HOST by Homegrown Brings Curated Food, Music and More to Downtown Huntsville
There’s a new place to gather in downtown Huntsville, but HOST by Homegrown isn’t your typical event venue.
Located at 101 Washington Street, HOST by Homegrown is a thoughtfully restored, two-story space designed around experiences that bring people together. From intimate chef dinners and wine tastings to live music, cocktail classes and creative workshops, the calendar at HOST will offer plenty of reasons to come back again and again.
And if the Homegrown name sounds familiar, it should.
A Permanent Home for Homegrown
For more than a decade, Homegrown has been behind some of Huntsville’s signature food and beverage experiences, including Crush Wine Festival and Dine & Dash.
Founder and Huntsville native Ashley Ryals started Homegrown more than 12 years ago after returning home from a career in public relations in New York. Over the years, Homegrown’s events have created opportunities for local restaurants, chefs, musicians and makers to connect with the community.
Eventually, the idea of creating a permanent home for those experiences began to take shape.
After years of producing events that happened once a month or once a year, the team saw the potential for a space where Huntsville’s local talent could be showcased year-round.
The right location presented itself at 101 Washington Street, a downtown building Huntsville residents may recognize as the former home of The Bottle, Chophouse and Bubba’s.
Now, the historic space begins its next chapter as HOST.
Meet the Team Behind HOST
Ryals is joined in the new venture by partner Katiya McKinney, a longtime North Alabama community advocate, content creator and ambassador known for highlighting local restaurants, makers and culture.
Together, Ryals and McKinney are building HOST around a shared love of Huntsville and a simple idea: some of the best connections happen when people gather around great food, music and local talent.
That focus on community is woven into nearly everything planned for the space.
So, What Happens at HOST?
Rather than operating like a traditional venue with the occasional special event, HOST is centered entirely around a rotating calendar of curated experiences.
Guests can expect chef dinners and tasting series featuring local restaurants, live music and songwriter events, wine tastings, seasonal celebrations and hands-on workshops ranging from craft cocktails and floral arranging to makeup classes.
The two-story property also offers two distinct spaces available for private event rentals.
Most importantly, events are designed to remain intimate and intentional. The goal isn’t to pack the room with as many people as possible, but to create boutique experiences where guests can connect with the people behind Huntsville’s food, music and creative communities.
Keeping It Local
Supporting local businesses isn’t simply part of HOST’s programming – it’s the foundation of the concept.
The team is partnering with local chefs, musicians, makers and artisans to build its calendar, including Southern Wagyu, All Shook Up Beverage Catering and Artemis Music Productions.
Those collaborations give local creatives another platform to introduce their work to new audiences while giving guests an opportunity to discover something – or someone – new.
HOST also plans to extend some of that activity beyond its doors with future block parties and outdoor activations surrounding the downtown building.
For Ryals and McKinney, Huntsville is particularly well suited for the concept. The city’s combination of longtime residents and newcomers has created an audience eager to support local businesses, experience new things and connect with the community.
What’s Coming Up at HOST
The first full season at HOST kicks off in September with several ways to experience the new space.
A songwriter series in partnership with Artemis Music Productions begins September 2 with Matt Prater. Guests can also look for a craft cocktail class and a monthly chef’s series featuring Southern Wagyu.
And there’s more on the horizon.
Homegrown is planning additional programming, block parties and outdoor events, with the return of Crush Wine Festival planned for fall 2027.
The HOST calendar will continue to evolve throughout the year, making it a space where you may find something completely different each time you visit.
More Than an Event Venue
Perhaps the most important thing to know about HOST is that the team doesn’t see it as simply another place to rent for an event.
It’s meant to be an experience-driven gathering place.
The hope is that guests walk through the doors for a dinner, tasting, workshop or concert and leave having discovered a new favorite Huntsville chef, songwriter, maker or business — and maybe made a few memories along the way.
After more than a decade of creating experiences throughout Huntsville, HOST gives Homegrown a permanent place to continue that work.
“We’re so grateful for the community that has supported Homegrown over the years. Host by Homegrown is our way of saying thank you and creating a permanent home for the kinds of meaningful gatherings Huntsville does best. Come join us; there’s always a seat waiting.”
HOST by Homegrown
Location: 101 Washington Street, Downtown Huntsville
HOST is an event-driven space rather than a business with traditional daily operating hours. Events, tickets and the latest schedule are available at homegrownhuntsville.com/events.
Private event inquiries are also welcome.