Winter has arrived, but there are some fun ways to stay busy indoors.
Another weekend brings another diverse lineup of events to experience, from Orange Beach to Dauphin Island and everywhere in between. Kick off the weekend with a cooking lesson from the Cajun Ninja. The word on the street is he is not here to ninja, just teach interested locals how to make bread pudding and gumbo. While we are on the topic of food, the King Cake-Off is this weekend. The event, in its sixth year, is a fun way to discover all the king cakes available in the area and find your favorite. If finding a new hobby was a New Year's resolution, head to the Mobile Museum of Art to learn hand quilting techniques.
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.
Cooking with the Cajun Ninja
- What: Master bread pudding with Rum sauce with the Cajun Ninja at Rouses Market in Orange Beach.
- When: Friday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m. to noon
- Where: Rouses Market Orange Beach, 25405 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach
King Cake-Off 2024
- What: If you are looking to find your favorite king cake, this event is for you. The sixth-annual King Cake-Off brings together king cake makers from local bakeries and grocery stores to restaurants. Sample all the variations of king cake, vote for your favorite and see who reigns supreme. The event benefits the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Central Gulf Coast. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.centralgulfbbbs.org.
- When: Friday, Jan. 19, 5-7:30 p.m.
- Where: Mobile Civic Center Expo Hall, 401 Civic Center Drive, Mobile
- Price: Tickets are $15 in advance for adults and $5 for children
Cooking with the Cajun Ninja
- What: How is your gumbo game? If you are looking to take it up a notch or get some tips, head to Rouses Market Gulf Shores and learn from the Cajun Ninja. He will be sharing the art of making chicken and sausage gumbo just in time for the chilly weather and Mardi Gras.
- When: Saturday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m. to noon
- Where: Rouses Market Gulf Shores, 1545 Gulf Shores Pkwy., Gulf Shores
Hand Quilting Techniques Workshop
- What: Aaron Sanders Head is a textile artist from Southern Alabama. He will lead participants in a workshop to learn the basics of hand-quilting stitch, simple hand-piecing and hand-applique. Participants will leave with a healthy start on a pieced and appliqued quilt, or in some instances a finished piece. For more information or to register, visit www.mobilemuseumofart.com.
- When: Saturday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where: Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Drive, Mobile
- Price: $10 for non-members and $5 for members
The Vikings of Massacre Island
- What: Enjoy a day of reenactment as the Viking warriors invade Massacre Island and claim it for Daneland. The fun takes over Fort Gaines and the day is filled with competitions and demonstrations ranging from an archery competition to obstacle course competition.
- When: Saturday, Jan. 20, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 21, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Where: Fort Gaines Historical Site, 51 Bienville Blvd., Dauphine Island
- Price: Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children
Brides Just Wanna Have Fun Winter Bridal Expo
- What: Did you get an engagement ring over the holidays? Start your wedding planning at the 13th-annual Brides Just Wanna Have Fun Winter Bridal Expo. Get ideas for the fashion you envision for your engagement party to your wedding day during the fashion show. The day also includes door prizes. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Eventbrite.com.
- When: Sunday, Jan. 21, 1-4 p.m.
- Where: Fairhope Civic Center, 161 N. Section St., Fairhope
- Price: Tickets range from $10 - $30