image 4 8 ways to spend your 4th of July weekend near Mobile Bay — Watch fireworks at the historic USS Alabama Battleship (Visit Mobile)

We are all excited for this holiday weekend! Check out these awesome local events, including festivals, charity events and more.

Weekend at a glance:

Friday, July 3

Grand Bay Watermelon Festival in Grand Bay

Watermelons are the perfect way to kick off your Independence Day plans. The 52nd annual Grand Bay Watermelon Festival will have delicious food, ice cold watermelon and a car show.

Where: Grand Bay Odd Fellows Festival Park, 10327 Taylor F. Harper Blvd, Grand Bay, AL
When: July 3, 3PM-7PM; July 4, 9:30AM-5PM
Admission: $5 parking

Empty the Shelter in Mobile

Help the City of Mobile Animal Services find forever homes this holiday weekend! From July 3-5, the animal shelter is accepting walk-ins to adopt or foster a pet! Application fees will be waived for approved applicants. Check out their website here for more details.

Where: City of Mobile Animal Services, 855 Owens St, Mobile, AL 36604
When: July 3-5, 10AM-4PM

Saturday, July 4 (Independence Day)

Freedom Run in Orange Beach

image 8 ways to spend your 4th of July weekend near Mobile Bay — The 6th Annual Freedom Run will kick off independence day with a 4 mile run. (Flora-Bama)

The 6th annual Freedom Run will be hosted at Flora-Bama Lounge and Package. Register here before the run!

Where: Flora-Bama, 17401 Perdido Key Dr, Pensacola, FL
When: July 4, 8AM

USS Alabama 4th of July Celebration in Mobile

Celebrate America’s 250th birthday at the USS Alabama. There will be great food from local vendors, live music and a fireworks show to end the night!

Where: USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Pkwy, Mobile, AL
When: July 4th, 5:30PM
Admission: $10 parking

Gulf State Park Fireworks Show in Gulf Shores

IMG 0002 edited scaled 8 ways to spend your 4th of July weekend near Mobile Bay — Gulf State Park Pier and Observatory is open and excited to have you at their fireworks show. (Sarah Simmons / Mobile Bay Now)

See fireworks over the ocean this 4th of July at the Gulf State Park Pier. Spectators can view the fireworks from public beach access as well as the eastern area of Gulf State Park.

Where: Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier, 20800 E. Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL
When: July 4, 9PM

Star Spangled 250th Spectacular at OWA

Enjoy a parade in Downtown OWA this Independence Day. There will also be plenty of patriotic events to keep your day fun.

Where: Downtown OWA, 100 N Owa Blvd, Foley, AL
When: July 4, 2PM-9PM

America 250 Celebration in Fairhope

image 1 edited 8 ways to spend your 4th of July weekend near Mobile Bay — Fairhope fireworks over the pier give a great view of Mobile Bay. (Virginia Merchant / Mobile Bay Now)

Celebrate Independence Day in Baldwin County at Red, White & 250 in Fairhope. This event is family friendly and will feature live music and a fireworks show!

Where: Fairhope Municipal Pier, 4 N Beach Rd, Fairhope, AL
When: July 4, 7:30PM

Sunday, July 5

Time Capsule Reveal in Mobile

image 3 8 ways to spend your 4th of July weekend near Mobile Bay — The History Museum of Mobile will have a blast from the past with this time capsule reveal. (Wikimedia Commons)

The History Museum of Mobile is revealing what was left inside of a time capsule in 1976. This free event will give a glimpse into Mobile’s past and show us what it was like to live here in the 70s!

Where: Colonial Fort Conde, 150 S Royal St, Mobile, AL
When: July 5, 4PM-7PM

What will you do this weekend? Follow us and let us know!