DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. — Families looking for a free, low-key weekend getaway had plenty of reasons to head to Dauphin Island, where a local author’s book signing, a classic car show and a nature-themed art festival were all scheduled within a few days of each other.
The weekend kicked off Friday evening with a signing for local author Carroll Uithoven’s debut book, simply titled “Dauphin Island,” a historical and pictorial look at the island from its earliest days to the present. The book features more than 100 photographs shot by local photographers Joy Russell and Sjon Hopkins. Uithoven met readers at Mack’n’DD’s Emporium on Lemoyne Drive, where organizers offered snacks, wine and tea alongside the signing.
Saturday brought two more free events for residents and visitors. A Sunset Cruise Car Show lined up classic and antique automobiles at the Dauphin Island Rodeo Site and along West End Beach for much of the day. A companion swap meet ran from sunup to sundown at Green Park, giving car enthusiasts a chance to browse parts and memorabilia. In the afternoon, an antique car parade and judging session took place, with winners announced by early evening.
At the same time, Historic Cadillac Square hosted the Art in the Park Nature Festival, combining local artwork with live animal programs. Featured artists Benno and Regina Kollegger displayed pieces throughout the day, while raptor programs gave visitors an up-close look at birds of prey. The Weeks Bay Foundation and the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium both set up educational tents at the festival, offering hands-on exhibits about the island’s coastal ecosystems.
The string of free events reflects Dauphin Island’s ongoing effort to draw both day-trippers and overnight visitors during the early summer season, blending history, art and outdoor recreation into a single weekend without an admission cost. Organizers pointed visitors to the “Friends of Dauphin Island” Facebook page and the island’s tourism website for scheduling details and updates on future community events.
With Gulf water warming and summer travel picking up across coastal Alabama, island organizers say they expect similar low-cost, family-friendly events to continue throughout the season.