Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are home to some of the most exciting annual events and festivals on the Gulf Coast! Whether you're a local or visitor planning your next trip, there's always something happening.
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🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
📍Tours
✨What's New in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Annual Events Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
From festive holiday celebrations and thrilling fishing tournaments to arts festivals, live music, and one-of-a-kind traditions, this guide to events in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach has everything you need to plan your year on the Alabama Gulf Coast.
January Events Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
- January 1 - Flora-Bama Polar Bear Dip, Flora-Bama
- January 1 - Gulf Shores Polar Bear Dip, Gulf Place Public Beach
- January 30 - 31 - The Big Beach Marathon, The Hangout
February Events Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
- February 28 - Orange Beach Seafood Festival & Car Show, The Wharf
- February 28 - March 1 - Annual Fort Morgan Oyster Fest, The Beach Club
Valentine's Day at the beach is always a good idea!
March Events Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
- March 7 - 8 - Ballyhoo Festival, Gulf State Park Lake Shelby
- March 13 - 14 - BBQ & Blues Cook Off, Foley Heritage Park
- March 14 - 15 - Orange Beach Festival of Arts, Orange Beach Waterfront Park
- March 20 - 22 - The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show, The Wharf
- March 20 - 22 - Annual Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival, Downtown Fairhope
- March 28 - Original German Sausage Festival, Elberta Town Park
Don't miss all of the St. Patrick's Day fun in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
April Events Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
- April 10 - 12 - L.O.L. Festival, Gulf State Park
- April 18 - Annual Mullet Man Triathlon, Flora-Bama
- April 23 - 25 - Bama Coast Cruisin', The Wharf
- April 23 - 26 - Alabama Coastal Birdfest, Multiple Locations
- April 24 - 26 - Flora-Bama Mullet Toss & Beach Party, Flora-Bama
- April 30 - May 2 - Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, OWA
Easter is a great time to bring the family to the beach. Lots of great Easter brunch opportunities and events.
May Events Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
- May 12 - 16 - Orange Beach Billfish Classic, The Wharf
June Events Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
- June 5 - 7 - Annual Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo, Flora-Bama Ole River Grill
July Events Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
- July 4 - Flora-Bama 4th of July Party, Flora-Bama
- July 4 - City of Gulf Shores 4th of July Fireworks Show, Gulf Shores
- July 14 - 19 - Blue Marlin Grand Championship of the Gulf, The Wharf
- July 15 - 18 - Red, White & Blues Pensacola Air Show, Pensacola Beach
August Events Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
- More events coming soon!
September Events Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
- September 10 - 12 - Flora-Bama Bulls on the Beach, Flora-Bama
- September 12 - Brett Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon
- September 19 - Annual Alabama Coastal Clean Up
- September 19 - 20 - Orange Beach Freedom Fest, The Wharf
October Events Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
- October 8 - 11 - The Annual National Shrimp Festival, Gulf Shores Public Beach
- October 11 - Flora-Bama Annual Oktoberfest, Flora-Bama
- October 31 - The Original German Sausage Festival, Elberta
- October 31 - Flora-Bama's Annual Halloween Event, Flora-Bama
Make sure to check out all of the Oktoberfest Events and spooky Halloween Fun in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.
November Events Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
- November 5 - 15 - Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival
- November 6 - 7 - Blue Angels Homecoming Show, NAS Pensacola
- November 7 - 8 - Coastal Alabama Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival, Gulf Shores Public Beach
- November 12 - December 23 - Annual Trim a Tree, Foley Art Center
- November 20 - January 5 - Magic Christmas in Lights, Bellingrath Gardens
- November 26 - Flora-Bama Thanksgiving Potluck, Flora-Bama
- November 28 - Coastal Half Marathon, 5K & 1 Mile Run, Orange Beach Sportsplex
There are quite a few fun events and dinners for Veterans Day and Thanksgiving in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.
December Events Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
- December 12 - LuLu's Annual Christmas Boat Parade, Intracoastal Waterway
- December 31 - Noon Year's Eve, LuLu's
- December 31 - Flora-Bama New Year's Eve Bash, Flora-Bama
Christmas is a huge celebration in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach with lots of events and tons of fun things to see and do. New Year's Eve there are fun parties, events, and even Noon Years Eve celebrations.
No matter the season, there's always something to look forward to along the Alabama Gulf Coast! From the first Polar Bear Dip of the New Year to the Flora-Bama New Year's Eve Bash you won't be bored living or visiting Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama.
Check out our January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December Event Guides to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach!
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tours
These are some of our favorite tours available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.
Dolphin Tours - Book a dolphin cruise here
Check out our experiences on Hammock Time Tiki Tours, Explorer Dolphin Cruise, Southern Rose Dolphin cruise, Cruise OB (Orange Beach), Sail Wild Hearts, Sunset Sail and Dolphin Tour, and the Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruise.
Pontoon Boat Rentals - Enjoy cruising the waters of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach on a Pontoon. Check out the pontoon boats with slides for extra fun. Book your Boat Rental Here
Parasailing - Check out the epic views as you parasail in the Gulf of Mexico. Look for wildlife and you float high above the water. Book your Parasailing Trip Here
Jet Ski Rentals - Jet Ski Tours and rentals are a great way to explore the back bays of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Book your Jet Ski Rental Here
Click here to see all of the top rated tours and activities available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Lodging
If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations. We have personally stayed at each of these lodging options (except Margaritaville, coming 2027!):
Use code GULFJOURNEY at checkout with Spectrum Resorts and Beachball Properties for an exclusive discount!
🏖️ Beachball Properties - Vacation houses and condos throughout Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount. Book with Beachball Properties
🏖️ The Beach Club Resort and Spa (Fort Morgan) - Beachfront condos with amazing amenities, a spa, and the incredible Coast Restaurant on-site. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount with Spectrum Resorts. Book The Beach Club
🏖️ Turquoise Place (Orange Beach) - Our favorite resort in the area! Luxury amenities, epic Gulf-front views, and stunning condos. Truly unforgettable. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount with Spectrum Resorts. Book Turquoise Place
🏨 The Tides Hotel (Orange Beach) - Gorgeous beachfront hotel with a great breakfast buffet, outdoor pool, and top-notch customer service. Book The Tides
🏨 Island House Hotel (Orange Beach) - Right on the beach with epic views from every room. Book Island House
⛺ Timberline Glamping (Orange Beach) - Stay in an amazing glamping tent with a private bathroom, right next to Gulf State Park. Book Timberline
🏨 The Lodge at Gulf State Park - Beachfront Hilton hotel in Gulf State Park offering epic views, sustainable practices, and great on-site restaurants. Book The Lodge
🏨 Springhill Suites Orange Beach - Located next to The Wharf with a gorgeous pool. Perfect location for shopping and dining. Book Springhill Suites
🔜 Margaritaville Resort Orange Beach (Coming 2027) - The highly anticipated Margaritaville resort is coming to Orange Beach! The first phase opens in 2027 and will include beachfront cottages, bungalows, condos, pickleball courts, and an entertainment district.
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!
We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, and more.
Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!
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