Bama Coast Cruisin' Orange Beach

Annual Events & Festivals

in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Your lodgingactivities, 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.

 

Performers dancing at Ballyhoo cultural festival in Gulf State Park
Aerial view of classic cars at Bama Coast Cruisin' car show at The Wharf
Young girl throwing a fish at Flora-Bama's Annual Mullet Toss in Orange Beach

Spring Events

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.

Ballyhoo Festival

Celebrate two days of art, culture, and music at Ballyhoo Festival at Lake Shelby in Gulf State Park.

The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show

During this annual event, you’ll see incredible boats, yachts, skiffs, and more water vessels.

Alabama Coastal BirdFest

Grab your binoculars and learn all about the native and migratory birds of the Alabama Gulf Coast.

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.

Bama Coast Cruisin’

This three-day car show will display classic cars, hot rods, sports cars, and many more impressive rides.

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.

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.

Large marlin being weighed at the Billfish Classic Fishing Tournament in Orange Beach
Aerial view of an outdoor concert at The Wharf Amphitheater in Orange Beach
Fireworks exploding in the night sky during Independence Day in Gulf Shores

Summer Concerts & Celebrations

Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo

Dubbed the ‘funnest’ fishing tournament on the Gulf Coast, this three-day family-friendly event is for everyone.

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.

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.

C-Spire Concert Series

Rock out to some of the biggest names in music underneath the stars at The Wharf Amphitheater.

Cowboy riding a bull at Flora-Bama's Bulls on the Beach rodeo in Orange Beach
Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores
Runners racing along the beach boulevard during the Coastal Half Marathon in Orange Beach

Fall Festivals

Flora-Bama Bulls on the Beach

As its name suggests, this adrenalin-pumping rodeo takes place right on the beach at the iconic Flora-Bama Lounge.

Brett/Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon

Swim, bike, and run the beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach during this exciting triathlon.

Freedom Fest

Grab a bite to eat, shop artisan booths, and admire classic cars as you stroll through The Wharf.

Shrimp Festival

Satisfy your taste buds and enjoy four days of fantastic coastal cuisine, live music, arts and crafts booths, and children’s activities.

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.

Coastal Alabama Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival

Sip on Alabama craft beers and savor tasty food and desserts from food trucks around the Southeast.

Coastal Half Marathon

Race through the scenic trails of Gulf State Park for a post-thanksgiving workout.

Illuminated boats floating along the Intracoastal Waterway for the Annual Lighted Boat Parade Christmas event on Alabama's Beaches
Family-friendly Mardi Gras Parade in Orange Beach
Fort Morgan Oyster Fest seafood festival on Alabama's Beaches

Winter Events & Holiday Happenings

Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade

Bright and colorful lighted boats cruise through the canal during this fun night parade.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fort Morgan Oyster Fest

Savor the flavor of all-you-can-eat fresh Gulf oysters and other local seafood at this two-day festival at Beach Club Resort

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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couple relaxing in a private pool at a beach vacation rental in orange beach

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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.

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