Chinese Lantern Festival
Bellingrath Gardens & HomeJoin us for the inaugural Gulf Coast Chinese Lantern Festival as Bellingrath Gardens & Home transforms into a breathtaking display of light and artistry. As night falls, the Gardens will turn into a luminous dreamscape, where 41 towering, handcrafted light sculptures glow with vibrant colors, lighting the landscape with interactive artistry and imagination. Visitors will journey through the estate, where each glowing display tells a story through plants, animals, and fantastical creatures, blending ancient tradition with modern innovation. Many displays invite interaction—dance with vibrant figures, play games, and immerse yourself in the fun. Purchase Daily Tickets or Flex Passes. What to Expect As you explore, you’ll find endless opportunities for photos and laughter with awe-inspiring moments that will stay with you long after the night ends. Bring your whole family, invite your friends, and be part of this extraordinary festival—because some experiences are too wonderful to miss. Plan Your Visit Date: April 17 – June 15, 2025 | Thursday – Sunday | Open Easter and Memorial Day Time: 5:00 – 10:00 PM We are encouraging guests to purchase tickets online in advance. Limited on-site ticket sales will be available, but an additional $8 per ticket charge will apply for purchases at the door. Flex tickets, valid for any show night, can be purchased for an extra $10 per ticket fee. Children 4 and under will be charged $2. General admission tickets and Lantern Festival tickets are sold separately—there is no combined ticket option. Bellingrath Gardens will close from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM Thursday through Sunday during the Gulf Coast Chinese Lantern Festival, with the last general admission ticket sold at 3:00 PM. General admission tickets for daytime entry and Lantern Festival tickets for the evening are sold separately. Please note that there is no combined ticket option available. The Magnolia Café is open nightly from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.
Fairhope Farmers Market
Fairhope Public LibraryJoin us for Fairhope's Spring/Summer Farmers Market, starting April 3rd! The market will be held every Thursday afternoon from 3 PM to 6 PM behind the Fairhope Public Library. Discover a wide array of fresh produce, homemade breads, honey, locally-raised beef, and much more! There will also be face painting for the kids each week, along with exciting giveaways! Support your local farmers and small businesses by shopping at the Fairhope Farmers Market this spring! Parking: Farmers market visitors can park on Magnolia Avenue in designated spots marked “farmers market parking only.” Additional parking is available in Arts Alley! You can also call the Downtown shuttle for a ride directly to the farmers market!
Run Club @ Braided River | Every Thursday @ 6 p.m.
Braided River Brewing Co MobileBraided River's Run Club meets every Thursday at 6 p.m.! This public run club is open to all levels and ability, including walkers, marathoners, kids and even dogs. You can choose from a 5K or 1-mile route, both of which take off from the taproom at 6 p.m. Join Downtown Runners United By Beer afterward in the taproom for raffles, camaraderie and ice-cold craft beer!