concert series

Alongside the music, artists performing in the series tell stories about the songs they're playing, said organizer Scott Smith.

As Huntsville&#x27;s music scene grabs <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national attention" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fastcompany.com/91269314/economic-development-most-innovative-companies-2025" data-vars-content-id="e4b5c477-0128-4e34-954e-0b990e90afe8" data-vars-headline="Guntersville&#x27;s small-stage, big ticket concert series" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fastcompany.com/91269314/economic-development-most-innovative-companies-2025" target="_blank">national attention</a>, a new series just down the road, in Guntersville, is pulling big names for listening room shows. <ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Shhhhh: A Listening Room Experience" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lakecityconcerts.com/" data-vars-content-id="e4b5c477-0128-4e34-954e-0b990e90afe8" data-vars-headline="Guntersville&#x27;s small-stage, big ticket concert series" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lakecityconcerts.com/" target="_blank">Shhhhh: A Listening Room Experience</a> is bringing up-close-and-personal shows with big-ticket artists to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dave&#x27;s Music Hall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.davesmusichall.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQ3neFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFaMHhpUDFQWTBsdzZleVhnc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlY4ZsY9F4v3PKM0hoxs7T9ll83BrFDe-kuRqYyKNuH5xdDG5UNO7CNN06Dg_aem_jogoHdG5_kX9NkoSNshxjA" data-vars-content-id="e4b5c477-0128-4e34-954e-0b990e90afe8" data-vars-headline="Guntersville&#x27;s small-stage, big ticket concert series" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.davesmusichall.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQ3neFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFaMHhpUDFQWTBsdzZleVhnc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlY4ZsY9F4v3PKM0hoxs7T9ll83BrFDe-kuRqYyKNuH5xdDG5UNO7CNN06Dg_aem_jogoHdG5_kX9NkoSNshxjA" target="_blank">Dave&#x27;s Music Hall</a>.</li></ul>Why it matters: The series reflects a larger trend of more intimate shows in the region, including Huntsville&#x27;s focus on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;house show culture&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/01/05/2026-huntsville-music-orion-concert-venue-alabama" data-vars-content-id="e4b5c477-0128-4e34-954e-0b990e90afe8" data-vars-headline="Guntersville&#x27;s small-stage, big ticket concert series" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/01/05/2026-huntsville-music-orion-concert-venue-alabama" target="_self">&quot;house show culture&quot;</a> and giving artists more control over the listening environment.

Things to Do 🗓

Pickleball picks up momentum in Huntsville

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Huntsville

Huntsville gets its first taste of Jeni's

Make the most of Restaurant Week's final days

Monopoly hands the dice to Huntsville for new city edition