Local Festivals

The vibrant Alabama Gulf Coast community has perfected the art of enjoying life. You’ll find a wide variety of community events and annual food festivals in Alabama. From the National Shrimp Festival and Zydeco Music and Crawfish Festival to the German Sausage Festival and Fourth of July fireworks. There is something to excite, amaze and entertain you.

Nature Events

Check the Rose Bloom-Out at Bellingrath Gardens or join with the Audubon Society in its coastal bird banding project. The John L. Borom Alabama Coastal Birdfest is a must for birders, and kids and adults alike will delight in Orange Beach’s Sand, Sea and Stars Science and Nature Center.

Sports Galore

Mild temperatures and fair weather bring a host of annual Alabama sporting events to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. From the USSSA Baseball World Series to Collegiate Beach Volleyball there are plenty of sports to watch throughout the year. If you don't want to be a spectator, you can even join the action by signing up for one of the local 5k runs or the Run the Beach Half Marathon.

Fishing Events

Anglers in the family will be hooked by the assortment of fishing events on the Calendar. The 2018 Blue Marlin Grand Championship of the Gulf is sure to live up to its billing as “the greatest show in sports fishing.” The Flora - Bama Fishing Rodeo, called the “funnest fishing tournament in the Gulf,” is for everyone, and the youngsters will love the Kids Win Fishing Tournament at The Wharf in Orange Beach.

Music & Concerts

If music is your thing, we’ve got it — plenty of it. From country to rock, there are Alabama concerts and music festivals throughout the season. There’s plenty of local talent too. Hardly a day or night goes by without our regional musicians playing at bistros and venues along the beach. Search or shows and find out who's playing tonight!

Arts, Theater & Culture Events

Into arts and culture? We have what you need. Experience productions by Summertide Theatre and Mobile Mystery Dinner (who puts on several local dinner theater shows throughout the year). Beyond performing arts, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach also offer arts and crafts shows, wine and culinary events, and art summer camps for the aspiring young artists in the family.

Plan Your Trip Today

If you're ready for a unique Alabama vacation filled with fun events, come to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach this season! Search our calendar of events to find the best ways to fill your day, and be sure to book lodging ahead of time! Find places to stay in Gulf Shores, including Gulf Shores and Orange Beach house rentals, beach condo rentals, hotels, and pet-friendly lodging!