Photo Provided

The time has finally come. High school and college football have returned.

For some, that means sitting in the stands or taking that favorite couch spot to watch football. For others, this means less crowds during gametimes in restaurants and grocery stores.

Our list of weekend events will help you stay busy all weekend long. Kick off your weekend Thursday with a pint for a good cause at Big Beach Brewery. Roll into Saturday with a grand opening celebration at Cooper Farm, then head to The Wharf for the Tailgate Cook-Off or to Mobile for the Dauphin Street Beer Festival. Wrap up your weekend Sunday with a classic movie at the Saegner Theatre or a full moon paddle in Orange Beach.

If our list missed the mark for you, visit our event calendar at GulfCoastMedia.com for more events happening this weekend or next. You can even search by distance from your hometown or vacation spot, so get out and explore our neighboring cities.

Connect to Your Coast

• What: Grab a beer and get to know the Alabama Coastal Foundation, find out about what they do for the local environment, and help raise money to support their cause. A percentage of every pint sold goes to the Alabama Coastal Foundation.
• When: Thursday, Aug. 24, noon to 8 p.m.
• Where: Big Beach Brewery Company, 300 E. 24th Ave., Gulf Shores
• Price: Free to attend

Cooper Farm Grand Opening

• What: The Coopers will welcome the community to the new Cooper Farm to celebrate their grand opening. There will be a bounce house, craft tables, face painting and food trucks. The first 50 customers will receive an exclusive Cooper Farm gift bag of goodies.
• When: Saturday, Aug. 26, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Where: 14609 State Hwy. 59, Foley
• Price: Free to attend

Coastal Tailgate Cook-Off Challenge

• What: Kick-off football season at the Coastal Tailgate Cook-Off. Teams will compete to see whose tailgate fare reigns supreme. Those in attendance will enjoy live music, games and lots of food. The price of entry includes 10 tasting tickets, but more can be purchased.
• When: Saturday, Aug. 26, noon to 3 p.m.
• Where: The Marina Lawn at The Wharf, 4550 Main St., Orange Beach
• Price: Admission tickets are $20

Dauphin Street Beer Festival

• What: Looking to enjoy or discover a new favorite beer? The Dauphin Street Beer Festival will bring together 42 beers and 14 venues into one epic evening. Bars, taverns and restaurants will welcome ticket holders to sample different craft brews and imports from around the world. Visit www.beerfestmobile.com to purchase tickets.
• When: Saturday, Aug. 26, 6 to 9 p.m.
• Where: Dauphin Street, Mobile
• Price: $35

Exquisite Bridal Event

• What: Classy Threads Bridal in Spanish Fort welcomes brides to explore wedding vendors to help make your wedding day extra special. Speak with hair stylists, artists, venue and more and get your wedding planning done.
• When: Sunday, Aug. 27, 2 to 4 p.m.
• Where: Classy Threads Bridal and Formal at Eastern Shore Center, 30500 Hwy. 181, Suite 314, Spanish Fort
• Price: Free to attend

Smokey & The Bandit

• What: Classic movies are fun to watch at home, but seeing them on the big screen is an experience. Grab your friends and head to the Saenger Theatre and see "Smokey & The Bandit" take the big screen. The charity supported by the Summer Classic Movie Series is the United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile. Bring a donation of household cleaning products, paper towels, baby wipes or gallon zip top bags.
• When: Sunday, Aug. 27, 3 p.m.
• Where: Saenger Theatre, 6 S. Joachim St., Mobile
• Price: Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for children under 12-years-old

Full Moon Paddle

• What: Whether you are an experienced paddler or a novice, paddling on Wolf Bay under the full moon is a shouldn't-miss. Attendees will enjoy a guided paddle, catered hors d'oeuvres and live music. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required. To register, visit Eventbrite.com. Call the Wind & Water Learning Center with questions (251) 424-5909.
• When: Sunday, Aug. 27, 6 p.m.
• Where: Wind & Water Learning Center, 26233 Canal Road, Orange Beach
• Price: $35