What’s more fun in the fall than hitting the festivals? Ummm, we can’t think of anything else either. From birdwatching to eating delectable shrimp and oysters to enjoying craft beer and amazing music right on the Gulf of Mexico, we have the dates you need to add to your calendar. Come join us!

October 2-5
16th Annual John L. Borom Alabama Coastal BirdFest

Check out this popular birding and nature festival to experience birds, alligators, dolphins and so much more. Workshops are available at the 5 Rivers Delta. BirdFest showcases bird- and nature-watching spots all around Baldwin and Mobile counties, including Fort Morgan, Dauphin Island, Weeks Bay, Mobile-Tensaw Delta, Bayou La Batre, Forever Wild Grand Bay Savanna, Gulf Shores and more.

Poboy

October 10-13
48th Annual National Shrimp Festival

For 48 years this event has been a Gulf Shores tradition. Food, music, art and, of course, the beautiful white-sand beaches come together for a can’t-miss weekend. Indulge in shrimp just about any way you can imagine, plus a great variety of seafood and non-seafood favorites. Country, classic rock, jazz and more musical styles will be featured on two entertainment stages throughout each day and evening. And yes, Shrimp Fest is known for its spectacular artists. From paintings to photography to sculpture to jewelry and arts and crafts, you are sure to find one-of-a-kind pieces you cannot live without.

November 1-2
11th Annual Oyster Cook-Off and Craft Beer Weekend at The Hangout

Enjoy tastings of dozens of craft beers, live music and delectable oysters on Friday, as well as fabulous Brew B’Que. At Saturday’s Oyster Cook-Off, sample oysters prepared by dozens of chefs and restaurants from across the country. Learn from the best via cooking demonstrations and workshops throughout the day. Take part in the oyster shucking contest. Cheer on contestants during the Bloody Mary Invitational. Enjoy live music on the main stage. And don’t worry about missing out on the day’s football action – watch your favorite team in one of the sports viewing lounges for the Best Tasting Tailgate.

November 7-17
35th Annual Frank Brown Songwriters’ Festival

This all-music festival will feature more than 200 nationally acclaimed songwriters in venues along the Florida/Alabama Gulf Coast. Seasoned and aspiring songwriters from all over the world will be sharing their songs as well as the stories behind them. During this exciting 11-day festival, performers will be hosted in more than two dozen venues from downtown Pensacola and Perdido Key, Florida to Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Bon Secour and Silverhill, Alabama. 

Lock in these dates and start making your plans to travel Alabama’s Coastal Connection Scenic Byway this fall!