From thought-provoking talks and leadership training to food festivals, markets and community fundraisers, the weekend ahead is packed with things to do across Baldwin County.
This weekend, …
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From thought-provoking talks and leadership training to food festivals, markets and community fundraisers, the weekend ahead is packed with things to do across Baldwin County.
This weekend, residents will find no shortage of ways to get out and enjoy everything from trivia nights and art markets to bake sales, dog parades and live entertainment.
And not to toot our own horn, but we are especially looking forward to Thursday night’s GCM Best of Baldwin Red Carpet Event. While tickets are sold out, excitement is building as this year’s awards get ready to celebrate the people, places and businesses that make Baldwin County shine.
Once the red carpet wraps up, the rest of the weekend keeps the momentum going with a full slate of community events. Educational talks, leadership experiences, family-friendly festivals and local markets round out the schedule, making it an easy weekend to stay busy and support all the things that make our area unique.
If you know of an event coming up that deserves a spot here, send it my way. I'll do my best to share it. Email me at whisper@gulfcoastmedia.com. You can also add it to our online calendar at www.GulfCoastMedia.com/calendar.
What: The USA by the Bay Speaker Series will present a talk titled “Stories Matter in a Digital World” featuring Dr. Jocelyn Cullity, director of the Stokes Center for Creative Writing, and Dr. Ellen Burton Harrington, chair of the Department of English at the University of South Alabama. The discussion will explore how storytelling shapes human connection and attention in a digital age, drawing on works by Southern writers including Zora Neale Hurston and Harper Lee. Doors open at 5 p.m., followed by the talk and a reception. Seating is limited and advance registration is required. For details, visit https://southalabama.edu/SpeakerSeries.
When: Thursday, Feb. 5, 5:30 p.m.
Where: University of South Alabama Baldwin County Campus Performance Center, 111 Saint James Ave., Fairhope
Price: Free admission
What: Under His Wings Gulf Coast will host a half-day leadership conference designed for emerging and often overlooked leaders, including small business owners, nonprofit administrators, ministry directors, entrepreneurs and individuals reentering the workforce. The nationally recognized Live2Lead simulcast blends video-based teaching with interactive, in-person engagement and focuses on leadership growth, team development and purpose-driven work. Organizers describe the event as a high-value, low-cost opportunity to reconnect with the passion behind leadership roles. Advance registration is required. For information, visit www.underhiswingsgulfcoast.org/live-2-lead-event or purchase tickets at https://uhwfoundation.networkforgood.com/events/92985-live2lead. For nonprofit and ministry discounts, contact info@underhiswingsgulfcoast.org or call (251) 947-4673.
When: Friday, Feb. 6, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Where: Prodisee Pantry, 9315 Spanish Fort Blvd., Spanish Fort
Price: $60-$450
What: The Altar & Rosary Society at Our Lady of the Gulf Parish will host its annual bake sale featuring a wide selection of homemade items prepared by parishioners and volunteers. Offerings include pies, cookies, cakes, quiche, spaghetti sauce, chili and a variety of soups. Items will be sold while supplies last, and organizers encourage early arrival as popular items tend to sell out. Proceeds benefit parish ministries and charitable outreach programs. For information, contact Lucy Markel at (228) 216-2926 or email altarrosary@olgal.org. Additional parish information is available at www.olgal.org.
When: Saturday, Feb. 7, 8 a.m.-noon
Where: Our Lady of the Gulf Parish, 308 E. 22nd Ave., Gulf Shores
Price: Free admission
What: The Gulf Coast Arts Alliance will host its winter Art Market, bringing together local and regional artists for a day of shopping, creativity and community. Visitors can browse a wide range of original artwork and meet the artists behind the work, offering insight into the region’s creative scene. The nonprofit alliance supports and promotes the arts along the Alabama Gulf Coast through exhibitions, markets and educational programs. For information, email gulfcoastartsalliance@gmail.com or call (251) 948-2767.
When: Saturday, Feb. 7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Gulf Shores First Presbyterian Church, 225 E. 24th Ave., Gulf Shores
Price: Free admission
What: Sonora Masonic Lodge #635 F&AM will host a fried chicken dinner fundraiser supporting lodge operations, scholarships and community programs. Meals include fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, cole slaw, green beans and tea and dessert for dine-in guests. Delivery is available for multiple plate orders. For details, contact Dean Mott at edeanmott@gmail.com.
When: Saturday, Feb. 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. or until sold out
Where: Sonora Masonic Lodge, 202 E. Jackson St., Summerdale
Price: Adults $12, children $6
What: Mystic Mutts of Revelry will present its annual walking dog parade through downtown Fairhope benefitting The Haven No-Kill Animal Shelter. This year’s theme, “Paws of Oz – A Wicked Good Time,” encourages participants to dress their dogs and themselves in Oz- and Wicked-inspired Mardi Gras costumes. The parade will step off ahead of the KOER parade, with proceeds supporting shelter care, medical treatment and adoption services for homeless animals. For details, visit https://mysticmutts.org.
When: Saturday, Feb. 7, 3 p.m.
Where: Fairhoper’s Community Park, S. Church St. and Morphy Ave., Fairhope
Price: Registration required
What: Heritage Park will host two days of food, live music and family-friendly entertainment during the rescheduled Gumbo & Alabama Slammer Festival. The event features gumbo from Creole, Cajun and local chefs, along with beer, wine and other adult beverages. Activities include tribute bands, a Family Fun Zone, petting zoo, artists and crafters and contests offering $50 prizes. Previously purchased tickets will be refunded, while giveaway and radio contest tickets remain valid. The schedule is subject to change. For updates and details, visit www.beachlifeevents.com or find the festival on Facebook.
When: Saturday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Heritage Park, 200 N. McKenzie St., Foley
Price: Free admission
What: Knights of Columbus Fr. Ryan Council 2737 will host its 11th annual Team Trivia Fundraiser, one of the largest trivia competitions on the Eastern Shore. The evening begins with a catered pulled-pork barbecue dinner, followed by team trivia with cash prizes awarded to the top three teams. An optional 50/50 Split-the-Pot raffle will be available. Teams may include up to six players, and individuals without a team will be placed on one. Attendees must be 13 or older, with minors accompanied by an adult. Tickets have sold out in past years. Tickets are available by contacting Alan Carrio at (251) 689-7577, Tim Dees at (251) 654-1387 or the Christ the King church office. Details are available at www.kofc2737daphne.com.
When: Saturday, Feb. 7, dinner 6-6:45 p.m., trivia begins 7:15 p.m.
Where: Christ the King School gym, 1755 Main St., Daphne
Price: $30 advance, $35 at the door
What: The second annual Battle of the Bowls, presented by Hangout Hospitality Group and SUNNY 105.7-FM, will challenge local cooks to compete for the best chili, gumbo, stew or chowder. The foodie competition benefits The Sea Glass Initiative and includes live entertainment by Donerson Entertainment. Admission includes unlimited food sampling. For tickets, visit https://donorbox.org/events/895018.
When: Sunday, Feb. 8, noon-3 p.m.
Where: The Gulf Restaurant, 27500 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach
Price: $15
What: The Malbis Winter Market will feature more than 50 local vendors offering handmade goods, food and specialty items in a family-friendly outdoor setting. The event encourages shoppers to support local businesses while enjoying the historic surroundings of Malbis Nursery.
When: Sunday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Historic Malbis Nursery, 10145 U.S. 90, Daphne
Price: Free admission
