Bayfest Rocks Mobile Music Festival

It's the 14th annual celebration known as Bayfest. In a weekend long party that rivals Mobile's famous Mardi Gras, this year's Bayfest is sure to please everyone.

Bayfest begins on October 3rd at 5:30PM, October 4th and 5th at 1:00PM. Over 200,000 people will take part in the musical festival this year. That number has grown from just 50,000 in 1995.

Past artists of Bayfest have included, B.B. King, 3 Doors Down, Collective Soul, Hootie & The Blowfish, Temptations, The Beach Boys, Uncle Kracker, Keith Urban, Travis Tritt, The Gap Band, STP, Merle Haggard, Ludacris, Velvet Revolver, Big & Rich.

This year's schedule has listed, Before Nine, Better Than Ezra, BowWow, Candlebox, Kid Rock, Nelly, One Block Radius, The Ojays, The Whispers, to just to name a few. Over 150 artists are scheduled to appear on nine stages. Bayfest organizers are encouraging music lovers to get out of their music comfort zones and check out some new artists as well as your favorites.

You can also take a break from the music and enjoy the Children's' Area that will feature the Touch Lab from the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Uncle Joe's Rolling Zoo. There is also the Zuri Dance company and karaoke for kids. Plus of course lots of activities and games.

There will be plenty of Bayfest foods including southern favorites, corn dogs and funnel cakes.

Bayfest organizers say that you should dress for the weather. Wear lightweight clothes, sunblock and sunglasses. Also wear comfortable shoes. You'll be glad you did when you walk the sprawling festival. You should bring a lawn chair and lightweight jacket if you are coming at night. Cameras are also allowed. The stage areas are handicapped accessible.

The price for a weekend pass is $35 per person. Children under 12 are free. A daily pass costs $25 per person. You will also need to bring proper ID.

These hotels are recommended by Bayfest:

Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel
64 South Water Street
Mobile, AL 36602
Reservations: 800-922-3298
www.marriott.com

Radisson Admiral Semmes
251 Government Street
Mobile, AL 36602
Reservations: 800-333-3333
www.radisson.com/mobileal

Here are some directions:

From North Alabama,

From Florida,

From Mississippi,

take I-10 East and take the Water Street Exit. Park where available. Festival is 2 blocks west of Water Street between Congress Street and Government Street. Gateways are located on State Street, St. Francis Street and at the corner of Royal Street and Conti Street. take I-10 West and take the Water Street Exit. Park where available. Festival is 2 blocks west of Water Street between Congress Street and Government Street. Gateways are located on State Street, St. Francis Street and at the corner of Royal Street and Conti Street. take I-65 South to I-165 Connector, ending at Water Street. Park where available. Festival is 2 blocks west of Water Street between Congress Street and Government Street. Gateways are located on State Street, St. Francis Street and at the corner of Royal Street and Conti Street.