Baldwin County communities are set to offer a full slate of public events spanning history, music, outdoor education and family gatherings this weekend.
From guided nature walks and author …
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Baldwin County communities are set to offer a full slate of public events spanning history, music, outdoor education and family gatherings this weekend.
From guided nature walks and author presentations to live performances and local festivals, residents will have a range of opportunities to engage with cultural, educational and recreational programming across Fairhope, Elberta, Gulf Shores and nearby areas.
Highlights include a Gulf Coast history presentation at the Fairhope Public Library, the return of the Eastern Shore Chamber Music Festival’s summer series and multiple community festivals featuring food, music and local vendors. Outdoor enthusiasts can join a guided pitcher plant bog walk, while families and visitors can also take part in events such as the Elberta Foundation Hall unveiling, a pier picnic in Gulf Shores and a wedding showcase at Songbird Ranch.
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: Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve will host a guided walk through its pitcher plant bog led by an educator. The one-hour walk will highlight unique plants and wildlife found in the habitat. Attendees are encouraged to bring water, sunscreen and bug spray. For more information, call (251) 928-9792 or email kathy.hicks@dcnr.alabama.gov.
When: Thursday, May 28, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, 11300 U.S. Highway 98, Fairhope
Price: Free admission
What: Author and historian Mike Bunn will present the story of the Gulf Coast during America’s Revolutionary era at the Fairhope Public Library. Bunn’s presentation explores what he calls the “forgotten Fourteenth Colony,” featuring the political struggles, colorful figures and battles that shaped the Gulf South during the British period. Bunn is the author or co-author of more than a dozen books including “Fourteenth Colony: The Forgotten Story of the Gulf South During America’s Revolutionary Era,” which earned the NSDAR Excellence in American History Award. He currently serves as director of Historic Blakeley State Park in Spanish Fort and is involved with several historical organizations across Alabama. For more information, visit https://fairhopelibrary.org.
When: Thursday, May 28, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope
Price: Free admission
What: The Eastern Shore Chamber Music Festival will present nine chamber music concerts over three weekends featuring performances at venues across the Eastern Shore including St. James Episcopal Church, the Baldwin County Performing Arts Center, St. Francis at the Point Anglican Church and the Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship. Friday and Saturday concerts begin at 7 p.m. and Sunday concerts begin at 2:30 p.m. The festival will also offer educational opportunities for young musicians including a “Cello Day” workshop June 3, an interactive event at the Fairhope Public Library on June 6 and a weeklong chamber music workshop in collaboration with the Mobile Symphony Education Department. For more information, visit www.escmf.org.
When: Friday, May 29-Sunday, May 31
Where: Multiple venues across the Eastern Shore
Price: Free admission
What: VFW Post 5660 will host the “Cars and Crawfish” event featuring a car show, crawfish plates and family-friendly activities. Crawfish plates will be available for purchase for $20 for 2 pounds with corn and potatoes or $25 for 3 pounds with corn and potatoes. Fat Boys Grilling will provide food service, Azalea City Snow will offer snow cones and Gulf Distributing will provide beverage tastings for adults. Additional activities are also planned.
When: Saturday, May 30, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: VFW Post 5660, 950 Nichols Ave., Fairhope
Price: Free admission
What: The annual Pier Picnic hosted by Lisa Lawrence will celebrate a longtime Gulf Shores fishing community tradition that began decades ago with Linda Lindy. Guests can enjoy food, fellowship and a community fishing tournament and fundraiser benefiting 4-year-old Gardner Kesterson, who is battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Setup begins at 11:30 a.m. with a blessing and meal to follow at noon. More information about the tournament and fundraiser is available on the 2026 Pier Picnic Facebook page.
When: Saturday, May 30, noon
Where: 20800 E. Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores
Price: Free admission
What: The Elberta Public Library will host the unveiling of Elberta’s Foundation Hall featuring a pictorial journey through the town’s early history from 1903 through the 1950s. The display is designed to help preserve Elberta’s rich community history. Light refreshments will be served.
When: Sunday, May 31, 2-4 p.m.
Where: Elberta Public Library, 13062 Main St., Elberta
Price: Free admission
What: Songbird Ranch will host “Sunday at Songbird,” a wedding showcase designed for engaged couples planning their weddings. Guests can tour the venue, meet local wedding professionals, gather inspiration and view the space set up for a wedding. Attendees are encouraged to bring family members, friends or wedding party members. Couples attending will also have the opportunity to enter giveaways during the showcase and must be present to win. For more information, visit http://tinyurl.com/songbirdranch.
When: Sunday, May 31, 2-5 p.m.
Where: Songbird Ranch, 10504 Happy Trails Drive, Fairhope
Price: Free admission
