Dauphin Island is a splendid place to visit. You can seek out a warm and welcoming southern culture on the fringes of Alabama. The family-friendly atmosphere and laid-back lifestyle of Dauphin Island would be ideal for some well-deserved rest and rejuvenation.
Below are 10 annual Dauphin Island events to make your experience even brighter, no matter what time of year you visit.
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is perhaps Dauphin Island’s biggest and most thrilling event. This is uncharacteristic of the island lifestyle, but it’s a special community staple nonetheless. The event captivates with amazing masks, local band music, reenactors, and much more. You can see the full month of parades here on the official parade schedule. The Mardi Gras series begins February 2nd.
Thunder on the Bay
It’s the 155th year of this iconic and historic local celebration. In May, the 6th Alabama Cavalry and the Alabama Division of Reenactors will recreate the tide-turning Battle of Mobile Bay. The event showcases the big role Fort Gaines played during the Civil War.
The battle is expected to begin at 2 p.m. and the concluding surrender is at 3:30 p.m. The exact event date changes yearly.
WWII Living History Event
This historically-rich event will capture the imagination of history buffs the world over. Soldiers will do authentic drills throughout the day at Fort Gaines. Guests can see a camping site recreated from photographs and artifacts from the era, as well as an inspired blacksmith shop, meticulously crafted to embody what a real shop would look like.
Easter Egg Hunt and Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
Bellingrath hosts its Easter spectacular. Let the kids run around and catch as many eggs as they can across the grounds. Many family-friendly activities will commence throughout the day, including coloring, face paint, games for candy, and more. The event is in March.
Best yet, the Easter bunny arrives with gifts for all.
July 4th Fireworks
The July 4th fireworks erupt triumphantly ever year, celebrating our grand country’s inception and our American pride. It’s a country we love, and our fireworks make for a memorable day of family togetherness on Dauphin Island.
Dauphin Island Gumbo Festival
Listen to some country jams. Taste real southern gumbo. What could be better? The Dauphin Island Gumbo Festival brings soup and music to the shores of Alabama. Listen to music from the local elites, The Modern Eldorado, and enjoy local-made food using long-standing family recipes.
The event is in April 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, located at Le Moyne Dr., Dauphin Island, Alabama 36528.
Art SeaLab Festival
Towards the end of October, the Dauphin Island Sea Lab hosts a riveting series of workshops celebrating the wildlife and nature of Dauphin Island. The event’s ultimate goal is to inform and educate visitors of natural preservation and the details of the estuarine life of coastal Alabama. There’s an art show, a competition, and a 3D marine workshop.
BOO at Bellingrath
The Bellingrath Gardens hosts this special annual event celebrating the scares of the season in a beautiful family-friendly environment. Boo at Bellingrath is a must-see Fall event just minutes from Dauphin Island. Come for candy, games, and many fun activities in the last month of October.
Fort Gaines Renaissance Fest
In late October, Fort Gaines hosts a spectacle called Renaissance Fest. Spur your imagination with fights, sieges, and a castle storm. Admission is typically around $5, making this an approachable and budget-friendly family event.
Massacre Island
See the pirates launch their siege on the shores of Dauphin Island. Watch as they have pistol duels, sword fights, and other swashbuckling antics. They will even launch a cannon, so you better watch it! This spectacle of an event is a new annual staple in September.
The city website has a detailed Dauphin Island calendar of events for you to explore. Check out all the wonderful family activities you can check out in the whimsical, relaxing, and classic shores of Dauphin Island.
Book one of our beachfront vacation rentals on Dauphin Island during any season to see the sights and enjoy the southern living of the Alabama coast.