From Jeeps and heavy equipment rodeos to plants, Dolly Parton and some seriously odd art, this week’s event lineup proves there’s no such thing as a boring weekend on the Gulf Coast. Whether …
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From Jeeps and heavy equipment rodeos to plants, Dolly Parton and some seriously odd art, this week’s event lineup proves there’s no such thing as a boring weekend on the Gulf Coast.
Whether you’re ready to roll into Gulf Shores for Jeep Fest, show off your gardening skills, cheer on some heavy equipment operators, lace up for a good cause or dance your way through a Dolly tribute, there’s plenty to keep the calendar full. Just be warned: If you attend the plant swap, you may come home with more houseplants than you can reasonably explain. And if you hit the Oddities & Art Market, well … you might find a fossil, a crystal or something else you never knew you needed.
With races to run, flowers to admire and plenty of ways to get out of the house, this weekend has a little something for just about everyone. Here’s what’s happening around the area.
And while you’re making plans, don’t forget to make your nominations, too. Best of Baldwin nominations are officially underway, so make sure your favorite local businesses, restaurants, people and places get some love. Nominations are open each week at www.GulfCoastMedia.com/BestOf.
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: Gulf of America Jeep Fest 2026 will bring Jeep owners, families and visitors together for four days of Jeep activities, live entertainment, vendors, local businesses and charitable fundraising. Presented by The Hangout, the festival is designed to showcase Alabama’s Gulf Coast while creating opportunities for local restaurants, attractions, retailers and other businesses to connect with visitors. The Hangout will serve as a central hub for festival activities, while Vendor Village will be located at Gulf Shores Town Green through cooperation with the City of Gulf Shores. Festivities begin Thursday with registration and packet pickup followed by a Kickoff Party and Meet & Greet at The Hangout. Activities continue throughout the weekend. One hundred percent of event profits will benefit the nonprofit organizations supported by Gulf of America Jeep Fest. Vendors and sponsors are still invited to participate through Vendor Village, sponsorships and other partnership opportunities. Businesses interested in participating can contact Gulf of America Jeep Fest. Media outlets interested in coverage can coordinate interviews, photography, video opportunities and on-location coverage with event organizers. Visit www.GulfOfAmericaJeepFest.com for more information.
When: Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 24-27
Where: Gulf Shores Town Green and The Hangout, Gulf Shores
Price: See website for admission and participation information
What: The city of Foley will host the Gulf Coast Heavy Equipment Roadeo, where local public works crews will compete in challenges demonstrating their skills with heavy equipment used in their jobs. Competitions will highlight accuracy, control and technical ability while operating mini-excavators, bulldozers, excavators and skid steers. Mayors from several municipalities are also scheduled to participate in a special competition. More than 20 cities and other agencies have registered to participate. The event will also feature live music by Chitlin Switch and food sales. Proceeds from lunch food sales will benefit Youth Reach Gulf Coast. OWA is sponsoring the Roadeo. The event is open to the public.
When: Friday, Sept. 25, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: OWA Parks and Resort, Foley
Price: Free admission
What: The Lucky Horseshoe Saloon will celebrate Dolly Parton with dancing, costumes and fun. Line dance lessons will be offered from 6:30-8:30 p.m., followed by a best-dressed costume contest at 9 p.m. Social dancing will continue throughout the evening. Costumes are encouraged.
When: Friday, Sept. 25, 6 p.m.-midnight
Where: Lucky Horseshoe Saloon, 9115 U.S. 98, Fairhope
Price: $10 cover
What: Alabama Extension will host the Homeowner Gardening Conference, offering research-based gardening information and opportunities for homeowners and other gardening enthusiasts to learn from horticulture professionals and fellow plant enthusiasts. The conference will focus on frequently asked homeowner gardening questions, with topics including backyard greenhouses, pollinators, lawns and new and interesting plants for the landscape. Friday will begin with dinner and a keynote speaker. Saturday will feature four educational sessions, lunch and a closing speaker panel where gardening experts will answer questions from participants. Registration is available at www.aces.edu/go/6407. For more information or questions, contact Jack LeCroy at (251) 574-8445.
When: Friday, Sept. 25, 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 26, sessions throughout the day
Where: Jon Archer Agricultural Center, Mobile
Price: $25 registration fee, including meals
What: The 19th Annual GO Run will raise funds to support gynecologic cancer research at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute. Proceeds help support research focused on early detection, prevention and treatment. Participants are encouraged to gather teams and take part in the race. For questions about the race format, packet pickup schedule or volunteer opportunities, contact Dana Zwick at dzwick@southalabama.edu. Businesses and organizations interested in sponsoring the event can contact Shanna Thorpe at sthorpe@southalabama.edu. The USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute is the event contact.
When: Saturday, Sept. 26, 8-11 a.m.
Where: University of South Alabama Hancock Whitney Stadium, 500 Stadium Drive, Mobile
Price: $15-$25
What: IGY6-Gulf Coast will host the Miles for Heroes 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention for veterans, first responders and the community. The certified 5K route will loop through Old Towne Daphne, with participants able to run or walk and remember together. A 1-mile fun run will also be offered. Registration is available at https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/Daphne/MilesForHeroesigy6. Course information is available at www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6722563252/ for the 5K and www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6722562112 for the 1-mile course. Visit www.igy6-gulfcoast.org for more information.
When: Saturday, Sept. 26, 8 a.m.
Where: Daphne City Hall, 1705 Main St., Daphne
Price: See registration website for fees
What: The Fairhope Public Library will host a Community Plant Swap organized by professional horticulturist Grace Skidmore and Mobile Plant Swap. Participants can bring houseplant cuttings, outdoor perennials and other plants to trade while getting advice about growing and caring for a variety of plants. The Baldwin County Master Gardeners will be available to answer questions. Participants are encouraged to get their cuttings potted, rooted and ready to trade. The event provides an opportunity to try growing a new plant and connect with fellow plant lovers. Visit https://fairhopelibrary.org for more information.
When: Saturday, Sept. 26, 10-11 a.m.
Where: Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, under the covered patio entrance
Price: Free
What: The Oddities & Art Market will feature more than 100 vendors offering oddities, crystals and gems, taxidermy, fossils, handmade crafts, artwork and one-of-a-kind gifts. Psychics and tarot readers will also be available. The fully indoor event is open to all ages and offers free parking. Advance tickets are available through the event website for $10, with prices increasing at the door. One hundred percent of proceeds will benefit Access Art, a Florida nonprofit that helps children gain access to art and music. Learn more at www.accessartfl.org.
When: Saturday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, Building No. 1, 6655 Mobile Highway, Pensacola
Price: $10 advance admission; prices increase at the door
What: The city of Spanish Fort will host its annual Pops by the Pond Concert & Floral Show, featuring an evening of music, flowers and fall festivities. Doors open at 5 p.m., giving guests an opportunity to view floral arrangements created by the Spanish Fort Garden Club. Each arrangement will be offered as a door prize, with winners announced during intermission. Winners must be present to claim their prizes. The Mobile Symphonic Pops Band will perform "Spooky," a program featuring familiar cinematic and theatrical favorites, playful musical twists and a touch of mystery. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets and enjoy the free concert beneath the evening sky around the pavilion. The concert is open to all ages.
When: Sunday, Sept. 27, doors open at 5 p.m.; concert at 6 p.m.
Where: Spanish Fort City Hall, Spanish Fort
Price: Free admission
A quick contest reminder: The Annual National Shrimp Festival’s contest to name its fans closes at 10 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30. Fans can submit family-friendly ideas through the online entry form at https://tinyurl.com/sfcontest26, with the winning entry receiving a swag bag from the Official Annual National Shrimp Festival Merchandise Tent. I’ve submitted my ideas and am excited to see what gets selected! The festival is set for Oct. 8-11. More information about the festival is available at www.myshrimpfest.com.
