7 things to do on the Alabama Gulf Coast this weekend, Sept. 5-11

By WHISPER EDWARDS
Editorial Assistant
whisper@gulfcoastmedia.com
Posted 9/2/24

Enjoy the start of September with a variety of exciting events along the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Whether you're a writer looking to hone your craft, a thrill-seeker eager for a rodeo experience or …

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7 things to do on the Alabama Gulf Coast this weekend, Sept. 5-11

Posted

Enjoy the start of September with a variety of exciting events along the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Whether you're a writer looking to hone your craft, a thrill-seeker eager for a rodeo experience or simply searching for a taste of local seafood, there's something for everyone this weekend. You can explore the paranormal at a historic mansion, test your athletic prowess in a triathlon or get hands-on with creative LEGO builds at a family-friendly convention.

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.

Photo Provided
Photo Provided

FLORA-BAMA'S 11TH-ANNUAL BULLS ON THE BEACH

What: The rodeo is back for its 11th year, featuring Professional Bull Riders (PBR) from across the country. The three-day event kicks off with a special Kid's Night on Thursday, Sept. 5, including a coloring contest with bike prizes. Friday and Saturday nights will spotlight the adult bull riding competitions. The event supports St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the hospital's mission to fight pediatric catastrophic diseases. Tickets available at www.florabama.com/bulls-on-the-beach.

When: Thursday, Sept. 5-Saturday, Sept. 7

Where: Flora-Bama, 17401 Perdido Key Drive, Perdido Key, Florida

Price: $40 for adults, $20 for children aged 7-17, free for children 6 and under

Photo Provided
Photo Provided

ALABAMA GULF SEAFOOD INVITATIONAL COOKOFF AND CELEBRATION

What: Top chefs and home cooks will come together for a culinary showdown, with each dish featuring Alabama Gulf Seafood. Attendees can sample and vote in the People's Choice Competition while a panel of certified judges selects the winner. The evening will also feature live music and a dance floor for added fun. Tickets available at www.eventbrite.com.

When: Friday, Sept. 6, 6-9 p.m.

Where: Dauphin Island Community Center, 417 Lemoyne Drive, Dauphin Island

Price: $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under

ALABAMA WRITERS' COOPERATIVE ANNUAL CONFERENCE

What: This year's conference will celebrate 101 years since its founding in 1923. The three-day event will feature workshops on various aspects of writing, an open mic night and an awards dinner, which includes a keynote address by Javacia Harris Bowser. AWC members can also participate in manuscript consultations and first-page critiques. Registration is required. For more information and registration, visit https://alabamawriterscooperative.org/2024-conference.

When: Friday, Sept. 6-Sunday, Sept. 8

Where: Orange Beach Community Center, 27235 Canal Road, Orange Beach

Price: Full conference: $175; student discount: $150; Saturday workshops only: $100; Saturday awards dinner: $60

Photo Provided
Photo Provided

BRETT ROBINSON ALABAMA COASTAL TRIATHLON

What: The Brett Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon returns to Gulf Shores with both an Olympic distance triathlon and a beginner-friendly sprint triathlon. Participants will enjoy a Gulf swim, along with a fast, flat bike and run course. The event is hosted by The Hangout. The triathlon is a collaboration between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Sports & Events, the City of Gulf Shores, the City of Orange Beach and Gulf State Park. For more details, call (615) 415-3520 or visit www.magicsportsusa.com/events/alabama-coastal.

When: Saturday, Sept. 7, starting at 7 a.m.

Where: Gulf Shores Main Public Beach (Gulf Place), 101 Gulf Shores Pkwy., Gulf Shores

Price: Varies by event

PARANORMAL INVESTIGATION AT SWIFT-COLES HISTORIC HOME

What: The Southern Ghost Girls Tours, known for their paranormal investigations, will host their first-ever ghost hunt at the Swift-Coles Historic Home in Bon Secour. Attendees will join a professional paranormal team in using scientific equipment to explore the mansion, which dates back to the 1880s and is reputed to be haunted by several spirits, including the mysterious "woman on the stairs." The event is family-friendly, though it may not be suitable for very young children. A portion of the proceeds will support Girl Scout Troop 8017 and the Friends of Swift-Coles Home. For more information, visit www.southernghostgirls.com. Tickets available on www.eventbrite.com.

When: Saturday, Sept. 7, 7-10 p.m.

Where: Swift-Coles Historic Home, 17424 Swift Coles Lane, Bon Secour

Price: $54.99

Graphic Provided
Graphic Provided

MOBILE BRICK CONVENTION

What: The Mobile Brick Convention is returning bigger and better in 2024, offering a LEGO® extravaganza for builders of all ages. Attendees can explore interactive exhibits, build stations and more. The event supports Creations for Charity, which provides LEGO sets to underprivileged children during the holidays. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly, so early booking is recommended. For tickets, visit www.brickconvention.com.

When: Saturday, Sept. 7-Sunday, Sept. 8; Session I: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Session II: 2-5 p.m. each day

Where: Mobile Convention Center, 1 S. Water St., Mobile

Price: $15 online, $20 at the door, children 2 and under are free

Photo Provided
Photo Provided

ORIGINAL OYSTER HOUSE'S 17TH-ANNUAL NEVER FORGET LUNCH

What: The Original Oyster House restaurants will honor Baldwin and Mobile counties' law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics and sheriff's officers by offering a free meal at both locations. The lunch was established in honor of the 9/11 first responders who risked their lives to save, protect and serve and in recognition of all first responders for their service. LifeSouth Community Blood Centers will be on site at the Mobile Causeway location for blood donations. Blood donations will be distributed to local hospitals. A specially designated T-shirt supporting first responders will commend all donors. Some of the area's most popular attractions, including GulfQuest, USS Alabama Battleship, Africatown Freedom Tours, OWA Parks & Resort, City of Daphne and Visit Mobile, will also be on site to pass out discounted tickets and raffle prizes to thank our first responders.

When: Wednesday, Sept. 11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: 3733 Battleship Pkwy., Spanish Fort; 701 Gulf Shores Pkwy., Gulf Shores

Price: Free for first responders with an ID or first responder's uniform, dine-in only