With the beautiful weather we have been enjoying, it is hard to stay in the office. This article was written on my screened porch. Fall is my favorite time of year.
Baldwin County students have an extra long weekend thanks to fall break Oct. 6-10, and this weekend has a lot to offer to keep everyone entertained. Enjoy a day of banding birds at Fort Morgan, take in the third-annual Freedom Fest at The Wharf, run a 5K on an airport runway, dive for debris, or see Willie Nelson live.
If our list missed the mark for you, visit our event calendar at GulfCoastMedia.com for more events happening this weekend or beyond. Search for events by distance from your home city or vacation spot.
Fort Morgan Bird Banding
- What: Join the Banding Coalition of the Americas as they record and band bird species flying through the area. It is a great way to get up close and learn how research aids conservation. For more information on the Banding Coalition of the Americas or the event, visit www.bandingcoailition.org.
- When: Oct. 4-7, 8 a.m.
- Where: Fort Morgan State Historic Site, Alabama 180, Gulf Shores
- Price: The event is free, but the fort charges an entrance fee
Orange Beach Freedom Fest
- What: The 2023 Orange Beach Freedom Fest and Fall Bama Coast Cruisin' take over The Wharf this weekend. The family-friendly event has something for everyone from shopping and music to classic cars and food. For more information visit www.orangebeachal.gov.
- When: Oct. 6-7, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Where: The Wharf, 23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach
- Price: Free to attend
First Friday Makers Market Foley
- What: Spend a little time with Bagel Boy, local artists and vendors.
- When: Friday, Oct. 6, 5-7 p.m.
- Where: Bagel Boy Foley, 515 N. McKenzie St., Foley
- Price: Free to attend
Conquer the Runway
- What: Get ready for takeoff! The third-annual BFM 5K on the Runway gives runners of all levels the chance to run down the runway at Mobile International Airport. The race benefits the Mobile Airport Authority Foundation. Registration is open for the 5K and 1-mile fun run, but the day of tickets are also available. For more information or to register, visit www.bfm5k.com.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 7, 8 a.m.
- Where: Mobile International Airport, 1886 5th St., Mobile
- Price: Registration is $25 for adults and $15 for children in advance and $35 for adults and $20 for children on the day of the race
Olde Time Days
- What: Step back in time during the annual Olde Time Day Festival. The event celebrates our community's farming heritage. Visitors will enjoy farming demonstrations, carnival activities, petting zoo and carriage rides.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: Bicentennial Park, 51233 State Highway 225, Stockton
- Price: Free to attend
Oktoberfest at OWA
- What: This week's Oktoberfest celebration brings revelers to Downtown OWA. Dust off your finest dirndl and lederhosen and enjoy a day of German-inspired events like interactive games, live entertainment, a 5K run and more. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit www.visitowa.com.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 7, 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Where: Downtown OWA, 101-N S. OWA Blvd., Foley
- Price: Free to attend
Songwriter Showcase at The Legion
- What: Spend an evening listening to live music with a killer view of the Mobile Bay. Johnny Hayes, Harrison McInnis, Emily Stuckey and Scott Bottrell will tell stories and share songs all evening.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 7, 5 p.m.
- Where: American Legion Post 199, 700 S. Mobile St., Fairhope
- Price: Free to attend
Dive for Debris at Gulf State Park
- What: The annual Coastal Cleanup cleared our shore of litter, but now it is time to clear the litter from under the Gulf State Park Pier. Volunteer divers will convene on the beach before going underwater to pick up fishing lines, weights and other debris that gets tangled among the pilings. To register contact Cindy Langston at gulfevents.statepark@dcnr.alabama.gov.
- When: Sunday, Oct. 8, 8 a.m.
- Where: Gulf State Park Pier, 20800 E. Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores
Outlaw Music Festival
- What: The C Spire Concert Series presents: the Outlaw Music Festival featuring Willie Nelson, The Avett Brothers, Gov't Mule, Elizabeth Cook and Particle Kid. Tickets are still available for this epic concert. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com.
- When: Sunday, Oct. 8, music begins at 4 p.m.
- Where: The Wharf Amphitheater, 23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach
- Price: Ticket prices vary
