Concertgoers heading to The Orion Amphitheater for Billy Strings’ two-night run this weekend will have another option for getting to and from the venue.
Strings grew up playing bluegrass with his father, but his sound took a different turn as a teenager when he began playing in heavy metal bands. He has since blended those influences into his guitar playing while staying rooted in bluegrass, a mix that has helped him build a following and earn three Grammy Awards. His return to Huntsville comes a year after he played three nights at The Orion Amphitheater in October 2025.
Huntsville Transit is bringing back its Orion Express shuttle Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23-24, with service between downtown Huntsville and the amphitheater. The service gives concertgoers a way to avoid driving to the venue and dealing with parking after the shows.
Both concerts are scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. Shuttles will run every 15 minutes from 4-7 p.m., with return service starting at 9 p.m. Buses will continue making return trips until one hour after each show ends.
The shuttle will pick up and drop off passengers at several locations in downtown Huntsville. Stops include the Lumberyard Parking Lot at Cleveland Avenue and Meridian Street, Garage D on Lincoln Street and the 106 Jefferson Hotel on Jefferson Street.
Additional stops will serve the Embassy Suites, AC Hotel and Hampton Inn & Suites on Monroe Street. The Orion Amphitheater, located at 701 Amphitheater Drive NW, will be the final destination.
Round-trip fares cost $6 per person. Seniors and people with disabilities can ride for $3 round trip.
Passengers can buy passes ahead of time through the Token Transit app, available for iOS and Android devices. Riders who are new to the app will need to create an account and verify their information before selecting “Buy Passes.” From there, they can choose the adult rider option and select the event-specific Orion Express pass.
Those who prefer to pay when boarding can use cash, but they will need to bring the exact $6 fare. Drivers will not be able to provide change.
The city is again working with Downtown Huntsville Inc. and The Orion Amphitheater to provide the service. Huntsville Transit also offered the shuttle for Strings’ three-night run in October 2025.
Strings, a Michigan native now based in Nashville, has built a following by blending traditional bluegrass with a more modern, high-energy approach to live performances. His album “Highway Prayers” earned him his third Grammy Award for best bluegrass album at the 68th annual ceremony in 2026.
The Orion has become a regular stop for major touring acts since opening in Huntsville’s MidCity District. The outdoor venue draws concertgoers from across North Alabama and beyond, and the shuttle offers another way for visitors to make the trip without having to drive directly to the amphitheater.
More information about Huntsville Transit and its services is available through the city’s public transportation website.
Zachary Austin is a writer for 256 Today. You can contact him at [email protected].
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