King cakes are baking, beads getting unboxed and everything is draped in purple, green and gold. Mardi Gras season is here.

Kick off the season with the first parade of the Alabama Gulf Coast Mardi Gras season on Dauphin Island. That is just one of many magnificent events happening this weekend. Shop local and regional artists at the first Gulf Coast Arts Alliance Art Market of the year. If you found old coins while gathering items for the E-Cycling and Shred Day, head to the Gold Coast Coin and Currency Show to learn more. Our final pick, Family Mardi Gras Day, is a terrific way to ease your family into Mardi Gras with fun crafts at the Mobile Museum of Art.

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.

January Art Market

• What: The Gulf Coast Arts Alliance is hosting its first Art Market of the year. If the weather isn't perfect, it's OK because this event is indoors. Local and regional artists will display their work and coffee and sweets will also be available.
• When: Saturday, Jan. 13, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Where: First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores, 309 East 31st Ave., Gulf Shores
• Price: Free to attend

Gold Coast Coin and Currency Show

• What: The South Baldwin Numismatic Society will hold its annual coin and currency show over two days. Dealers who deal in U.S. and international coins, currency, ephemera, jewelry, silver, gold and more will be present. If you have questions about coins or money you must bring them along and learn more about them.
• When: Saturday, Jan. 13 and Sunday, Jan. 14, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Where: Foley Civic Center, 1001 E. Pride Blvd., Foley
• Price: Free to attend

Family Mardi Gras Day

• What: Kick-off Mardi Gras season with the Mobile Museum of Art. Join the education team for a variety of art-making activities including mask-making and creating floats out of shoeboxes. Don't miss the second line and live music.
• When: Saturday, Jan. 13, 1-5 p.m.
• Where: Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Dr., Mobile
• Price: Free to attend

E-Cycling and Shred Day

• What: Let the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber shred away 2023 and start 2024 with a clean slate. Bring up to 50 lbs. of documents to shred and electronic items. For more information, visit www.mygulfcoastchamber.com.
• When: Saturday, Jan. 13, 8 a.m. - noon
• Where: Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion parking lot, 22250 E. Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores
• Price: Free to attend