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Dauphin Island Vacation Homes

If you are planning a trip to Dauphin Island this spring, you are in for a treat. Every season, Dauphin Island hosts several exciting events to keep everyone in your family entertained during your visit. From kite flying competitions to arts and crafts festivals, there is something for everyone’s interests. Make the most of your spring vacation and rent a private vacation rental with Boardwalk Realty, offering the perfect lodging for groups of all sizes. Read on to discover all the spring events happening on Dauphin Island:

Kite Fest, March 8, 2025

Head to East End Beach for the annual Kite Festival and have a fun-filled day with your family. Be a spectator, or bring your own kite for a chance to win awards and prizes for the highest flying, biggest, most unique, or best homemade kite. 

Dauphin Island Native American Experience, March 22, 2025

This spring, Historic Fort Gaines will host a Native American Experience event with tribal members from the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and the Seminole Tribe. Discover Indigenous culture and history through interactive demonstrations, dancing, canoe carving, beadwork, and cultural displays. 

Bird Banding, April 5-9, 2025

Dauphin Island is classified as a Globally Important Bird Area, and banders come to the island every spring to band and release birds. Learn about the process from volunteers and see birds up close.

Pops Concert, April 5, 2025

Visit the Dauphin Island Water Tower and attend a free concert hosted by the Mobile Symphonic Pops Band. 

Motorcycle Show, April 13, 2025

Whether you are a motorcycle rider, enthusiast, or a family looking for a fun afternoon on the island, the annual Motorcycle Show is a great way to spend the day. Expect vintage motorcycles, live music, and local food trucks. 

Plein Air, April 24-27, 2025

Witness talented artists paint the beautiful natural landscapes of Dauphin Island during the annual Plein Air event. Stroll through the island and watch incredible works of art come to life in front of your eyes. During the weekend, you can also attend the St. Francis Arts & Crafts Festival and shop for art from over 50 local artists. 

Thunder on the Bay, April 26-27, 2025

Celebrate local history during the Thunder on the Bay event at Fort Gaines. This event observes the anniversary of the Battle of Mobile Bay and will include cannon firings, mock battles, and soldiers dressed in period uniforms. 

Reserve Your Spring Getaway on Dauphin Island

There’s always something fun happening on Dauphin Island. Reserve your spring visit with Boardwalk Realty and join us for exciting events the whole family can enjoy. See what else is happening throughout the year on our Dauphin Island events page. Browse our vacation rentals and find the perfect basecamp for your Alabama beach getaway today!

Located along the east end of Dauphin Island, Fort Gaines has guarded Mobile Bay for more than 150 years. Pay a visit to our island’s historic site and uncover Georgia history during your stay with Boardwalk Realty. Step back in time and see the original cannons, blacksmith shop, kitchen, and tunnels. Discover the Fort’s role in the Civil War and the Battle of Mobile Bay by reading the informative signs scattered throughout the grounds. Plan your visit and read on to discover the significant sites and events at Historic Fort Gaines:

Things to See at Fort Gaines

Built in 1821, Fort Gaines features many buildings and historic artifacts that can still be seen today. Grab a self-guided brochure at the entrance and see features like:

  • Gun mounts, firing stations, ammunition magazines, range finders. All of these were used to protect Mobile Bay during the Civil War. 
  • Tunnel system that leads to the Northwest Bastion, the best-preserved bastion at the Fort with features like ventilation ports and ammunition rooms. 
  • A bakery that once housed ovens and several storerooms. You can still see a few of the ovens that were used by soldiers today. 
  • Latrine, accessible from the tunnels. It was one of the first “flushable” latrines that sent waste to sea twice daily. 
  • Blacksmith Shop, where any forging for the Fort took place. Today, you can watch local blacksmiths make crafts like horseshoes and handles. 
  • Quartermaster office where supplies, food, and uniforms were kept. Today, it is used to store historic artifacts for visitors to see.
  • Kitchen Courtyard that was used to prepare meals for the soldiers.
  • The orderly room where organizational and administrative management of the Fort took place. Today, this area is used for the restrooms.
  • The Guardhouse Building was built to hold soldiers, prisoners, and guards. Today, it is the site of the Fort Gaines Gift Shop.
  • Anchor from U.S.S. Hartford, Admiral Farragut’s flagship during the Battle of Mobile Bay. 

Annual Events at Fort Gaines

In addition to self-guided tours, Fort Gaines also offers several exciting events throughout the year. Every summer, the Fort hosts monthly Sunset Concerts, where you can listen to live music. During the spring, you can observe the Battle of Mobile Bay anniversary during Thunder on the Bay. And during the fall, you can attend the October Renaissance Festival. 

Dauphin Island Vacation Rentals

Whether you are a history buff or just looking for an educational outing for the kids, Historic Fort Gaines is a great addition to your Dauphin Island getaway. Want to learn more about local history during your stay? Take the Mobile Bay Ferry and visit Fort Morgan just across the water. At the end of the day, return to your Dauphin Island vacation rental with Boardwalk Realty and unwind!

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