Did you enjoy that extra hour of sleep when the clocks fell back, or are you already missing that little bit of sunshine after work?
Either way, there’s plenty to brighten your weekend along …
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Did you enjoy that extra hour of sleep when the clocks fell back, or are you already missing that little bit of sunshine after work?
Either way, there’s plenty to brighten your weekend along the Gulf Coast.
We are cutting Kiddie Compass this week to add a couple of additional events to this list as well as the Veteran's Day events happening around the county (and beyond).
From medieval jousting and live music to local authors, handmade crafts and a fish fry, this weekend’s lineup offers something for every kind of adventurer. Hear the stories behind the songs at the Frank Brown Songwriters’ Festival, hunt for holiday treasures at a vintage and craft fair or spend the day exploring the Renaissance Faire. You can even pair your festival fun with an art exhibition, a homeownership class or a leisurely brunch with friends. So get ready to shake shake off the workweek, grab a jacket for those cooler fall mornings and make the most of November.
These events, along with many others happening throughout the region, appear on our Happenings pages as space permits and online at www.GulfCoastMedia.com/things-to-do-events. Most event coverage is published online in advance of the event, making it easier to plan ahead.
For the fastest placement, submit events to the online calendar at www.GulfCoastMedia.com/calendar. Calendar submissions are published the same day they are received and are considered for inclusion in print listings. Up to 10 events are selected each week for print publication.
What: Baldwin EMC will host its 21st annual Power of Giving Blood and Veterans Supply drive to help save lives and support local veterans. LifeSouth Community Blood Centers will collect blood donations while Baldwin EMC gathers supplies for veterans. All collected supplies will be donated to the William F. Green Veterans Home in Bay Minette. Blood donors must be in good health, at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. Participants must present a valid photo ID. Those with questions about eligibility can contact LifeSouth at (251) 621-9644. For more information, visit www.baldwinemc.com.
When: Thursday, Nov. 5, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Baldwin EMC Training Center, 19600 State Highway 59, Summerdale
Price: Free
What: The Lighthouse will host its annual Sunset Supper, bringing together staff, board members and community supporters for an evening benefiting the organization’s work to eliminate domestic violence and sexual assault through education, intervention, compassionate services and community collaboration. The event will feature silent and live auctions, live music, gourmet catering and a survivor sharing her story. Proceeds will support victims and survivors in Baldwin County and surrounding counties. For tickets and more information, visit www.thelighthouseabeacon.org.
When: Thursday, Nov. 5, 6 p.m.
Where: Belforest Pointe, Daphne
Price: See website for ticket information
What: The Friends of the Spanish Fort Public Library will host a three-day fundraiser featuring more than 17 local authors. Visitors can meet writers, discover new books and purchase signed copies directly from participating authors. The event celebrates local literary talent while raising funds to enhance library resources, support educational programming and promote reading throughout the community. Readers of all ages are encouraged to attend. For more information about the event or author participation, contact the Spanish Fort Public Library at (251) 410-7323 or email librarian@spanishfortal.gov. Contact the Friends of the Library at membersoffriendsofsfpl@gmail.com.
When: Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 5-7
Where: Spanish Fort City Hall Community Center, Spanish Fort
Price: Contact organizers for admission information
What: The 42nd annual Frank Brown Songwriters’ Festival will feature nationally acclaimed songwriters performing at venues along the Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast. The festival gives seasoned and aspiring songwriters and musicians from around the world an opportunity to share their music while allowing audiences to hear the stories behind the lyrics from the people who wrote them. Performances will take place at multiple venues during the festival’s 11 days, with shows scheduled at various locations Nov. 5-8 and performances taking place almost exclusively at festival headquarters, the Flora-Bama, Nov. 9-15. Multiple stages will offer opportunities to experience the festival throughout the event. Many performances are free, while some venues charge a cover fee and select shows require tickets. Visit www.frankbrownsongwriters.com for schedules, venue information and ticket details.
As an additional festival activity, the OWA Theater in Foley will host an exhibition and sale featuring original works by internationally recognized Alabama artists Fred Nall Hollis, known professionally as NALL, and Susan Nomberg McCollough. The exhibition will open in conjunction with the festival’s Artistic Social, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the artists’ contrasting styles and purchase original works. NALL (1948-2024) built a career spanning more than five decades across the United States and Europe, particularly France and Italy. His work includes painting, drawing, mosaics, sculpture and porcelain, with a style marked by intricate detail, symbolism and imagination. His legacy continues through the NALL Institute at Troy University. McCollough, an international artist based in Gulf Shores, is known for her Abstract Expressionist paintings, characterized by vibrant colors and imaginative compositions. Her work has been exhibited across four continents, and she received Art Tour International magazine’s Artist of the Year Award in 2017. The exhibition will be free and open to the public, although tickets are required for associated musical performances and catered dining. For more information, email info@thenallinstitute.com or call (334) 372-9228. Additional information is available at www.thenallinstitute.com and www.susannmccolloughart.media.
When: Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 5-8, at multiple venues; Monday-Sunday, Nov. 9-15, primarily at the Flora-Bama. The art exhibition opens Monday, Nov. 9, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., and continues Tuesday-Wednesday, Nov. 10-18, noon-5 p.m. daily.
Where: Various venues along the Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast, including the Flora-Bama. The art exhibition will be held at OWA Theater, 205-A N. OWA Blvd., Foley.
Price: Many festival performances are free, while some require cover charges or tickets. The art exhibition is free; tickets are required for associated musical performances and catered dining.
What: Swift-Coles Historic Home will host a vintage and craft fair featuring shopping opportunities, treats and tours of the historic house at half the regular admission price. The event offers visitors a chance to get a head start on Christmas shopping while browsing vintage items and handmade crafts. Vendor spaces are still available. To reserve a vendor spot, call (251) 256-9422.
When: Friday-Saturday, Nov. 6-7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Swift-Coles Historic Home, 17424 Swift Coles Lane, Bon Secour
Price: Reduced admission to tour the home; contact organizers for details
What: The Marietta Johnson School of Organic Education will open its Fairhope campus to the community for a Fall Festival celebrating more than 119 years of hands-on learning. The festival will feature baby goats, fall games, face painting, crafts, a silent auction, food and treats. Families can participate in an old-fashioned Cakewalk before gathering for a Lantern Walk through the school's wooded campus at sunset. Founded in Fairhope in 1907, the school emphasizes learning through play, creativity and outdoor exploration. The school currently serves students from pre-kindergarten through second grade. Admission is free, while advance activity tickets cost $20 for 25 tickets and tickets purchased at the event cost $1 each. Proceeds support the school's teachers and students. Advance tickets and RSVPs are available at www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/fall-festival-132.
When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 3-6 p.m.
Where: Marietta Johnson School of Organic Education, 8 Marietta Drive, Fairhope
Price: Free admission; advance activity tickets cost $20 for 25 tickets or $1 each at the event
What: The Mobile Symphony Orchestra will present Beethoven & Blue Jeans, a casual concert featuring two of Ludwig van Beethoven’s best-known works: Symphony No. 5 and Piano Concerto No. 5, known as the “Emperor” concerto. The program will also include Valerie Coleman’s “Seven O’Clock Shout,” a tribute to frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Music Director Scott Speck will lead the performances, featuring pianist Stewart Goodyear. Audience members are encouraged to wear jeans, although there is no dress code for orchestra concerts. Tickets and six-concert season subscriptions are available at www.mobilesymphony.org, by calling (251) 432-2010 or at the symphony box office, 257 Dauphin St., Mobile. Tickets are $25-$102, while season subscriptions are $132-$462. Student tickets are $10. Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can attend the Sunday performance free when accompanied by a paying adult through the Big Red Ticket program. Groups of 10 or more receive a 20% discount. The Saenger Theatre requires security screening for all patrons. Permitted bags include nonclear bags no larger than 5.5 by 8.5 by 2 inches, clear bags no larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches and medically necessary bags.
When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 8, 2:30 p.m.
Where: Saenger Theatre, 6 S. Joachim St., Mobile
Price: $25-$102; student tickets $10; Sunday admission is free for eligible students in kindergarten through 12th grade accompanied by a paying adult
What: The Mobile Renaissance Faire will bring medieval-inspired entertainment, live performances and family-friendly activities to the Gulf Coast across three weekends in November. Established in 2001 by Steve Melei, the Gulf Coast Renaissance Faire celebrates heritage through interactive attractions and historical traditions. Visitors are encouraged to wear costumes and enjoy full armor jousting, swordfighters, jesters, jugglers, firebreathers, musical minstrels, dancers, falconry demonstrations and magic performances. Other attractions include pirates, conquistadors, Wild West gunslingers, Civil War demonstrations, exotic birds, a petting zoo, games, rides, food and drinks. Guests can also meet Their Majesties and encounter a variety of characters. The outdoor event takes place rain or shine. Pets are not allowed. For details and tickets, visit www.gcrf.us.
When: Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 7-8, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Additional dates: 14-15 and 21-22
Where: 30569 Osprey Lane, Robertsdale
Price: $20 for adults, $10 for children; free for children 4 and younger. Bundles and discounts are available online.
What: The Baldwin County Commission, in partnership with Lifelines Counseling Services, will host a free homeownership education class for residents preparing to purchase a home. The session is open to applicants for the Baldwin County Homeownership Assistance Program as well as anyone interested in learning about the steps involved in becoming a homeowner. Preregistration is required. To reserve a spot, call Lifelines Counseling Services at (251) 602-0011.
When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 8:45 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Baldwin County Commission Auditorium, 22251 Palmer St., Robertsdale
Price: Free
What: St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church will host its Fall Bazaar and Fish Fry, featuring handmade crafts, Christmas ornaments, baked goods, plants and raffles. Fried fish plates will be available for purchase during the lunch hours. Each plate includes fish, three sides, a drink and dessert. Adult plates cost $10 and children’s plates cost $6.
When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; fish plates served 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 400 N. Alston St., Foley
Price: Free admission; fish plates are $10 for adults and $6 for children
What: Brunch Fest will bring together local restaurants, brunch lovers and supporters of Lifelines Counseling Services for an afternoon of food, drinks, music and shopping. The event will showcase Mobile’s food scene with restaurants serving signature brunch bites alongside mimosas, live music and a market featuring local and handmade goods. General admission tickets are $30 in advance and $35 on the day of the event. Limited VIB, or Very Important Bruncher, tickets include access to a private bar, complimentary catering, a brunch beverage, reserved seating and indoor restrooms inside the Fort Condé Inn. VIB tickets are $75 in advance and $85 on the day of the event. The event is limited to adults 21 and older. Guests must present valid identification. Children, strollers and pets are not permitted, and outside food and beverages are prohibited. Attendees are encouraged to drink responsibly. For tickets and more information, visit https://brunchfest.my.canva.site. Contact Lifelines Counseling Services at talmacarstarphen@gmail.com or (251) 333-8979.
When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Fort Condé Inn, 165 St. Emanuel St., Mobile
Price: General admission is $30 in advance and $35 on the day of the event; VIB tickets are $75 in advance and $85 on the day of the event
What: First Methodist Church of Summerdale will host a free communitywide Family Fun Day for children and their families. Activities will include games, prizes, crafts and an inflatable bounce house. Lunch will also be served. Children of all ages and their families are invited to attend. The event was originally scheduled for Oct. 3 but was postponed because of inclement weather. The church holds worship services at 10:30 a.m. Sundays.
When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: First Methodist Church of Summerdale, 402 W. Jackson St., Summerdale
Price: Free
