American Cancer Society Chili Cook-off

Mar 3rd, 2012

The 23rd Annual American Cancer Society Chili Cook-Off is Mobile's "hottest" charity event where teams compete for bragging rights on who has the best chili in town. Proceeds from the Chili Cook-Off will be used for American Caner Society programs, patient services and life saving research. The 2012 event will be held in Mobile at Bienville Square on Saturday, March 3. Festivities begin at 11:00 AM. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the gates. Call 251.344.9858 for more details.

www.mobilechilicookoff.org

Mobile Boat Show

Mar 9th, 2012-Mar 11th, 2012

Come experience the biggest saltwater boat show from New Orleans to Tampa right here in Mobile! For three days, there will be tons of boats of all sizes, makes and models on display. Also, boat fanatics can attend seminars relating to boating and water activities. This is a family event. There are amazing activities for children to participate the entire day. The event will be held at the Mobile Convention Center in downtown Mobile on Water Street.

www.gulfcoastshows.com

BBQ Championship & Hog Wild Festival

Mar 9th, 2012-Mar 10th, 2012

Join us for United Cerebral Palsy’s 11th Annual BBQ Championship & Hog Wild Festival. On March 9th & 10th – at the Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds – over 120 professional and amateur teams will be on hand to display their skills at the grill. There will also be a fun kid’s zone, nationally sanctioned NBHA Barrel Horse Racing, live music, arts & crafts, and much more. You don’t want to miss it! Day Passes: $10 each and will be available at the gate. Kids 12 and under are FREE! A group discount is available. For more information: 251.479.4900.

www.bbqmobile.net

Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival

Mar 16th, 2012-Mar 18th, 2012

Over 200 exhibitors from throughout the nation will bring their best works to show and sell at this prestigious juried show. Live entertainment will be going on throughout the three-day event and unique cuisine will be served up in the food court. It all takes place on the streets of beautiful downtown Fairhope, Alabama. The festival was chosen as one of the top 20 events in the Southeast for March by the Alabama Bureau of Tourism. Festival hours are 10 AM-5 PM daily and there is no admission charge. For more information: 251.928.6387.

www.eschamber.com

Mobile Historic Homes Tour

Mar 16th, 2012-Mar 17th, 2012

Historic Mobile Preservation Society will hold the 2012 Mobile Historic Homes Tour on Friday and Saturday, March 16 and 17 in Mobile’s oldest neighborhood, the DeTonti Square Historic District. This year’s tour will feature a collection of private homes that all celebrate Mobile’s antebellum hey-day, including the house where the Battle of Mobile Bay was watched by General Buchanan and a home that has never been open to the public before, The Bush House, owned by the Society of 1836. Doors will open at 10:00 AM and close at 4:00 PM each day. Tickets for the Mobile Historic Homes Tour are $20 in advance, $25 the weekend of the event, and $17 for groups of 10 or more. For more information, contact the Mobile Historic Preservation Society at 251.432.6161.

Plantasia! at Mobile Botanical Gardens

Mar 22nd, 2012-Mar 25th, 2012

Plantasia! Spring Plant Sale features thousands of edible and ornamental plants for Gulf Coast gardens. Thousand of plants, including expanded selections of vegetables, herbs and fruits will be for sale at the Mobile Botanical Gardens. All plants are especially selected for the Gulf Coast climate and hundreds were grown by the Gardens' greenhouse volunteers. March 22nd is the Opening Night Sale and Party from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm when wine, hors d'oeuvres and music accompany shoppers who will get first choice of plants. Admission is $20 at the gate. Weekend sale hours are Friday and Saturday, March 23rd and 24th from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm; and Sunday, March 25th from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. Admission to the sale is free. Bring your own wheelbarrow or cart for easier shopping. For more information: 251-342-0555.

www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org

35th Annual Azalea Trail Run

Mar 24th, 2012

The 35th Annual Azalea Trail Run (ATR) is one of the premier 10K road races in the United States. All of the courses are flat and extremely fast. Come run with us on March 24th down the streets of old Mobile, where in early spring the city is in full bloom. The pink hues of azaleas mingled with the white blossoms of dogwood and bridle wreath are everywhere in sight, and the sweet fragrance of purple wisteria drifts gently in the air. For registration information: 251.473.7223.

www.pcpacers.org/atr/

Festival of Flowers

Mar 29th, 2012-Apr 1st, 2012

Come see the largest outdoor flower show in the Southeast. The Providence Hospital Foundation's Festival of Flowers is acknowledged as the premier flower and garden event of the greater Gulf Coast. The Festival takes place during what is perhaps Mobile's prettiest month, with trees leafing out and bloomers displaying their splendor. It is arrayed under tent and sky with over 300,000 square feet of exhibits that enchant, entertain, and educate visitors at this feast for all the senses. Show times: March 22-April 1, 2012. Thursday-Saturday 9 AM-5 PM. Sunday 10 AM-5 PM. Location: 6801 Airport Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36608. Tickets and information: 251.639.2050 or 1.877.777.0529

www.festivalofflowers.com

American Red Cross 2011 Gumbo Cook-Off

Mar 31st, 2012

Which team can cook up one the best signature dishes of the Gulf Coast? You be the judge during the American Red Cross 2012 Gumbo Cook-Off. Sample gumbo from more than a dozen teams. The Gumbo Cook-Off will be held at Bienville Square in downtown Mobile - 11:00 AM-2:00 PM. Tickets are $10 in advance can be purchased at Bay Bank and BankTrust branches in Mobile County. Tickets are $12 at the gate. Children age 10 and under get in free. For more information: 251.544.6146.