South Alabama’s early-2019 calendar is packed with art, music and community gatherings, from downtown Fairhope’s monthly art stroll to a major Christian music tour stopping at the University of South Alabama.
First Friday Art Walk — Jan. 4, Fairhope
The city of Fairhope hosts its First Friday Art Walk from 6 to 8 p.m., beginning at the Eastern Shore Art Center. Strollers can wander downtown Fairhope visiting galleries and taking in live music. Details: 251-928-2228.
Community Engagement Forum — Jan. 11, Mobile
The University of South Alabama Student Center Ballroom hosts “Building Blocks for Impactful Community Engagement toward Health Equity,” the third Forum on Community-Engaged Scholarship, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event focuses on the elements of community engagement that advance health equity and on building connections between researchers and community-based organizations.
Winter Jam 2019 — Jan. 13, Mobile
Winter Jam 2019 rolls into the USA Mitchell Center from 6 to 10 p.m. with a heavyweight Christian lineup: Newsboys United, Danny Gokey, Mandisa, Rend Collective, Ledger, Newsong, Hollyn, Dan Bremnes, Ty Brasel, Manic Drive, speakers Greg Stier and Zane Black, and Adam Agee. Jam Nation doors open at 3:30 p.m., general admission at 5 p.m.; a $15 donation is collected at the door.
Abba Shrine Craft & Attic Show — Jan. 19–20, Mobile
The Abba Shrine Craft & Attic Show runs Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Admission is $3, and donating a new toy earns a door-prize chance (one per toy), with donations supporting the Masonic Alabama Grandlodge’s free child ID program. Concessions will be available; booth information is available from Elsie Davis at 251-895-3821.
Italian Cheese & Wine Event — Jan. 20
The Cheese Cottage pairs Italian cheeses with wines from the same regions for an afternoon of guided tastings from 2 to 4 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance through thecheesecottagellc.com. The covered outdoor event is held rain or shine.