Warmer weather provides the perfect backdrop for springtime events along Alabama’s Coastal Connection. Locals and tourists alike clamor to get outdoors and enjoy all the season has to offer.
This spring, Alabama’s Coastal Byway is in full bloom, offering a number of events and activities to suit every taste. Below, we’ve listed some of our favorite springtime events for 2017.

Bellingrath Turns 85
You won’t want to miss celebrating Bellingrath Gardens’ birthday bash! April 7 marks the 85th anniversary of the date Walter Bellingrath opened the gardens to the public. Listen to live music, enjoy a catfish lunch and take advantage of the special anniversary admission price of $8.50.

Hangout Music Festival
Festival fans are excited about Hangout Fest! Covering a wide array of musical genres, this three-day music festival is held on the public beaches of Gulf Shores. This year, spanning May 19-21, take in performances by Mumford and Sons, Twenty One Pilots, Chance the Rapper, MGMT and many more!

Interstate Mullet Toss and Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party
Starting April 28, the legendary Interstate Mullet Toss serves as an excuse to throw a weekend-long event with great music and great food, all to raise money for charity. Participants compete at throwing a dead mullet over the Florida/Alabama state line. Sounds like a punchline, but we’re telling the truth! This really needs to be on everyone’s bucket list.

Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival
Free, fun entertainment awaits at the 13th Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival. On May 5 and 6, enjoy live music, ice cream, delicious BBQ and local crafts as 30 hot air balloonists from across the country converge in South Baldwin County.

Looking for more ways to experience Alabama’s Coastal Connection? Peruse our calendar of events and browse our itineraries for ideas.