Annual Events & Festivals
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Get ready to add some incredible events to your vacation itinerary!
Your lodging, activities, and dining are planned for your beach trip, but what about events? There’s always something going on in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. 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
Admire the incredible artwork of Gulf Coast artists, listen to live local music, and watch amazing performances at this beloved art festival.
Celebrate two days of art, culture, and music at Ballyhoo Festival at Lake Shelby in Gulf State Park.
During this annual event, you’ll see incredible boats, yachts, skiffs, and more water vessels.
Interstate Mullet Toss & Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party
A three-day, jampacked event, Mullet Toss is a weekend filled with throwing fish, live music, delicious drinks, and nonstop fun.
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.
Jam out to your favorite artists in the sand and enjoy a weekend of great music, fabulous food and drinks, and beachside activities.
Head to The Wharf to witness some of the most impressive catches (and boats) in Gulf of Mexico fishing.
Summer
Dubbed the ‘funnest’ fishing tournament on the Gulf Coast, this three-day family-friendly event is for everyone.
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.
Rock out to some of the biggest names in music underneath the stars at The Wharf Amphitheater.
Fall
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.
Grab your binoculars and learn all about the native and migratory birds of the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Grab a bite to eat, shop artisan booths, and admire classic cars as you stroll through The Wharf.
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.
Winter
Get all your Christmas shopping done in one weekend at Holly Days! Hit the ice skating rink, snag a photo with Santa, and browse the booths of local shops and artisans.
Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade
Bright and colorful lighted boats cruise through the canal during this fun night parade.
Ring in the New Year at the beach. Several restaurants, bars, and attractions host exciting New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Kick off the new year by plunging into the Gulf of Mexico with thousands of your closest friends. Don’t forget to wear your favorite costume.
Run, walk, or roll your way throughout the area during the Big Beach Marathon. Racers can participate in a full marathon, half marathon, or 7K.
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.
Bring your appetite to The Wharf for the Orange Beach Seafood Festival. Shop dozens of local vendors and indulge in fresh Gulf seafood.
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.
