Calendar of Events

A lecture given by Dylan Tucker  in the fort focusing on Fort Morgan’s involvement in WWI, specifically training of the Coast Artillery, Trench Mortar Battalion, Gas Corps and field artillery.  A photo gallery will also be displayed.

A "Holidays at the Fort" tour will be given at 1 p.m., with a small arms demonstration. Special holiday decorations and gifts will be on sale at the gift shop. Refreshments will be served in the gift shop from 2-4 p.m.

Bellingrath Gardens and Home is celebrating the 23rd year of Magic Christmas in Lights in 2018. In this Gulf Coast holiday tradition, guests stroll through a dazzling light display that features more than 1,100 set pieces, three million lights and 15 scenes throughout the 65-acre garden estate. In addition, the Bellingrath Home is decorated in its holiday finery and enhanced with beautiful poinsettias.

Magic Christmas in Lights begins on November 23 and runs through December 31 and closed Christmas day. Magic Christmas in Lights is open daily from 5 - 9 p.m. Tours of the Bellingrath Home are every hour and half hour until 8:30 p.m.

Magic Christmas in Lights includes nightly choral performances on the south terrace of the home on Sundays through Thursdays. In addition, guests may purchase hot chocolate on Live Oak Plaza to warm the heart and soul.

Military Mondays are back! Each Monday of Magic Christmas in Lights, military personnel and their immediate families are eligible for a 15% admissions discount on gardens-only tickets. The dates are Nov. 26 and Dec. 3, 10 and 17.

Magic Christmas in Lights, which made USA Today’s 2014 list of “10 Best Public Light Displays in America,” and American Bus Association’s “Top 100 Events of 2016,”  is a family-friendly event for all ages to get everyone into the holiday spirit. After touring the lights, guests will want to have photos taken with Santa and find that perfect holiday present in the popular Bellingrath gift shop.

A Southern Christmas at Bragg-Mitchell Mansion will be held December 1 – 21 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on-the-hour, with the last tour at 3 p.m. Please check our website or call to verify dates and hours as we close for private events and large tours.

During the Christmas season, guests are invited to share the spirit of the season at the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion. Canopied by a grove of century-old oaks and furnished with traditional Christmas decorations, fine antiques and crystal chandeliers, the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion beckons guests to share the beauty of the Christmas Season. The Mansion is available for private events such as historical tours, cocktail parties, luncheons, teas and corporate events. For more information, call or visit our website.

The Chocolate Affair will be an evening filled with scrumptious desserts, hors d’oeuvres donated by local restaurants, music provided by Roman Street and a silent and live auction. The money raised from this event will go directly to providing assistance to homeless families and overall operation of Family Promise – as we operate primarily on grants, private donations and fundraising.

Gulf Shores will kick off its holiday festivities on Friday, December 7 with the Lighted Christmas Parade. The evening parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will feature festive lighted floats as well as appearances from holiday characters and marching bands. Large crowds of spectators looking to bask in the holiday spirit are anticipated along Highway 59 as parade entries make their way from the Gulf Place Public Beach to Sims Park.

The magical atmosphere from the parade will roll continuously into the night as a celebration in Sims Park will kick off immediately following the parade. Families can enjoy pictures with Santa, holiday treats, crafts and a snowball drop. It will be a man-made blizzard as 4,000 ping pong balls will be dropped from above. Winning snowballs will have a number that correlates with a prize supplied by our generous sponsors.

Christmas through the Ages, a living history day for the whole family, is scheduled at Fort Gaines. Come and experience a Christmas of days gone by. Join the soldiers from the past and their families as they celebrate a non-commercial Christmas. Visiting children will have the chance to make a seashell ornament and other decorations.

The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber's 33rd Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade will take place on Saturday, December 8.

The Coastal Alabama Chamber of Commerce lighted boat parade takes off at about 5 p.m. from LuLu’s at Homeport Marina and finishes at Flora-Bama. More than 45 decorated vessels, including sailboats, charters and even a kayak or two, make this boat parade one of the largest in the Southeast. There are great viewing sites all along the Intracoastal Waterway, but for groups the best spot is The Wharf at Orange Beach, adjacent to the convention center.

To sign up to participate call the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber at 251-968-6091. Additional information on the parade route, viewing stations and registration is at http://www.mygulfcoastchamber.com.

In the tradition of years past, the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center is proud to announce a return to major blockbuster exhibitions in the Spring of 2019. On the scale of its China and Pompeii exhibits, the Exploreum invites visitors to take a journey back in time with one of history’s most prolific and controversial figures – Genghis Khan.

Through artifacts, performers, artwork, and other historically significant items, discover the eye-opening story of the world’s most well-known conqueror, civilizer and innovator in the exhibition Genghis Khan: The Great Civilizer opening at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center on Saturday, January 26, 2019.

Curated and developed by dinosaur expert Don Lessem, the exhibition features more than 300 spectacular objects on display, including rare and sophisticated weapons, costumes, jewels, ornaments, instruments and numerous other fascinating relics and elaborate artifacts from 13th-century Mongolia. “I went to Mongolia to look for fossils and discovered the truth about Genghis Khan, a civilizing genius,” said Lessem. “It’s a great story best told in a major exhibition.”

Experience life in 13th-century Mongolia, entering the tents, battlegrounds and marketplaces of a vanished world that was once the largest land empire in history. Explore Genghis Khan’s life and those of his sons and grandsons during the formation, peak and decline of the Mongol Empire.

As the exhibit strikingly portrays, Genghis’s reputation as the greatest conqueror is well-deserved – he dominated three times more land in his lifetime than either Julius Caesar or Alexander the Great, a conquest attested to by the formidable array of swords, bows, arrows, saddles and armor included on display in Genghis Khan. In fact, the historic exhibition showcases hundreds of artifacts from Genghis’s 13th century Empire, the largest such collection ever to tour.
 
However, this special exhibition presents a more complete image of the legendary leader whom Time Magazine and CNN named “The Man of the Millennium.” As visitors discover, Genghis not only created the nation of Mongolia and its written language, but his lineage established the modern borders of nations from India to Iran, Korea to China and opened the trade routes that united East and West, forever after.

The Senior Bowl is college football's premier senior showcase event, annually featuring the nation's best senior collegiate football stars and top NFL draft prospects on teams coached by NFL coaching staffs. Senior Bowl practices and game week festivities are attended by more than 800 general managers, head coaches, assistant coaches, scouts and other front office personnel from all 32 National Football League teams, making Mobile and the Senior Bowl the week-long host to a one-of-a-kind NFL Coaches Convention. For more information on the Senior Bowl please visit the bowl's website.

Simply Sinatra kicks off the 2019 Winter Entertainment Series on Jan. 28-29. Simply Sinatra with Steve Lippia brings a performer who has become one of the most prominent, in-demand vocalists and has quickly established his place among the finest interpreters of standards and traditional pop music in the nation. Steve’s youthful, energetic talent and powerful show creates a perfect blend of classic with today. His show introduces a new generation to the timeless music of Frank Sinatra, while appealing to long-time listeners. Each of the shows begin at 7 p.m. at the Erie H. Meyer Civic Center, and tickets are $35. 

Individual show tickets go on sale Monday, October 22 at 10 a.m. Fans may purchase tickets in the following ways: Online or in person at the City Store located at 1821 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

For more information about the 2019 Winter Edition of Small Town, Big Beach™ Productions or assistance regarding ticket purchasing, contact the Special Events Division at 251-968-1171 or visit www.gulfshoresal.gov.

The New York Tenors take the stage on Feb. 4-5. Experience the memorable music, moments and magic of New York, as the vocal artistry of Andy Cooney, Daniel Rodriguez and Christopher Macchio take the audience on a truly entertaining journey through New York, New York!  Each of the shows begin at 7 p.m. at the Erie H. Meyer Civic Center, and tickets are $35. 

Individual show tickets go on sale Monday, October 22 at 10 a.m. Fans may purchase tickets in the following ways: Online or in person at the City Store located at 1821 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

For more information about the 2019 Winter Edition of Small Town, Big Beach™ Productions or assistance regarding ticket purchasing, contact the Special Events Division at 251-968-1171 or visit www.gulfshoresal.gov.

One Night in Memphis will present a rocking concert tribute to legendary Sun Records recording artists Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley on Feb. 11-12. This performance features over 90 minutes of pure rockabilly, country, gospel and rock and roll in a very authentic and energetic presentation featuring nationally known talent. Each of the shows begin at 7 p.m. at the Erie H. Meyer Civic Center, and tickets are $35.

Individual show tickets go on sale Monday, October 22 at 10 a.m. Fans may purchase tickets in the following ways: Online or in person at the City Store located at 1821 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

For more information about the 2019 Winter Edition of Small Town, Big Beach™ Productions or assistance regarding ticket purchasing, contact the Special Events Division at 251-968-1171 or visit www.gulfshoresal.gov.

Four Fabulous Funnymen will wrap up our 2019 Winter Entertainment series on Feb. 18-19. This act will feature four of the top clean comedians touring today, including Jay Johnson, Tony Award winning Ventriloquist, Pete Barbutti, Las Vegas entertainer of the year, John Wing, finalist on America’s Got Talent, and Mark Schiff, who is currently on tour with Jerry Seinfeld. Each of the shows begin at 7 p.m. at the Erie H. Meyer Civic Center, and tickets are $35.

Individual show tickets go on sale Monday, October 22 at 10 a.m. Fans may purchase tickets in the following ways: Online or in person at the City Store located at 1821 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

For more information about the 2019 Winter Edition of Small Town, Big Beach™ Productions or assistance regarding ticket purchasing, contact the Special Events Division at 251-968-1171 or visit www.gulfshoresal.gov.

The 26th Annual Orange Beach Seafood Festival features a full day of seafood, kids activities, live entertainment, a car show and more. This event is the primary fundraiser for the Orange Beach Sports Association, which supports youth sports in Orange Beach. 

Two stages featuring blues, classical guitar, brass instruments and local performers. There will be 95 arts and crafts vendors, six seafood booths and six specialty food booths!

Also included will be a kid’s zone with entertainment and activities, a large open car show featuring vintage, hot rod, classic cars with awards to the top 10 cars, 50/50 split the pot and table top swap meet.

The Mystical Order of Mirams is a women's organization based in Orange Beach with members from all over Baldwin County, as well as Mobile, Birmingham, and even Atlanta.
Started in 2006, the founding members of the Mirams, according to the group's web site, "wanted to start a women's krewe that would be able to parade and ball in a HUGE style."

The group puts on the only family friendly, women's nighttime parade on Pleasure Island.
"We love our community," the Mirams' web site says, "and strive to give back as much as possible. With every event we host, we give generous donations to a charity that we choose. We love to keep our donations local when we can."

According to the written history of the Mystics of Pleasure, "while overlooking the Marina on Cotton Bayou and watching the sun set on a glorious April evening, a group of men planned what was to become ... Pleasure Island's very first nighttime Mardi Gras parading society."
By Carnival of 2001, the Mystics of Pleasure held its first ball and Mardi Gras parade in Orange Beach. Unlike parading groups to the west, marshals with the Mystics of Pleasure ride Harley-Davidsons, not horses.
The group also sponsored the Thunder Run boating event every year.

Kick off festival season with Ballyhoo! This exciting festival event is unique in its focus on fine art, combined with cultural charm, and the fun-loving spirit of residents of Coastal Alabama! Enjoy fine art from all across the southeast, local seafood and live music!

Ballyhoo is an event of the Gulf Coast Arts Alliance, whose mission is the development and promotion of the arts on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Join us Saturday, March 2 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Waterway Village located at 225 East 24th Ave., Gulf Shores.

The City of Gulf Shores is excited to continue its expanded role as lead organizers for the Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade. This history of the Gulf Shores Mardi Gras parade dates back to 1978 when a group of locals decided Gulf Shores needed a parade. Those locals formed the Pleasure Island Players and thus Mardi Gras began in Gulf Shores. A year later the Mystic Order of Shiners joined the Pleasure Island Players to become what is now the oldest parading order in Baldwin County.

As you make plans to attend this event during these confirmed 2019 dates, we will update this section with more details as soon as we learn of them. Meanwhile, last year's details are included below for you.

The Orange Beach Parade started way back when as a loose confederation of groups, large and small, that wanted to parade by the beach.

About 10 years ago, the city of Orange Beach stepped in and took over the planning of the parade. It's still open to participation by just about anybody, even groups from outside of Orange Beach.

The Mystical Maids of Miram and the Mystics of Pleasure contribute to the parade, but so do groups from Foley to Perdido Key. Even groups that parade in Gulf Shores earlier in the day move up the road to be in the Orange Beach procession.

Typically, these days, there's about 55 units in the Fat Tuesday afternoon parade, and about 30,000 people gather along the two-mile stretch of Perdido Beach Boulevard to stand in the rain of throws.

Multi-platinum singer and songwriter Luke Combs stormed onto the country music landscape as one of the format’s burliest and brightest stars with three consecutive number 1 hit radio singles - “Hurricane," “When It Rains It Pours” and “One Number Away” from his GOLD-certified debut album, This One’s for You.

The iHeart Radio Awards “Best New Country Artist” released This One’s for You Too, a 17-track expanded collection of his critically acclaimed debut album, on June 1 - with five brand new tracks that landed at number 1 on Billboard Country Albums Chart, number 4 on Billboard 200 Chart and immediately charted in the Top 10 on iTunes All-Genre Songs Chart.

Named Billboard’s Top 100 Artist and Top New Country Artist of 2017, Combs made country radio history as the first new solo male artist to achieve a multi-week number 1 since 2001. The CMA, CMT, ACM and Billboard Music Awards nominated road warrior recently wrapped his 55-city sold-out first headlining Don’t Tempt Me with a Good Time Tour, performed on all-star lineups for CMA Music Fest, Stagecoach and Austin City Limits and joins Jason Aldean on his summer 2018 nationwide High Noon Neon Tour.

We anticipate this event occurring around these estimated dates. Once we learn the confirmed dates, we will update this page. Meanwhile, read about last year's event details below.

Festival of Art celebrates an extraordinary amount of arts and artists from visual arts and fine arts and crafts to glass artists, potters, painters, sculptors, watercolorists, textile artists and wood artists. The event will also hold a kid's art alley, a culinary arts court featuring local fare and a music and songwriter's stage.

Satellite public parking is available with shuttle will be provided by BRATS for a $5 daily rate. No public parking will be available on site. Parking this year is at the Orange Beach Sportsplex off Canal Road, 2 miles west of the festival grounds. Bike Village will provide bicycle parking at the festival!

For more information visit our website.

The 2018 Music Stage will feature:

SATURDAY
10:15 a.m.    Lisa Zanghi                                                         
11:45 a.m.    Roman Street                                                   
1:30 p.m.      Three Bean Soup                                                            
3:15 p.m.      Strictly Isbell     

SUNDAY
10:45 a.m.    Island Youth Band                                                           
12:15 p.m.    Poarch Ninjas                                                   
2 p.m.           All Star Band

The 2018 Performing Arts Stage will feature:

SATURDAY
10 a.m.          Gulf Coast Jujutsu
10:50 a.m.     Star Wars Characters
11 a.m.          Coastal Ballet
11:30 a.m.     Tai Chi
12 p.m.          Sassy Seniors
1 p.m.            The Bitter End Band
2 p.m.            Dolphin Sound
3 p.m.            Snook Youth Club

SUNDAY
12 p.m.          Wheeles Karate
1 p.m.            David Jones
2 p.m.            Ben Reece / Lauren Bradford
2:30 p.m.       Four A Change

We anticipate this event occurring around these estimated dates. Once we learn the confirmed dates, we will update this page. Meanwhile, read about last year's event details below.

The 66th Annual Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival is scheduled for March 16-18. Festival hours are Friday - Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival is free to the public.

More than 230 exhibitors from all over the country will bring their best works. This prestigious juried show showcases artists from across the country including many from the Southeast. Enjoy live entertainment and delicious cuisine from the food court throughout this great three-day event. An Eastern Shore staple for more than 60 years, there’s something for everyone at the Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival on the streets of beautiful downtown Fairhope.

The Wharf Boat and Yacht Show will offer the largest in-water display of any boat show along the upper Gulf Coast. It will showcase the latest offerings from boat manufacturers and dealers throughout the Southeast.

In-water displays will allow prospective buyers to test drive the boat of their dreams before taking advantage of on the spot financing. Last year there were over $90 million in boats and marine products for display, including more than 135 in-water vessels and an additional 450-plus boats displayed on land.

This year, show organizers report a sell-out crowd of exhibitors, promising even more variety. Virtually every type of vessel will be shown, ranging from luxury yachts and sport fisherman, to center consoles, cruisers, pontoons and runabouts.

But it doesn't stop there. Visitors can get their hands on the hottest marine electronics, fishing tackle, marine engines, and outdoor equipment as numerous exhibitors showcase the cutting edge in marine gear and personal watercraft.

The Elberta Sausage Festival makes its semi-annual return to that South Baldwin hamlet. Held in Elberta Town Park, just north of the town’s only stop light on Hwy. 98, the event attracts up to 20,000 revelers, according to organizers. A 40-year tradition, the festival is a major regional event that attracts a cross section of the community in what has become a reunion type atmosphere. It is also the main revenue source for the area’s volunteer fire department.

Festival fans can enjoy Elberta's famous German sausage and sauerkraut, plus continuous entertainment
for adults and children, and 250 arts & crafts booths. There will also be carnival rides and a full-scale Midway. Of course, there will also be a Bier Garten featuring a large selection of imported and domestic beers.

Other scrumptious foods will include German-style filled cabbage, potato salad, goulash, red beans and rice, hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ sandwiches, ice cream, popcorn, peanuts and homemade baked goods.
The Bellview Stumpfiddle Band will perform with the North End Stompers and other cloggers. There will also be polka, country and German music.

Spearheaded by Elberta's Volunteer Fire Department since 1978, festival proceeds are used for improving not only the fire department, but the town as well. Additionally, local non-profits benefit from the festival through proceeds from their booth sales and parking lot fees. The festival is held twice a year - on the last Saturday of March and the last Saturday of October. Although it has been tweaked a bit over the years, the original secret recipe for Elberta's famous sausage is credited to Alfred Stucki, who managed Elberta's Locker Plant from 1953 until his death in 1973. About 7,000 pounds of German Sausage are consumed at each fest.

Make plans with your family to join us at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab for Discovery Day.

Discovery Day takes advantage of all the resources on the Dauphin Island Sea Lab's campus, from The Estuarium to our Research Facilities. Visitors will also have a chance to tour our research vessel Alabama Discovery.

Touch tanks, arts and crafts, and interactive exhibits create an amazing learning experience for all ages. Our marine scientists and graduate students will be on hand to answer your questions and share their ongoing research projects.

"Discovery Day is a great opportunity for the public to see the mission of the Sea Lab, which is to increase ocean literacy through research and education," Executive Director John Valentine said.

The day is free, except for a reduced adult admission to the Estuarium, DISL's public aquarium. For more information call the Dauphin Island Sea Lab at 251-861-2141 or visit www.disl.org.

Stroll among hundreds of classic and vintage automobiles displayed on the Great Lawn at the Mobile Bay Mustang Club’s 26th Annual Camellia Classic Open Car Show. Snacks and lunch will be available to purchase on the Great Lawn and in our Magnolia Café. Judging begins at 11 a.m. and awards will be announced at 2:30 p.m.

The annual Waterway Village Zydeco & Crawfish Festival boils up a beaucoup (French for a lot) of fun! Sink your teeth into hot, juicy, lip-smacking crawfish throughout the day while dancing to the infectious rhythms of some of the best Zydeco bands from around the South. There will be arts and crafts vendors as well as children's activities offering nonstop fun for all ages.
If that's not enough, work up an appetite with the 5K Run/1 Mile Fun Run and Laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll) all day long.   

*We are working hard to plan this event and are excited to release the music lineup for 2019! Stay tuned!

The wait is over! Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band will perform at The Wharf Amphitheater for one night only, Tuesday, April 23 at 8 p.m., as part of Jimmy Buffett’s “Son Of A Son Of A Sailor” Tour 2019.
Tickets will be on sale Friday, November 2 at 10 a.m. Eight ticket limit per customer. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000. Ticket prices subject to applicable fees.

Local Parrotheads won't want to miss their chance to soak in the full Margaritaville experience.
“There isn’t a better way to kick off the summer than a Jimmy Buffett concert ,” said Art Favre,
owner of The Wharf Amphitheater. "We are thrilled to welcome Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer
Band back to The Wharf Amphitheater for another fantastic night of music and fun. Don’ t miss the party! "
Jimmy released his famous Son Of A Son Of A Sailor LP in 1978, and sang the title track on Saturday Night Live that year. The song was written about his grandfather, James Delaney Buffett, Sr., who was a huge influence on his life. The tour is called Son Of A Son Of A Sailor as 2018 was the record's 40th anniversary, and the celebration continues through 2019. The record also includes the hit, “Cheeseburger In Paradise,” a Parrothead favorite, as well as “Livingston Saturday Night” and “Cowboy in the Jungle.”
The long-awaited Margaritaville musical, "Escape to Margaritaville," opened on Broadway in New York, had its world premiere in La Jolla, California, and then made pre-Broadway stops in New Orleans, Houston and Chicago.
The original Broadway cast recording of the musical was recently released. The musical will go on tour in 2019. For the first time ever, music from the platinum selling 2004 License To Chill is being released as a digital and streaming CD worldwide on November 15, 2018. Many musical friends joined Jimmy on this record, including Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Clint Black, George Strait, Toby Keith, Martina McBride, Bill Withers and Nanci Griffith.

The 10th Annual Bama Coast Cruisin' will be held at the Wharf Resort and Marina in Orange Beach. Come and see the beautiful cars on display at The Wharf, enjoy a day of shopping and dine at one of The Wharf's several delicious restaurants.
Bama Coast Cruisin' is an absolutely stunning show set against the backdrop of the Inter-Coastal Waterway and the Canal Bridge. It's a laid back, family-friendly weekend full of amazing cars, fun events, entertainment and Southern hospitality.

As you make plans to attend this event during these confirmed 2019 dates, we will update this section with more details as soon as we learn of them. Meanwhile, last year's details are included below for you.

Interstate Mullet Toss is always held the last full weekend in April. The Interstate Mullet Toss and Gulf Coast's Greatest Beach Party is legendary. What started as just a reason to party has become one of the biggest beach parties on the coast. Those who participate in the Mullet Toss will throw a dead mullet over the state line of Florida and Alabama to see who gets the farthest. Not to mention it's a great excuse to throw a weekend long party, with lots of fun activities, great music and food! Each year, with your help, we raise and contribute over $20,000 to local charities, especially youth organizations. The event begins Friday at noon, and Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. Celebrity tossers are at high noon Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Thursday, April 26
1 p.m.: Music Kicks Off
6 p.m.: Mr. Mullet Hot Body Contest | Tent Stage

Friday, April 27 & Saturday, April 28
9 a.m.: Gates Open
10 a.m.: Oyster Bar Opens & Beach Concessions Open
10 a.m.: Children's Toss (16 & Under)
1 p.m.: Mr. Mullet Hot Body Contest | Tent Stage
2 p.m.: Children's Toss Finals (16 & Under)
Noon: Miss Flora-Bama Bikini Contest Registration Opens | Tent
3 p.m.: Miss Flora-Bama Bikini Contest
4 p.m.: Celebrity Toss
4:30 p.m.: Mullet Toss Finals Begin

Sunday, April 29
9 a.m.: Gates Open
10 a.m.: Oyster Bar Opens & Beach Concessions Open
10 a.m.: Children's Toss (16 & Under)
2 p.m.: Children's Toss Finals (16 & Under)
4 p.m.: Celebrity Toss
4:30 p.m.: Mullet Toss Finals Begin

We anticipate this event occurring around these estimated dates. Once we learn the confirmed dates, we will update this page. Meanwhile, read about last year's event details below.

 The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, presented by Tanger Outlets, welcomes more than 30 hot air balloonists from across the country. Enjoy the floating works of art as they grace the skies of South Baldwin County on Friday and Saturday morning. Get up close and personal as the hot air balloons and their pilots light up the evening skies at the nightly balloon glows, held Friday and Saturday night.

Guests enjoy free, fun entertainment featuring something for every member of your family. Spread out your blanket, grab an ice cold drink and enjoy a variety of live music daily, from country to rock and roll. Be sure to catch one of the many shows by the Disc Connected K-9 World Famous Frisbee Dog Show. Toss after toss you will be amazed as man’s best friend defies gravity catching their prized flying saucers. And don't forget about the Carnival!

Grab a cone of homemade ice cream or delicious BBQ plate as you shop through an eclectic array of local crafters, artisans, and retailers. Many crafters provide onsite demonstrations. Find a one of kind piece of art, or grab a souvenir to commemorate your visit.

Balloon Festival merchandise and weekend parking passes are now live on our website.

The Hangout Music Fest is known for sugar white beaches, starry nights and red hot music. The award-winning festival takes place in Gulf Shores, Alabama just a short drive from the Pensacola, FL and Mobile, AL airports. Hangout is as much a vacation as it is a concert event. Offering more than just music, fans can take advantage of festival amenities including beach volleyball, carnival rides, Gulf-front hammocks, delicious seafood and more. It was awarded as Pollstar’s “Music Festival of the Year” in 2011 and is continuously recognized as one of the best festivals in the US. The festival infuses over $40 million into the local economy each year.

Hangout Fest’s Thursday Kick-Off Party, a separately ticketed event, will be announced later along with full lineup details and ticket information.

Photo galleries to include domestic life, recreation, military training, medical and cavalry at Fort Morgan during WWI will be stationed inside the fort.  There will be living history participants, dressed in period clothing, stationed throughout to answer questions and provide additional information.

*We anticipate this event occurring around these estimated dates. Once we learn the confirmed dates, we will update this page. Meanwhile, read about last year's event details below.*

We’re excited to announce that tickets are now on sale for our 5th annual The Wharf Uncorked Food & Wine Festival September 13-15! Help us raise funds for a good cause and enjoy great local food and 100+ wine labels while you’re at it.
•    Sample 100+ wine labels from all over the world, enjoy regional craft beer selections, or sip on something stronger like infused vodka and single-malt whiskey
•    Some of the Gulf Coast’s finest chefs will be cooking up a storm, including cooking demos, food tastings, culinary competitions, and cookbook signings
•    Other activities include a VIP Kickoff Party, live and silent auctions, luxury yacht walks, and the Grand Tasting on Saturday
•    Proceeds will benefit Make-A-Wish® Alabama, an organization devoted to granting wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions

Wharf Uncorked - Combo Ticket (Sep 13 and 15)
Early Bird Pricing Ticket
$70 each plus Fees

Wharf Uncorked - Kickoff Party & Chef Showdown
Early Bird Pricing Ticket
$35 each plus Fees

Wharf Uncorked - Saturday Grand Tasting
Early Bird Prcing
$50 each plus Fees

*As you make plans to attend this event during these confirmed 2019 dates, we will update this section with more details as soon as we learn of them. Meanwhile, last year's details are included below for you.*

Always the first full weekend of October, birders know the Alabama Gulf Coast is a prime spot to see birds during the fall migration, and since 2004, BirdFest has attracted visitors from more than 27 states and Canada—many returning multiple times. For both experienced birders and those new to birding, BirdFest offers more than 30 expertly guided tours, evening dinner events, workshops, and the free, family friendly Bird & Conservation Expo. Now a “birding and nature festival,” BirdFest features trips that highlight local and migrating birds, wildflowers, alligators, dolphins, and other creatures that share our world. Check trip schedule for dates, prices and times. Registration will be open from 9 a.m. August 13 – 4 p.m. September 21.

***As you make plans to attend this event during these confirmed 2019 dates, we will update this section with more details as soon as we learn of them. Meanwhile, last year's details are included below for you.***

The 47^th Annual National Shrimp Festival will open at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 12. Questions related to the festival should be addressed to the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber office at 251-968-6904 or by going to www.myshrimpfest.com.

Savor fresh from the Gulf seafood at the 47th Annual National Shrimp Festival during this four-day event from October 11 - 14 that attracts over 300,000 people. This year the festival will play host to more than 100 hours of musical entertainment featuring a lineup of national, regional and local acts. There will be musical acts to please all palates, including blues, Motown, southern rock, jazz, zydeco and country. The music plays daily Thursday through Sunday. Click here to discover this year's music line up.

Food is another highlight of the festival with 50 local and regional vendors lining the boardwalk at the public beach with mouth-watering delights. Due to the generous sponsors Organized Seafood Association of Alabama, Alabama Seafood Marketing Commission and Wind Creek Casino, 10,000 pounds of shrimp per day will be prepared by some of the area's best chefs in their award-winning recipes and given away for people to sample at different tasting times that will be posted on the outside of the sponsor tent.

Activities this year include Outdoor World and Singing for Scholarships. Outdoor World will feature fishing, boating, hunting and other outdoor vendors and activities. Singing for Scholarships will be a competition where high school singers from seven local schools will compete in elimination rounds to find out who will receive scholarships. Scholarships will be awarded to the top three contestants.

Families can enter the Annual Sand Sculpture Contest on Saturday. Kids can take part in a myriad of activities in the newly relocated Children's Activity Village, including face-painting, karaoke and much more.

Runners and walkers can enter the 10K and 5K races to help work off some of the great food at the festival. All net proceeds of the Run will be donated to Coastal Baldwin Education Enrichment, benefiting the local Gulf Shores and Orange Beach public schools.

Art lovers will have almost 200 booths of fine art and arts and crafts vendors from which to choose. Car lovers will have a chance to preview many of the new Chevrolet models that will be on display.

To learn more about road closures associated with the festival, view this update or map.

*As you make plans to attend this event during these confirmed 2019 dates, we will update this section with more details as soon as we learn of them. Meanwhile, last year's details are included below for you.*

The Elberta Sausage Festival makes its semiannual return to that South Baldwin hamlet. Held in Elberta Town Park, just north of the town’s only stop light on Hwy. 98, the event attracts up to 20,000 revelers, according to organizers. A 40-year tradition, the festival is a major regional event that attracts a cross section of the community in what has become a reunion type atmosphere. It is also the main revenue source for the area’s volunteer fire department.

Festival fans can enjoy Elberta's famous German sausage and sauerkraut, plus continuous entertainment
for adults and children, and 250 arts & crafts booths. There will also be carnival rides and a full scale Midway. Of course, there will also be a Bier Garten featuring a large selection of imported and domestic beers.

Other scrumptious foods will include German style filled cabbage, potato salad, goulash, red beans and rice, hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ sandwiches, ice cream, popcorn, peanuts and homemade baked goods.
The Bellview Stumpfiddle Band will perform with the North End Stompers and other cloggers. There will also be polka, country and German music.

Spearheaded by Elberta's Volunteer Fire Department since 1978, festival proceeds are used for improving not only the fire department, but the town as well. Additionally, local non-profits benefit from the festival through proceeds from their booth sales and parking lot fees. The festival is held twice a year - on the last Saturday of March and the last Saturday of October. Although it has been tweaked a bit over the years, the original secret recipe for Elberta's famous sausage is credited to Alfred Stucki, who managed Elberta's Locker Plant from 1953 until his death in 1973. About 7,000 pounds of German Sausage are consumed at each fest.