5 Extraordinary Activities Only in Fairhope, AL

As innkeepers at Jubilee Suites in Fairhope, AL, we are always on the lookout for the best-of-the-best local activities, food, and cultural experiences to recommend to our guests. While many people come to rest and relax right on our beachfront property, quite a few of our guests also come to experience Fairhope and all that our area has to offer.

We’ve been fortunate to try each of the following activities and can confidently recommend them as uniquely local, super-fun, and even extraordinary. What makes each one of these extraordinary is that they allow our guests to fully experience some unique aspect of our local culture along with our personalized Southern hospitality. This list is for locals and vacationers alike, though. Let us know what you think about each one of our picks. Jubilee Suites guests, if you’d like us to help book one of these activities for you, give us a call.

https://www.southerncharmpicnicco.com/
If you're looking for a unique and over-the-top experience for a special occasion such as an anniversary celebration, a bridal luncheon, a birthday, or even a marriage proposal, check out the Southern Charm Picnic Company. Monica has thought of absolutely everything your heart could desire for the most luxurious picnic of your life. From set up to clean up she handles the entire affair. Choose your picnic theme, your location and guest list, your props, and all the optional add-ons you can imagine. You can even schedule a cruise or cabana with your picnic! Monica created a beautiful picnic for us at Jubilee Suites, seamlessly moving it to our covered porch when rain threatened. Her team makes every detail special, with no request too big. See options, photos, and pricing (starting at $350 for two; $45 for each additional guest) on their website.

 https://tastefairhope.com/
If you're foodies like we are, you'll want to check out the Fairhope Foodie Tour. We had a ball! This food lover's adventure involves tasting your way through 6 Fairhope restaurants and trying a special drink and/or a local favorite dish, while your guide tells you remarkable stories about the culture and history of Fairhope at each stop. What a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon! And our guide really knew how to pace us. Traveling on foot to each of the restaurants was fun, both for admiring the stunning flowers along the streets and for walking off the last treat while getting ready for the next one. We will continue to recommend this as one of our favorite extraordinary activities found only in Fairhope. (All ages are welcome. Children 11 and under $39; adults $79; or add the 3-drink cocktail package and pay $99 per person.) 

Often called Fairhope’s “town square,” The Fairhope Pier is a bayfront treasure that stretches a quarter mile into sparkling Mobile Bay, perfect for talking in the view. Alongside the pier, marina, beach, playground, rose garden, walking trails, and duck pond, you’ll find benches perfect for soaking in the view. But the true magic comes at sunset. As the sky blazes pink, gold, and violet, families and friends gather—many arriving by golf cart—for an impromptu celebration. Picnics are unpacked, guitars come out, cameras click, and laughter mingles with the gentle sound of waves. You can even catch all the action, including the pier’s ongoing modernization, on the Fairhope Pier Live Piercam. It’s a nightly tradition that captures the heart and soul of Fairhope.

We love the Fall Festivals in Fairhope, and we've got plenty to choose from. From October until late Spring, there are so many events, we have devoted an entire page to festivals and events in and around Fairhope. It's the perfect time to come visit and experience the extraordinary with us.

Plein Air Festival in Fairhope: https://esartcenter.org/

Every fall, Fairhope comes alive with the Plein Air Fairhope event, hosted by the Eastern Shore Art Center, and is always held the week that includes the first Friday in November. Sixty artists from across the region spend a week painting outdoors, capturing whatever inspires them—from historic cottages and boats along Mobile Bay to the iconic Fairhope Pier. You might even spot artists painting Jubilee Suites itself! Each evening, their fresh works are displayed in the Art Center’s “wet room,” where early visitors can view and purchase favorites. The week concludes with a free exhibition and art sale during November’s First Friday Artwalk. We love that our town celebrates art so beautifully—and at Jubilee Suites, we carry that spirit forward by showcasing local artists’ work throughout our suites and common spaces. Be sure to ask for a tour while you’re here.

Fairhope Film Festival: https://fairhopefilmfestival.org/

Film buffs rejoice! One of the highlights of fall in Fairhope is the annual Fairhope Film Festival, held the second week of November. For four days, our charming town becomes a hub for film lovers, with award-winning independent features and shorts curated from festivals around the world. All venues are within easy walking distance—and surrounded by Fairhope’s beautiful flowers, boutiques, and excellent restaurants—making it simple to enjoy both the films and the town. In addition to screenings, the festival offers workshops, director panels, coffee talks, and a red-carpet party to close the weekend. It’s an unforgettable experience and just one more reason to plan your fall getaway to Jubilee Suites. You can also check out their website or Facebook page for updates. Well worth a trip.

Fairhopians love the holiday season and the annual schedule of events has something for everyone. Check the City of Fairhope calendar for the exact dates and times for each of these extraordinary events.

Fairhope’s Annual Lighting of the Trees
Usually held the third Thursday in November, this beloved tradition transforms downtown into a winter wonderland. Streets close to traffic as 30,000–40,000 people gather for live entertainment and the countdown to flip the switch. In an instant, every tree sparkles with white lights—and snow begins to fall. It’s a magical, family-friendly way to kick off the holiday season.

Magical Christmas Parade
A few weeks later, the holiday cheer continues with Fairhope’s annual parade. Starting at the Civic Center and winding through downtown, the parade features local high school bands, festive floats, and Santa himself. Don’t forget to bring a bag to catch the “throws,” a playful nod to Mardi Gras that makes this parade especially fun.

Santa at the Welcome Center
Families love visiting Santa on Saturday mornings in December at the Fairhope Welcome Center. It’s a joyful way for little ones to share their wish lists, soak up the holiday spirit, and snap the perfect keepsake photo. Afterwards, check out one of our many downtown lunch spots for a memorable day with the family in our extraordinary little town.

If your travels bring you to Fairhope, AL, we'd like to invite you to come stay with us at Jubilee Suites Boutique Bed & Breakfast. We're located directly on Mobile Bay with an extraordinary panoramic view of the water. Each of our 9 individually-decorated luxury suites is furnished in light and airy coastal colors and supplied with lavish amenities. Choose from 1BR or 2BR suites with 1 or 2 baths, all with either full kitchens or convenient kitchenettes. Most also feature private balconies or patios for nightly sunset viewing. Or, if you choose, join the sunset celebration at the firepit on the bluff most evenings, weather permitting.

We delight in offering 5-star Southern hospitality to each one of our guests. To see more about our Suites and to check availability or to book your stay, please see our Suites page. To learn more about our unique Signature Experiences and to see our latest vacation packages, please click on that page. If you have questions or need help making your reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us.

We hope to greet you this year!

Dana and Jim Maloney, resident innkeepers

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