Kentucky Derby Events in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama including best dressed, best hat competitions, live music, and more.

2026 Kentucky Derby Events in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Check out all of the fun events happening for the Kentucky Derby in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama

CoastAL Kentucky Derby Party
- 📅 Saturday May 2, 3 pm - 6 pm
- 📍CoastAL Orange Beach
Contests with prizes:
- Exacta - Best Male Derby Hat prize $300 Gift card to Coastal Orange Beach
- Superfecta - Best Dressed Duo - Day Long Pontoon Rental
- Trifecta - Best Female Derby Hat - $300 Gift Card to Orange Beach Store

Kentucky Derby Watch Party - Safari and Vine
- 📅 Saturday May 2nd, 4-7 pm
- 📍 Safari & Vine
Contest for best dressed and best hats. Safari & Vine will be serving mint juleps, hot browns, specialty Derby drinks, and light bites.

Talk Derby to Me Event - Tee Off at The Wharf
- 📅 Saturday May 2nd, 2 pm
- 📍 Tee Off at The Wharf
Talk Derby to Me… it's time for a Par-Tee at Tee Off at The Wharf. Enjoy Derby day inspired cocktails and drink specials, Watch the Derby on the giant screen at Portside at The Wharf, live music from 12-4 pm, games and raffles for all ages, Swing Suites open, and a chance to win a Titleist Golf Bag.

Kentucky Derby Watch Party Sound Wave
- 📅 Saturday May 2nd, 11 am
- 📍Sound Wave at The Embassy Gulf Shores
Best Dressed Contest is at 3 PM, and the best look wins a free Sound Wave tee.
Derby Day - Swift-Coles Historic Home
- 📅 Saturday May 2nd, 2-4 pm
- 📍 Swift-Coles Historic Home, Bon Secour
Derby Day at the Swift-Coles Historic Home is a fundraiser for Swift Coles Home and the Baldwin County Heritage Museum. They will have games, refreshments, and a hat contest. Cost - $60/person, call for reservations
Kentucky Derby at Angry Crab Shack
- 📅 Saturday May 2nd, 11 am opening
- 📍 Angry Crab Shack, Orange Beach
Angry Crab Shack is opening early for the Kentucky Derby and hosting a full day on their outdoor patio. Enjoy all-you-can-eat-crawfish, live music, and Derby fun.
- $6 Mint Juleps & $6 Kentucky Mules
- Arrowgrass Band | 1-4 pm
- Chitlin Switch | 5-8 pm
- Main race on the big screen at 6 pm + 75" TV giveaway after the race (must be present to win!)

Kentucky Derby Weekend at Tiki & Raw Bar
- 📅 Friday May 1 and Saturday May 2
- 📍 Tiki & Raw Bar Orange Beach
Tiki & Raw Bar in Orange Beach is celebrating Kentucky Derby weekend with Derby drink specials, a best dressed contest, Pick a horse & spin the wheel, and more.
Where to buy Kentucky Derby Gear
Emporium at C - They have Jocky top earrings, Mint julep swig tumblers, and more cute things perfect for a Derby Day party.
Little Sunshine by the Sea - They are hosting a Run for the Sun event on Saturday May 2nd from 10 am - 6 pm. Enjoy in store promotions and refreshments.

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.
Slingshot Rentals - Use code GULFJOURNEY To save 10% off a Slingshot Rental with Gulf Coast Rental Co in Orange Beach
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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