Annual Events & Festivals
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Your lodging, activities, and dining are planned for your beach trip, but what about events? There’s always something going on in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. From live music to nature events and annual festivals, you’ll find an event that piques your interest while visiting. Here are the biggest annual events on Alabama Beaches.
Spring Events
March - Orange Beach Festival of Art
Admire the incredible artwork of Gulf Coast artists, listen to live local music, and watch amazing performances at this beloved art festival.
March - The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show
During this annual event, you’ll see incredible boats, yachts, skiffs, and more water vessels.
April - Alabama Coastal BirdFest
Grab your binoculars and learn all about the native and migratory birds of the Alabama Gulf Coast.
April - Interstate Mullet Toss & Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party
A three-day, jam-packed event, Mullet Toss is a weekend filled with throwing fish, live music, delicious drinks, and nonstop fun.
April - Bama Coast Cruisin’
This three-day car show will display classic cars, hot rods, sports cars, and many more impressive rides.
May - Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival
Set your sights on the sky and watch as colorful hot air balloons take flight over the Alabama Gulf Coast.
May - NCAA Beach Volleyball Champions
For three days, collegiate athletes compete in the sand for the title of the nation's best beach volleyball team.
May - Orange Beach Billfish Classic
Head to The Wharf to witness some of the most impressive catches (and boats) in Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico) fishing.
May - Sand in My Boots Music Fest
Listen to some of the nation's top artists jam out by the shore at this beachfront music festival in Gulf Shores.
Summer Concerts & Celebrations
May-July - C-Spire Concert Series
Rock out to some of the biggest names in music underneath the stars at The Wharf Amphitheater
June - Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo
Dubbed the ‘funnest’ fishing tournament on the Gulf Coast, this three-day family-friendly event is for every angler.
July - Fourth of July Celebrations
Let the freedom ring this Independence Day with a beach trip and experience all the Fourth of July fun our area offers.
July - Blue Marlin Grand Championship of the Gulf
This high-stakes fishing tournament is the final of the season for the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Series.
Fall Festivals
September - Flora-Bama Bulls on the Beach
As its name suggests, this adrenaline-pumping rodeo takes place right on the beach at the iconic Flora-Bama Lounge.
September - Brett/Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon
Swim, bike, and run the beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach during this exciting triathlon.
September - Freedom Fest
Grab a bite to eat, shop artisan booths, and admire classic cars as you stroll through The Wharf.
October - Shrimp Festival
Satisfy your taste buds and enjoy four days of fantastic coastal cuisine, live music, arts and crafts booths, and children’s activities.
November - Experience the Oyster
Savor the flavor of delicious oysters prepared in a variety of ways by dozens of renowned regional chefs.
November - Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival
Listen to the tunes of award-winning songwriters and musicians and hear the stories behind some of your favorite songs from the creators themselves.
November - Coastal Alabama Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival
Sip on Alabama craft beers and savor tasty food and desserts from food trucks around the Southeast.
November - Coastal Half Marathon
Race through the scenic trails of Gulf State Park for a post-Thanksgiving workout.
Winter Events & Holiday Happenings
December - Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade
Bright and colorful lighted boats cruise through the canal during this fun night parade.
December - New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Ring in the New Year at the beach. Several restaurants, bars, and attractions host exciting New Year’s Eve celebrations.
January - Flora-Bama Polar Bear Dip
Kick off the new year by plunging into the Gulf with thousands of your closest friends. Don’t forget to wear your favorite costume.
January - Big Beach Marathon
Run, walk, or roll through the area during the Big Beach Marathon. Racers can participate in a full marathon, half marathon, or 7K.
February - Mardi Gras
Let the good times roll on the Alabama Gulf Coast and experience Mardi Gras beach style! The season is filled with numerous parades, parties, and other celebrations.
February - Orange Beach Seafood Festival
Bring your appetite to The Wharf for the Orange Beach Seafood Festival. Shop dozens of local vendors and indulge in fresh Gulf seafood.
Events on Alabama's Beaches
Our events calendar has all the happenings in and around Alabama’s Beaches. You can search through all the events in our calendar by date, type and area. Looking for a concert in Orange Beach? Or maybe a nature program in Fort Morgan? Whether you like arts, food, sports, fishing, or any other kind of event, you can find it here.
Explore Rentals on Alabama's Beaches
Whatever your vacation style, Alabama’s Beaches have the perfect spot for you. Start planning by choosing your dates and group size, and explore the best vacation rentals in Gulf Shores, comfortable places to stay in Orange Beach, or the charming rentals of Fort Morgan. With verified listings, secure payments, and real support, there are plenty of reasons why you should book with us.
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Alabama's Beaches
These blogs are written by the destination experts at Alabama's Beaches. From the best restaurants and hidden gems to tips and tricks for making the most of your stay, our knowledgable team has the lowdown on our area.
