Main Events

From the time the Marlin drops over The Wharf in Orange Beach until the snowbirds are welcomed back, Alabama’s Gulf coast entertains a packed event schedule all year long. 

Less than 40 miles from the birthplace of Mardi Gras, you’ll find coastal takes on the legendary celebration in the month leading up to Fat Tuesday. At the first hint of spring, the early birds that flock to Alabama’s beaches enjoy annuals such as Orange Beach Festival of Art, The Wharf Boat and Yacht Show and Waterway Village Zydeco and Crawfish Festival. Flora-Bama’s Interstate Mullet Toss and Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party brings fans from around the world to try their hand at tossing the fish from Florida to Alabama. 

Every summer kicks off with Hangout Music Festival with performers such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Post Malone and Lana Del Ray. 

Even as a new school year looms, guests are encouraged to keep on summering on Alabama’s beaches with events for lovers of food, nature, sports and music alike. Brett/Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon, National Shrimp Festival and Hangout Oyster Cook-off and Craft Beer Weekend ensure there’s never a dull moment. During Alabama Coastal Cleanup and the John L. Borom Alabama Coastal Birdfest visitors experience the natural beauty of coastal ecosystems and wildlife. Singer songwriters of all ages and success play the free shows of Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival. 

For those looking to trade slushy snow for sugar white sand, Alabama’s Coastal Christmas and Bellingrath’s Annual Magic Christmas in Lights. 

Throughout the year Gulf Shores and Orange Beach welcomes some of the finest student-athletes in the country and their families for the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship, NAIA Outdoor Track and Field Championship and SEC Women’s Soccer Championship.