Festival season is in full swing and the countdown to some of Baldwin County’s most anticipated events is on. Last week the Baldwin County Strawberry Festival was teased and now the wait is almost …
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Festival season is in full swing and the countdown to some of Baldwin County’s most anticipated events is on.
Last week the Baldwin County Strawberry Festival was teased and now the wait is almost over, with dozens of exciting happenings across the area. From hands-on wildlife and forestry programs to high-speed sailboat races, classic car shows, historical tours and live music, there is something for every interest and age.
With so many spring festivals and events packed into the coming weeks, Kiddie Compass will be skipped this week to bring readers a closer look at some of the most anticipated happenings.
Whether planning a family outing, a solo adventure or a gathering with friends, these events offer a chance to explore local culture, celebrate community and enjoy the best of springtime on the Gulf Coast. Mark calendars, grab sunscreen and walking shoes and get ready to make memories.
If you would like to see your event included in future listings, submit it at www.GulfCoastMedia.com/calendar. Up to 10 events are selected each week.
What: Alabama Cooperative Extension System presents Dig In and Discover: Wildlife and Forestry to explore the animals that call the Auburn Research Farm home. In celebration of National Gopher Tortoise Day, participants can see where gopher tortoises live and learn about other wildlife that use abandoned tortoise burrows as habitat. Visitors can discover forest management practices researchers and Auburn Extension Agents use on-site to maintain and improve forest health. Registration is required at www.aces.edu/event/dig-in-and-discover-wildlife-and-forestry/.
When: Thursday, April 9, 5:30-7 p.m.
Where: Gulf Coast Research & Extension Center, 8300 Highway 104, Fairhope
Price: Free
What: The Alabama Historical Association holds its 78th Annual Meeting with presentations from historians, guided and self-guided historic tours, keynote addresses and an awards banquet. Pre-meeting tours include the Baldwin County Training School, Daphne History Museum, Douglasville High School Museum and Fairhope Storybook Castles. Friday’s program highlights Fairhope’s African American history, tours of local landmarks and presentations on maritime and genealogical history. Saturday sessions include panels on public history and paper presentations. For more information or registration, visit www.alabamahistory.net.
When: Thursday-Saturday, April 9-11
Where: Coastal Alabama Community College, 450 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope
Price: Varies by registration
What: Baldwin County Master Gardeners will hold their annual Spring Plant Sale, featuring shrubs, trees, perennials, herbs and native plant species. Shopping carts are limited, so visitors are encouraged to bring their own if possible. Proceeds support educational outreach projects, scholarships and the statewide Master Gardener Helpline. More information available at baldwincountymastergardeners.com or call (877) 252-4769.
When: Thursday-Saturday, April 9-11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: 11401 Highway 98, across from Weeks Bay Reserve, just west of the Weeks Bay Bridge
Price: Free
What: Co-hosted by BCA and Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries, this annual week-long event monitors migratory birds at an important Gulf Coast stopover. Visitors should bring bug spray, sunscreen, water, snacks and chairs. Closed-toe shoes are recommended. Email kyle@bandingcoalition.org for accessibility accommodations or group visits. No entry fee but donations are welcome. More information at www.bandingcoalition.org/events.
When: Friday-Sunday, April 10-12, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Across from the Goat Tree Reserve, corner of Cadillac Avenue and Grant Street, Dauphin Island. Parking and restrooms at 661 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin Island.
Price: Free, donations welcome
What: Performance Regattas presents the Fast Eddie Cup, featuring high-performance foiling sailboats competing in short, high-speed heats for cash prizes. Fans can watch from the Fairhope Municipal Pier. The tournament is open to sailors age 15 and older with an adult for minors. Registration at performanceregattas.us.
When: Friday-Sunday, April 10-12; Friday 2-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Fairhope Municipal Pier
Price: Free to watch
What: American Legion Post #199 hosts the first Bike Night of the year with live music, raffles, a 50/50 drawing and food from the post restaurant. The Tiki Bar will be open. Event is open to the public.
When: Friday, April 10, 5-9 p.m.
Where: American Legion Post #199, 700 S. Mobile Street, Fairhope
Price: Free
What: Gulf Coast Regional Mustang Club presents the 46th annual Gulf Coast Regional Mustang & Mega Car Show, featuring mustangs, trucks, motorcycles and mega cars. Day-of registration is $40, pre-registration is $35. Proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities. Vehicle judging is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and awards ceremony 3-4 p.m. More information at https://visitowa.com/gulf-coast-regional-mustang-mega-car-show/.
When: Saturday, April 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Downtown OWA
Price: Free to attend
What: Baldwin Bengals, the LSU Alumni Chapter Eastern Shore, hosts Boil on the Bay with authentic Louisiana crawfish, live music, family-friendly activities and LSU merchandise sales. Funds support scholarships for Baldwin County students attending LSU. Tickets at www.eventbrite.com/e/boil-on-the-bay-scholarship-fundraiser-tickets-1974938041847?aff=oddtdtcreator or contact Bettsie Norton at baldinbengals@gmail.com or (225) 252-8993.
When: Saturday, April 11, 4-7 p.m.
Where: Halstead Amphitheater, downtown Fairhope
Price: Varies
What: Downtown Foley Historical Society offers free walking tours of downtown Foley, including the historic Welcome Center, L&N Railroad Depot, Centennial Plaza, Holk Building, Magnolia Hotel and Holmes Medical Museum. Tours explore over a century of local history.
When: Saturday, April 11, 10-11 a.m.
Where: 104 N. McKenzie Street, Foley
Price: Free
What: Baldwin County Strawberry Festival returns with fresh strawberries, carnival rides, arts and crafts, live music and strawberry shortcake. Proceeds benefit Loxley Elementary School and ARC Baldwin County. More information at https://baldwincountystrawberryfestival.org.
When: Saturday-Sunday, April 11-12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Loxley
Price: Free
