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Events in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach

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Events in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are two coastal towns in Alabama that are known for their beautiful white-sand beaches, clear waters, Southern hospitality, and an abundance of activities. There are always plenty of things to do at these beach destinations, whether you're looking to relax on the beach, go fishing, enjoy some music, attend a festival, or explore the local attractions.

If you're planning a trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, be sure to know what to expect when you book your stay with Brett/Robinson Vacations. Choose from our carefully curated selection of vacation rentals, including exquisite condos in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, to ensure a comfortable and memorable experience.

Here are a few of the most popular events that take place in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach:

Winter events

Orange  Beach Seafood Festival & Car Show 
Each February at The Wharf, the event features a full day of delicious food, 100 artists from throughout the South, a huge car show on Main Street, a Kids’ Zone, and music for the whole family to enjoy. 

Ballyhoo Festival
Springtime on the shores of Gulf State Park’s Lake Shelby, the juried fine art of 100 artists combines with a unique focus on cultural exchange with the Poarch Creek Indians.

Mardi Gras
Each winter, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores host numerous Mardi Gras parades on land and water. Located a short drive from the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the U.S - Mobile, Alabama - it’s more than a holiday on the Alabama Gulf Coast, it’s a tradition. 

Spring events

Orange  Beach Festival of Art
Held the second weekend in March, the juried fine art show at the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach includes more than 100 artists, a kids’ art alley, a culinary arts court featuring local fare, and a music and songwriter's stage.

Wharf  Boat & Yacht Show
Held each March at The Wharf in Orange Beach. 

Waterway Village Zydeco & Crawfish Festival
Each April in Gulf Shores, this festival celebrates the unique culture of Louisiana with live music, dancing, and, of course, crawfish.

Interstate Mullet Toss
Each April, the Interstate Mullet Toss and Gulf Coast's Greatest Beach Party is legendary. What started as just a reason to party at the Flora-Bama on the beachfront border of Orange Beach and Florida has become one of the biggest beach parties on the coast. 

Summer Events

Hangout Music Festival
Every year in May, thousands of music fans flock to Gulf Shores, Alabama from around the world for the Hangout Music Festival. This festival, which takes place on the stunning beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, is a three-day world-class celebration of music,
 art, and beach culture. With a diverse lineup of some of the biggest names in music, as well as up-and-coming artists, the Hangout Music Festival has something for everyone. 

Wharf  Amphitheater concerts
 From May through October, the 10,000-seat The Wharf Amphitheater in Orange Beach hosts the C Spire Concert Series. The open-air venue, which is one of the largest music venues along the Gulf Coast, serves as the backdrop for dozens of top performers.  

Blue  Marlin Grand Championship
This premiere fishing competition is held each July at The Wharf. It’s an exciting family-friendly event for anglers and weigh-in spectators. 

Brett  Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon
Held in early September each year at Gulf Place in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Brett/Robinson Vacations is the longtime presenting sponsor for this annual Olympic distance triathlon, which also has a beginner-friendly sprint triathlon. Brett/Robinson’s Phoenix All Suites beachfront hotel is perfectly situated next to the start/finish line.

Flora-Bama Bulls on the Beach
Enjoy three days of adrenaline-filled bull riding at the beach each September with professional cowboys and cowgirls from all over the country. 

fall events

Orange  Beach Freedom Festival
The first weekend in October features this patriotic event at The Wharf in Orange Beach with a car show, arts and crafts, food, and music as a salute to the military and first responders. 

Annual National Shrimp Festival
The second full weekend in October features this longtime festival at the public beach in Gulf Shores. The four-day event celebrates the Gulf Coast's most famous seafood with live music, cooking demonstrations, and shrimp-eating contests. The festival plays
 host to 100 hours of musical entertainment featuring a lineup of national, regional, and local acts. The festival also features 50 local and regional food vendors and nearly 200 booths of fine art and arts and crafts lining the festival site. 

Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show
Held in early November in neighboring Pensacola, Florida. Orange Beach sees frequent flyovers by the Blue Angels throughout the year. It’s always a special patriotic beach treat to have the storied Naval aircraft fly overhead. 

Annual Frank Brown Songwriters' Festival
Held each November and features nationally acclaimed songwriters in venues along the Florida and Alabama Gulf Coast, including the Flora-Bama and Orange Beach, over a nearly two-week period. The festival is an opportunity for seasoned and aspiring songwriters
 and musicians from all over the world to have their songs heard, and for the public to learn the stories behind the lyrics that only the song’s author can express.

Holly  Days on Main at The Wharf
Hosted each December by the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber at The Wharf in Orange Beach. The event features holiday arts and crafts vendors, special performances, a lighted boat parade and more. 

Whether you're looking for family-friendly fun, live music, or sporting events, you're sure to find something to keep you entertained during your stay.

After a long day of enjoying everything our coastal paradise offers, you'll be able to relax in one of our comfortable vacation rentals, including Orange Beach condos, Gulf Shores vacation rentals, Alabama beach houses, and Gulf Shores hotels.

Here are some of the reasons why you should choose Brett/Robinson for your beach vacation:

  • Our properties are all fully furnished and equipped with everything  you need for a comfortable stay.
  • We offer competitive rates and flexible cancellation policies. Check out our Hot Deals for the best beach vacation discounts. 
  • Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is available to help you with anything you need during your stay.

So what are you waiting for? Book your Brett/Robinson beach getaway in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach today!