Saenger Theater — Catch The Black Jacket Symphony at the Saenger this weekend! (James Willamor / CC BY-SA 2.0)

This weekend around Mobile Bay has plenty on the calendar, particularly on Saturday, Sept. 26, including two 5Ks, a plant swap and lots of live music to choose from.

Here’s what’s happening Friday, Sept. 25, through Sunday, Sept. 27.

Events at a glance

Friday, Sept. 25

1. Johnny Mullenax @ The Merry Widow

Tulsa native Johnny Mullenax describes his genre-bending sound as funky country bluegrass, with influences ranging from AC/DC to John Coltrane.

What: Live music from Johnny Mullenax and Eric Woods & The Way Down
When: Friday, Sept. 25 | Doors at 7PM, show at 8PM
Where: The Merry Widow, 51 S. Conception St., Mobile
Cost: $15 presale, $25 day of show if available
Tickets

2. The FreeRadicals Rock The Decoy

Start the weekend with live music from The FreeRadicals, who bill themselves as a “radically different” music experience.

What: Live music at The Decoy Bar & Grill
When: Friday, Sept. 25 | 8PM
Where: The Decoy Bar & Grill, 311 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope

3. Homeowner Gardening Conference @ Jon Archer Agricultural Center

Alabama Extension is hosting a two-day conference with research-based tips for South Alabama homeowners. Friday starts with dinner and a keynote speaker. Saturday brings four educational sessions, lunch and a closing panel where experts answer questions.

Topics include backyard greenhouses, pollinators, lawns and new plants for the landscape.

What: Two-day gardening conference with expert speakers
When: Friday, Sept. 25, 5:30PM to 8PM (dinner and keynote) | Saturday, Sept. 26, 9AM to 5PM
Where: Jon Archer Agricultural Center, 1070 Schillinger Road N., Mobile
Cost: $25 registration, which covers meals
Register
More info

Saturday, Sept. 26

4. South Mobile County Operation Clean Sweep

Mobile County residents can drop off unwanted household appliances, computers, printers, household items, bagged leaves, yard debris and more for free.

What: Free disposal event for Mobile County residents
When: Saturday, Sept. 26 | 7AM to 1:30PM
Where: 7195 Half Mile Road, Irvington
Cost: Free
More info

5. 31st Annual Walk for Healthy Living Walk-A-Thon @ Mardi Gras Park

The Greater Mobile Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is hosting its 31st annual walk with MOBPacers. This year’s goal is 80 million steps collectively, in honor of The Links’ upcoming 80th anniversary. The event is open to the community.

What: Community walk promoting healthy minds and bodies
When: Saturday, Sept. 26 | 8AM
Where: Mardi Gras Park, 109 Government St., Mobile
Cost: Free, no registration fee
More info

6. USA Health’s GO Run 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run @ Hancock Whitney Stadium

The 19th annual GO Run, presented by the Catranis Family Charitable Foundation, raises money for gynecologic cancer research at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute. After the race, stick around for sponsor booths, food and drinks, a kids’ area with inflatables, free skin screenings, self-collected HPV and genetic testing, and free post-race stretches from StretchLab.

Teams can compete for awards including highest fundraising and best dressed. Packet pickup is Friday from 11AM to 6PM and Saturday from 6:30AM to 7:30AM at the SGA Pavilion.

What: 5K and 1-mile fun run benefiting cancer research
When: Saturday, Sept. 26 | 5K at 8AM, fun run at 9AM
Where: Hancock Whitney Stadium, 500 Stadium Drive, Mobile
Cost: Ages 12 and under, $15 (rises to $20 on race day) | Ages 13 and up, $30 (rises to $35 on race day) | Virtual option, $35
More info

7. Miles for Heroes 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run @ Daphne City Hall

IGY6-Gulf Coast is hosting a certified 5K and 1-mile fun run through Old Towne Daphne. Participants can run or walk. The event raises awareness of mental health and suicide prevention for veterans, first responders and communities.

What: Certified 5K and 1-mile fun run
When: Saturday, Sept. 26 | 8AM
Where: Daphne City Hall, 1705 Main St., Daphne
Cost: $35 for the 5K or 1-mile, $28 for ages 0 to 15
Register
More info

8. MobTown Cards & Collectibles Show @ The Grand Hall

Vendors from across the Gulf Coast are bringing sports cards, memorabilia and trading card games to The Grand Hall for the show’s third edition. Look for football, baseball, basketball, hockey and soccer cards, plus jerseys, baseballs and Pokémon cards (modern, vintage and Japanese).

Bring your trade binders and best cards.

What: Trading card and memorabilia show
When: Saturday, Sept. 26 | 8AM to 4PM
Where: The Grand Hall, 3556 Halls Mill Road, Mobile
Cost: $2 per person
More info

9. Scarecrows in the Gardens @ Bellingrath Gardens and Home

Scarecrows in the Gardens opens Saturday and runs through Nov. 1. Local organizations, schools and businesses designed the scarecrows, which range from spooky to silly and line the garden pathways. Visitors can vote for their favorite.

What: Fall scarecrow display
When: Saturday, Sept. 26, through Sunday, Nov. 1 | 8AM to 5PM daily (last Gardens tickets sold at 4PM)
Where: Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore
Cost: Free for members. Gardens-only admission for non-members is $17 for adults and $11 for ages 5 to 12, and kids 4 and under are free.
Tickets
More info

10. 8th Annual Devyn’s Journey Dice Run @ Blues Tavern

Mob Town Riders’ charity ride benefits United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile. Motorcycles, Jeeps, classic cars, trucks and side-by-sides are all welcome. Stops include LA Tavern, Pelican Reef and Pelican Pub.

What: Charity ride for all vehicle types
When: Saturday, Sept. 26 | 10AM
Where: Starts at Blues Tavern, 2605 Halls Mill Road, Mobile
Cost: $20 per vehicle, $10 for each extra passenger
More info

11. Intro to Fall Gardening @ Black Wolf Event Hall

This free, hands-on workshop covers the best vegetables to grow in South Alabama this season, how to prepare beds and soil, and watering and maintenance. It wraps up with a community planting session.

No experience is required, and beginners and families are welcome. Dress comfortably for outdoor activities.

What: Free hands-on fall gardening workshop
When: Saturday, Sept. 26 | 10AM to 11AM
Where: Black Wolf Event Hall, 231 S. Wilson Ave., Prichard
Cost: Free
RSVP
More info

12. Fairhope Plant Swap @ Fairhope Public Library

Grace Skidmore and Mobile Plant Swap are hosting a community swap outside the Fairhope Public Library. Bring the family and some plants, and arrive early to unload and browse the offerings under the outdoor walkway.

It starts at 10AM sharp, and the pace is fast and fun.

What: Community plant swap
When: Saturday, Sept. 26 | 10AM sharp
Where: Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope
Cost: Free
More info

13. Saturday Morning Studio @ Ben May Main Library

The Mobile Arts Council is hosting an arts and crafts session for kids ages 6 to 11, who can try all types of projects with friends.

What: Free arts and crafts session for kids ages 6 to 11
When: Saturday, Sept. 26 | 10AM to 11AM
Where: Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St., Mobile
Cost: Free
More info

14. Little Golden Book Junk Journal Class @ Velvet Fox Trading Co.

At this class at Velvet Fox Trading Co., participants transform a Little Golden Book into a chunky junk journal. You’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind journal and plenty of ideas for adding photos, recipes, memories, keepsakes, notes and treasures at home.

What: Junk journaling class
When: Saturday, Sept. 26 | 10AM to noon
Where: Velvet Fox Trading Co., 12650 Cunningham Rd., Grand Bay
More info

15. Fall Container Planting @ Mobile Botanical Gardens

Learn how to plant and grow any plant in a simple container.

What: Container planting class
When: Saturday, Sept. 26 | 10AM to noon
Where: Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive, Mobile
Cost: $60 for non-members, or $45 if you bring your own container between 11 and 14 inches in diameter
Register

16. ExploreCon: A Day of Animation @ Exploreum Science Center

ExploreCon brings science, animation and favorite characters together at the Exploreum. Guests are invited to dress as a favorite family-friendly character for themed science demonstrations, activities and movies.

“SpongeBob SquarePants the Movie” screens at 10:30AM, followed by “Space Jam” at 2PM. The Animation Academy exhibit, which explores how characters and stories come to life, leaves the Exploreum on Oct. 10.

What: Animation-themed science day
When: Saturday, Sept. 26 | 10AM to 4PM
Where: Exploreum Science Center, 65 Government St., Mobile
Cost: $6 for members, $17 to $19 for non-members
More info

17. September Swap Meet Festival @ Mobile Bay Harley-Davidson

Mobile Bay Harley-Davidson’s swap meet brings vendors indoors and outdoors selling motorcycle parts, helmets, riding gear and collectibles. Expect a showroom full of bikes, a live DJ, Taylor’s Soul Food food truck and complimentary beer for guests 21 and older. Test rides come with a goodie from the store.

Earlier in the morning, a veterans benefit ride leaves the dealership at 9AM for the veterans home in Bay Minette and returns around 11:30AM. Proceeds go to the Combat Veterans Association, Mobile Chapter 28-6. Vendors can still sign up for $10 by emailing groutagem@gmail.com.

What: Swap meet festival with vendors, food truck and live DJ
When: Saturday, Sept. 26 | 11AM to 4PM (veterans ride leaves at 9AM)
Where: Mobile Bay Harley-Davidson, 3260 Pleasant Valley Road, Mobile
Cost: Free admission. The ride is $10 per rider and $5 per passenger.
More info

18. Creating with Beeswax @ Mobile Botanical Gardens

Veronica Culberson leads this craft workshop, where participants learn to make beeswax food wraps and beeswax luminaries.

What: Beeswax craft workshop
When: Saturday, Sept. 26 | 1PM to 2:30PM
Where: Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive, Mobile
Cost: $35 for members, $40 for non-members
Register

19. Bites and Barks in the Park @ Chickasabogue Park

The Mobile County Animal Shelter is hosting a free, family-friendly evening with dog adoptions, food trucks and a showing of “Lady and the Tramp” at 7PM.

What: Free family event with adoptions, food trucks and a movie
When: Saturday, Sept. 26 | 4PM to 8PM
Where: Chickasabogue Park, 760 Aldock Road, Eight Mile
Cost: Free
More info

20. Crafts & Drafts Night Market @ Oyster City Brewing Company

Oyster City Brewing Company is hosting a night market with local vendors, food trucks, live music and cold beer. This is your chance to shop small and find unique gifts from local makers!

What: Night market with vendors, food trucks and live music
When: Saturday, Sept. 26 | 5PM to 9PM
Where: Oyster City Brewing Company, 600 Government St., Mobile
Cost: Free admission
More info

21. K-POP Warriors Live @ Mobile Convention Center

This family-friendly show mixes K-Pop-style music, fast choreography and colorful heroes battling playful villains. The show is open to all ages.

What: Live K-Pop-inspired family show
When: Saturday, Sept. 26 | 5PM
Where: Mobile Convention Center, 1 S. Water St., Mobile
Cost: Tickets start at $23.18 and are non-refundable
Tickets

22. The Haunted Casino Fundraiser @ Mobile Mystics Float Barn

Play blackjack, poker, roulette, horse racing, LCR and Split the Pot at this spooky casino night, with prizes for the luckiest players and a Cocktails & Candy raffle basket. Costumes are encouraged.

Ticket sales support Be the Change Gulf Coast and Queens with Dreams.

What: Casino-night fundraiser
When: Saturday, Sept. 26 | 6PM to 9PM
Where: Mobile Mystics Float Barn, 659 St. Anthony St., Mobile
Cost: $20 per person
Tickets

23. Mobile Comedy Battle Royale @ Crescent Theater

The second annual Mobile Comedy Battle Royale pits improv against stand-up at the Crescent Theater. Performers from Dad Company Improv and Bay Cities Story Co. take on comedians Josh Keers, Adam Dybdahl and Ryan D. Adams.

All proceeds benefit the nonprofit 2027 Mobile Improv Comedy Carnival.

What: Stand-up vs. improv comedy showdown
When: Saturday, Sept. 26 | Doors at 6PM, show at 7PM
Where: Crescent Theater, 208 Dauphin St., Mobile
Cost: Tickets start at $15
Tickets

24. The Black Jacket Symphony Presents Def Leppard’s ‘Hysteria’ @ Saenger Theatre

The Black Jacket Symphony recreates Def Leppard’s “Hysteria” live in its entirety at the Saenger Theatre. Seating is reserved, and kids 2 and under can sit on a parent’s lap without a ticket. The venue is cashless and has a clear bag policy.

What: Live recreation of Def Leppard’s “Hysteria”
When: Saturday, Sept. 26 | 7:30PM
Where: Saenger Theatre, 6 S. Joachim St., Mobile
Cost: Tickets start at $45
Tickets
More info

25. Mobile Black Rodeo @ The Grounds

This family-friendly rodeo features Black cowboys and cowgirls from across the country. After-parties follow at Equalizer bar and Elks Lodge.

What: Family-friendly rodeo
When: Saturday, Sept. 26 | 7:30PM to 10PM
Where: The Grounds, 1035 Cody Road N., Mobile
Cost: $40 per person
Tickets

26. Fear Circus @ Mobile Convention Center

Fear Circus is a theatrical horror show with twisted clowns, aerialists and chainsaws. It runs about 90 minutes with an intermission, and doors open one hour before showtime.

The show is recommended for ages 13 and older, and guests under 18 need an adult. It includes horror imagery, simulated violence, strobe and haze effects, very loud sound and extended blackouts.

What: Horror-themed circus show
When: Saturday, Sept. 26 | 8PM
Where: Mobile Convention Center, 1 S. Water St., Mobile
Cost: Tickets start at $25 and are non-refundable
Tickets

Sunday, Sept. 27

27. Simone Dinnerstein with members of Baroklyn @ Laidlaw Performing Arts Center

Pianist Simone Dinnerstein performs with members of Baroklyn to open Mobile Chamber Music’s 65th season. The program includes music by Johann Sebastian Bach.

What: Season-opening chamber music concert
When: Sunday, Sept. 27 | 3PM
Where: Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, University of South Alabama, 5751 USA Drive S., Mobile
Cost: $25, free for students
More info

27 things to do around Mobile Bay this weekend (Sept. 25-27)