The What's Happening section has moved to the Wednesday edition to make sure our readers have plenty of time to make weekend plans.
Speaking of weekend plans, this is a big weekend on the Gulf Coast. The 20th Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival kicks off Thursday evening at OWA in Foley and the Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre's annual Theatre on the Bluff begins Thursday as well. If you are a fly fisherman or desire to be one, head to Gulf State Park's Learning Campus and the two-day Fly-Fishing Festival. In Robertsdale, monster truck fans will go wild for the 2X Monster Trucks Live show. The barbecue fans will delight in a day at Battleship Park for the Gulf Coast BBQ Championship. In addition to all the happenings on the Gulf Coast, this Saturday is the Kentucky Derby and Sunday is Cinco de Mayo so that means a mint julep Saturday and a margarita Sunday.
If our list missed the mark for you, visit our event calendar at www.GulfCoastMedia.com for more events happening this weekend or beyond. Search for events by distance from your home city or vacation spot.
Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival
- What: Watch as hot air balloons take flight over Baldwin County at the annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival. This year marks the 20th anniversary of this wildly popular festival. Enjoy live entertainment, artisans, children's activities, food and more.
- When: Thursday, May 2, from 4-9 p.m. and Friday, May 3, - Saturday, May 4, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Where: OWA Parks & Resort, 100 N. OWA Blvd., Foley
- Price: Free to attend
ESRT Theatre on the Bluff
- What: For the 11th year, Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre presents Theatre on the Bluff. This year's performance is Andrew Lloyd Webber's record-breaking musical "Cats." Pack a picnic, blanket and lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of theater under the stars. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.easternshorerep.org. Tickets, if still available, will also be available for purchase at the gate.
- When: Thursday, May 2 – Saturday, May 4, 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Henry George Park, Fairhope
- Price: $25 for general admission
Gulf Coast Classic Fly-Fishing Festival
- What: The Gulf Coast Council of Fly Fishers International is set to host its inaugural Gulf Coast Classic, a fly-fishing festival. The event will include seminars on fishing locations, tackle and multiple species; exhibitors and vendors; fly fishing demonstrations and workshops. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.ffigulfcoastclassic.com.
- When: Friday, May 3 through Saturday, May 4, times vary
- Where: Learning Campus at Gulf State Park, 20249A State Park Road, Gulf Shores
- Price: Ticket prices vary. Single-day adult admission is $10, single-day family admission is $15 and children ages 16 and under are free.
2X Monster Trucks Live
- What: The 2X Monster Truck Tour is roaring into Robertsdale with some big names in the monster truck world. Don't miss your chance to see icon Dennis Anderson in King Sling, Bounty Hunter, Scarlet Bandit, Hot Tamale and Shark Bite. To purchase tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com.
- When: Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- Where: Baldwin County Coliseum, 19455 Fairground Road, Robertsdale
- Price: $15
The Gulf Coast BBQ Championship
- What: The Gulf Coast BBQ Championship is a backyard barbecue cook-off sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society. General admission tickets include entry into the event, one People's Choice Award vote, unlimited barbecue samples from the competition teams, live music and activities. Beverages will be available for purchase and food trucks will be on-site for additional food purchases. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://tinyurl.com/yf4fb6ed.
- When: Saturday, May 4, 11 a.m.
- Where: USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Pkwy., Mobile
- Price: General admission is $20
