Best Fall Events

Wrap up your summer at the Orange Beach Marina for Mobile Big Game Fishing Club's Labor Day Invitational from August 29-September 2. This final tournament of the season has some big money on the line, including $25,000 in the blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, and dolphin categories. Even if you don't participate, you'll want to stop by for the evening weigh-ins, as you'll see some impressive catches.

Looking for some adrenaline-pumping fun? Grab your cowboy hats and stop by Flora-Bama for the annual Bulls on the Beach bull riding event on September 5-7! This high-energy rodeo offers a look at professional bull riders from across the Southeast and guarantees to get your heart racing! Gates open nightly at 6 pm, and the excitement starts at 8 pm.

The Saturday following Labor Day always brings the Brett/Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon, complete with a Gulf swim, flat bike ride, and scenic run! Sponsored by Brett/Robinson Vacation Rentals and hosted by The Hangout, this year’s race is the 16th annual and offers the perfect race setting with everything in one place. Participants will enjoy mesmerizing views of the area as they race. 

Baldwin and Mobile Counties are the ideal spots to see hundreds of migratory birds during the Annual John L. Borom Alabama Coastal BirdFest, October 4-6. Attracting visitors from all over North America, this bird- and nature-centered event is also a local favorite. You'll have opportunities to see not only birds but also alligators, wildflowers, dolphins, and more, all while learning about their natural habitats.

Experience a patriotic weekend October 4-5 at Orange Beach's 4th Annual Freedom Fest at The Wharf. You'll find live music, local arts and crafts vendors, and delicious southern cuisine. This festival also includes Bama Coast Cruisin's fall car show. Stroll Main Street and admire the incredible classic cars that line the street as you celebrate a red, white, and blue weekend.

Get ready to have your taste buds thoroughly satisfied this fall! October 10-13 is the Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores. Here, you'll enjoy live music from local musicians, arts and crafts vendors, children's activities, and, of course, plenty of delicious fresh seafood. This year marks the 51st anniversary of the festival, so you can expect lots of exciting celebrations throughout the weekend.

Sit back, relax, and listen to the tunes of the nation's best singer-songwriters from November 7-17. The Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival brings musicians to venues across the Gulf Coast for 11 days of incredible live music. Songwriters share the stories behind their music and offer attendees unique and personal performances. Whether you're at an outdoor restaurant, local dive bar, or lively venue, you'll enjoy an up-close music experience you won't forget.

Bring your appetite to the Coastal Alabama Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival at Gulf Place Town Green this November. For two days, festival-goers will savor regional craft beers and a variety of delectable cuisine while enjoying live music and yard games by the Gulf. Grab a few lawn chairs or blankets and plan to attend on November 9-10.

Get your blood pumping this Thanksgiving holiday at the Coastal Half Marathon & 5K on November 30. This event happens annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The racecourse winds through Gulf State Park, offering runners a beautifully scenic route. The park's trail is paved, so the race is open to those running, walking, or wheeling. If a half marathon is too much for you, the race also has a 5K and a 1-mile fun run.