May 1–3in & around Coastal Alabama & Northwest Florida

The annual balloon festival at OWA benefits the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and was named a top event in 2025. Gates open at 4:00 PM, with evening glows scheduled at 6:00 PM and 9:15 PM -- the night glow is the one worth staying for if the weather cooperates. Given Saturday's storm forecast, Friday evening may actually be your better shot at clear skies over the balloons.

Free admission at the Eastern Shore Art Center in Fairhope, with live music from Jay Megginson while you walk the galleries. Donations are welcomed. It's a low-key, no-cover way to spend a Friday evening, and Fairhope's downtown is worth the drive if you haven't been lately.

Tim covers a wide range -- Skynyrd, Prince, country, you name it -- so if you're already out at Perdido Key for the day, this is easy background entertainment that tends to surprise people. Two sets means you can catch him midday or circle back in the afternoon.

Pensacola native Lea Anne Creswell has serious chops -- she spent time hosting a nightly show at the Top of the Dome at the Hyatt in Dallas before coming back to the Gulf Coast. Four sets throughout the day means you'll likely catch her no matter when you roll in.

Memphis-bred vocalist who's been singing since age 11 and brings that city's blues influence into everything he does. Three sets spanning afternoon to late night gives you options. The 5:30 PM set is a good one to catch if you want the early evening energy before the crowd shifts.

If you're already at OWA for the balloon glow, karaoke runs late into the evening. No pricing confirmed.

PKMF moved to a new location this year -- the Flora-Bama Lounge & Package -- and runs both Saturday and Sunday. The ticketed festival kicks off at 1:00 PM Saturday with the final set going past 10:30 PM. The "Tent Stage" suggests some weather protection, which is good news given NWS is showing a 78% chance of thunderstorms Saturday. Ticket pricing wasn't confirmed in our research so hit the Flora-Bama's site before assuming walk-up availability.

Kentucky native, Pensacola resident, and a Flora-Bama regular who knows how to work that room. Four sets from noon to 10:00 PM means J. Hawkins is basically the anchor of Saturday's Main Room schedule. If you're spending the day at Flora-Bama, you'll hear him more than once.

The SOB duo sound is described as classic rock, outlaw country, Motown, soul, a splash of disco -- basically the kind of set that sounds right at 4:00 PM on a rainy Saturday when you're not ready to go home yet. Two sets in the Yacht Club, which tends to be a mellower spot than the main stage crowd.

Storytelling-forward original music with a personal feel. Fobes is a good pick if you want something a step away from the covers circuit. Catch him at 11:00 AM to start your day or the 3:00 PM set if you're coming in for the afternoon.

Sunday morning at the waterfront park in Orange Beach. NWS has Sunday at only a 33% chance of showers with a mostly clear night, so the weather picture improves considerably. No admission price listed -- most farmers markets are free to browse, but budget for what you buy.

West Virginia roots, country and rock blended into original songs you can actually sing along to. Cameron is the kind of act that fits the tail end of a festival weekend well -- nothing too heavy, just solid original music to close out Sunday. The 5:30 PM set is the one to catch if you're in no rush to leave.