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.

Friends of the Library Book Sale – May 2–3, 2026! We’re excited to announce that the Friends of the Library Book Sale benefiting the Mobile Public Library is set for May 2–3, 2026 at The Grounds (1035 Cody Road N., Mobile, AL)! Each spring, the Friends of the Mobile Public Library host one of the area’s most anticipated used book sales, featuring thousands and thousands of books and audio-visual materials. All items are generously donated by community members or come from materials withdrawn from the library’s collection.  Book Sale Schedule Friday, May 1 | 3–7 p.m. Private Preview Sale for dues-paying Friends members only.Membership is $40 and can be purchased in advance at mobilepubliclibrary.org/friends or at the door the day of the Preview Sale. Saturday, May 2 | 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Full-Price Book Sale DayOpen to the Public Sunday, May 3 | 1–6 p.m. Half-Price Book Sale DayOpen to the Public  Box Sale Day (if held) will be announced ONLY if enough books remain. This is NOT a guaranteed sale date.  The Friends are seeking volunteers to help with the annual Book Sale! If you are interested, sign up: https://bit.ly/booksale-vol2026  For more information about the Book Sale, visit mobilepubliclibrary.org/friends/book-sale  To learn about the Friends and how to become a member, visit mobilepubliclibrary.org/friends The Friends of the Mobile Public Library is a nonprofit, volunteer organization formed in 1983 and dedicated to supporting the Mobile Public Library in a variety of impactful ways. Mark your calendars, tag your book-loving friends, and come stock up on great books and more all for a great cause!

The 77th Annual Blessing of the Fleet will take place May 2–3, 2026, at St. Margaret Catholic Church in Bayou La Batre, Alabama. This event celebrates the local fishing community with boat blessings, food, music, and family activities. Saturday’s festivities include a 5k run, a gumbo cook-off, arts and crafts vendors, kid’s activities, and delicious food from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday features mass with Archbishop Mark Rivituso, a land and boat parade, the Blessing of the Fleet, arts and crafts vendors, kid’s activities, and delicious food from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Friends of the Library Book Sale – May 2–3, 2026! We’re excited to announce that the Friends of the Library Book Sale benefiting the Mobile Public Library is set for May 2–3, 2026 at The Grounds (1035 Cody Road N., Mobile, AL)! Each spring, the Friends of the Mobile Public Library host one of the area’s most anticipated used book sales, featuring thousands and thousands of books and audio-visual materials. All items are generously donated by community members or come from materials withdrawn from the library’s collection.

Join us for the Malbis Market on Sunday, May 3rd. We will be showcasing over 50 local vendors! This is a FREE family friendly event. Come out to the beautiful Historic Malbis Nursery and shop local!

Kids Yoga (ages 3-11) Kids Yoga ages (3- 11) is based on the Karma Kids Yoga Program that encourages children to "play" yoga and experience how their breath and body move together in a fun-filled way! The philosophy of teaching yoga to children provides kids with a variety of yoga tools that they can take away from class and use throughout their lives. Animals, nature and other objects come alive in this class; as we move, we learn to stretch our bodies in new creative ways. Through yoga poses, games, activities, music and stories, we promote strength, flexibility, coordination, and body awareness. Breathing and visualization techniques teach focus, relaxation and self-control. This class promotes inner-strength, confidence and self-esteem; a feeling of well-being and respect for others; and, love for one's self, inside and out. Studio will provide mat for class. Non-heated

Time-Traveling Scavenger HuntSunday, May 3rd | 1:00–3:00 PM (FREE FIRST SUNDAY)at the History Museum of Mobile Step into the past as you journey through the museum on a time-traveling adventure! Encounter fascinating characters from different eras—a Roman soldier, a Victorian widow, a Pelican Girl, and more. As you explore each gallery, hear their stories and discover the events they lived through. Find every character to complete your quest and earn a prize! The Mobile Belles Leadership Program will also be on hand, offering guided tours of The Aaron & Sarah Friedman Miniature Dollhouse Gallery and welcoming guests in the lobby. Admission is free. Don’t miss this interactive experience for all ages!

Free admission to History Museum of Mobile, Colonial Fort Conde & Pheonix Fire Museum

Our community is coming together to support our sweet Eleanor  Eleanor has Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a rare condition that causes extremely fragile bones and frequent fractures. Recently her fractures and pain have increased, and we are working to get her the specialized medical care she needs. Because of the love and support from so many people in our community, we are hosting Hope Blooms for Eleanor, a family-friendly benefit event at beautiful Bella Sera Gardens. Join us for an afternoon of fun while helping support Eleanor’s medical journey.  Live Music Food Petting Zoo Bounce Houses Photo Booth Silent Auction & Raffles We will have incredible raffle prizes including a CZ 712 12 gauge shotgun, an Ashley Furniture recliner, tattoo sessions, professional photo sessions, restaurant gift cards, gift baskets, and many more amazing items donated by local businesses. This will be a family friendly community event, so bring the kids, invite your friends, and come enjoy a beautiful day together while supporting Eleanor. I truly cannot put into words how grateful we are for the love our community has shown our family. Baldwin County has already shown up in such an incredible way for Eleanor, and we will never forget that kindness. If you are a local business interested in donating a raffle item, gift card, or sponsorship, please message me. We would love to recognize and support the businesses that are helping make this event possible. Please mark yourself “Going” and share this event to help us spread the word for Eleanor