From spooky forests and pirate adventures to shrimp, symphonies and seasonal pumpkins, Baldwin County and the surrounding Gulf Coast have plenty happening this weekend. Whether the goal is to get …
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From spooky forests and pirate adventures to shrimp, symphonies and seasonal pumpkins, Baldwin County and the surrounding Gulf Coast have plenty happening this weekend.
Whether the goal is to get outside, discover something new, enjoy live music or simply find a good excuse to gather with family and friends, there’s no shortage of ways to fill the calendar.
The weekend also brings opportunities to support local causes, connect with community resources and enjoy some classic fall fun. Bring an appetite to the National Shrimp Festival, lace up for a 5K, explore the Haunted Forest or settle in for an afternoon of music. There’s a little something for nearly every kind of weekend planner.
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: Sea Glass Initiative will host its annual Community Resource Fair, bringing local organizations together to help Baldwin County residents learn about available programs and services. Resources will include housing and food assistance, health care, mental health services, transportation, employment, financial assistance and family services. The fair is open to everyone, including those who are not experiencing homelessness. Residents who are facing a difficult season, helping a family member, seeking resources for an aging loved one or simply wanting to learn more about community services are encouraged to attend. A free hot meal will be provided. For more information, contact Michelle Hillman with Sea Glass Initiative at (251) 332-3442 or seaglassinitiative@gmail.com.
When: Thursday, Oct. 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Foley United Methodist Church, 915 N. Pine St., Foley
Price: Free admission
What: The 53rd Annual National Shrimp Festival returns for four days of food, art and live music at Gulf Shores. The festival, which began as a celebration of the local seafood industry, features more than 300 food and art vendors along with two stages of local and national entertainment. The festival has been free to attend since 1971. More information is available at www.myshrimpfest.com.
When: Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 8-10, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 101 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores
Price: Free admission
What: The Alabama Cooperative Extension System will host the Pumpkins & Poultry Workshop for home gardeners, backyard poultry enthusiasts, home cooks and pumpkin lovers. The hands-on workshop will explore growing pumpkins, preparing seasonal recipes and incorporating pumpkins safely into backyard poultry nutrition. Participants will learn pumpkin-growing practices, watch demonstrations featuring recipes such as creamy pumpkin soup and cinnamon rolls and learn how pumpkins can be used as a supplemental treat for chickens. Registration is $10 per person. To register, visit www.aces.edu/event/pumpkins-poultry-360-grow-it-cook-it-feed-it/. For more information, contact the local Alabama Cooperative Extension office at (251) 937-7176.
When: Friday, Oct. 9, 9 a.m.-noon
Where: Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center, 8300 Highway 104, Fairhope
Price: $10 per person
What: The Baldwin County Heritage Museum will host its BCHM Haunted Forest Trail, featuring a pirate-themed journey through a spooky path woven through Baldwin County's history. Local stories, eerie scenes and historic settings will create a family-friendly night in the woods. This year's theme is "Pirates of the Cursed Forest." Proceeds from the donation event benefit museum operations, helping preserve artifacts, keep exhibits open and maintain free year-round admission. For more information, contact Tammy Kinney at (251) 215-8624 or bchm@gulftel.com. Visit http://BaldwinCoheritagemuseum.net or purchase tickets at www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/bchm-haunted-forest-trail.
When: Friday-Saturday, Oct. 9-10, 6-9 p.m.
Additional dates: Friday-Saturday, Oct. 16-17, 6-9 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 23, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Baldwin County Heritage Museum, 25521 U.S. Highway 98, Elberta
Price: Donation event; proceeds benefit the museum
What: Elberta Farmers Co-Op hosts its monthly Chicken Swap where attendees can buy, sell and trade chickens along with other farm-related goods. The event brings together local farmers, backyard poultry keepers and community members interested in livestock and rural living. Vendors typically offer poultry, feed and related supplies in a casual outdoor market setting. For more information, contact Elberta Farmers Co-Op.
When: Saturday, Oct. 10, 7 a.m.-noon
Where: 13320 Main St., Elberta
Price: Free admission
What: Bras Across the CAUSEway will host its 10th annual 5K and Festival, offering participants the choice of a timed 5K, a family-friendly 1-mile fun run or a virtual option. Participants also can purchase a commemorative shirt and take part as runners, walkers, volunteers or supporters. Funds raised support the organization's patient assistance program, which helps local breast cancer patients with expenses including gas, groceries, copays, uncovered medical costs, rent and utilities. Registration is open Sept. 27-Oct. 9. A $5 parking fee per vehicle will apply, and participants are encouraged to carpool. Awards will be presented to the top overall male and female finishers and the top three male and female finishers in each age group. Finisher prizes will be available to participants who complete the 5K or fun run. Register at https://runsignup.com/brasacrossthecauseway or visit www.brasacrossthecauseway.org for more information
When: Saturday, Oct. 10, 8 a.m.
Where: USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway, Mobile
Price: $40 for ages 13 and older; $35 for ages 12 and younger; $5 parking fee per vehicle
What: The Mobile Symphony Orchestra will open its season with "Spectacular," a concert combining the power of orchestral music with colorful images inspired by visual art and Mardi Gras. The program will feature Berlioz's "Roman Carnival," Kenji Bunch's contemporary work inspired by the Pop art of Roy Lichtenstein and Mussorgsky/Ravel's "Pictures at an Exhibition." Music Director Scott Speck describes the works as three musical canvases that explore the connection between visual and musical arts. Student tickets are $10. Through the MSO's Big Red Ticket program, students in grades K-12 can attend Sunday's performance free when accompanied by a paying adult. Six-concert season subscriptions are available for $132-$462. Tickets and subscriptions can be purchased at www.mobilesymphony.org, by phone at (251) 432-2010 or at the symphony box office, 257 Dauphin St. Groups of 10 or more receive 20% off. New security procedures require patrons to pass through walk-through magnetometers. Only nonclear bags no larger than 5.5 by 8.5 by 2 inches, clear bags no larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches and medically necessary bags will be permitted inside the theater.
When: Saturday, Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 11, 2:30 p.m.
Where: Saenger Theatre, 6 S. Joachim St., Mobile
Price: $25-$102; student tickets $10; Sunday performance free for K-12 students accompanied by a paying adult through the Big Red Ticket program
What: The St. Francis at the Point Anglican Church Music Society will present "Reflections of Grace," a free afternoon of classical music, violin and harp performances and beloved hymns. Professional sister-and-brother harp and violin team Rebekah and Matthew Atkinson will headline the concert. They will be joined by Benjamin Rollings, pianist, organist and music director at St. Francis at the Point, and Benjamin Hart, violinist and assistant concertmaster of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. The program will include Elgar's "Nimrod" from the "Enigma Variations," Sarasate's "Navarra" for two violins and hymns including "Praise to the Lord," "How Great Thou Art" and "Great is thy Faithfulness." Donations are gratefully accepted.
When: Sunday, Oct. 11, 3 p.m.
Where: St. Francis at the Point Anglican Church, 17280 Scenic Highway 98, Fairhope
Price: Free admission; donations accepted
