Whether you like dogs, Jimmy Buffett, comics and movies, kickball or giving back to the community, there is something fun for you to do this weekend.
Take a day trip and visit Mobile as flocks of Parrot Heads convene to pay tribute to the Gulf Coast's musical icon or to see stars of some of your favorite movies and TV shows. A kickball tournament will keep you moving, and a golf tournament will give back to those in need. People will also be gathering all over Baldwin and Mobile counties to clean up trash from our waterways and roads.
For more events happening this weekend and beyond, check out our event calendar at www.GulfCoastMedia.com/calendar. There, you can find events near you or your vacation spot. If you know of an event that should be listed, email us at pressrelease@gulfcoastmedia.com.
What: Each fall, the City of Gulf Shores hosts its Sunset Series on the Town Green at Gulf Place. These free concerts consist of two hours of live free music overlooking beautiful white-sand beaches at sunset. The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber is typically on site, selling beverages for all ages to enjoy, as well as a food truck for patrons wishing to purchase food. This week will feature The Andrew Weaver Band. For more information, call (251) 968-1171 or go to https://gulfshoresal.gov/specialevents.
When: Thursday, Sept. 19, 6 p.m.
Where: Gulf Place, 101 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores
Cost: Free to attend
What: The City of Mobile will serve as the destination for flocks of Parrot Heads and visitors for the inaugural Son of a Sailor Fest, a tribute and sailor's salute to Jimmy Buffett and Gulf Coast music. This family-friendly street festival will feature a second-line parade, Parrot Head costume contests and musical acts inspired by Jimmy Buffett and the area's unique coastal culture. The headlining act of Son of a Sailor Fest, or S.O.S. Fest, is A1A, the official Jimmy Buffett tribute show. The event's committee recently announced the addition of Will Kimbrough, an honorary Coral Reefer, writer and performer featured on every Jimmy Buffett studio album recorded in the last 20 years. For more information go to www.sos-fest.com.
When: Saturday, Sept. 21, noon to 10 p.m.
Where: Cathedral Square, downtown Mobile entertainment district
Cost: Free to attend
What: If you're in the mood for a tail-wagging, howling good time, this Kiwanis Club of Bay Minette event is for you. The event will feature a variety of activities, including outdoor games and refreshments for purchase. One of the main attractions will be the Paw Pageant, where furry participants will compete in categories such as Best Dressed, Most Creative Costume and Best Owner/Canine Look-Alike. A $10 entry fee applies for those wanting to showcase their pups in the pageant. Attendees are encouraged to bring donations of dog or cat treats, which will benefit the local animal shelter. To register as a vendor or enter the Paw Pageant, call Courtney Willcox at (205) 767-7174 or email cwillcoxjd19@gmail.com, or call Martha Ryan at (251) 509-3309 or email at mryan9451@gmail.com.
When: Saturday, Sept. 21, 9-11:30 a.m.
Where: Blackburn Park, at the corner of South Hoyle Avenue and First Street, Bay Minette
Cost: Free to attend
What: Get ready to go back to your elementary PE days with a fun new event sponsored by the Bay Minette Recreation Department. Gather a team of nine to 11 players or sign up to be a free agent to compete against other local teams to determine the best squad out there. For more information or to register, go to www.teamsideline.com/bayminette.
When: Saturday, Sept. 21
Where: O.C. Waters Park, 502 Clark Ave., Bay Minette
Cost: $100 per team
What: The Alabama Coastal Cleanup engages people to remove trash and debris from the beaches and waterways, to identify sources of debris and to change the behaviors that cause pollution. Volunteers may choose to participate in one of multiple zones located throughout Mobile and Baldwin counties. Zones are coordinated by zone captains who distribute trash grabbers, large trash bags, recycling bags, gloves and other cleanup supplies for active participants. A limited number of t-shirts, scout badges and window decals are also distributed on a first come, first serve basis. The Alabama Coastal Cleanup is part of an international effort to remove marine debris from coastal waters. Alabama joined this effort in 1987. Since then, over 110,000 volunteers have removed 889 tons of trash from Alabama's valued coastline and waterways. For more information and to find a zone, go to http://www.alabamacoastalcleanup.com.
When: Saturday, Sept. 21, 8 a.m. to noon
Where: Various locations throughout Baldwin and Mobile counties
Cost: Free to participate
What: VXV Events hosts this exciting weekend full of celebrities, gaming, cosplay and fun. The star-studded lineup includes Steve Burns and Donovan Patton ("Blues Clues"); Dante Basco ("Hook", "Avatar: The Last Airbender"); Jason Faunt ("Power Rangers Time Force"); Lee Waddell ("Scream"); voice actors Kyle Hebert ("Dragon Ball") and Erika Harlacher ("Genshin Impact"); WWE Hall of Famers Kurt Angle, Ron Simmons and Lex Luger; comic artists Steven and Lily Butler; and more. In-show events include Q&As with celebrities, panels presented by professional cosplayers and comic artists, a costume contest, board gaming and photo ops. Vendors and artists from across the country will attend and sell their wares. Local fan groups will exhibit setups from fandoms such as Star Wars, Star Trek and more. For more information, go to www.southalabamacomiccon.com.
When: Saturday, Sept. 21-Sunday, Sept. 22
Where: Mobile Convention Center, 1 S. Water St., Mobile
Cost: $25-$40, kids 10 and under free with paid adult admission.
What: Support Show Baldwin Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to serving special needs in the community through medical grants and social events by swinging your clubs in this golf tournament for a good cause. The four-person scramble will have a shot gun start and prizes for closet to pin and longest drive. There will be additional activities, such as a raffle and silent auction, with lunch beginning at 11:30 a.m. Participation fee covers green costs, cart rentals, score cars, balls and tees. To register, go to www.showbaldwininc.org/events/2024-swing-fore-show.
When: Tuesday, Sept. 24, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., shot gun start at 1 p.m.
Where: Timbercreek Gold Club, 9650 Timbercreek Blvd., Spanish Fort
Cost: $400 per 4-person team
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