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

Friends of the Mobile Public Library Book Sale 2026

The Grounds

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 All items are generously donated by community members or come from materials withdrawn from the library’s collection.

City of Daphne May Day Celebration

May Day Park Daphne

One of Daphne's most beloved celebrations returns this year on Saturday, May 2, 2026! We can't wait to celebrate with everyone! The day will be filled with family fun and nostalgia including: • carousel, ferris wheel, inflatables, and bungees by the bay! • a cast net demonstration at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM from our very own Daphne Fire Department Chief LeAnn Tacon! • crafts and activities for the kids with theDaphne Public Library! • sweet treats from Ice Cream Social serving Cammie's Old Dutch Ice Cream! • BBQ and hot dogs from our Daphne Police Department!

Free

Hope Blooms for Eleanor

Bella Sera Gardens 25049 County Rd 49, Loxley, Al

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 

Mother’s Day Plant Market

Bellingrath Gardens & Home

Browse a vibrant selection of plants and garden-themed merchandise, all conveniently located in the parking lot in front of the Café and Gift Shop. Members of our horticulture team will be on hand to answer your gardening questions and help you choose the perfect additions to your landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity to stock up on beautiful plants and gardening essentials for the season. This is a free event.

Free

Blueberry Festival – Pensacola

Gary's Brewery and Biergarten Pensacola, Florida

Blueberry Festival at Gary’s Brewery & Biergarten! Join us for a berry sweet weekend of fun at Gary’s Brewery & Biergarten! May 8–9 Friday: 4 PM – 9 PM Saturday: 12 PM – 7 PM 208 Newman Ave, Pensacola, FL 32507Bring the whole family out to celebrate all things blueberry! We’ll have: Local vendors Delicious food trucks Lazy Day Farm’s petting zoo Craft beer from Gary’s Brewery Blueberry-themed treats & goodiesCome shop, sip, snack, and enjoy a laid-back spring weekend filled with community fun. Whether you’re here for the brews, the blueberries, or the baby goats — there’s something for everyone!Tag your friends and make plans to join us!

May Artwalk Signing with Lisa Stutzman Graves & Robert Brent

Artwalk signing with two local authors! Join us for an Artwalk book signing at The Haunted Book Shop on May 8th. Artwalk signing with two local authors! Join us for an Artwalk book signing at The Haunted Book Shop on May 8th with authors Robert Brent and Lisa Stutzman Graves. Robert and Lisa will chat with guests as they sign their most recent works as shoppers browse our selection of genre fiction, general fiction, nonfiction, poetry collections, and more! Say hi to Mr. Bingley, the world's coolest bookstore cat, and give all the haints of The Haunted Book Shop a "Happy Artwalk!" greeting. About Driving to Michigan by Robert Brent This is a story about a family that is targeted by the seductive, destructive pull of addiction. When a family member dies across the country, the remaining adult family members launch out on a journey to go get her and bring her back to the South for the funeral. It is a tragic and comical story involving conversations and actions among two Boomer parents and two Millennial children throughout the journey. About Dauphin the Deer by Lisa Stutzman Graves: Everyone needs someone to talk to listen their worries. Covid taught us the importance of community, comfort, and connection. “Dauphin the Deer, Mobile Alabama’s Mystical Deer” is a perfect book for children eight and up to young youths, adults and pet lovers as the story center arounds a deer from the 1800’s with mystical listening abilities, especially to hear children’s worries. The children feel unburdened as they pour their sensitive souls and concerns out to Dauphin the Deer, while the animal kingdom is at work to help Dauphin preserve her health. Although frozen in iron today, children regularly ask their parents to take them to see Dauphin the Deer in historic Washington Square just as several generations past have done to share their deepest concerns and feel lighter. Two local authors, one cool cat, and all the haints of The Haunted Book Shop await you during April Artwalk at The Haunted Book Shop. See you soon!

Welcome Back Monarchs Day

Foley Civic Center

We’re celebrating the monarch butterfly’s migration with our first-ever Welcome Back Monarchs event!  Join us for a morning of education about monarch migration and native pollinator gardens. Take home a native milkweed plant or seed for your garden at home! Together, we can protect monarch butterflies and essential native plant species.  The event will begin in the Foley Civic Center with a presentation from Carmen Flammini, Alabama Cooperative Extension System Agent. Following the presentation, we’ll migrate to the Riviera Utilities Native Pollinator Garden next door for guided tours and a milkweed plant giveaway. Foley Public Library will host crafts and activities for kids at the Civic Center and outside at the Garden.  Water and snacks will be provided. See you there!  May 9, 2026 9 - 10 a.m. Foley Civic Center 407 E Laurel Ave, Foley, AL Riviera Utilities Native Pollinator Garden 413 E Laurel Ave, Foley, AL

Free

Mother’s Day Brunch

Bellingrath Gardens & Home

Celebrate Mom with a relaxed and delicious Mother’s Day Brunch at the Magnolia Café featuring a comforting spread of Southern favorites. Enjoy creamy cheese grits, fluffy scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, Conecuh sausage, bacon, and Southern biscuits served with rich sausage gravy. Sweet offerings include blueberry muffins, assorted danishes, fresh fruit, and yogurt. To complement the meal, guests will enjoy coffee, tea, lemonade, and orange juice. Gather your family, slow down, and treat the mothers in your life to a brunch filled with good food, warm moments, and heartfelt appreciation. As a special touch, every mother will receive a beautiful rose in honor of her day.

STREAM Saturday: Creepy Crawlies

Mobile Museum of Art

Creepy Crawly STREAM Saturday!  Get ready to squirm, explore, and discover at our Creepy Crawly STREAM Saturday at the Mobile Museum of Art! Kids will dive into the fascinating world of insects, spiders, and other tiny critters through hands-on science experiments, creative art projects, and exciting outdoor exploration. From buzzing bugs to marvelous mini-beasts, this fun-filled adventure blends Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Math into an unforgettable learning experience. Perfect for curious kids who love to explore nature and get a little messy! Come ready to learn, create, and crawl into some fun—you won’t want to miss it! 

Buzzin’ About Nature

Environmental Studies Center

Mobile Beekeepers Association is hosting this fun filled family event! Food Trucks, Vendors, Crafts, Kids' Zone, Honey Tasting, Animal Exhibits, and more! Come learn about the hive and honey extraction.

$3

Gulf Coast Caribbean Carnival 2026

Mardi Gras Park

The Caribbean Culture on the Gulf Coast will be celebrated. With the backing of the backing of Mobile Parks and Recreation, Level Up Entertainment, and the Gulf Coast Caribbean Carnival Association, the streets of Downtown Mobile will be the scene of beautiful caribbean costumes, music, and good clean family fun. A parade through downtown will end at Mardi Gras Park, where Mobile County Parks and Recreation Department has approved the Gulf Coast Caribbean Carnival Festival. Its a festival celebrating the culture near and dear to our hearts. So come one come all May 21-23, 2026 There will be vendors, food, music, performances and good family fun!!!

Spring Movies in the Park: Disney Pixar’s Turning Red

Medal of Honor Park

Movie Night Under the Stars – Final Feature!  Gather your friends and family for a magical evening beneath the stars as we wrap up our movie series with Disney Pixar’s  Turning Red ! This fun and heartfelt coming-of-age story introduces Mei Lee, a confident, delightfully dorky 13-year-old caught between being her mother’s dutiful daughter  and the unpredictable chaos of adolescence . It’s a relatable, feel-good film that’s perfect for tweens and older children!  What to Bring:• Blankets & lawn chairs• Snacks & drinks• Friends & family  Event Details: Activities begin at 6:00 p.m. Movie starts promptly at dusk  Don’t miss this exciting and heartwarming finale—an unforgettable night of family fun under the stars!

Free

MMoA Food Truck Festival

Mobile Museum of Art

Get ready for an exciting, family-friendly evening at MMoA’s Food Truck Fest! More than 15 food trucks will be serving up a wide variety of delicious dishes, from savory Southern comfort food and spicy wings to Mexican favorites, fresh corn on the cob, refreshing snow cones, and more. There’s something for everyone, no matter what you’re craving! But MMoA’s Food Truck Fest isn’t just about food — it’s a celebration of community, culture, fun, and most importantly, the kick-off to summer! Explore the Museum’s exhibitions as we stay open late, giving you the chance to mix art and culture with your food adventure. We invite and encourage you to bring your picnic blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy your food in the beautiful park surroundings. This event is FREE and open to the public, so bring your family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy the festivities!

The Princess Concert

Saenger Theatre

The Princess Concert at Saenger Theatre in Mobile, AL We invite you to an enchanting concert singing the magical music from Frozen, Wicked, Moana & More TICKETS ON SALE NOW princessconcert.com/Mobile Performing the magical music of:FROZEN•WICKED•KPOP DEMON HUNTERSMOANA•TAYLOR SWIFT•WIZARD OF OZBEAUTY & THE BEAST•ALADDINANASTASIA•POCAHONTAS + MANY MORE Princess Concert: a magical adventure awaits. Join us for the most enchanting concert of the year. Stunning songs from animated classics with uplifting & inspiring messages to unlock the Princess Era  Breathtaking singing, West End performers, awe-inspiring aerial, incredible dancers and so much more. From Frozen, Wicked, Moana, KPOP Demon Hunters and more! A concert for all the family with memories to cherish forever  This show is suitable for all ages 

Monster Jam (Pensacola)

Pensacola Bay Center 201 E Gregory St, Pensacola

Nothing compares to the one and only Monster Jam. With awesome trucks, amazing stunts, big air and action-packed excitement, it's the definition of fun for everyone! Watch as 12,000lb trucks stand on two wheels and fly through the air. See the worlds most popular trucks like Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, Sparkle Smash and more only at Monster Jam. You can't get this kind of wow just anywhere. Once you experience Monster Jam live, you'll become a fan for life! Sale Dates and Times: Public Onsale : Tue, 17 Feb 2026 at 10:00 AM Feld Perferred Presale : Tue, 10 Feb 2026 at 10:00 AM TM/Venue Presale : Thu, 12 Feb 2026 at 10:00 AM

53rd Annual National Shrimp Festival

101 Gulf Shores Pkwy

 It's food, it's art, it's music, it's Alabama's ORIGINAL beach party. All are invited to the 53rd edition of the Annual National Shrimp Festival. What started as a celebration of the local seafood industry has grown into a four day vacation destination. Since 1971 our festival has been FREE to attend, overlooking the beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama. Come out and join over 100,000 of your closest friends to see over 300+ food & art vendors along with two stages showcasing local & national entertainment acts.

Free