Free things to do in Mobile: free museum days for county residents, the History Museum's free first Sunday, LODA ArtWalk, city pools, splash pads and parks.

Last checked Oct. 17, 2026. Facts come from each museum’s or organizer’s own page and the City of Mobile’s events and parks pages, linked below. “Free” here means no admission charge; parking may cost extra.

Mobile’s best free days come from its museums’ resident deals: if you live in Mobile County, the art museum and the Clotilda exhibition cost nothing, and the History Museum opens free to everyone on the first Sunday of each month. Add free monthly street festivals downtown and free pools in summer.

Who to call

  • History Museum of Mobile: 111 S. Royal St.
  • Mobile Parks and Recreation: 251-208-1600
  • City of Mobile Special Events: 251-208-1550; text MOBILEEVENTS to 91896

Free museums and free days

Place Free when Details
Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Drive Every Thursday for Mobile County residents; children under 6 always Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday
History Museum of Mobile, 111 S. Royal St. First Sunday of each month, 1 to 5 p.m.; next is Nov. 1, 2026, covering three historic sites Children 5 and under always free
Phoenix Fire Museum Always free 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, closed 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Clotilda: The Exhibition, Africatown Heritage House Free for Mobile County residents with proof, by timed ticket at clotilda.com 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday; adults otherwise $15

Free monthly and seasonal events

  • LODA ArtWalk: second Friday of every month, 6 to 9 p.m., downtown, with Dauphin Street closed to cars. Remaining 2026 dates: Nov. 13 and Dec. 11. See downtown Mobile.
  • Market in the Park: Saturdays, 7:30 a.m. to noon, Cathedral Square, through Nov. 14, 2026. Free to browse. See farmers markets.
  • MOB-tober Fest: 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, Medal of Honor Park. See trick-or-treat hours.
  • Port City R&B: 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, Cooper Riverside Park (City of Mobile).
  • Lighting of the Tree (Nov. 20) and the Small Business Saturday Holiday Market (Nov. 28). See Christmas parade and tree lighting.
  • Wheels & Reels Drive-In Movie: Friday, Dec. 4, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” Mobile Flea Market, 401 Schillinger Road N. (City of Mobile).
  • “A Christmas Story” in the Park: Friday, Dec. 4, Azalea City Golf Course. See holiday lights.
  • MoonPie Over Mobile: New Year’s Eve downtown, free. See New Year’s Eve.

Free outdoors

  • City pools and splash pads: four free pools in summer and splash pads from spring into fall. See summer camps and pools.
  • Chickasabogue Park, 760 Aldock Road, Eight Mile: 1,100 acres and 12.7 miles of trails, free, day use 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Mobile County Parks).
  • Downtown squares: Bienville Square, Cathedral Square, Mardi Gras Park and Cooper Riverside Park on the river.
  • Dog parks at five city parks. See dog-friendly Mobile.
  • City park trails, disc golf and kayak launches, including Langan Park, 4901 Zeigler Blvd. See walking and biking trails.

Free library programs

The Mobile Public Library runs free storytimes, craft hours, chess club and teen game nights at its branches. See kids’ activities for more.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Mobile Museum of Art free?

It is free every Thursday for Mobile County residents, and always free for children under 6. The museum, at 4850 Museum Drive, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.

When is the History Museum of Mobile free?

On the first Sunday of each month, from 1 to 5 p.m. The next is Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, with free admission to three historic sites. The Phoenix Fire Museum is free every day it is open.

Is the Clotilda exhibition free?

It is free for Mobile County residents with proof of residence, who reserve a timed ticket online. Others pay $15 for adults. The exhibition at Africatown Heritage House is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.

Are Mobile city pools free?

Yes. All four Mobile Parks and Recreation pools and the city’s splash pads are free to use in season.