Festivities surrounding the Gulf Coast Challenge football game include a series of free concerts starting Wednesday in Mobile.

The game, billed as “the ultimate HBCU experience,” kicks off at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, in Ladd-Peebles Stadium. This year’s matchup of Historically Black Colleges and Universities pits the Alabama A&M University Bulldogs against the Jackson State University Tigers.

Public festivities:

Wednesday, Oct. 4 – R&B band Shai, known for the hit single “If I Ever Fall in Love,” will perform at a free kick-off concert that starts at 6 p.m. in Mardi Gras Park at Government and Royal streets in downtown Mobile. Promotional materials encourage fans to bring lawn chairs.

Thursday, Oct. 5 – A college and career fair takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center.

Thursday, Oct. 5 – A free “Gospel Explosion” concert starts at 6 p.m. in Mardi Gras Park. The lineup includes the Alabama A&M and Jackson State choirs plus contemporary gospel artist Marvin Sapp, whose signature songs include “The Best in Me,” “Never Would Have Made It” and “Thank You For It All.”

Friday, Oct. 6 – Lineup for a second line parade starts in front of the Battle House Hotel at 5:30 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., an “HBCU Fest Secondline Concert” begins in Mardi Gras Park, featuring performances by Rich Boy and Yung Joc. Promotional materials encourage attendees to “come out and enjoy the Gulf Coast’s largest 2nd line parade, live music, food, vendors and the culture of Mardi Gras. Bring the whole family and enjoy all the festivities in downtown Mobile.”

Saturday, Oct. 7: Following the 3 p.m. game, rapper Lil Boosie will perform a post-game concert at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

The 6th annual Gulf Coast Challenge is “powered by the Mobile Sports Authority.” For full information on the game and surrounding activities, including tailgating, visit www.thegulfcoastchallenge.com. The site includes ticket ordering information; tickets are $45 plus fees.