From spooky celebrations and pumpkin-filled train rides to toe-tapping bluegrass and opportunities to outsmart scammers, Baldwin County has plenty of ways to fill your calendar this weekend.
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From spooky celebrations and pumpkin-filled train rides to toe-tapping bluegrass and opportunities to outsmart scammers, Baldwin County has plenty of ways to fill your calendar this weekend.
Dress up for Halloween, enjoy live music with friends or learn a few tricks to keep fraudsters at bay. With free family fun, local traditions and plenty of reasons to get out of the house, there's something for everyone. Check out these upcoming events and make a little room for fun — because the only thing scarier than Halloween is missing out!
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: Wales West RV Resort & Light Railway will host its Pumpkin Patch Express, featuring rides aboard Dame Ann, an authentic steam locomotive, to a pumpkin patch and optional spooky maze. Daytime train rides before 7 p.m. are geared toward children, while the scary night train begins at 7 p.m. Each guest will receive a free pumpkin. Admission also includes mini train rides, a hayless hayride, mini golf and a bounce house. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase at the cafe and concession stand, which offers kettle corn and other treats. Guests can also visit the gift shop or try the potato cannon for an additional fee. Tickets are available at the railroad or online at www.waleswest.com. For more information, call (251) 232-2322 or contact Wales West through Facebook.
When: Thursday, Oct. 29, and Friday, Oct. 30, 4-9 p.m. The attraction will be closed on Halloween.
Where: Wales West RV Resort & Light Railway, 13670 Smiley St., Silverhill
Price: $25 per person; free for children 2 and younger
What: The University of South Alabama's USA by the Bay series will feature distinguished writer and editor Judy Culbreth, a 1972 graduate, discussing her career in editorial leadership, media and advocacy. Culbreth will share how taking bold steps, finding her voice and seizing unexpected opportunities shaped her professional journey. As incoming editor-in-chief of South's yearbook, The Retrospect, she successfully fought to preserve the publication's funding through the Student Government Association, earning Outstanding Senator honors. Her campus involvement later helped her win Glamour magazine's Top Ten College Girls contest, launching her career in New York. She went on to work for Seventeen, Ladies' Home Journal, Redbook and Working Mother, where she became a keynote speaker and TODAY Show work-life contributing correspondent. She also helped establish Take Our Daughters to Work Day. After returning home full-time in 2005, Culbreth worked for more than 20 years as an editor and consultant for Mobile Bay Magazine. A reception will follow the program and seating is limited. The event is free and open to the public. RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/4yjjen6k. For questions, email development@southalabama.edu or call (251) 460-7032.
When: Thursday, Oct. 29, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: 111 St. James St., Fairhope
Price: Free
What: State Rep. Jennifer Fidler will host a free fraud prevention seminar for residents of House District 94 in partnership with the Alabama Securities Commission and representatives from other state and local agencies. The seminar will provide practical information on recognizing and avoiding fraud, scams and financial exploitation. Topics will include common scams targeting Alabamians, financial fraud, identity theft, scams targeting seniors, online and telephone scams and other forms of fraud. Attendees can learn how to recognize warning signs, understand how scammers operate and determine what steps to take if they become targets of a scam. Participants will also have an opportunity to ask questions and learn where to seek help if they suspect fraudulent activity. Residents of District 94 and anyone interested in fraud prevention are encouraged to attend and may bring family members or friends.
When: Thursday, Oct. 29, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Magnolia Springs Town Hall, 12191 Magnolia Springs Highway, Magnolia Springs
Price: Free
What: The city of Foley and local businesses, churches and community organizations will host the annual Hometown Halloween celebration in downtown Foley. Participating organizations will set up booths with activities and treats, with decorations judged for creativity. The winning booth will receive a special basket and be featured on city websites. Activities will include an inflatable bounce house, food concessions, face painting, a cake walk, balloon creations, games and treats. The costume contest will begin at 6 p.m. on the stage in the parking lot behind the Holmes Medical Museum. Costumes will be judged on creativity and originality in age categories ranging from children 2 and younger to teens and adults, along with a group category. Prizes totaling more than $1,000 will be awarded. Foley police officers and firefighters will be on hand, and additional lighting will help participants trick-or-treat safely. Orange Avenue will close at 3:30 p.m., Alston Street at 4:30 p.m. and Laurel Avenue at 5:15 p.m. For more information about Hometown Halloween and other Foley activities, visit www.visitfoley.com or call the city of Foley at (251) 943-1200.
When: Thursday, Oct. 29, 5:30 p.m.; costume contest at 6 p.m.
Where: Downtown Foley, near the southwest corner of East Laurel Avenue and South McKenzie Street
Price: Free
What: State Rep. Donna Givens will host a free fraud prevention seminar for residents of House District 64 in partnership with the Alabama Securities Commission and representatives from other state and local agencies. The seminar will provide practical information on recognizing and avoiding fraud, scams and financial exploitation. Topics will include common scams targeting Alabamians, financial fraud, identity theft, scams targeting seniors, online and telephone scams and other forms of fraud. Attendees can learn how to recognize warning signs, understand how scammers operate and determine what steps to take if they become targets of a scam. Participants will also have an opportunity to ask questions and learn where to seek help if they suspect fraudulent activity. Residents of District 64 and anyone interested in fraud prevention are encouraged to attend and may bring family members or friends.
When: Friday, Oct. 30, 11 a.m.
Where: Loxley Civic Center, 4198 Municipal Park Drive, Loxley
Price: Free
What: Eastern Shore Centre will host its third annual Harvest Jam, a free community celebration combining live music, shopping and Halloween activities. The family-friendly event will feature a performance by Shea White, children's activities, pop-up vendors, trick-or-treating, a costume contest and giveaways. Participating vendors and activities will include Mountain High Outfitters, Catherine Cochran Art, Blooming Fabulous, a photo booth by Collective Events and a bounce house. Guests are encouraged to visit the Eastern Shore Centre tent to pick up a Harvest Jam bag for trick-or-treating at participating retailers. The event offers families and friends an opportunity to shop, socialize and enjoy the community atmosphere as the center kicks off the holiday season. For additional information, visit www.easternshorecentre.com.
When: Friday, Oct. 30, 4-7 p.m.
Where: Eastern Shore Centre, The Green near California Dreaming, Spanish Fort
Price: Free
What: The Stapleton Bluegrass Festival will return for a day of live music, food and family activities, serving as the largest annual fundraiser for Stapleton School. Proceeds help provide resources and educational opportunities for students at the small rural public elementary school. The ninth festival since the community tradition was revived in 2018 will feature six bands, including headliner The Amanda Cook Band, along with Remedy Tree, Three on a String, The Old Mixed Tapes, Cowgirl Up Collective and The Bailiwicks. The Amanda Cook Band blends traditional bluegrass with contemporary sounds, heartfelt storytelling and tight harmonies. Remedy Tree draws on bluegrass, old-time and folk traditions, while Alabama favorite Three on a String combines acoustic music, harmonies and comedy. The Old Mixed Tapes performs traditional bluegrass and bluegrass gospel, Cowgirl Up Collective blends bluegrass, original music and audience favorites, and The Bailiwicks bring a Gulf Coast influence through their relaxed Baygrass style. Food and beverage trucks and family activities will be available throughout the day. For more information, visit www.stapletonbluegrassfestival.com or the festival's Facebook page. For additional information about the school, call (251) 937-2038.
When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Where: Stapleton School, 35480 Harriot Ave., Stapleton
Price: Not provided
What: Tanger Outlets Foley will host its annual Boo Bash, a free, family-friendly Halloween celebration featuring candy, games, an escape room, a glowing bubble tent, a photo booth, face painting, balloon art, caricature art and more. The event will take place on the lawn near Michael Kors and Polo Ralph Lauren. Tanger Club members can try the claw machine for a chance to win prizes.
When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 6-8:30 p.m.
Where: Tanger Outlets Foley, 2601 S. McKenzie St., Foley
Price: Free admission
