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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Experience the Magic of the 51st Annual Orange Beach Festival of Art: March 8-9, 2025

By Meredith Amon, Licensed In Alabama and Florida

Orange Beach Alabama Festival of Art

As an Orange Beach resident and real estate advisor, I’m excited to share one of the most anticipated events of the year—the 51st Annual Orange Beach Festival of Art, taking place on March 8-9, 2025. This festival has become a beloved tradition for our community and is the perfect way to welcome the spring season. It’s a celebration of all things art: visual, literary, performing, musical, and culinary. Best of all, it’s completely free to attend!.

The festival has earned accolades, including being named Best Art Show in Alabama three times in the past five years by ALABAMA luxury magazine. It’s also ranked…

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MARDI GRAS IN ORANGE BEACH WITH MEREDITH AMON – CELEBRATE FAT TUESDAY ON THE GULF COAST

By Meredith Amon, Gulf Coast Real Estate Advisor

 

Mardi Gras Orange Beach Meredith Amon


Mardi Gras is here, and Orange Beach, Alabama is ready to celebrate! Today, March 4, 2025, we welcome you to experience the vibrant, festive atmosphere of Fat Tuesday on the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast. Whether you're a local, a visitor, or considering making Orange Beach your home, Mardi Gras is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the lively spirit of this coastal community.

Join Meredith Amon on the Orange Beach Parade Route!

The Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade rolls through this afternoon, and there’s no better place to watch than from my office at Bellator Real Estate, located right on…

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Brandon Giles Band: The Ultimate Live Music Experience on the Gulf Coast

By Meredith Amon

I’m always on the lookout for exceptional local talent to highlight in my entertainment section. When it comes to live music, there’s nothing quite like Brandon Giles and his band—a powerhouse of talent, showmanship, and raw energy that lights up every venue they play. 

The Brandon Giles Band delivers a one-of-a-kind musical experience, driven by the electrifying force of Giles' piano—an instrument that commands the spotlight in every performance. His fiery blend of boogie, rock ‘n’ roll blues, and honky-tonk country comes to life through pounding rhythms and lightning-fast keys, setting the stage for an unforgettable show. Enhancing the energy, the…

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Sand in My Boots Fest 2025: Experience World-Class Music on the Gulf Coast


By Meredith Amon, Licensed In Alabama and Florida

Gulf Shores Alabama Sand In My Boots Morgan Wallen

From May 16-18, 2025, the stunning white sands of Gulf Shores, Alabama will set the stage for one of the most anticipated music events of the year—Sand in My Boots Fest. Curated by Morgan Wallen, this three-day festival blends country, rock, and contemporary music, bringing an exceptional lineup of artists to one of the most desirable coastal destinations in the country. With the Gulf as the backdrop, this event is the perfect way to experience live music while taking in everything that makes Gulf Shores such a sought-after place to visit—and live.

This year’s lineup is truly remarkable, featuring Morgan Wallen,…

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A Perfect February Walk at Pine Beach – Discovering the Beauty of Fort Morgan


By Meredith Amon

Pine Beach Fort Morgan Alabama

Yesterday, I took my dog for a walk at Pine Beach, a hidden gem near the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge in Fort Morgan, just about 15 minutes from Gulf Shores (view Gulf Shores real estate here). It was one of those perfect February days on the Gulf Coast—clear skies, a gentle breeze, and a comfortable 73 degrees.

As we made our way down the trail, I couldn’t help but admire the live oak trees, their branches gracefully draped in Spanish moss, swaying softly with the wind. The landscape at Pine Beach is untouched and serene, offering a mix of maritime forests, dunes, and wetlands, all leading to one of the most peaceful stretches of beach…

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Flora-Bama Mullet Toss & Greatest Beach Party 2025

Flora Bama Mullet Toss 2025

The Flora-Bama Interstate Mullet Toss & Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party is back for 2025, promising another wild, unforgettable weekend filled with live music, food, beachside fun, and of course—the legendary mullet toss competition. From April 25-27, thousands will gather on the white sandy beaches of Perdido Key to take part in what has become a bucket-list event for locals and visitors alike.

This event is more than just tossing a fish—it’s about community, charity, and an all-out beach celebration. Whether you’re here to compete, party, or just soak in the atmosphere, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

What is the Interstate Mullet Toss?

The Interstate Mullet Toss is exactly…

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Flora-Bama Annual Event 2025 – Your Ultimate Guide

FloraBama 2025

Flora-Bama’s Annual Event is a must-attend celebration along the Gulf Coast, combining live music, incredible food, a scenic beach run for charity, and the area’s signature coastal atmosphere. Whether you're participating in the Beach Run for America’s Warriors, enjoying fresh Gulf seafood, or taking in live entertainment, this event is a highlight of the year.

Flora-Bama’s 12th Annual Beach Run for America’s Warriors

The Flora-Bama Beach Run for America’s Warriors takes place on Saturday, March 15, 2025. This unique event runs entirely on the sand, offering participants breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. The 5K course heads west into Alabama, while the half marathon course leads east…

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Navigating Hidden Dangers of Boating Through Perdido Pass: Insider Orange Beach Tips

By Meredith Amon

 Boating Orange Beach Perdido Pass

Hello, I’m Meredith Amon—real estate advisor and proud homeowner here in Orange Beach, Alabama. Today, I’d like to share some personal insights about navigating one of our most beautiful yet challenging local waterways: Perdido Pass. While I don’t own a boat myself, I frequently head out on family and friends’ boats, and over the years, I’ve observed firsthand some of the hidden dangers that can make boating through Perdido Pass a challenge. This is not only important for safe boating but also valuable information for anyone considering the coastal lifestyle in our area.

My Experiences on the Water

Even though I don’t own a boat, I…

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Golfing on the Gulf Coast: My Top 10 Favorite Courses Near Ono Island

By Meredith Amon

 Ono Island Golf Courses Orange Beach Alabama

Hello, I’m Meredith Amon—real estate advisor and proud homeowner on Ono Island in Orange Beach, Alabama. Before I made this gorgeous island my home, I learned about some intriguing plans that were floated several years ago. Back then, there was real buzz around the idea of developing a golf course as part of what is now known as the "Ono North" subdivision. The proposal was poised to bring a premium golfing experience right here to Ono Island, potentially transforming our recreational landscape. However, in the end, the plan was shelved to preserve the island’s unique charm and natural beauty—a decision that, in my view, has helped maintain the peaceful,…

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The Best Sunset Viewpoints in Orange Beach

By Meredith Amon

 Orange Beach Alabama Sunset

There’s something undeniably magical about a sunset in Orange Beach. The sky transforms into a masterpiece of gold, crimson, and violet, casting a radiant glow over the emerald waters of the Gulf. It’s a daily show that never gets old, and whether you’re a local or just visiting, finding the perfect spot to soak it all in is a must.

A Little About Orange Beach

Nestled on the Alabama Gulf Coast, Orange Beach is a true coastal gem. With its sugar-white sand, world-class boating, and a laid-back charm that instantly puts you at ease, it’s no wonder so many people fall in love with this place. Beyond the beaches, Orange Beach offers an incredible mix of outdoor activities,…

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