Mobile, Alabama, boasts a dynamic arts and culture scene, offering residents and visitors a plethora of events that celebrate music, art, and community heritage. Here are some highlights that showcase the city’s creative spirit.
JAWS Fest: A Fusion of Jazz, Art, and Literature
The Jazz Art Writers South (JAWS) Festival is a two-month-long celebration held annually in May and June. Hosted by the University of South Alabama Libraries Art Galleries and the historic Excelsior Band, JAWS Fest honors the roots of jazz while creating fresh, public, and memorable experiences. The festival features live performances, art exhibitions, literary events, and youth programs, connecting artists, musicians, students, educators, writers, and the Mobile community to celebrate jazz as a living force in music, visual art, writing, and education. Learn more about JAWS Fest.
MOB Music Fest: A Melodic Extravaganza
Held annually in July, the MOB Music Fest is a three-day event in downtown Mobile that showcases musical artists from various genres, including indie, country, bluegrass, rock, alternative, gospel, soul, funk, jazz, brass band, blues, R&B, and hip-hop. The festival aims to assist musicians and artists in making professional connections that will help advance their careers and to create a networking and performing arts event that brings cultures together and builds communities in Mobile and across the Gulf Coast. Discover more about MOB Music Fest.
The Loyola Art Show: A Visual Arts Showcase
Every August, the Loyola Art Show transforms downtown Mobile into a vibrant hub for visual arts. This juried fine art event features over 60 professional artists from across the Southeast, offering attendees a diverse range of original artwork—from expressive abstracts and coastal-inspired pieces to sculpture and mixed media. The show fosters meaningful connections between artists, collectors, and the wider community through a full weekend of engaging events, including exclusive previews and festive celebrations. Explore the Loyola Art Show.
Culture Fest-Africatown: Honoring Heritage
Culture Fest-Africatown is an annual event held at the Africatown Heritage House in Mobile. This free festival celebrates the African American experience and the legacy of Africatown through various activities, including vendors, entertainment, food trucks, community quilt-making, speeches, arts and crafts, dancing, and music. It also features an exhibition about Clotilda, the last known slave ship to arrive in the United States. Learn more about Culture Fest-Africatown.
These events are just a glimpse into Mobile’s rich tapestry of arts and culture. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, there’s always something new to discover and celebrate in our vibrant community.