June 5–7in & around Coastal Alabama & Northwest Florida

Fairhope's signature Friday-night stroll: galleries open late, art spills onto the sidewalks, and downtown turns into one long, easy walk. The kind of evening you do with people, no ticket required.

The Flora-Bama's bi-state fishing tradition is back for its 11th year and runs all weekend. It's built on the come-as-you-are idea that you don't have to be a serious angler to have a good time -- same loose energy as the bar that hosts it.

Friday-night family variety at OWA -- magic, comedy, and a bit of spectacle in a format that plays for all ages. A solid call if you've got the kids along.

The headliner. A stacked country bill at The Wharf -- Gary Allan and Tracy Lawrence headlining, with Diamond Rio and Easton Corbin among the special guests -- and the biggest show on the coast this weekend. It's an open-air amphitheater and Saturday's the storm-iffy day, so check the sky before you head out, but this is the ticket to have.

A genuine "have you ever done this?" Saturday: a cruise out to the resting place of the Clotilda, the last known American slave ship, in the waters off Mobile. Sobering, historic, and unlike anything else on the calendar.

A morning wildlife cruise through manatee habitat out of Mobile. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the water and the season make it a worthwhile way to spend a Saturday morning on the bay.

Exactly what it sounds like: bacon, burgers, and bikes, together. A laid-back food-and-motorcycles afternoon that's pure Gulf Coast Saturday.

Saturday morning behind the Fairhope Public Library -- produce, makers, and the rest. Get there early, before the heat and before the good stuff's gone.

A Sunday-morning pop-up market on the water at Orange Beach Waterfront Park -- local vendors, an easy stroll, and the bay right there. A gentle way to close the weekend.

You're never far from live music on this coast. The Flora-Bama runs it all weekend, The Hangout keeps free music going on East Beach Boulevard, and the rooms up and down the beach -- Portside at The Wharf, Ole River Grill, Five Sisters Blues Cafe -- all have something on. Worth catching: Justin Colvard at Portside on Friday and Brooks Johnson at Ole River on Saturday.