Mobile and Baldwin counties are gearing up for a full slate of Fourth of July celebrations this year, with fireworks, concerts and family-friendly festivities planned from the Causeway to the beach. Here is a rundown of what is happening around the region.
Wednesday, July 3
The Wharf kicks off the holiday early with an Independence Day street party and fireworks show from 5 to 9 p.m., featuring live entertainment, kid-friendly activities, prize giveaways and a synchronized sound-and-light spectacular ahead of the fireworks. Details are available at ALWharf.com.
In north Baldwin County, the Bay Minette Rotary Club’s annual fireworks show goes off at dusk. The show has moved to a new location this year because of construction at the local school — the recently opened Sports Complex at 1310 W. 13th Street. Parking is available at the complex as well as the lots at Bay Minette Middle and Baldwin County High schools. Kelly’s Canteen will be open at the sports complex, and school groups will be selling water and watermelon in the Baldwin County High School student parking area. For more information, call 251-580-1625.
Thursday, July 4
GulfQuest in downtown Mobile hosts a full day of activities from 2 to 9 p.m., including an inflatable tropical water slide ($5 per child, unlimited rides), a corn hole tournament and a sidewalk chalk competition. Museum exhibits will be open from 2 to 7 p.m. with $5 admission per person, and food and drinks will be available along the Riverfront Promenade. More information is available at gulfquest.org, by calling 251-436-8901 or by emailing khattox@gulfquest.org.
The city of Mobile’s own Independence Day celebration takes over Cooper Riverside Park in downtown Mobile, marking the country’s 243rd birthday with live music, family activities and food available for purchase. Park gates open at 2 p.m. for a full day of festivities. Visit mobile.org for details.
That evening, the Mobile Pops perform a traditional Independence Day concert lineup beginning at 7 p.m., also at Cooper Riverside Park. The concert is free and open to the public.
Across the bay, Daphne’s Fourth of July celebration runs from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Al Trione Sports Complex, with waterslides, inflatables, games and free concessions. Fireworks begin at dusk. Visit daphneal.com for more information.
Fairhope hosts its traditional concert-and-fireworks celebration at the Fairhope Municipal Pier. The Baldwin Pops Band takes the stage at 7 p.m. in Henry George Park, joined by special guests the Alabama 151st Army Band, who will perform patriotic music before and during the fireworks display beginning at 9 p.m. Parking is available at the north end of Fairhope Municipal Park and fills up as the day goes on; the south end of the beachfront park and Knoll Park will be available for spectators, with limited handicap parking near the fountain. Organizers recommend arriving early and staying through the fireworks. The event is alcohol-free, and personal fireworks are not permitted. Call 251-929-1466 for more information.
Also in Fairhope, the American Legion post at 700 S. Mobile Street hosts its own Independence Day celebration, with barbecue starting at 11 a.m. and live music from Gravity Blinks (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and Redfield (4 to 8 p.m.). Fireworks can be viewed from the Legion’s beach or pier. Call 251-928-9132 for details.
In Foley, OWA offers free admission to Downtown OWA all day, with food and live music from 4 to 8:30 p.m. and family-friendly activities. Inflatables inside the park will be open from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., and a fireworks show timed to music will light up the sky over Lake OWA at 8:45 p.m., visible from anywhere in the park. Call 251-923-2111 or visit visitowa.com for more information.
Gulf Shores holds its annual Fourth of July fireworks display at Gulf State Park beginning at 9 p.m., along with food trucks, live music and family-friendly activities throughout the evening. Visit GulfShoresAL.gov for details.
Friday, July 5
Spanish Fort caps off the holiday weekend with “Fireworks at the Fort” at the FORT Container Park, beginning at 9 p.m. with live music and family-friendly activities. Visit thefortpark.com for more information.