This is a great weekend to be in Alabama’s coastal area. The weather is glorious,  the beaches are still warm enough to swim and we have numerous outdoor events. Put on your shades and join us outside for some great weekend festivals.

Thunder on the Gulf – October 6-9

Open to the public daily from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. This family-friendly event will allow race fans to observe monster race boats and their teams, let the kids play at the Kids Pavilion, purchase official race merchandise and check out the vendors.

Price: Free to Public. VIP Passes available for purchase- $100 each, plus tax.

Gulf State Park Pavilion, Orange Beach, AL

22nd Annual Lost Bay Regatta – October 8

Race begins at 1:00 pm. All pre-race registration and celebration will be held at the Point Yacht Club facilities. Friday night music from 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Call 251-981-4632 for details.

Point Yacht Club, County Road 95, Elberta, AL

Baldwin Pops Founder’s Day Concert – October 8

Outdoor orchestra concert at 6 pm.  Call (251) 928-3754 for details.

Price: Admission is free.

Henry George Park, Fairhope – 1 Beach Road, Fairhope, AL 36532

The 8th Annual Bird & Conservation Expo – October 8

Open 9am – 4pm. Bring the whole family for hands-on kids’ activities and fun for all ages!Birdhouse build with Boy Scouts Pack 47, Raptor Trek! – Alabama 4-H Center, Alabama’s premier live raptor show, Alabama Snakes w/ Dr. David Nelson & crew from 5 Rivers, birding and nature films, exhibits, vendors and artists, sea creature touch tanks from Marine Resources, Alabama Dept. of Conservation & Natural Resources, kids’ hands-on bird & nature workshops throughout the day, Learn about Alabama state parks, Alabama’s birding trails, and Alabama’s Forever Wild tracts.

 Price: Admission is free.

Faulkner State Community College in downtown Fairhope – 440 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL

Grand Festival of Art & Grand Festival of Books – October 8 & 9

Open 10am – 5pm. Sponsored by the Eastern Shore Art Center. This premier fall event is an exciting opportunity to view and acquire the works of over 100 participating artists from throughout the country. Admission is free. Visit the website for the Eastern Shore Art Center for more information.

New this year, the Grand Festival of Books, features readings, signings, and discussions, with local, regional, and national authors—for booklovers of all ages. Visit PageandPalette.com for details.

Price:  Admission is free.

Eastern Shore Art Center in Fairhope – 401 Oak Street, Fairhope, AL 36532