Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — A vibrant cultural celebration kicks off in Gulf Shores this next weekend. Organizers say the Ballyhoo Fine Art & Culture Festival will fill Gulf State Park with art, music, and local flavor. Free and open to the public, the event is expected to draw visitors seeking a fun, family-friendly outdoor experience.

The festival is set for Saturday, March 7, and Sunday, March 8, at Lake Shelby in Gulf Shores. The site address is 20110 AL-135, Gulf Shores, AL. Organizers said the event will take place in the scenic Gulf State Park. They also advised people to watch for more updates as the event nears.

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Ballyhoo is a juried fine art festival and will showcase 110 artists from across the country. That means artists are selected through a review process before being invited to display their work. Organizers describe it as a major stop on the local festival season circuit. They say the mix of art and culture helps set it apart from other events.

Cultural programming is scheduled throughout the weekend. The festival will feature the Poarch Creek Indians as part of its cultural programming. Organizers also said it will showcase Early Americana Appalachian music. A fiddle and banjo competition is planned as part of that theme.

In addition to art displays and cultural events, the festival will feature live music and food trucks. Organizers said these attractions, combined with the coastal setting, make Ballyhoo a must-attend event in Gulf Shores. The Alabama Gulf Coast backdrop is expected to enhance the visitor experience. The festival is designed to be easily accessible for both locals and tourists.

Shuttles will be provided to help people reach the festival site. Organizers said shuttle pickup spots will include the Gulf State Pier, the Gulf State Pavilion, and Gulf Shores High School. They said the shuttles will transport patrons to the festival. Handicapped parking will be available inside the festival grounds.

Organizers said the festival is partially supported by the Alabama State Council on the Arts. They also encouraged the public to join the free weekend at Lake Shelby. “We’ll see you March 7 & 8,” the release stated. “Stay tuned for more!”