Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Events Calendar
From beachfront music festivals and fishing tournaments to art shows, holiday markets, and food festivals, the Alabama Gulf Coast has events worth planning your trip around all year long.
Stay close to the action
Search Gulf Shores and Orange Beach vacation rentals near beaches, restaurants, venues, marinas, festivals, and annual events.
Events worth building a beach trip around
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach host events throughout the year, from major beachfront music festivals and seafood celebrations to fishing tournaments, art shows, parades, songwriter performances, and holiday markets.
Use this guide to browse signature events by season, then book a Brett/Robinson vacation rental close to the coast, restaurants, venues, and local attractions.
Quick planning tips
- Book early for major festivals and holiday weekends.
- Check event websites for current dates, tickets, and weather updates.
- Choose a rental location based on the event venue and beach access needs.
- Use the rental search to compare availability near Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Winter Events
Seafood Festival & Car Show Live music, artists, classic cars, and family-friendly activities every February at The Wharf in Orange Beach. 
Ballyhoo Festival Explore juried fine art, live music, and Poarch Creek Indian culture at Gulf State Park. 
Mardi Gras Parades Catch colorful land and boat parades in February, one of the Gulf Coast’s most festive annual traditions. Spring Events
Orange Beach Festival of Art Fine art, live music, culinary demos, and kids’ activities on the Back Bay in March. 
Wharf Boat & Yacht Show Marine brands, boats, and fishing gear during this premier spring show at The Wharf. 
Bama Coast Cruisin’ Hundreds of classic and custom cars line the streets of The Wharf each April. 
Interstate Mullet Toss The legendary late-April beach party and mullet-throwing contest at the Flora-Bama. 
Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival Hot air balloons, tethered rides, balloon glows, and family-friendly entertainment each spring at OWA in Foley. 
Fairhope Annual Arts & Crafts Festival A juried arts festival in downtown Fairhope and a scenic day trip from Gulf Shores to Mobile Bay’s Eastern Shore. Summer Events
Hangout Music Festival A major beachfront music festival hosted directly on the sand in Gulf Shores. 
Wharf Amphitheater Concerts Big-name concerts from spring through fall at The Wharf Amphitheater in Orange Beach. 
Blue Marlin Grand Championship Experience the excitement of this July fishing tournament and weigh-in party at The Wharf. 
Alabama Coastal Triathlon Race in the Olympic and sprint triathlon each September, proudly presented by Brett/Robinson. 
Bulls on the Beach Three nights of bull riding on the sand at the Flora-Bama every September. Fall & Holiday Events
Freedom Festival Classic cars, crafts, live music, and military appreciation in October in Orange Beach. 
National Shrimp Festival Four days of live music, coastal art, and fresh Gulf seafood every October in Gulf Shores. 
Blue Angels Air Show A spectacular November flyover near Pensacola and along the Alabama Gulf Coast. 
Frank Brown Songwriters Festival Two weeks of intimate performances across Gulf Coast venues each November. 
Holly Days on Main A December holiday market at The Wharf with a lighted boat parade, vendors, and live performances. 
Jubilee Festival of Arts A juried arts festival in Olde Towne Daphne and an Eastern Shore day trip from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Stay close to Gulf Coast events
Whether you are visiting for a music festival, seafood weekend, fishing tournament, race, holiday event, or winter getaway, Brett/Robinson has Gulf Shores and Orange Beach rentals close to the coast.