“It seems like there's no end to the things you can see and do downtown, and there's a level of energy you can't find anywhere else in town.” Bill Monahan, Downtown Business Owner

Two photography exhibitions: Jennifer Shaw's Hurricane Story and Herman Leonard's Above All, Enjoy the Music. In addition, as a prelude to the springlaunch of the CLA's The Memory Project, visitors will be invited to respond to a series of "I remember" topics, including family, food, music, and the environment. 6 - 9 PM. Space 301 (301 Conti St) Through Sun, Feb 26. Wed - Sat, 10 AM - 5 PM; Sun, noon - 5 PM.
www.space301.com

Mobile is not only recognized as celebrating the first-known American Mardi Gras celebration in 1703 (yes, even before New Orleans), but also as home to the "America's Family Mardi Gras" delighting both young and old from around town and across the nation. This magnificent celebration lasts for over two and a half weeks and culminates on Fat Tuesday, the day before Lent. For weeks, the streets of downtown Mobile are filled with the sights and sounds of live marching bands, brilliant-colored floats and of course teeming crowds of parade goers. The link below will take you to a full list of 2012 parades.
mobilecarnivalmuseum.com/index.cfm/2012-Parade-Schedule.cfm

An Exhibit Produced by The Museum of Mobile: Have you ever wondered where the innovations that make our lives easier came from or how they are made? Washing machines, light bulbs, iPods ©, and countless other gizmos can all be traced back to the Industrial Revolution, one of the most important events in our history. Discover the effects of the Industrial Revolution on society and how the innovations that came from it have evolved.
www.museumofmobile.com/current_exh.php

Visit the Museum of Mobile to view this exhibit organized by the Rothschild Patent Model Collection. From the time the U.S. Patent Office was formed by Thomas Jefferson in 1790, and throughout the industrial revolution, inventors were required to submit a working, scale model of their invention when applying for a patent. These wonderful and fascinating original antiques range from stunning, intricately crafted miniature weaving looms, motors and bridges to common household items such as washing machines, mechanical toys, and swing sets.
www.museumofmobile.com/current_exh.php

The Crescent Theater opens "The Descendants" on Jan. 27th. From Alexander Payne, the creator of the Oscar-winning "Sideways", set in Hawaii, "The Descendants" is a sometimes humorous, sometimes tragic journey for Matt King (George Clooney) an indifferent husband and father of two girls, who is forced to re-examine his past and embrace his future when his wife suffers a boating accident off of Waikiki. The event leads to a rapprochement with his young daughters while Matt wrestles with a decision to sell the family's land handed down from Hawaiian royalty and missionaries.

www.crescenttheater.com/#thedescendants

Take a journey through our ancient oceans with Megalodon: Largest Shark that Ever Lived from January 28 to May 6, 2012 on display in the Exploreum's new 5,000 square foot exhibit gallery! Visitors enter a full-size sculpture of Megalodon through massive jaws and embark on a journey through this fantastic ancient creature and the world it inhabited-- its size, structure, diet, lifespan, relatives, neighbors, evolution, extinction and the science that continues to reveal Megalodon's tale.
www.exploreum.com/exhibits_detail.php?detail=1&id=27

Through the power of IMAX®, experience a wondrous adventure from the dinosaur age with "Sea Rex: Journey to a Prehistoric World” at the Gulf Coast Exploreum. Join Julie, an imaginative young woman, as she travels from a modern-day aquarium to the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Explore an amazing underwater universe inhabited by larger-than-life creatures – including the powerful Liopleurodon, long-necked Elasmosaurus and gigantic Shonisaurus – which were ruling the seas before dinosaurs conquered the earth. Thanks to state-of-the-art ultra-photorealistic imagery, see science come alive in a unique and entertaining manner. Immerse yourself in a lost age, 200 million years back in time, and get ready for a face-to-face encounter with the T-Rex of the seas!
www.exploreum.com/imax_upcoming.html?detail=1&show=33

February 1 - Birding on the Gulf Coast 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Dr. Mark LaSelle, Pascagoula Audubon Center
Lecture and Birding Walk through the Gardens

February 8 - Raising Roses 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Linda Guy, Rosarian Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Pruning is a critical success factor for any rose garden; learn from our experts how to get your roses in top shape.

February 15 - Camellias! 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Bobby Green, Green Brothers Nursery
Learn from one of the area's best Camellia growers about selecting and growing Camellias. A selection of plants from Bobby's nursery will be on sale in the Bellingrath Gift Shop.

February 22 - Horticulture By the Numbers II 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Chuck Owens - Bellingrath's Director of Horticulture
Still mystified by all of the numbers on fertilizer bags and how do you measure pH? Chuck will share his extensive knowledge of the basics and how to use this information to get your garden in perfect balance.

Bellingrath Gardens and Home
12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road | Theodore, AL 36582
www.bellingrath.org/winter-wednesdays-2011.html

Cathedral Square Gallery (612 Dauphin St) Featured artists: Steve Dark, Maria Spies, George Kearney, Mary Rodning, Shirley McKeller, and Joanne Brandt.Through Wed, Feb 29. Tue - Sat, 11 AM - 5 PM; Sun, 11 - 3 PM.
http://cathedralsquaregallery.blogspot.com

Classes are offered at Space 301 and Mobile Arts Council on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Gentle, Flow, and Power classes available. See the full schedule at the link below Kula is committed to removing the obstacles that keep people from experiencing the benefits of having a regular yoga practice. That's why at the end of every group class, Kula instructors invite you to pay whatever amount you can afford to help support the teachers and keep Kula growing.
www.kulayogacommunity.org/classes/

The Mobile Chocolate Festival, a celebration of all things chocolate, will be held at the Mobile Civic Center Expo Hall on Saturday February 4, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., with all proceeds to benefit Penelope House. The 4th Annual Mobile Chocolate Festival will feature vendors offering samples of their chocolate-related products as well as selling their products and gift certificates- vendors vary from having chocolate-themed wares to succulent confections to jewelry to bath and body products. Admission is free for children 13 & under; Seniors 65 & above $2.00; General admission $3.00.
www.mobilechocolatefestival.com/

6 p.m. - 9p.m.
208 Dauphin Street
(above the Crescent Theater)
Admission:$20
includes adult beverages and hor d'ourves

Habitat for Humanity’s Young Professionals (HYP) would like to cordially invite you to share in the revelry of HYP Mardi Gras Masquerade. Beer and wine will be provided as you enjoy a great view overlooking Dauphin Street; location donated by Mr. Todd Mallette. Food will be served from the generosity of the Bike Shop. Attire is business casual.

HYP encourages you to bring your own mask for the mask contest. However, extra masks will be available at the door. With ticket purchase, one year HYP membership will be complementary to all guests.

So, if you are going to the Polka Dot parade, come afterward and celebrate with ; if you are going to the ball that night, come in your gown or tux because this is your pre-party; if you want to mix and mingle with other young professionals in your community that are interested in making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate, this is your venue.
www.facebook.com/events/358174767546054/

Friday, February 10, 2012
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
LoDa- Downtown Mobile

Join downtown art galleries, institutions, studios and unique shops as they open their doors and welcome you inside to see beautiful artwork, sample delicious foods and hear the sounds of the LoDa Artwalk.

www.facebook.com/pages/LODA-Artwalk/127195567316716

301 Conti Street

February 10, 2012 (10am -12 pm)
Children ages 3-5 and their parents will create Mardi Gras Beads of their own while learning about Primary and Secondary Colors. Free Admission.

February 11, 2012 (10 am- 12 pm)
Artsy Gras Masks- Children will create fun Mardi Gras Masks while learning about elements of design and Mobile's Mardi Gras History.

www.space301.com/pdf/FebEducation.pdf

Tuesday, February 14, 2012 8am-2pm at the Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel. Go Red For Women® celebrates the energy, passion and power we have as women to band together to wipe out heart disease and stroke. Featuring Keynote Speaker: Olympian Gail Devers. Health Screenings, Informative Breakout Sessions, Heart Check-Up area, Red Purse Raffle, Exhibit booths, Fitness demonstrations, Picture and a Promise booth. Tickets are $75.00 per person and are available:
online by clicking the link below or by contacting the American Heart Association
Phone: (228) 604-5311 Email: alisa.lowery@heart.org
ahamobile.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/20112012AlabamaGulfCoastGoRedLuncheon/tabid/322529/Default.aspx

Tuesday, February 14, 2012 8pm Sharp at the Bienville Business Club. Featuring the Music of Cool Rayz…the Gulf Coast’s Premier Dance Band
• Food Stations
• Penthouse Sweet’s Desserts
• Open Bar
Formal Dress Recommended (not Mandatory)$50 pp – Members $75 pp – Non Members

For Reservations: 251.433.4977
Stephanie.Myers@BienvilleClub.com

RSA BankTrust Bldg Mardi Gras Access Badge required.
www.BienvilleClub.com

The Royal Cafe has put together a meal to delight those who delight you. To get your romantic juices flowing each couple will be given glasses of Champagne and a light appetizer of chocolate covered strawberries. Each lady will receive a rose. The menu consists of: *Stracciatella soup(Italian light soup with broth and spinach); Gingham Salad with strawberries, blue-cheese, and almonds; your choice of a Filet Mignon or Seafood Jubilee (fettuccine loaded with crab, shrimp, scallops, and mussels in our citrus and cream Jubilee sauce);Tiramisu or Red Velvet Cake for dessert. $119.95 plus tax and gratuity. 101 Dauphin St.
251-405-5251

This will be a night to remember. Come enjoy a night of comedy and R&B Music. Performances by Grammy Award nominated case and live comedy by comedian and actor Joe Clair, Smokey Suarez, and Funny Man Shawty Shawty-All hosted by hometown DJ, Dj KJ Johnson on 93 BLX. This is an event for everyone-both couples and singles and you can surprise someone with tickets this Valentines. You can purchase tickets at the Saenger Theater Box Office Mon-Fri 10AM-5PM or TICKETMASTER.COM or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000

www.mobilesaenger.com/calendar/calendar.php?mode=view&id=1045

Thursday, February 16, 2012
6:00 p.m.
Oakleigh Historic Mansion

Historic Mobile Preservation Society will welcome Patrick Fink, Navigation Manager for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as our guest speaker for February's edition of An Evening In History. Fink will present NOAA Office of Coast Survey: Charting American's Course in Mobile Bay Since the Days of Thomas Jefferson. This interesting presentation will include a look at nautical charts of Mobile Bay from the 1800s and the role that NOAA plays in Mobile's maritime history. Admission is free to all HMPS members and is $10 for non-members and guests. For reservations call the HMPS office at 432-6161 or email us at hmps@bellsouth.net.

Symphonie fantastique
Saturday, February 25, 2012 8pm
David Amado, guest conductor
Elena Urioste, violin

Arvo Part- Fratres
Beethoven- Violin Concerto
Berlioz- Symphonie Fantastique

Guest conductor David Amado and violin virtuoso Elena Urioste pair up to perform Beethoven's monumental Violin Concerto, while the wistful call of shepherds, the cackle of witches and the dramatic march to the scaffold transport you to Berlioz's macabre Symphony fantastique dream world.


Sunday Matinee performance, Sunday, February 26, 2012 2:30pm.

Please call the Symphony Box Office for tickets at 251-432-2010


www.mobilesaenger.com/calendar/calendar.php?mode=view&id=164