Happy February everyone. This month is kicking off with a full slate of events and Mardi Gras parades to keep you busy all weekend long. Our top five events that you shouldn't miss this weekend range from a book sale to the Senior Bowl and everything inbetween. Need more event suggestions? Check out the Event Calendar at GulfCoastMedia.com for events happening across the Gulf Coast.

When you are trying to decide what Mardi Gras parades to attend this weekend consider Elberta. This year Elberta will hold its first Mardi Gras parade Saturday, Feb. 4, at 2 p.m. It should be a good time for the whole family.

Friends of Foley Public Library Annual Book Sale
What: Looking to add to your book collection? The Friends of Foley Public Library will hold their annual book sale this weekend. The sale will feature 12,000 books, music CDs and DVDs, vinyl records and more. Members of Foley Library Friends get first pick Feb. 2, from 1-4 p.m.
When: Friday, Feb. 3, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 4, from 9 a.m. to noon

Where: Foley Civic Center, 407 E. Laurel Ave., Foley
Price: Free to attend

Battlefield Blitz
What: Get out and take a trail run through Blakely State Park with hundreds of friends. The Battlefield Blitz 5K and Fun Run is an annual fundraiser directly benefiting park programming and special projects. It's also a fun way to see the park.
When: Saturday, Feb. 4, at 8 a.m.

Where: Blakeley State Park, 34745 State Hwy 225, Spanish Fort
Price: Adults $20 and $15 for children 12 and under

Senior Bowl 2023
What: See the biggest stars of college football play in Mobile. To purchase tickets, visit www.seniorbowl.com.
When: Saturday, Feb. 4 at 1:30 p.m.

Where: Hancock Whitney Stadium, 500 Stadium Drive, Mobile
Price: Ticket prices range from $15 to $55

Mako Masquerade Ball and Drawdown
What: The Makos Academics, Arts and Athletics Club (MAAAC) Annual Drawdown is always a good time for a great cause. The 2023 Masquerade Ball will feature entertainment by Fly by Radio and catering by Wolf Bay. Tickets are on sale now, visit www.obmaaac.org.
When: Saturday, Feb. 4, 6 p.m.

Where: Orange Beach Event Center, 4671 Wharf Pkwy, Orange Beach
Price: Tickets are $75 per person. Tables are also available.

Sketch Day at History Museum of Mobile
What: Grab your sketch pad and enjoy a day of sketching among the exhibits of the History Museum of Mobile including the "Dressing the Abbey" exhibit which features the iconic wardrobe of the "Downton Abbey" television series. This event falls on the museum's "Free First Sunday."
When: Sunday, Feb. 5, 2-4 p.m.

Where: History Museum of Mobile, 111 S. Royal St., Mobile
Price: Free to attend

This weekend's Mardi Gras Parades:

Friday, Feb. 3
Mobile – 6:30 p.m., Conde Cavaliers (Route A)

Saturday, Feb. 4
Elberta – 2 p.m.
Mobile – 2 p.m., Bayport Parading Society, Mystic DJ Riders (Route A)
Mobile – 2 p.m., Order of Rolling River (Dauphin Island Parkway)
Mobile – 6:30 p.m., Pharaohs, Conde Explorers (Route A)

Sunday, Feb. 5
Dauphin Island – 6:30 p.m., Massacre Island Secret Society