Ready to trade the couch for a little community fun? This weekend’s lineup has plenty of reasons to get out and about, whether that means playing “recess” as a grown-up in downtown Foley, …
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Ready to trade the couch for a little community fun?
This weekend’s lineup has plenty of reasons to get out and about, whether that means playing “recess” as a grown-up in downtown Foley, shopping for a new leafy friend at Plantapalooza or admiring rows of classic cars at Freedom Fest. There’s also live music, food, young entrepreneurs showing off their business savvy and plenty of opportunities to make a day of it. In short, there’s something for nearly every kind of weekend wanderer — even the ones who insist they’re “just going to stay home.”
And if fun isn’t enough motivation, there are also a few chances to do some good while you’re out. Volunteers can help clean up Alabama’s coastline during the annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup, while other events bring neighbors together over food, fellowship and local talent. So grab some friends, round up the family or simply give yourself permission to have plans for a change. The calendar is full, the community is calling and the couch will still be there when you get back.
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: Foley Main Street will host its monthly Third Thursday event in downtown Foley. The September event, themed “Recess for Grown-ups” and “Too Cool for School,” will offer adults a chance to enjoy art, refreshments, fashion and fun. Participating businesses will offer discounts, free samples and drawings. The event is geared toward the 21-and-older crowd. For a list of participating businesses and more information, visit www.foleymainstreet.com/third-thursday/.
When: Thursday, Sept. 17, 5-7 p.m.
Where: Downtown Foley
Price: Free admission
What: Volunteers are invited to participate in the 39th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup, Alabama’s largest single-day volunteer cleanup event. The cleanup will take place across 33 zones in Baldwin, Mobile and Escambia counties. Volunteers will help remove marine debris from beaches, roadways, bayous, backwaters and other coastal areas. Cleanup supplies, including trash grabbers, large trash bags, recycling bags and gloves, will be provided by zone coordinators. A limited number of T-shirts, scout badges and window decals will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants will collect and record data on marine debris, with recyclable plastic bottles and aluminum cans being recycled when possible. Since 1987, more than 115,000 volunteers have participated in the Alabama Coastal Cleanup and removed 900 tons of marine debris. For information about participating, cleanup zones, zone captains, start times and safety tips, visit https://AlabamaCoastalCleanup.com or call (251) 621-1216. The Alabama Coastal Cleanup is coordinated by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ State Lands Division and Alabama People Against a Littered State. More information about Alabama PALS is available at https://alpals.org. The event is part of the International Coastal Cleanup, an effort to remove marine debris from coastal waters around the world.
When: Saturday, Sept. 19, 8 a.m.-noon
Where: 33 cleanup zones throughout Baldwin, Mobile and Escambia counties
Price: Free
What: The City of Mobile will host a Young Entrepreneur Showcase at the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf, giving young business owners an opportunity to showcase their creativity. Youth ages 5-17 may sell handmade products, offer professional services or share their business ideas. Participants ages 14-17 may also compete in a pitch competition for a chance to win prizes. The event will also feature live music, face painting, shopping and activities for all ages. For more information, visit https://cityofmobile.gov/events.
When: Saturday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: National Maritime Museum of the Gulf, 155 S. Water St., Mobile
Price: Contact the City of Mobile for pricing and details
What: The sixth annual Orange Beach Freedom Fest and Bama Coast Cruisin’ Fall Car Show will feature a weekend of patriotic activities, classic and vintage vehicles, live music, arts and crafts vendors, outdoor experience booths, military displays, food vendors and a Kids’ Zone. The Flora-Bama/CoastAL Music Stage will feature Tim Roberts, Trent Brownlee, Mike Diamond Duo and Dalton Bush Band on Saturday and Brent Varner Duo and Ryan Dyer Band on Sunday. A motorcycle and Jeep rally will take place Saturday, including a beach cruise at noon. Bama Coast Cruisin’ participants will hold a parade to the beach Sunday afternoon. Ozzy’s Truck, a custom 1983 Chevrolet Scottsdale built in memory of U.S. Navy veteran Jeffery “Ozzy” Otzwirk, will make a special appearance. The truck serves as a platform for promoting mental health awareness, suicide prevention, friendship and remembrance. The nonprofit Gulf Coast Gun Collectors Association’s Collectible Firearms Show will also be held during the weekend at the Orange Beach Event Center, with admission required for that event. The Freedom Fest and Bama Coast Cruisin’ car show are free to the public. Free shuttles will run from Orange Beach Middle/High School on both days, with pickup at the school bell tower and drop-off at the front circle on Main Street at The Wharf. On Saturday, volunteers will assist with parking and donations will be accepted to support Orange Beach schools. Visitors can also stop by Ozzy’s Truck to learn more about its story and its message of mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
When: Saturday, Sept. 19, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 20, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: The Wharf, Orange Beach
Price: Free admission to Freedom Fest and the Bama Coast Cruisin’ car show; admission required for the Collectible Firearms Show
What: Pensacola Plantapalooza will return for its 10th biannual event, featuring plant vendors, botanical products and plant-related goods. Attendees can shop with plant dealers and botanical vendors and enjoy multiple food trucks. Gary’s Brewery & Biergarten will offer its Plantapalooza Pale Ale. The event is pet- and child-friendly. For more information and vendor updates, follow Pensacola Plantapalooza.
When: Saturday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Gary’s Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave., Pensacola
Price: Free admission
What: Pensacola ComposerFest XXI will feature original music by mostly local and regional composers, many of whom will attend the concert. The program will provide an opportunity to hear a variety of new music written by contemporary composers, with many of the works expected to be world premieres. For more information, call (850) 484-1847.
When: Sunday, Sept. 20, 2:30 p.m.
Where: Ashmore Fine Arts Auditorium, Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd., Building 8, Pensacola
Price: Free admission
What: Redeemer Lutheran Church will host a fall potluck featuring food, fellowship and fun. Attendees are invited to bring a favorite dish to share and enjoy a meal and fellowship with friends and members of the church.
When: Sunday, Sept. 20, 5-7 p.m.
Where: Redeemer Lutheran Church, 200 S. Section St., Fairhope
Price: Free admission; bring a potluck dish
