Mobile

Mobile has a rich, lively music and performance scene. The city regularly hosts concerts, dance performances, and stand-up comedians at its many unique venues. Some of the most popular venues include:

• Saenger Theatre: The Saenger Theatre, constructed in 1927, is a European-style theater that hosts events ranging from blues concerts to national dance finals to stand-up comedians. It has a seating capacity of 2,000 and is considered a historical landmark in Mobile.³
• Soul Kitchen Music Hall: The Soul Kitchen Music Hall hosts a mix of eclectic music performances in an intimate, high-energy setting.⁴
• Halstead Amphitheater: The Halstead Amphitheater is located across Mobile Bay and is an open-air concert venue that’s both family- and pet-friendly. It hosts a Live at Five event series that invites attendees to spread out their picnic blankets and enjoy the outdoor setting.⁵

The city of Mobile has a wide variety of cultural influences, including French, Spanish, Creole, and African. This melting pot lends itself to a diverse and unique music scene. Some of Mobile’s most iconic events include:

• MOB Music Festival: The city’s quintessential music festival, the MOB Music Festival, is a three-day event that hosts artists in almost every genre: bluegrass, country, jazz, rock, brass bands, soul, funk, and more.⁶
• Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Jazz Festival: Mobile celebrates its blended Gulf Coast heritage at this three-day event each year. Poets and jazz performers come together to celebrate their roots with performances and special events.⁷
• Mobile Latin Fest: Music, food, art, and culture blend at this annual festival celebrating Latin culture in Mobile.13

College football is a classic Alabama pastime, and the state has deep roots in the sport’s popularization. Mobile has its own NCAA Division I football team, the University of South Alabama Jaguars, and a semi-professional soccer team, AFC Mobile.

• University of South Alabama Jaguars: The University of South Alabama has 17 prominent NCAA Division I athletic teams, including football, softball, cross-country, and tennis.⁸
• AFC Mobile: Mobile’s semi-professional soccer team represents the city in the Gulf Coast Premier League. The team has been playing since 2015 and even offers summer training programs for youth in the area.⁹

Mobile has a rich history of art and culture. With a blend of many cultures, there’s always a new form of visual art, music, food, or local craftsmanship to explore. Some of the most well-loved events include:

• LoDa Art Walk: The LoDa Art Walk is a downtown event that runs on the second weekend of every month from January to June. The event features local art, food, and craftsmanship for patrons to explore and enjoy.¹⁰