July 3 – 4: Grand Bay Watermelon Festival
Odd Fellows Festival Park • Grand Bay
3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Sun; 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Mon. A local tradition since 1973, this festival offers something for the whole family. Enjoy arts, crafts and family entertainment and chow down on barbecue, hamburgers and ice cold watermelon throughout the day while the kids explore the large children's area. Admission is free on Friday and $5 on Saturday.
July 4: Fourth of July Celebration
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park • 2703 Battleship Pkwy
5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and sing “Happy Birthday” to the U.S.A. right in the shadow of the USS Alabama. The event includes a patriotic performance by Mobile Pops and fireworks at 9 p.m. Admission is $5 per car.
July 4: All American BBQ Festival
Flora-Bama Lounge & Package • 17401 Perdido Key Dr.
It wouldn't be a holiday at the Flora-Bama without live music, a bushwacker and a bikini contest, right? Dig your toes in the sand, feast on some barbecue and watch local ladies compete for the title of Miss Firecracker. Contest starts at 3 p.m.
July 10, 17, 24: Summer Classic Movie Series
Saenger Theatre • 6 South Joachim St.
3 p.m. On Sunday afternoons, head to the Saenger for matinee screenings of classic films such as “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, ” “Grease” and “Mutiny on the Bounty.”
July 15 – 17: Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo
Dauphin Island
Founded in 1929, the three-day rodeo features 30 categories with first, second and third place prizes in each. Cash prizes will be awarded for king mackerel, speckled trout and big game jackpots, and one master angler will be crowned. Fishermen and spectators will enjoy a liars' contest and live music throughout the weekend.
July 16: Dauphin Street Vault
Downtown Mobile
10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Join beginner and elite pole vaulters as they launch themselves high in the sky on the streets of LoDa. Registration is $35 in advance and $50 on the day of the event.
July 17: Dierks Bentley
The Amphitheater at The Wharf • 23325 Amphitheater Dr., Orange Beach.
Don't miss the popular country singer perform live with Randy Houser, Cam and Tucker Beathard as part of the “Somewhere on a Beach” tour. Tickets range from $21 – $61.
July 20: Bay Bites Food Truck Festival
Cooper Riverside Park • Downtown Mobile
5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Food trucks, cold beer, lawn games, live music and riverfront views – all for a good cause. Participating food trucks include Frios Gourmet Pops, Grits and Grub, Smith's Catering, Von's Bistro and Sno Biz on Wheelz. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door (one ticket includes three beer tokens, food will be available for purchase). Proceeds benefit Mobile Baykeeper.
July 23: Mardi Gras in July
Fairhope Brewing Company • 914 Nichols Ave., Fairhope.
2 p.m. Carnival season comes early to the Eastern Shore with special Mardi Gras-themed beer offerings and live music from the Bay City Brass Band and Infant Richard and the Delta Stones.
July 27: Michael Franti & Spearhead
Saenger Theatre • 6 South Joachim St.
7:30 p.m. Sing along to “Say Hey (I Love You), ” “Sound of Sunshine” and other hits from the eclectic singer-songwriter. Tickets range from $23 – $37.
mobilebaymag.com staff
