Spring Festivals & Events
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
As the temperatures heat up on the Alabama Gulf Coast, so does the festival fun. Springtime in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach includes tons of exciting, family-friendly events. From art festivals and concerts to car and boat shows and beach parties, there is so much fun happening in spring on Alabama’s Beaches.
Best Spring Festivals & Events on Alabama's Beaches
Ballyhoo Festival (March 7-8)
Ballyhoo Festival (March 7-8)
Art, culture, nature, and food combine to create Ballyhoo, a two-day festival at beautiful Lake Shelby. This annual Gulf Shores event features a juried art competition, craft vendors, live music, food vendors, and a fiddle contest. The highlight of the festival is the mesmerizing performances from the Poarch Creek Indians. Attendance is free, but parking is limited. Shuttle service is available for $10.
Orange Beach Festival of Art (14-15)
Orange Beach Festival of Art (14-15)
Named the “Best Arts Festival” in the country by USA Today Readers two years in a row, the Orange Beach Festival of Art is a fantastic, juried art event that offers a multi-sensory experience. Attendees will enjoy the sights of gorgeous artwork, the sounds of live local music, the tantalizing tastes and smells of food trucks, and the feeling of relaxing coastal breezes. This festival is free and takes place at Waterfront Park and the Coastal Arts Center in Orange Beach.
Wharf Boat & Yacht Show (March 20-22)
Wharf Boat & Yacht Show (March 20-22)
Hundreds of incredible water vessels, ranging from dual console boats to luxury yachts, are featured at The Wharf during its Annual Boat & Yacht Show. This annual Orange Beach event features more than 120 exhibitors, live music, and food vendors. Over 400 boats and yachts are on display on both land and water, totaling over $100 million. The event is free, but paid admission is required to access and board the vessels at The Wharf Marina
Flora-Bama Mullet Toss (April 24-26)
Flora-Bama Mullet Toss (April 24-26)
Every April, the world-famous Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar hosts its Interstate Mullet Toss & Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party. Thousands of attendees gather from all over the globe to witness who can toss a dead mullet (the fish, not hairstyle) the furthest over the Florida/Alabama state line. Additionally, this three-day beach party includes nonstop live music, a bikini contest, a men’s hot body contest, and sponsor tents. All ages are invited to attend and toss, as prizes are awarded in several age categories. However, only those 21+ are allowed in after 6 pm. Admission is $10, and tossing is $20. All tossers receive a commemorative t-shirt.
BirdFest (April 23-26)
BirdFest (April 23-26)
Birders and outdoor lovers gather across the Alabama Gulf Coast for the Alabama Coastal BirdFest in late April. Hosted by Alabama Audubon, this birding event features nature-focused tours, educational excursions, and bird banding sessions led by knowledgeable guides from across the region. During spring migration, thousands of birds stop on our island while traveling south. Throughout the festival, guests will spot tons of coastal and migratory birds during the guided trips. Registration is required to attend the scheduled events, and excursion costs vary.
Bama Coast Cruisin’ (April 23-25)
Bama Coast Cruisin’ (April 23-25)
Hundreds of amazing cars line the streets of The Wharf each April during Bama Coast Cruisin’. From dragsters and hot rods to vintage and collectible cars, this family-friendly car show highlights every type of ride. While admiring the vehicles, guests can also check out exhibitors, local vendors, and food booths set up around The Wharf. Throughout the weekend, a live DJ will play music and announce door prizes and cash giveaways to attendees. This coastal car show is free to attend, and free parking is available at The Wharf.
NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship (May 1-3)
NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship (May 1-3)
Witness fierce competition by the shore during the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship in Gulf Shores. The best collegiate athletes in the nation compete for three days at Gulf Place Public Beach to see who will be crowned this year’s champions. The tournament is single elimination, with the final two teams competing in the championship match on Sunday. This Gulf-front competition offers attendees a high-energy showdown on the beach, right in front of the iconic Hangout restaurant. Single and three-day passes are available, and paid beach parking is offered at Gulf Place.
Venture Out (May 15-17)
Venture Out (May 15-17)
This May marks Gulf State Park’s inaugural Venture Out, a three-day, nature-based festival on Alabama’s Beaches that aims to showcase the remarkable local environment. This new event will include an array of outdoor activities, hands-on workshops, guided tours, and more unique experiences. These scheduled events will take place at various locations within the park and at the Gulf Coast Eco-Center. Venture Out ends on Sunday afternoon with a closing reception at The Lodge. All ages are welcome to attend and sign up for activities and classes.
Concert Series at The Wharf Amphitheater (May)
Concert Series at The Wharf Amphitheater (May)
2026 is bringing an impressive lineup of artists to The Wharf Amphitheater, and spring is a fantastic time to catch a show before the summer humidity hits. Country singer Hardy, heavy metal band Godsmack, beloved group Dave Matthews Band, and rock trio The Black Crowes will be taking the stage in May as part of the C-Spire concert series. These Orange Beach concerts offer a memorable night of music under the stars.
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Sydnie Lee
A Gulf Coast native and Travel Marketing Professional, Sydnie is Alabama's Beaches Content Specialist (AKA taste tester and destination researcher.) She spends time visiting restaurants, attractions, activities, and events in the area to get the inside scoop on all things happening in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan.
