Veterans Day may not arrive until Nov. 11, but communities across Baldwin County (and beyond) are already preparing to roll out the flags, sound the patriotic music and show their appreciation for …
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Veterans Day may not arrive until Nov. 11, but communities across Baldwin County (and beyond) are already preparing to roll out the flags, sound the patriotic music and show their appreciation for the men and women who have served the nation.
From downtown parades and memorial ceremonies to concerts, historical demonstrations and community gatherings, celebrations are beginning early this year, giving residents several opportunities to come together and recognize local veterans.
The following is a roundup of scheduled events. Have an event to add? Send details to whisper@gulfcoastmedia.com. This article will also be updated as additional events are announced and more information becomes available so be sure to check back.
What: The City of Loxley will host a luncheon honoring local veterans. Space is limited and reservations are required. Call (251) 964-7733 to reserve a spot.
When: Friday, Nov. 6, noon
Where: Loxley Civic Center, Loxley
Price: Free
What: The community is invited to join the annual Veterans Day Parade and Ceremonies honoring the men and women who have served the nation. Parade lineup begins at 9:30 a.m., with the procession stepping off at 10 a.m. Following the parade, two ceremonies will honor veterans: the Eternal Flame Ceremony at Courthouse Square and the Korean War Memorial Ceremony at the Bay Minette Public Library. Participants and spectators are also invited to continue the celebration at Heroes & Harvest in Blackburn Park following the parade.
Businesses, civic groups, schools, churches, veterans organizations and community groups are welcome to participate in the parade at no cost. Registration is available at the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, 301 McMeans Avenue, or by calling (251) 937-5665.
When: Saturday, Nov. 7, parade lineup at 9:30 a.m., parade at 10 a.m.
Where: Downtown Bay Minette
Price: Free
What: The annual Fairhope Veterans Day Parade will bring together local veterans and community organizations to honor those who have served. Colonel Michael "Mike" Bowman, Fairhope's 2026 Veteran of the Year, will serve as grand marshal. Bowman served more than 26 years on active duty in the U.S. Army and has remained active in the Fairhope community and Eastern Shore American Legion Post 199 since retiring from the military.
For more information, contact the City of Fairhope at (251) 929-1474.
When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.
Where: Parade begins at the Fairhope Civic Center and travels through downtown Fairhope.
Price: Free
What: Historic Blakeley State Park will host its annual Veterans Day program featuring the opening of the U.S. Colored Troops Heritage Trail extension, Civil War artillery demonstrations, a Civil War on the Eastern Shore cruise and a lecture by Rick Reeves titled "Painting the Civil War." C&M Eats BBQ food truck will also be on-site. The program is sponsored in part by the Pensacola Civil War Roundtable, the Mobile Area Civil War Roundtable and the Alabama Tourism Department. Visit www.blakeleypark.com.
When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Historic Blakeley State Park, 34745 State Hwy. 225, Spanish Fort
Price: General admission $5 adults, $3 children; cruise $27 adults, $17 children
What: The City of Daphne and Daphne High School will host their 10th annual Veterans Day program honoring local veterans. Speakers and special guests have not yet been announced. Additional information will be shared through the city's Facebook page.
When: Tuesday, Nov. 10, 9 a.m.
Where: Daphne High School Trojans' gymnasium
Price: Free
What: USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park will host a Veterans Day celebration featuring patriotic music, presentations by Veterans Day Essay Contest winners and a keynote address by the 2026-27 Distinguished Young Woman of the Year. The Parade of Flags will feature fourth-grade students from Mobile and Baldwin counties.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 3-4 p.m.
Where: USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway, Mobile
Price: Free admission. Seating is limited.
What: The City of Fairhope will continue its Veterans Day observance with a sunset prayer service honoring veterans at the Veterans Memorial, Tears of Sorrow, Tears of Joy.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 4:45 p.m.
Where: Henry George Park, Fairhope
Price: Free
What: The Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach will host a Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival concert honoring veterans. Nashville songwriters Mark Nessler and Will Kimbrough will perform their award-winning music, along with songs they co-wrote with veterans through SongwritingWith. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call (251) 981-2787.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach, 26389 Canal Road, Orange Beach
Price: $15
What: The Mobile Pops will present their annual Veterans Day concert in the Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion. The performance will feature traditional patriotic music, military marches, contemporary favorites and military service songs, along with recognition of veterans.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 7-9 p.m.
Where: Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion, USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway, Mobile
Price: Free admission
