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Festivals
Any time is a great time for a party, and nobody knows how to celebrate like people along the Gulf Coast. Throughout the year, festivals and events keep spirits lively and hearts joyful. With so much to celebrate, the area’s social calendar is packed. Honoring our diversity is not just a pastime; it’s a way of life! Here are just a few of the areas many celebrations:
Ask any Mobilian and they will tell you Mobile is the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the New World. The three-week celebration is the city’s biggest event and features parades, music and other revelry. Visitors from around the world come to join in the family fun.
BayFest, www.bayfest.com an annual outdoor music festival, attracts more than 200,000 music lovers to Downtown Mobile each October to enjoy a lively mix of jazz, rock, country music and other musical styles.
Blessing of the Fleet www.fleetblessing.org in Bayou La Batre brings local fishermen and spectators out to watch the Archbishop bless the fishing vessels for a bountiful harvest.
Mobile International Festival www.mobileinternationalfestival.org highlights cultures and traditions of foreign lands, from our sister cities to our distant neighbors.
Fourth of July Celebration turns Cooper-Riverside Park into celebration central with music and fireworks.
Christmas in Bienville is a great way to kick off the holiday season with the lighting of Mobile’s official Christmas tree. Closer to Christmas, the Mobile Holiday Parade winds through the streets of downtown with Santa and all his helpers.
Everyone’s Irish for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a fun romp through the streets of downtown.
Mobile Fire Department Expo showcases a few of the fire department’s many skills. This has become one of Mobile’s favorite family events.
The Greater Gulf States BBQ Championship and Hog Wild Festival www.bbqmobile.net is a new event in Mobile. Teams from across the Southeast compete for thousands of dollars in prizes. Attendees can indulge in great barbecue, arts, crafts and music.
Mardi Gras
Ask any Mobilian and they will tell you Mobile is the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the New World. The three-week celebration is the city’s biggest event and features parades, music and other revelry. Visitors from around the world come to join in the family fun.
BayFest
BayFest, www.bayfest.com an annual outdoor music festival, attracts more than 200,000 music lovers to Downtown Mobile each October to enjoy a lively mix of jazz, rock, country music and other musical styles.
Azalea Trail Run Festival
Azalea Trail Run Festival is a three-day event featuring a world-class 10K run www.pcpacers.org/atr/ which attracts top runners from around the world, family activities and fun.Blessing of the Fleet
Blessing of the Fleet www.fleetblessing.org in Bayou La Batre brings local fishermen and spectators out to watch the Archbishop bless the fishing vessels for a bountiful harvest.
Greek Fest
Greek Fest www.greekfestmobile.org, a three-day festival of Greek food, dancing and heritage, is a local favorite and takes place at the Greek Annunciation Church.Art Patrons League Azalea Arts and Crafts Festival
Art Patrons League Azalea Arts and Crafts Festival in Langan Park highlights the best in regional and national artists.Greater Gulf State Fair
Greater Gulf State Fair www.mobilefair.com brings rides, food and exhibits together to make this a fun event for all ages.Kids Days
Kids Days in Bienville summer series brings thousands of kids downtown for a great afternoon of entertainment in an urban environment.Mobile International Festival
Mobile International Festival www.mobileinternationalfestival.org highlights cultures and traditions of foreign lands, from our sister cities to our distant neighbors.
Holidays
Fourth of July Celebration turns Cooper-Riverside Park into celebration central with music and fireworks.Christmas in Bienville is a great way to kick off the holiday season with the lighting of Mobile’s official Christmas tree. Closer to Christmas, the Mobile Holiday Parade winds through the streets of downtown with Santa and all his helpers.
Everyone’s Irish for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a fun romp through the streets of downtown.
Mobile Fire Department Expo showcases a few of the fire department’s many skills. This has become one of Mobile’s favorite family events.
BBQ Championship and Hog Wild Festival
The Greater Gulf States BBQ Championship and Hog Wild Festival www.bbqmobile.net is a new event in Mobile. Teams from across the Southeast compete for thousands of dollars in prizes. Attendees can indulge in great barbecue, arts, crafts and music.
