When the first signs of fall begin to stir in the air in Mobile, Alabama, you know that BayFest is just around the corner. BayFest is the annual fall music festival that has become an extremely popular and anticipated event in the city and along the Gulf Coast. Its offering continuous musical performances by well-known groups, up-and-coming artists, and local talent. Several blocks and streets in the heart of downtown are cordoned off and nine stages are set up to present music that covers a broad spectrum of tastes. Boyz II Men, LeAnn Rimes, Ludacris, Chaka Khan, Beat Daddys, Brian McKnight, Blues Traveler, Alice In Chains, Velvet Revolver, Big & Rich, Chris Daughtry, and Joan Jett are some of the acts that will be appearing in this year’s event, which runs from Friday, October 5 through Sunday, October 7. Organizers expect over 200,000 participants this year to enjoy the music of more than 125 acts.
As it celebrates its 13th year, BayFest has featured past acts that included legendary artists such as B.B. King, Patti LaBelle, The O’Jays, 3 Doors Down, Hootie & The Blowfish, TheTemptations, The Beach Boys, Gladys Knight, Travis Tritt, The Gap Band, Merle Haggard, Herbie Hancock, Taylor Hicks, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and hundreds of others.
This annual event not only features music that ranges from rhythm and blues, rock, pop, country, gospel, and jazz but it also provides an opportunity for alternative and emerging musical acts to showcase their skills. These acts are presented on the Launching Pad stage and give BayFest patrons a chance to experience diverse musical styles and performers.
The festival, centered on historic Bienville Square, begins at 6:30 Friday evening and the acts perform until midnight. On Saturday, the performances begin at 2:00 in the afternoon and end at Midnight. Sunday’s performances begin at 2:00 p.m. and the festival culminates at 10:00 p.m. when the last note is played and the city wraps up another successful event. The festival also includes a family stage and a children’s activity area that provides a wealth of activities to keep young children happy and involved. The tickets are reasonably priced especially if you purchase a weekend pass for $35. Single day passes are $25. The passes allow you to come and go throughout the day and are not transferable. This gives festivalgoers the opportunity to experience the restaurants and clubs along Dauphin Street in the city’s revitalized LoDa section of downtown Mobile. The festival is also a big draw for various vendors who sell their wares ranging from food to arts and crafts to jewelry. You haven’t experienced a music festival until you sample a funnel cake, a corn dog, or a tasty turkey leg at the BayFest.
This year, BayFest inaugurates its first BayFest 5K Run/Walk that will start the weekend before the festival, on September 29. The proceeds will go toward the BayFest Music Scholarship Fund and will benefit local school band programs in Mobile.
If you are in the Mobile area the first weekend in October, be sure to get your ticket to BayFest. Make sure to bring your lawn chair, a light jacket, and be sure to get there early to find your space in front of your favorite stage. BayFest is easily accessible from I-10 and I-165 in Mobile.
