Fairhope Now | 08.05.2026 | Fairhope First Friday Art Walk Returns

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Happy Wednesday, Fairhope!

August on the Eastern Shore means two things are working overtime: the air conditioner and the carpool line. Back-to-school season is officially upon us, and it turns out our little town has quite a few ideas about how kids should spend their afternoons this fall. Eastern Shore Rep is offering musical theatre for K through 6th graders, and if that isn't enough, auditions are open for High School Musical Jr. over in Daphne — so whether your child is six or sixteen, there may be a spotlight with their name on it. We've also got an update on the Hermit Hut, that beloved little structure in City Park, which is on the move as part of a broader relocation effort.

Your Wednesday Funny: If you're scared of escalators, there are steps you can take.

— Joy Davis, Anne Dorman, & John Oldshue

The Eastern Shore Art Center's First Friday Art Walk is back on August 7th from 6–8pm, featuring "This Seems Familiar," an exhibit of work by artist Lindsey Lawrence exploring childhood memories and nostalgia. Free admission, open to the public, with refreshments served.

The Fairhope History Museum is showcasing a rare 1895 advertisement from founder Shuah Strait Mann encouraging people to move south, on loan from Mr. John Mundy. The item will be available for viewing through the end of September—stop by the museum to see a piece of our town's founding story.

Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre in Daphne is launching musical theatre programs for elementary students this fall, with two Disney productions — 101 Dalmatians KIDS and The Jungle Book KIDS — running through November. Students train in acting, singing, movement, and ensemble work with professional instructors, culminating in fully staged performances for family and friends. No prior theatre experience required; space is limited and rehearsals begin soon.

The Fairhope Times reports that three moving contractors have submitted bids for relocating the historic Hermit Hut to City Park. Bidding closes August 11, and the city council will award the contract at a public meeting using private donations already pledged for the project.

Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre is casting Disney's High School Musical JR, a celebration of 20 years of the beloved franchise. Auditions are Aug. 10–11 from 6–8 p.m. at the Nicholson Center for the Arts, open to fifth–12th graders of all experience levels. The production runs in November with special school-day performances at the Daphne Civic Center.

The Ole Barnwell Cafe has reopened in a historic building on US 98, serving up Southern cuisine. A welcome addition to our dining scene.

The City of Fairhope reminds residents that weekly lawn and limb debris collections are limited to 2.5 cubic yards per week—about one level pickup truck bed load. Grass clippings, leaves, small branches, and limbs are accepted, but keep debris separate from household garbage to help sanitation crews stay on schedule.

Fannie Flagg is coming back to Page & Palette on Thursday, October 1st at 6 PM to sign her new book, Something to Look Forward to — a full-circle moment for the beloved author, whose first-ever book signing was here in 1981. The event marks 45 years of celebrating Flagg's releases at the iconic Fairhope bookstore, now in its 60th year. Tickets are $10, or you can purchase a signed copy of the book.

For Fairhope artist Lindsey Lawrence, painting is more than creating colorful scenes. It's about bringing people back to moments they thought they'd forgotten. A graduate of Murray State University with a degree in fine arts, Lawrence has been creating since high school, but it wasn't until she stopped painting for trends and started painting what genuinely made her happy that her work truly found its voice. Today, that voice is filled with bright colors and nostalgic images, from old rotary telephones to paper fortune tellers and childhood games like MASH. The result is artwork that resonates across generations, reminding viewers of the shared memories that connect us.

Lawrence credits Fairhope's vibrant arts community with helping her grow, surrounding her with fellow artists who continually inspire new ideas. In her role at the Eastern Shore Art Center, she's equally inspired by the creativity of young students, visiting artists, and the conversations that happen every day. One of her favorite parts of exhibiting her work is hearing people share the stories her paintings bring back. Memories of games played with friends, favorite childhood toys, or simpler seasons of life. Her latest collection, currently on display at the Eastern Shore Art Center through the end of August, celebrates those moments while encouraging viewers to slow down, reminisce, and rediscover the joy found in everyday memories.

Asked what advice she'd give aspiring artists, Lawrence doesn't hesitate: believe in yourself, get involved and keep creating. She encourages young artists to volunteer and connect with their local arts community, noting that one conversation or opportunity can completely change the course of a career. And one final tip from someone who's spent years working in galleries: don't overlook presentation. "Frame your art well," she says. "Invest in the display it deserves," because thoughtful framing can make all the difference in how a piece is experienced.

Source: Editor

As Hatch Fairhope prepares to open its new innovation hub, South graduate Sydney Davis is helping local entrepreneurs get off the ground while laying her own foundation.

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