All Day

2026 Gulf Coast Chinese Lantern Festival

Bellingrath Gardens & Home

Join us for the 2026 Gulf Coast Chinese Lantern Festival, an all new show filled with all new lanterns. As night falls, the Gardens glow with more than 40 towering, handcrafted light sculptures that transform the landscape into a vivid world of color and scale. Inspired by traditional Chinese lantern artistry and brought to life with modern design, dazzling plants, animals, and imaginative creatures illuminate every path. Interactive displays invite you to move, play, and step into the experience. Explore the Gardens after dark and discover an unforgettable night of light, energy, and wonder for all ages, with stunning photo moments at every turn.

Ongoing

22nd Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival

OWA Parks & Resort

The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, presented by Columbia Southern University, is in its 22nd year of flying! Join us at OWA Parks & Resort for this exciting fun-filled event! EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC!Thursday & Friday: 4:00 pm - 9:30 pmSaturday: 10:00 - 9:30 pm Foley is your destination for family fun and adventure at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival! Explore daily entertainment, vibrant arts and crafts displays, and much more at the festival site. Admission is FREE—don’t miss this magical experience!

First Friday Art Walk with Sugarcane Jane

Downtown Fairhope

Downtown Fairhope Friday, May 1 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Join award-winning Gulf Coast Americana duo Sugarcane Jane for an evening of rootsy harmonies, foot-stomping grooves, and front-porch soul in the heart of Downtown Fairhope during the First Friday Art Walk. Anthony Crawford and Savana Lee will be bringing their signature duo show that feels like a full band complete with kick drum, guitars, bass, harmonica, looping, and those unmistakable Sugarcane Jane harmonies you know and love. Stroll the art walk, grab a bite from your favorite local spot, and settle in for a golden-hour soundtrack under the oaks. Bring your lawn chairs and come stay awhile. Family friendly and free to attend. See y’all downtown!

Free