Sports + Outdoors
1. Family Festival & Bike Rodeo
When: April 30, 2016 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Brookley Warehouse District
What: A fun-filled day with live music, food and a bicycle rodeo for kids of all ages. Activities will include how to properly fit your helmet, lock your bike, ride in traffic and how to handle intersections.
How much? Free
2. Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival
When: May 6 – 8, 2016
Where: Foley Sports Park
What: Take a tethered ride or sit back and watch hot air balloons decorate the skies of Baldwin County. There will also be carnival rides, arts and crafts, live entertainment from Moustache the Band and The Molly Ringwalds and a performance from the Disc-Connected K9's Frisbee Dog Show.
How much? General admission is free; tethered balloon rides range from $15 – $20
3. Creek Fest
When: May 7, 2016 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Tricentennial Park
What: Family-friendly celebration including a cane pole fishing tournament for ages 16 and under, live music from Eric Erdman, food, kayak rentals, door prizes and educational exhibits.
How much? Free
4. Dragon Boat Festival
When: June 11, 2016 | 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
What: Watch teams race in 40-foot long Hong Kong-style dragon boats for 250 meters. In addition to the races, there will be food trucks, a petting zoo, trackless train, gyro gym, jump houses and pony rides.
How much? $2 parking, $3 event entry
Food + Drink
5. Dauphin Island Gumbo Festival
When: April 22 – 23, 2016
Where: Dauphin Island
What: Head to the Island for a weekend filled with live music, kid's activities, cooking demonstrations and a gumbo cook-off.
How much? $10 in advance, $15 day of event
6. Orange Beach Wine Festival
When: May 14, 2016
Where: Orange Beach
What: More than 120 wines and craft beers, three live music acts, food from distinguished local restaurants, boat tours of the Bay and more
How much? $45 in advance, $55 at the gate
Art, Music + Culture
7. St. Francis Episcopal Church Arts & Crafts Festival
When: April 23, 2016 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Dauphin Island
What: Browse art, pottery, jewelry and photography from more than 60 artists from across the Southeast. Don't miss the gumbo cook-off and sailboat regatta held that weekend as well.
How much? Admission is free, food and art is available for purchase
8. Mudbottom Revival Music Festival
When: April 24, 2016 | 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: 2415 Venetia Rd. (on Dog River)
What: Bring picnic baskets, chairs and beverages to kick back and watch Willie Sugarcapps, The Lizards and Paw Paw's Medicine Cabinet to help raise money for the Dog River Clearwater Revival. Food will be available for purchase from a local food truck.
How much? $25 for adults, free for children under 10
9. Hangout Music Festival
When: May 20 – 22, 2016
Where: Gulf Shores beach
What: Music lovers from all over the U.S. flock to the beach to see performances from some of the hottest musicians including The Weeknd, Calvin Harris, Florence & The Machine, Alabama Shakes, Cage the Elephant, Ellie Goulding, The Chainsmokers, X Ambassadors and more.
How much? General admission tickets are $289
10. Funk Fest
When: June 4, 2016 | 2 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: The Grounds
What: Outdoor music festival featuring performances by Master P, Mystikal, Scarface, Dru Hill and more.
How much? General admission tickets are $35
Photo by Sherry Stimpson Frost
