Your Ultimate Guide to Events and Activities on the Gulf Coast

Gulf Coast Events and Music

The Gulf Coast is a vibrant blend of stunning beaches, rich cultural traditions, and endless opportunities for fun. From Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama, to 30A in Florida, and over to the charming towns of Fairhope and Point Clear, Alabama, and even New Orleans, Louisiana, the region offers a calendar full of can’t-miss events. Here’s your guide to making the most of the Gulf Coast lifestyle.

Music and Entertainment

The Gulf Coast is a vibrant hub for musical talent, drawing some of the biggest names in the industry as well as fostering rising stars. Artists like Kenny Chesney and Morgan Wallen have graced Gulf Coast stages, bringing their chart-topping hits to fans who gather for unforgettable performances in venues as diverse as beachside amphitheaters and intimate lounges. The region’s love for music is reflected in its lively festivals, regular concerts, and the unique charm of its venues, which create experiences that are as memorable as the artists themselves.

The Wharf Amphitheater in Orange Beach, Alabama, is one of the Gulf Coast’s premier music venues, hosting world-class acts like Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, and Miranda Lambert, in addition to Chesney and Wallen. Flora-Bama, located on the Alabama-Florida line, is another iconic venue, known for its mix of local talent and big-name artists, such as Jimmy Buffett, who often references the Gulf Coast in his music. Smaller venues, like the legendary Krewe de Gras Bar & Grill in Pensacola or the atmospheric Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin, showcase both established and up-and-coming performers, offering a blend of country, rock, and blues. This rich tapestry of venues and talent makes the Gulf Coast a destination where music enthusiasts can immerse themselves in a dynamic and soulful live music scene.

30A Songwriters Festival (January)
Held in Florida’s scenic 30A communities like Alys Beach, Seaside, and WaterColor, this festival showcases Grammy-winning artists and up-and-coming talent in intimate venues.

Jazz & Heritage Festival (April/May)
Commonly known as Jazz Fest, this New Orleans event celebrates the region’s music, culture, and cuisine with international headliners and local legends.

Boots in the Sand (Orange Beach, Alabama)
Country music enthusiasts flock to this festival for live performances paired with Orange Beach’s stunning views.

The Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama
This premier venue hosts nationally renowned artists and bands at The Wharf Amphitheater. Pair a concert with dining, shopping, and activities for a perfect night out.

Flora-Bama Events
The iconic Flora-Bama Lounge is famous for live music and unique events like the Mullet Toss, a quirky fish-throwing competition held every April, and regular nightly entertainment with a laid-back coastal vibe.

The Blue Angels Pensacola Beach Air Show, held annually in the summer, is one of the most iconic events on the Gulf Coast. Typically scheduled in July, this thrilling air show features the U.S. Navy Blue Angels performing awe-inspiring aerobatic maneuvers over the beautiful backdrop of Pensacola Beach. Here's what you need to know about this summer event

Blue Angels Homecoming Show (November)
Held at NAS Pensacola, the Blue Angels Homecoming Show is a highlight of the Gulf Coast’s event calendar. The precision flying team also practices regularly over Pensacola Beach, offering breathtaking displays year-round.

Fishing and Boating

The Gulf Coast is a paradise for fishing and boating enthusiasts.

  • Fishing Tournaments: Events like the Orange Beach Billfish Classic, Blue Marlin Grand Championship, and Pensacola International Billfish Tournament attract anglers from across the country.
  • Boating Adventures: Explore the calm back bays of Orange Beach, the turquoise waters along 30A, or the scenic rivers of Mobile. Charter fishing trips are also available throughout the region, offering chances to catch prized species like red snapper and grouper.

Food and Drink Festivals

Shrimp Festival (October, Gulf Shores, Alabama)
This beloved event features Gulf seafood, live music, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities.

Oyster Cook-Off at The Hangout (November)
Indulge in oysters prepared in every imaginable way, alongside craft beer tastings and live entertainment.

Sandestin Gumbo Festival (February)
A tribute to Gulf Coast culture, this festival includes gumbo competitions, live music, and family-friendly fun.

30A Wine Festival (Spring)
Set in Alys Beach, this elegant event pairs fine wines with culinary creations and live music, all in a picturesque setting.

Wine Dinners at The Grand Hotel (Various Dates)
The historic Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa in Point Clear, Alabama, hosts exclusive wine-pairing dinners throughout the year, blending culinary artistry with Southern hospitality.

Art and Cultural Festivals

Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival (March)
This nationally acclaimed festival transforms downtown Fairhope into an open-air art gallery, with artists from across the country showcasing pottery, paintings, jewelry, and more.

Peter Anderson Arts Festival (November, Ocean Springs, Mississippi)
The largest arts festival in Mississippi, this event highlights the work of hundreds of artists, from pottery to painting, in the charming town of Ocean Springs.

Jubilee Festival of Art (September, Fairhope, Alabama)
This annual event under the live oaks features fine art, crafts, live music, and Gulf Coast cuisine, celebrating the unique jubilee phenomenon of Mobile Bay.

Mardi Gras: Gulf Coast Style

Mobile, Alabama
The birthplace of Mardi Gras in the U.S., Mobile’s celebrations are filled with tradition. Parades feature floats from iconic krewes like Mystics of Time, tossing MoonPies and beads to excited crowds.

Orange Beach, Alabama
Family-friendly parades bring the festive spirit to this coastal town, making it a fantastic way to experience Mardi Gras by the beach.

New Orleans, Louisiana
The pinnacle of Mardi Gras celebrations, New Orleans’ parades, balls, and revelry are unmatched. Krewes like Zulu and Rex bring extravagance to the streets, while king cakes and live music enhance the experience.

Outdoor Adventures and Nature Events

Christmas Lighted Boat Parades (December)
Orange Beach, Pass Christian, and other coastal towns host stunning boat parades featuring festively decorated vessels lighting up the water.

Delta Dragon Boat Festival (Mobile, Alabama)
Teams compete in high-speed dragon boat races through the scenic Mobile-Tensaw Delta, offering a thrilling day on the water.

BirdFest (October, Mobile and Baldwin Counties, Alabama)
Celebrate the region’s rich biodiversity with guided birding tours, photography workshops, and eco-tours.

Holiday and Seasonal Events

Fairhope Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade (December)
Downtown Fairhope transforms into a holiday wonderland with a magical tree-lighting ceremony and festive parade.

Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival (December, Mississippi)
This dazzling display features millions of lights, train rides, and themed exhibits for a festive family outing.

Polar Bear Plunge (January, Flora-Bama)
Kick off the new year with a refreshing dip in the Gulf of Mexico during this popular tradition.

The Gulf Coast is brimming with activities and events that showcase its natural beauty, rich culture, and welcoming communities. Whether you’re a music lover, foodie, or outdoor enthusiast, there’s something here for everyone.

For more information on finding your dream property along this incredible stretch of coast, visit SearchTheGulf.com.

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GULF COAST JAM 2026: FOUR DAYS OF COUNTRY ON THE COAST

Every year there are a handful of weekends on the Gulf that feel like a season turning. Gulf Coast Jam is one of them. The moment the lineup drops, I start picturing the drive east, the salt in the air, and that first bass note rolling across the park like thunder that knows where it’s headed.

Gulf Coast Jam 2026 Country Music Festival Panama City

In 2026, Gulf Coast Jam returns to Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach, Florida, running May 28–31, 2026. The festival grounds sit just about a mile from the beach, so even when you’re in the crowd, you’re never far from that Gulf breeze that makes everything feel lighter. 

"There’s a raw, coastal charge to hearing this music down here — like the Gulf itself is part of the rhythm…

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Frog Pond Sunday Social at Blue Moon Farm | Gulf Coast Music

By Meredith Folger Amon 

Last Sunday, beneath a towering cedar at Blue Moon Farm, the world seemed to narrow to one clearing, one modest wooden stage, and the low murmur of voices finding their places. I walked in with my dear friends Sandy and Glenda, slipping through the gate with my hands already full; copies of Coastal Lifestyle Magazine featuring my new Frog Pond article tucked under one arm and a few Southern comforts in the other—as the three of us eased into the crowd. 

Grayson Capps Frog Pond Silverhill Alabama

The lawn had become a patchwork of quilts, camp chairs, and wide brims angled toward the stage, but we never truly settled in one spot,  drifting instead from conversation to conversation, greeting old…

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The Beauty of Fishing Boats at Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon.

Orange Beach Alabama Sportsfishing Boats Yachts Marina Zekes

In August of 2025, I took a quiet moment to capture a video at Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach. This image still feels as soothing as the day I was standing there. The water was calm, the sky a clear summer blue, and lined up along the docks were some of the most beautiful fishing boats you’ll ever see.


Looking at this photo, you can almost hear the gentle slap of the water against the hulls. These aren’t just ordinary boats — they are offshore sportfishing vessels, built for strength, comfort, and long runs out into the Gulf. Most are in the 40-…

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The Best Things to Do in Orange Beach & Gulf Shores, Alabama

By Meredith Folger Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Folger Amon."

Orange Beach Alabama Gulf Shores Activities Things To Do

Living and working along the Gulf Coast allows me to explore some of the most unique experiences our region has to offer—and I love sharing those with you. Whether you’re visiting for the weekend, searching for your next coastal property, or simply craving adventure, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores offer something special at every turn. Here’s my personal list of must-see places and things to do—some local favorites, some hidden gems, and all close to home.

Take in the Views with a Helicopter Tour

There’s something breathtaking about…

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CARIBBEAN COLORS, GULF COAST SOUL: A STOP ALONG THE WAY


Caribbean Waters… Right Here on the Gulf Coast

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."

Over the weekend, we pulled off for a break on one of the small islands we love to stop at during our boating adventures. I took a short video while we were anchored that I just had to share — because honestly, if I didn’t know better, I’d think I was looking at a hidden cove somewhere in the Caribbean.

Gulf Coast Meredith Amon

The water was so clear you could see straight to the sandy bottom, every shell glistening beneath the gentle tide. It shimmered with a mix of soft turquoise and deep teal, and the sunlight added just…

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The 2025 Orange Beach Billfish Classic: A Legendary Weekend at The Wharf

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon

Wharf Orange Beach Billfish Fishing Tournament


Each May, the Gulf Coast’s elite fishing community converges at The Wharf in Orange Beach for one of the most iconic offshore tournaments in the country—the Orange Beach Billfish Classic. The 2025 edition did not disappoint. With record-caliber catches, seasoned pros, and rising stars battling Gulf waters, this year’s Classic once again showcased the strength, strategy, and Southern hospitality that define Orange Beach sportfishing.

2025 Winners: Champions of the Deep

Blue Marlin Champion
Boat: CE
Weight: 640.2 lbs.
Angler: Scott…

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Margaritaville Resort Breaks Ground at The Wharf: A New Era Begins in Orange Beach


By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
SearchTheGulf.com


Margaritaville Resort Orange Beach Alabama

On May 15, 2025, I stood at The Wharf in Orange Beach and watched history in the making. Construction officially began on what promises to be one of the most dynamic and game-changing resort communities on Alabama’s Gulf Coast—Margaritaville Resort Orange Beach.

For those of us who live, work, and play here, this isn’t just another development—it’s a bold reimagining of what coastal living and vacationing can look like. With its roots in music, relaxation, and escape, the Margaritaville brand is now anchoring a $300+ million lifestyle destination that blends fun, function, and coastal…

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Sand in My Boots Festival 2025: A Preview of Gulf Shores' Most Anticipated Event

By Meredith Amon

Sand In My Boots Festival Gulf Shores Alabama Map May 2025

 

Sand in My Boots Festival: Gulf Shores' Must-Attend Event

The highly anticipated Sand in My Boots Festival is set to take over Gulf Shores, Alabama this weekend! From May 16th to 18th, 2025, country music fans will gather on the stunning Gulf Coast to enjoy amazing performances, food, and a true beachside experience. Whether you’re a country music lover or simply looking to enjoy a weekend of fun, this festival has something for everyone.

With performances by some of the biggest names in music and incredible food and drinks, this weekend will be one to remember. We’ve got everything you need to know, including the festival map and the…

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Experience Live Music and Iconic Events at The Hangout in Gulf Shores, Alabama

 Hangout Gulf Shores Alabama

As a Gulf Coast resident and real estate advisor, I've had the pleasure of hearing about the vibrant atmosphere of The Hangout in Gulf Shores, Alabama—a true gem for live music enthusiasts. Nestled along the pristine Gulf Coast beaches, this iconic venue offers more than just a meal; it's a celebration of music, community, and unforgettable experiences.

A Rich History

The Hangout has a long-standing legacy, once serving as the host of the renowned Hangout Music Festival every May. The festival attracted music lovers from all over the country to experience incredible performances on the beach. After years of this iconic event, this year marks the exciting debut of…

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THIS WEEKEND AT THE BEACH APRIL 11-12, 2025 Orange Beach Alabama Weekend Events Things to Do

As a real estate advisor and resident of Orange Beach, Alabama, I'm always excited to share the vibrant events and new hotspots that make our community so special. This weekend, April 11-12, 2025, promises a variety of activities and a new dining experience you won't want to miss.

Weekend Weather Forecast:

  • Friday, April 11: Partly sunny and pleasant; breezy in the afternoon. High: 78°F (26°C), Low: 50°F (10°C).

  • Saturday, April 12: Pleasant with plenty of sunshine. High: 73°F (23°C), Low: 47°F (8°C).

Events in and Around Orange Beach:

  1. Deep South Beach Blast (April 11-13): Hosted at The Wharf Amphitheatre and Orange Beach Event Center, this event brings together athletes…

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