Summer may be winding down, but the Gulf Coast events calendar shows no signs of slowing. This weekend’s lineup ranges from waterslides and balloon art to Civil War history, ghost stories and an interactive art exhibit built entirely from repurposed materials.
Residents looking to round out the last weeks of summer can also pick up practical hurricane preparedness skills, dig into Mobile’s rich Black medical history, or watch some surprisingly athletic goats put their agility training to the test. Whether the goal is staying cool, learning something new or simply enjoying a family outing, there’s no shortage of ways to fill the days ahead. Just don’t try to do everything at once — even the goats know the importance of pacing themselves.
Storm Ready
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System will host a hurricane preparedness workshop for homeowners and property managers. Topics include preparing gardens, chainsaw and generator basics, tree risk and selection, storm supply essentials, and food, water and sanitation planning. Lunch is provided. For more information, contact Carmen Flammini at czf0054@aces.edu or (251) 395-0249.
When: Thursday, July 30, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Gulf Coast Eco Center, 1650 Eco Trail, Gulf Shores
Price: $10
Summer Sendoff
Orange Beach Parks and Recreation will host a summer celebration with activities for all ages as part of America’s 250 festivities. The event will feature a water slide, obstacle course, bubble truck, balloons by Jen’s Bay Balloons and a special area for younger children. Free pizza and beverages will be provided. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, towels and a change of clothes for children. Parking is available on-site, and residents are encouraged to use golf carts. For more information, email events@orangebeachal.gov.
When: Friday, July 31, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Waterfront Park, 26425 Canal Road, Orange Beach
Price: Free admission
162nd Battle of Mobile Bay Commemorative Day
Fort Gaines Historic Site will commemorate the 162nd Battle of Mobile Bay with living history activities throughout the day. The site’s historic cannon will be fired every 45 minutes in honor of the soldiers who fought in the pivotal Civil War battle. Visitors can explore the well-preserved fort that has guarded the entrance to Mobile Bay for more than 190 years while learning about its military history.
When: Saturday, Aug. 1, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Where: Fort Gaines Historic Site, Dauphin Island
Price: Regular Fort Gaines admission
Handle With Care
Mobile Museum of Art will present “Handle with Care,” an interactive exhibition created in partnership with Alabama Contemporary Art Center. Artists Calder Kamin and Jacob Reptile transform discarded fabrics, plastics and secondhand materials into sculptures that create an imagined landscape filled with alien-inspired flora and fauna. The exhibition explores local ecology, the environmental impact of waste and creative reuse, while encouraging visitors to interact with the artwork. For more information, contact (251) 208-5200.
When: Saturday, Aug. 1, 10 a.m.
Where: Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Drive, Mobile
Price: Free with museum admission
Goat Agility Training
Visitors to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo can watch goats navigate a specially designed agility course while trainers demonstrate positive reinforcement techniques. The program highlights the animals’ intelligence, agility, and physical and mental enrichment while providing an entertaining and educational experience.
When: Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 1-2, 10-10:15 a.m.
Where: Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, 20499 Oak Road E., Gulf Shores
Price: Included with regular paid admission
Healing the Community: Mobile Black Medical History Tour
The Dr. James Franklin Historic House & Gallery and the Mobile Medical Museum will present an immersive tour highlighting the contributions of African American medical professionals in Mobile’s history. Participants will learn about pioneering Black physicians, nurses, midwives, pharmacists and healthcare advocates who served the community during segregation. The tour includes visits to historic neighborhoods and sites associated with Black-owned pharmacies, hospitals and clinics, and features historic photographs, medical devices and interpretive exhibits.
When: Saturday, Aug. 1, 1-3 p.m.
Where: Historic Franklin House & Gallery, 355 N. Ann St., Mobile
Price: $20 for members, $25 for nonmembers, $15 for students
Haunted History Ghost Walking Tour
Foley Walking Tours will lead a family-friendly ghost tour exploring Foley’s haunted history. Participants will hear stories of restless spirits, unexplained events and local legends while walking through historic areas of the city at twilight. For more information, contact (251) 324-5434 or email Info@FoleyWalkingTours.com.
When: Saturday, Aug. 1, 7-8 p.m.
Where: Foley Welcome Center, 104 N. McKenzie St., Foley
Price: $35 for adults, $27 for children ages 5-12