Farewell 2023 and bring on 2024!
The wrapping paper and gift boxes have been cleared and hopefully everyone is entertained with their new toys. If you are looking for events to get yourself out of the house this weekend, Gulf Coast Media is here for you.
Once you have finished shopping the after-Christmas sales, head to the Foley Sports Complex and watch some energetic and talented pooches compete. Some of the Alabama State Parks are hosting events that will get you out and about like Learning with Lefty at Gulf State Park. If the children are already bored with their new toys, head to the Mess Hall in Pensacola where they can learn, explore and build. If you are in charge of bringing the bubbly to the New Year's Eve celebration, head to Foam Coffee for a bubbly tasting and enjoy some oysters too. Wherever your plans take you this weekend, be safe and have a designated driver.
If our list missed the mark for you, visit our event calendar at www.GulfCoastMedia.com for more events happening this weekend or beyond. Search for events by distance from your home city or vacation spot.
Salty Dogs Coursing Competition
- What: Salty Dog Coursing, Belgian Sheepdog Club of America and Berger Picard Club of America are bringing four days of dog testing and competitions to Foley. If you don't have a dog to register, stop by and watch the UpDog disc competition, dock diving and more. For more information, visit www.saltydogscoursing.com.
- When: Dec. 27 – Dec. 30, starting at 1 p.m.
- Where: Foley Sports Complex, 1250 Carter Lee Way, Foley
Learning with Lefty
- What: Join Gulf State Park naturalists on Rosemary Dunes to learn all about alligators. A table will be set up in the area where Lefty (Gulf State Park's resident alligator) enjoys hanging out. If luck is in your favor, maybe Lefty and her babies will pop up for a visit.
- When: Thursday, Dec. 28, 10 a.m.
- Where: Gulf State Park – Rosemary Dunes, 20115 State Park Road, Gulf Shores
- Price: Free to attend
Toy Land
- What: Trying to keep the children entertained over Christmas break? Head to the Mess Hall in Pensacola for a day of creating. The featured activities are all about toys that can be made with your own two hands. Experiment with the designs to get the action you want. For more information, visit www.pensacolamessshall.org.
- When: Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Where: Mess Hall, 418 E, Wright St., Pensacola
- Price: General admission is $15
Bubbly Wine Tasting and Oysters
- What: New Year's Eve is not complete without bubbles. Stop by Foam Coffee for a bubbly and oyster tasting. Winston of Alabama Crown has four sparkling wines selected for tasting and the Southern Chili Lab crew will be there serving fresh oysters.
- When: Saturday, Dec. 30, 3-5 p.m.
- Where: Foma Coffee, 313 East 22nd Ave., Gulf Shores
- Price: Free to attend
Last Day Accessible Hike
- What: Spend the last day of 2023 hiking the paved trails at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center with a Meaher State Park naturalist. Keep an eye out for wildlife while you learn about the diversity of the Mobile–Tensaw Delta. Meet at the exhibition hall at 5 Rivers. Check the Meaher State Park's Facebook page change for updates or changes.
- When: Sunday, Dec. 31, 2-3 p.m.
- Where: 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center,
- Price: Free to attend
