NATURE WALKHosted by Child of the Wild  Join the us this Spring for relaxed, family-friendly Nature Walks with Child of the Wild, a local Mobile organization dedicated to helping children and families reconnect with the outdoors through exploration, play, and curiosity. Our programs are inspired by the forest school philosophy, encouraging child-led discovery, hands-on learning, and meaningful time spent in nature.  WHO:Children with their parent or caregiver. No outdoor experience is required—just bring curiosity, comfortable shoes, filled water bottle, and a willingness to explore.  WHAT:We will meet at a local nature space and take a short, easy walk together. Along the way, children and families will have the opportunity to:* Explore the plants, animals, and habitats around us* Engage in unstructured nature play* Follow curiosity wherever it leads* Connect with other families who love spending time outdoorsThese walks are relaxed and welcoming—less of a structured hike and more of a chance to slow down, notice the natural world, and let kids be kids outside.  Thunderstorm/Lightning or other Severe Weather cancels event  This location has a playground, picnic tables, pavilions, exercise equipment, splash pad, and a creek plus restrooms and also lots of green space with trees.  Please RSVP to let us know you’ll be there.  Spring DatesWednesdays • 5:00p–6:00(ish)p* April 1* April 29* May 27We will Gather Round and hit the trail at 5:10p. Depending on the location and trail, hikes will last about one hour.  This event is parent/caregiver participatory. You must remain on premises for the duration of the event. By attending, you agree that you are solely responsible for the safety and supervision of your child throughout the entirety of the event.

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!

On Friday, May1st, stop by the community room between 1:30 and 4:30 pm to make a special gift for mom! For lap babies to 5th grade!

Join us to create your own custom art out of books!

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!

Join us for an evening as CHCA Performing Arts presents: The Sound of Music: Youth Edition Come support our students as they bring this beloved story to life on stage! When:Thursday, April 30 at 6:00 PMFriday, May 1 at 6:00 PM Where:Cottage Hill Baptist Church – Worship Center Tickets:Thursday: gofan.co/event/6347951?schoolId=AL13500Friday: gofan.co/event/6347966?schoolId=AL13500

Join us for Thrive Women’s Conference on May 1st!  Invite your friends and family for a night of worship, an empowering word, and lots of fun. There will be a free gift for everyone who attends, vendors, merch, dessert bar, and more! Guest Speaker: Brittany Jones. Brittany is a national speaker, writer, master’s student, and ministry leader at her church. She is passionate about seeing people live in freedom and wholeness as they heal from past trauma and mental health struggles. In light of Brittany’s story with childhood abuse and mental illness, she has a greater desire to encourage people on their journey. To order your $20 ticket, visit theawakenchurch.com/events. We can’t wait to see you there!

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.

UPDATE: Market in the Park will be moved to the James Seals Community Center on Saturday, May 2 due to the weather forecast.  Shop fresh, local, and handmade items every Saturday from April 25 through June 27 at Market in the Park! Farmers, artisans, and food vendors will offer a variety of seasonal produce, seafood, baked goods, art and more from 7:30 a.m. to noon in Cathedral Square.  We're proud to support our community with a selection of vendors who accept Senior Farmer's Market Nutritional Program (SFMNP) benefits. Plus, there will be live entertainment to enjoy in the park while you shop.

Join us Saturday, May 2nd for a fun filled morning that will include a car show, vendors, concessions, and a softball tournament! All proceeds of the day will support students going to church camp this summer. Want to enter a car or vendor booth? Contact us for registration information!

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 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm for family friendly activities in the Garden! Build with LEGOs outside, use your five senses to learn about herbs, make a nature craft and explore the garden with a brand new scavenger hunt! First Saturday is included with general admission ($10 adults, $6 youth, free for ages 4 and under) and free for MBG members.

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!

Our community is coming together to celebrate May Day on Saturday, May 2nd, from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. This event will bring us together in a way that harks back to days gone by. Come and join the celebration! The Anna T. Jeanes School was the first African American school in Fairhope. For generations, it served as a gathering place for May Day celebrations. This event epitomized unity, cultural pride, and youth engagement within the community. Hope Community is reviving this cherished tradition to honor our elders and educate the community on its historical significance. The May 2nd celebration will encompass traditional maypole wrapping for the young and the not so young. The festivities will also include field games, face painting, a cake walk, a clown, popcorn, and cotton candy. The Pathway to Peace Choir will provide entertainment from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. A DJ will play all kinds of tunes to encourage foot tapping and line dancing! Everyone is encouraged to bring a picnic and their own chairs. Free hamburgers and hot dogs will be available on a limited basis. Date: May 2, 2026 Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Rain Date: May 9, 2026) Location: Anna T. Jeanes School property, 6925 Twin Beech Rd, Fairhope, AL

The Tanner Williams Civic & Historical Society hosts the Annual Tanner Williams May Day Festival on the first Saturday of May at Tanner Williams Community Park. Enjoy the traditional May Pole Dance, local vendors, fresh-off-the-grill foods at the concession stand, kids activities, the crowning of the May Day Court and Little Mister & Miss Tanner Williams Pageant, and more! Admission is FREE! Please send us a message if you are interested in adding to our event by being a vendor, volunteering, bringing a vintage car or tractor, providing kids activities, or entering your child in May Queen and King (K5-5th grade)/Little Mr. & Miss Tanner Williams (4 and under)

Join us at our newest location to celebrate Free Comic Book Day! This is our biggest event each year and we cant wait to see you there! Check back here for details on sales we will be having as well as special guest announcements!

We are thrilled to announce that Puppy Palooza 2026 will benefit the Baldwin Humane Society! The Baldwin Humane Society is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that is committed to improving the lives of dogs and pets in need by rescuing, rehabilitation, and finding forever homes for hundreds of abused, abandoned and neglected pets annually.Banfie!Puppy Palooza will include live music, a fido marketplace, doggyHOSPITactivities, pop-up vendors, k9 splash zone, and much more! There is something for the whole family, two legged and four legged alike! You don't want to miss it