May 1 – June 15: Gulf Coast Chinese Lantern Festival
Bellingrath Gardens • 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore.
5 p.m. – 10 p.m., Thur – Sun. Wander through a luminous dreamscape with glowing animals, plants and mythical creatures at this breathtaking display of color and light. Tickets start at $28.
May 1 – 3: Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival
OWA • 101 S OWA Avenue, Foley.
Thu 4 – 9 p.m., Fri 4 – 10 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Watch the sky come alive as colorful hot air balloons take flight over the Gulf Coast. Free admission.
May 3: May Day Celebration
May Day Park • Daphne
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Enjoy a day of family fun at one of Daphne’s most beloved annual events. In addition to BBQ and sweet treats, there are carnival rides, inflatables, face painting, crafts and other activities for the kids.
May 4: Roosters Cinco De Mayo Block Party
Roosters • 211 Dauphin St.
Noon – 6 p.m. Celebrate the vibrant culture of Mexico with delicious food and drinks, live music, kids’ craft tables and more. Admission is free.
May 4: Local Goodness
Magnolia Manor • 1624 Springhill Ave.
4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Indulge in a night of incredible food, music and entertainment with a farm-to-table meal under the big top to support USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital. Cost is $175 per person, and proceeds benefit the hospital’s interventional radiology program.
May 4: Mud Bottom Revival Music Festival
Bender Point • 3619 Riviere Du Chien Road
1 p.m. – 6 p.m. Kick back by the water, enjoy live performances and support local river conservation at this beloved annual music festival. Tickets start at $35.
May 10: Fairhope Rotary Steak Cook-Off
Coastal Alabama Community College • 450 Fairhope Ave.
1 p.m. – 10 p.m. Grills are hot, beers are chilled, steaks are sizzling and competition is fierce at this mouthwatering adults-only event. Tickets start at $75.
May 26: The Baldwin Pops Memorial Day Concert
Henry George Bluff Park • Fairhope
6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. As the sun sets over Mobile Bay, honor the meaning of Memorial Day with an evening of music, reflection and remembrance. Admission is free.
May 29: Food Truck Festival
Mobile Museum of Art • 4850 Museum Dr.
4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Check out Mobile’s very best food trucks in an artsy atmosphere. With plenty of space to picnic in the park, this event is the perfect way to welcome summer. Admission is free.
May 31: The Bushwacker’s 50th Birthday Bash
Flora-Bama • 17401 Perdido Key Dr, Pensacola.
Noon – 5 p.m. Raise a glass (or a frosty plastic cup) to five decades of bushwacker-fueled fun at a birthday celebration for the most iconic beachy drink. Enjoy live music, drink specials, themed food, giveaways and more. Admission is free.
