Category: Gulf Coast Events

Thanksgiving in Gulf Shores: All You Need to Know

Posted on by Eva Faircloth

Who says the holidays have to be filled with stress and hassle? In Gulf Shores, you can put your feet up and relax. Enjoy your family time with a Thanksgiving in Gulf Shores. From mouthwatering Gulf Shores Thanksgiving dinner options to things to do this holiday, we’ve got the details on a hassle-free holiday in Gulf Shores.

Thanksgiving falls on November 28 this year, so make sure your holiday reservations are set!

How to Spend Thanksgiving in Gulf Shores

Spectrum Beach Chairs

When you plan a Thanksgiving getaway, you can enjoy a holiday without the hassle with conveniences like grocery delivery at The Beach Club Resort.

Forget waiting in long lines at the grocery store to purchase your prized turkey. As a Spectrum Resorts guest at The Beach Club Resort & Spa, you can pre-order your groceries with the Beach Moms Concierge Package. The Beach Moms have created a special package, exclusive for Spectrum Resorts guests.

After you’ve arrived at your fully stocked Gulf Shores condo, put your feet up. Your Thanksgiving vacation is just beginning. Enjoy the best seat on the beach when you reserve beach chairs prior to your arrival. The weather is typically great in November along the Alabama coast. The kids will enjoy building sandcastles and playing sand football or spikeball while you catch up on your favorite book.

Gulf Shores Thanksgiving Dinner Options

Whole Roasted Turkey Dinner For Thanksgiving with All the Sides

If you’re a DIYer and love a great home-cooked meal, turn up the heat and make your favorite Thanksgiving dish in your fully equipped condo kitchen. Each Gulf-front condo at The Beach Club Resort comes with its very own fully equipped gourmet kitchen that includes an oven, stovetop, and microwave.

Coast Restaurant Thanksgiving Dinner

If your idea of the perfect Gulf Shores Thanksgiving dinner includes having someone else do the dishes, then Coast Restaurant is your sweet (and savory) spot. Make reservations for the Thanksgiving feast at Coast here at The Beach Club Resort. Coast offers a special holiday meal that will please even the pickiest of holiday eaters. Award-winning Chef John Hamme and his talented culinary team will prepare a feast fit for a king and his court!


Delectable servings include roast turkey served with mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, braised green beans, red-skin mashed potatoes and gravy and cornbread dressing. Or select house-smoked Scottish salmon served with broccoli, orzo, and bell peppers. And, finally, you can also choose a marinated loin of smoked pork with all the fixings. Starters and dessert will also be served. Prices are $45 for adults. Reservations for this taste bud-tempting feast are required. See the full Thanksgiving Day menu.

Flora-Bama Thanksgiving Potluck

17401 Perdido Key Drive, Perdido Key, FL

(251) 980-5118

Open: 1 pm

Price: Complimentary, just bring a side dish; cocktails are separate

Reservations: None

Cobalt the Restaurant

28099, Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach

(251) 923-5300

Open: 10 am to 4 pm

Reservations: Recommended

GTs on the Beach

26189 Canal Road, Orange Beach

(251) 980-8400

Open: 10 am to 4 pm

Reservations: Recommended

Thanksgiving at The Hangout

101 E Beach Avenue, Gulf Shores

(251) 948-3030

Open: 11 am to 4 pm

Reservations: Recommended

woman shopping at the village mercantile at the beach club resort

Gulf Shores Thanksgiving 2024: Things to Do

After the dishes are cleared and the naps have been taken, there’s plenty to do during Thanksgiving in Gulf Shores. Make the short trip to Foley and do some Black Friday shopping at Tanger Outlets. With over 120 name-brand retailers, you’re sure to find the perfect gifts for your family.

Don’t forget to stop by The Village Mercantile at The Beach Club for fun finds, including jewelry, shoes and casual wear.

The weather during November is typically mild, making for comfortable days on the beach and for outdoor activities. Relax and soak in the sun while you enjoy your hassle-free Thanksgiving in Gulf Shores.

Reserve your Gulf Shores condo at The Beach Club Resort & Spa and enjoy a holiday to write home about with family and friends. 

Hot Gulf Shores Events Happening this Fall 2024

Posted on by Eva Faircloth

Fall is a fantastic time to plan a trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast. If you are a fan of food, music and fun festivals, then these Orange Beach and Gulf Shores festivals for fall 2024 are for you. Browse our favorites and make a beeline to the beach for a fall vacation to remember. Get the best rates of the fall season on our specials page.

Image courtesy of Flora-Bama Bulls on the Beach Event website.

Bulls on the Beach  I  Sept. 5 – 7

Professional bull riders from all over the Southeast converge on the beach for this unique family-friendly Orange Beach event at the Flora-Bama Lounge. General admission tickets start at $40 for adults, $20 for teens ages 7 – 17, and kids ages 6 and under are free.

For more information, contact (251) 980-5118.

The Annual Alabama Coastal BirdFest  I  Oct. 4 – 6

This birding and nature festival showcases bird and nature-watching spots all around Baldwin and Mobile counties. Trips and workshops are scheduled Friday through Sunday and include a variety of experiences including photography workshops, kayak tours and nature presentations. General admission is free—guided trips are not included.

Contact (251) 990-5004 for more details.

4th Annual Orange Beach Freedom Fest | Oct. 4 – 5

Back for its 4th year, this popular Orange Beach festival features two full days of patriotic pride with military and veteran groups, first responder demos, arts and crafts booths, kids activities, live music and more. It’s also home to the Bama Coast Cruisin’ Car Show, with vintage and classic cars lining both sides of Main Street, and a motorcycle and jeep rally on Saturday! Bring the whole family for this free and festive event.

For more information, visit the City of Orange Beach website.

Image courtesy of National Shrimp Festival Facebook Page.

51st Annual National Shrimp Festival  I  Oct. 10 – 13

There is a reason the Annual National Shrimp Festival is one of the top Gulf Shores festivals! This family-friendly festival has been going strong for more than 50 years and attracting more than 300,000 people from all over. Food (did someone say shrimp?), art and shopping, and more than 100 hours of entertainment are all featured at this Gulf Shores event. Admission is free.

For more information, call (251) 968-7200.

Haunted Hustle 5k, Fun Run, and Witches on Wheels | Oct. 19

Grab your brooms and your scariest shoes for this horrifyingly fun beach run! At 6 p.m., kick off the evening at The Witches on Wheel bicycle ride, where all witches and warlocks are invited to parade around the Town Green throwing potions (er, prizes) at (un)lucky bystanders. At 7:10 p.m., grab your ghosts and goblins and head over to The Haunted Hustle 5k to race for bragging rights and prizes. It promises to be a fright of a night!

The Original German Sausage Festival  I  Oct. 26

Arts and crafts, musical acts, an old fashioned midway, and more German-style food than you can handle! This fundraiser has been headed up by the Elberta Fire Department since 1978, and all proceeds benefit the fire department and Town of Elberta, AL. It’s a short drive from Orange Beach, but well worth the trip! Admission is free.

Call (251) 986-5805 for more information.

Experience The Oyster at The Hangout  I  Nov. 1 – 2

Fresh Gulf Coast oysters, great live music, and football on the big screen…what’s not to love about this Gulf Shores festival? If you like them right out of the shell or prefer them a little more “done,” The Hangout is definitely your oyster. Celebrity chefs from all over attend this Gulf Shores event featuring chef and oyster farm demos, SEC football, live entertainment and more. General admission tickets start at $10; kids 12 and under are free; VIP tickets start at $150.

Visit the Hangout Cook-Off website for more details.

Image courtesy of Frank Brown Songwriters’ Festival website.

40th Annual Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival  I  Nov. 7 – 17

This Gulf Shores festival runs across multiple venues and features nearly 200 songwriters from around the world. The festival has been named one of the top 20 events in the Southeast. Listeners are treated to an intimate “behind the music” experience from amazing songwriters, many are also Grammy winners! Price of admission varies by venue.

For more details, call (850) 492-7664.

With so many Gulf Shores events to choose from, it’s time to start planning and packing. Book your Gulf Shores AL vacation rental now and take advantage of the lowest rates this fall by browsing our specials page.

2024’s Hottest Spring Events in Gulf Shores

Posted on by Eva Faircloth

As winter melts into spring, locals and visitors alike swarm to the beaches of the Alabama Gulf Coast to soak in the warm weather. Spring is one of the best times to visit the beach – the crowds are still low, the weather is mild, and the area is abuzz with lots of spring events in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to celebrate the season. In fact, spring is the beginning of the festival season on the coast, and like everything else, we do it big. So, if you’re visiting Alabama’s beaches between March and May, you’ll want to get in on these can’t-miss events to get a true taste of southern spring. To get ahead on your planning, check out these hottest 2024 spring beach events.

Spring Events in Gulf Shores

Annual Fort Morgan Oyster Festival

February 24-25, 2024
The Beach Club Resort & Spa

Enjoy happiness on the half-shell at this spring seafood festival that promises a shuckin’ good time. Held right here at The Beach Club, the weekend features all-you-can-eat oysters served in a variety of ways and sourced from our local Fort Morgan farms. Additional festival food, live music, dozens of arts and crafts vendors and tons of family fun will be rockin’ all weekend long. Buy your tickets online.

Ballyhoo Festival

March 2-3, 2024
Gulf State Park

Kick off the spring festival season at Ballyhoo. This weekend event combines everything we love about spring – warm outdoor weather, fun cultural events, and delicious local seafood. This year, the local Poarch Indians will perform a tribal dance and a unique banjo and fiddle competition will bring you the traditional songs of the south. It’s one of the most anticipated spring events in Gulf Shores.

Photo courtesy of Orange Beach Festival of Art Facebook.

Orange Beach Festival of Art

March 9-10, 2024
Orange Beach Waterfront Park

You know spring is in the air when it’s time for the annual Orange Beach Festival of Art. Known as the “first rite of spring,” this popular festival shares in the season’s beauty as it showcases a variety of arts by more than 100 of the area’s finest artists. No medium is left untouched – visual, performing, culinary, and musical arts give festival goers a blend of experiences to tantalize all the senses. The festival is FREE and open to the public.

BBQ & Blues Cookoff

March 8-9, 2024
Heritage Park, nearby Foley, AL

Spring brings you cheer – and we’re bringing you the blues! The annual BBQ & Blues Cookoff spices up your early spring with a delicious BBQ cookoff and then cools it down with the sounds of cool blues musicians. If you’re a fan of warm spring weather, delicious southern BBQ, and good music, you’ll feel right at home at this mouth-watering event.

Photo courtesy of The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show Facebook.

The Wharf Yacht and Boat Show

March 15-17, 2024
The Wharf in Orange Beach

Get ready to spring into summer boat season at the top buying boat show in the northern Gulf area. Explore over $100 million in boats and marine products, view exhibitor displays and educational seminars, listen to live music and enjoy all The Wharf has to offer. Tickets are $15 per day and kids under 12 are FREE!

German Sausage Festival

March 30, 2024
Elberta Town Park

If you need a break from the beach, the semi-annual German Sausage Festival is a popular spring event for locals and visitors alike. Besides all the German sausage and sauerkraut you can eat, you’ll also find traditional festival fare, fun family games, live music, and more than 200 arts and crafts vendors. All proceeds benefit the town of Elberta and local non-profit organizations. It’s a great way to soak up the spring weather and help support our Gulf Coast community at the same time.

Mullet Toss

April 26-28, 2024
FloraBama Lounge & Oyster Bar

If there’s one event that you can’t miss during a Gulf Coast spring, it’s Mullet Toss. Each year, thousands of beachgoers crowd onto the shores of the FloraBama for a weekend of fishy fun. Participants line up to toss a mullet over the Florida-Alabama state line – mostly for fun, but also for bragging rights. This legendary event is mostly just an excuse to party, as the majority of attendees spend the weekend boozing and bronzing on the beach. Rentals go fast, so be sure to book your Beach Club condo early to guarantee your spot.

Photo courtesy of Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival Facebook.

Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival

May 2-4, 2024
Downtown OWA

Soar into spring at this unique festival of flight. For three full days, enjoy a host of aviation activities like tethered balloon rides, twilight balloon glows, and daily balloon ascensions (weather and wind permitting). If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, you can also wander the shops at OWA, enjoy live music, sample dozens of local food vendors, and more.


The Hangout Music Festival

May 17 – May 19, 2024
The Hangout

Say goodbye to spring and hello to summer at the annual Hangout Music Fest. Music lovers know this is a must-do for spring events in Gulf Shores. This beachfront music festival is known as one of the best music festivals in the U.S. and it happens right on the shores of Gulf Shores. A-list bands, delicious seafood, and daily beach parties combine with sand and surf to make a fun festival weekend you won’t want to miss.

If you’re coming for some spring fun, don’t forget to book a Gulf Shores rental that fits the trip! The Beach Club offers upscale vacation rentals in a resort that’s full of amenities and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Browse our event calendar and book your condo or cottage today!

Best 2024 Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parades & Celebrations

Posted on by Ashee Lowry

It only happens once a year, but people from all over flock to Gulf Shores to celebrate Mardi Gras. There are beads, masks, costumes, and parades galore. Many people think of New Orleans as the birthplace of Mardi Gras but French settlers organized the first Mardi Gras celebration in Mobile, and there have been Gulf Shores Mardi Gras parades and celebrations for all ages to carry on the festivities for dozens of years.

Ready to celebrate? We’ve compiled a list of the best Gulf Shores Mardi Gras parades and events happening in 2024!

Mystics of Pleasure and The Marshals Parade

When: 5:30 pm,

When: 6:00 pm, Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024

This fun parade began in 2001 to become Pleasure Island’s first nighttime Mardi Gras parading society. Watch as the Mystics of Pleasure and The Marshals roll down Perdido Beach Boulevard on motorcycles, floats, and more for this year’s one-of-a-kind Mystics of Pleasure Mardi Gras Parade.

Fort Morgan Mardi Gras Parade

When: 1:00 pm, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024

You’ve never seen Mardi Gras like this before! This unique parade finds revelers rolling down the picturesque Fort Morgan peninsula on golf carts, jeeps, boats, cars, and trailers as they toss beads and treasures up and down the coast. The route will run along Ponce De Leon Court from Triple Tale Lane to Bernard Ct. E. Space is limited, so get there early!

Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade

When: 10:00 am, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024

For the 45th year, the City of Gulf Shores will be celebrating Mardi Gras with their famous Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade! The first parade made its way through Gulf Shores in 1978 and continues to wow and excite all ages with craftily detailed floats, colorful cars, and exuberant passer-bys tossing beads into the crowd. The Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade will begin at 10 am on Fat Tuesday (Feb. 13).

LuLu’s Mardi Gras Anniversary Celebration & Boat Parade

When: 10:00 am, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024

A Gulf Shores Mardi Gras parade on the water? Check. Live music? Check. Complimentary cake? Check! This Fat Tuesday, you’ll want to be at Lulu’s for a complete day of bead-tossing, king cake eating fun. The boat parade will depart from The Wharf towards Lulu’s and Homeport Marina. The music starts at 11 am with guests dressed in costumes and good ole’ green, gold, and purple. The fun continues after the 3 pm boat parade at Lulu’s with live music, delicious food, and much more!

Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade

When: 2:00 pm, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024

Head east to Orange Beach on Fat Tuesday for the Annual Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade! Nearly 30,000 people have stood along Perdido Beach Boulevard in years past to watch dozens of vibrant floats, costumed participants, flag twirlers, and more march down the two-mile stretch to enjoy this centuries-old celebration! The parade begins at 2 pm, starting east of Phoenix West and ending at Highway 161 in Orange Beach.

MoonPies on Main at The Wharf

When: 4:00 pm, Monday, Feb. 12, 2024

If you’re looking for some family-friendly fun, head over to The Wharf on Lundi Gras (that’s the Monday before Fat Tuesday) at 4pm. The festivities will kick off with a kid and pet parade that everyone can join, followed by fun family activities and an evening float parade at 6pm. After the parade, stick around for the SPECTRA Laser Light Experience and night full of music, kids activities and more.

As we like to say, Laissez les bons temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!)

Check out our blog for travel tips, news, and things to do in Gulf Shores and along the Alabama Gulf Coast!

2024 Gulf Shores Events for Your Beach Vacation

Posted on by Eva Faircloth

The beachside cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are well known for amazing beaches and superb culinary treats, but there are also festivals and events galore that attract visitors year ’round. As you’re planning your Spectrum Resorts vacation at The Beach Club Resort & Spa, keep these Gulf Shores events in mind.

2024 Gulf Shores Events

Orange Beach Seafood Festival & Car Show

Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024 | 10am to 4pm
The Wharf in Orange Beach, 4830 Main St., Orange Beach

Celebrate this 32nd annual event with a full day of seafood, activities for the kids, live entertainment, a car show and more. There will be two stages with lots of music, almost 100 arts and crafts vendors, and both seafood and specialty food booths at this Orange Beach event. This is the primary fundraiser for the Orange Beach Sports Association supporting local youth sports.

Orange Beach Festival of Art

March 9-10, 2024
Orange Beach Waterfront Park, 26389 Canal Rd., Orange Beach

The 50th Annual Festival of Art is a celebration of the arts where attendees will see visual arts, fine arts and crafts, glass, potters, painters, sculptors and more. Also enjoy a culinary arts court with local fare and a stage featuring music and songwriting as well as a kid’s art alley for the young ones at this Orange Beach event.

The Wharf Boat and Yacht Show

March 15-17, 2024
The Wharf in Orange Beach, 4550 Main St., Orange Beach

The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show is the largest in-water display of any boat show along the upper Gulf Coast. The event highlights the latest and greatest offerings from manufacturers and dealers throughout the Southeast. Visitors can also see the newest finds in marine electronics, fishing tackle, engines and outdoor equipment.

Waterway Village Zydeco & Crawfish Festival & 5K Run

April 19-20, 2024
Waterway Village in Gulf Shores, 225 E. 24th Ave. Gulf Shores

Who doesn’t love a fun festival with tasty crawfish, great Zydeco rhythms, arts and crafts vendors and children’s activities? Put this Gulf Shores event on your calendar for a 2024 beach vacation in Gulf Shores.

National Collegiate Beach Volleyball Championship

May 3-5, 2024
Gulf Shores Main Public Beach (Gulf Place), 101 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores

The NCAA National Collegiate Beach Volleyball Championship is where the top seven teams from across the country will compete for the championship title.

The Hangout Music Festival

May 17-19, 2024
Gulf Shores Public Beach, 101 E Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores

The award-winning Hangout Music Festival is one of the Gulf Coast’s premier music events with a terrific lineup of great live music plus festival amenities like beach volleyball, carnival-style rides, Gulf-front hammocks, and more! (Note: Hangout Fest’s Thursday Kick-off Party is a separately ticketed event.)

Blue Marlin Grand Championship of the Gulf

July 10-14, 2024
The Wharf, 4673 Wharf Parkway, Orange Beach

Recognized as one of the top 20 events in the Southeast, the annual Blue Marlin Grand Championship of the Gulf is “The Greatest Show In Sportfishing!” More than 60 of the best big game fishing teams in the world are invited to Orange Beach to test their reels against the biggest Marlin in the Gulf for over $1.5 million in prize money. Thousands of fans gather at The Wharf’s entertainment district each year to watch the broadcasted weigh-ins, enjoy good food and custom cocktails, and celebrate the victors. Whether you’re a fishing enthusiast or just looking for a good time, you’ll find plenty of both at this one-of-a-kind event.

Labor Day Weekend

August 30 – September 2, 2024
925 Beach Club Trail, Gulf Shores, AL

Soak up summertime at The Beach Club Resort & Spa with our annual roundup of Labor Day weekend festivities! From football to foam parties, this is one fun-packed family weekend you don’t want to miss.

Annual National Shrimp Festival

October 10-13, 2024
Gulf Place, Gulf Shores, AL

Thousands of pounds of fresh, Gulf shrimp and seafood are served up at this annual Gulf Shores event. Browse more than 300 arts and crafts and fine art vendors, listen to hours of live music or enter the sand sculpture contest. There’s something for everyone at this annual event.

Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival 

November 7-17, 2024
Gulf Shores, Orange Beach

Wind your way through some of the best music venues on Alabama’s beaches as you celebrate the talent and ingenuity of some of the best songwriters in the business. This exciting 11-day event features music from more than 200 talented songwriters in over two dozen venues all along the Alabama Gulf Coast. You’ll enjoy original songs from aspiring musicians and songwriters, as well as a unique opportunity to hear about their creation straight from the source.

Thanksgiving Buffet at Coast

November 28, 2024
925 Beach Club Trail, Gulf Shores, AL

Enjoy a hassle-free holiday and leave the cooking to us for Thanksgiving. Join us for a Thanksgiving buffet at Coast Restaurant. Reservations are required.

Remember when planning to visit, Spectrum Resorts offers VIP perks for booking direct. Enjoy the Clean Bed Guarantee — a clean coverlet with every stay, a 100% satisfaction guarantee and book with no money down when planning at least 30 days in advance. Spectrum Resorts at The Beach Club also offers onsite concierge, front desk and housekeeping/maintenance teams for the perfect hassle-free vacation experience. Enjoy discounts at onsite restaurants, The Spa, and receive complimentary bike rentals.

Reserve your 2024 Gulf Shores vacation at The Beach Club today with $0 deposit.

6 Fun Things to Do for Labor Day in Gulf Shores

Posted on by Eva Faircloth

The Labor Day holiday weekend serves as the unofficial end to summer, so it’s only fitting to spend it at the beach. (Wait a second, did you know it’s warm well into November? That’s right! You’ve got plenty of time to keep on summering. But, we’re also celebrating a staple to beach vacationing – Labor Day in Gulf Shores!)

Take advantage of that three-day weekend and plan a getaway. After all, there’s plenty of sunshine, long summer days, warm temperatures and lots of activities for every member of the family to enjoy during Labor Day in Gulf Shores.

Labor Day Weekend Fun

Fort Morgan - Gulf Shores

Escape Fort Morgan

It’s the summer of 1864 and you’re a Federal spy captured by Confederate soldiers during the Battle of Mobile Bay. Your job is to find a defensive map and escape route. It’s the challenging scenario for the Espionage at Mobile Point escape room at Fort Morgan Historic Site. The hours are 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays, so your options to be a spy are limited. Be sure to reserve your time in advance!

Address: 110 AL-180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Alabama Gulf Coast Fishing

Set A Hook

Celebrate the end of summer with a charter fishing excursion, either inshore or offshore. Book with one of the experienced local captains who will take you right to the fish during your Labor Day in Gulf Shores.

Labor Day Celebration at OWA

Wrap up your summer and celebrate Labor Day Weekend with an epic fireworks show at OWA on Saturday, Sept. 3. The fireworks go off at 8:45 p.m. sharp. This show is timed perfectly with music and can be seen throughout the entire property at OWA in nearby Foley. 

Address: 100 N. OWA Blvd. Foley, AL 36535

Labor Day Car Show

Returning for its third year, the OWA Labor Day Car Show is back on Saturday, Sept. 5! Cars of all makes and models will be on display throughout the Southern-style streets of Downtown OWA. With hot rods and custom builds lining the street, this car show is picture perfect.

Address: 100 N. OWA Blvd. Foley, AL 36535

Listen to the Music

For those about to rock….Parker McCollum will take the stage at The Amphitheater at The Wharf in Orange Beach! Come down and also hear your favorite tunes from Corey Smith and Frank Foster.

The Wharf Address: 4550 Main St., Orange Beach, AL 36561

Kids activities at The Beach Club

Enjoy the Amenities

A stay at The Beach Club provides everything you need for a memorable Labor Day in Gulf Shores, including great amenities and a fun line-up of kids and family activities. Get as involved as you want, or kick back and relax by the pool, at the beach or on your balcony. Spread out and enjoy five football fields of private beaches, treat yourself at The Spa or indulge in your favorite dishes at Coast Restaurant & Sushi Bar.

As a Spectrum Resorts guest, you get priority reservations when it comes to booking a beach chairs, umbrella or other services. But reserve your beach chair early. It is a holiday weekend, after all.

And, remember that our guests enjoy a hassle-free vacation guarantee including freshly laundered coverlets with every stay, complimentary resort activities, onsite maintenance and housekeeping, and more. And, who could forget the 10% discount on dining, shopping, and spa when Spectrum guests use resort charging privileges!

Book your stay at The Beach Club, a secluded resort on the Fort Morgan peninsula for one more great summer hoorah over Labor Day in Gulf Shores.

Six of the Best 2021 Summer Events in Gulf Shores

Posted on by Eva Faircloth

The season is heating up and so are the summer events in Gulf Shores! Whether you’re up for watching pro-anglers weigh in their trophy-winning catch or high-flying feats by the Blue Angels, there’s something fun and exciting around every corner on the Alabama Gulf Coast.

2021 Summer Events in Gulf Shores

Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo

June 11-13, 2021
Flora-Bama Ole River Grill

Kick off the summer season at the “funnest” fishing tournament on the Gulf Coast: the annual Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo! Always heralded as one of the best summer events in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, this three-day Captain’s Choice fishing competition is open to all anglers and offers great prizes in over 30 categories, from catfish to billfish and everything in-between. Come for the fishing but stay for the fun three-day beach party!

C Spire Concert Series Presents: John Pardi

June 18-19, 2021
The Wharf Amphitheater

Come party with Jon Pardi and special guest Larry Fleet as part of the C Spire Summer Concert Series. Space is limited and masks and social distancing will be required at one of the most fun summer events in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

4th of July Fireworks at OWA

OWA’s Fourth of July Celebration

July 4, 2021
OWA

Celebrate Independence Day the Gulf Coast way with a family-friendly party in downtown OWA, where you’ll enjoy fun activities, live entertainment, and a fabulous fireworks show timed to toe-tapping tunes.

Blue Angels Pensacola Beach Air Show

July 7-10, 2021
Park East on Pensacola Beach

Head just over the Florida state line to ooh and aah at one of the most spectacular aviation attractions of the year. The Blue Angels will be demonstrating daring feats of bravery as they roll, tuck, and maneuver through the skies at speeds up to 700mph.

Blue Marlin Grand Championship of the Gulf

July 14-17, 2021
The Wharf Marina

Catch the finale of the acclaimed Gulf Coast Triple Crown Series – and some mega Marlin – at this renowned summer billfish tournament. It’s free to spectators, so head to the Wharf to view the weigh-ins and party with the prize-winners at one of the best summer events in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Labor Day Car Show

September 4, 2021
OWA

Ride out the end of summer in style at the 4th annual Labor Day Car Show. The streets of Downtown OWA will be lined with the rarest rides around, including hot rods, antiques, classics, custom builds, and more. Trophies will be given to the coolest cars from every decade, so be sure to cruise over!

To start savoring your summer early and enjoy these fun summer events in Gulf Shores, book your stay at The Beach Club today. You’ll have your choice of our luxurious beachfront condos, plus plenty of prep time to plan the ultimate summer adventure on our shores.

In the meantime, don’t miss our pro-beach bag packing tips!

Top 6 Gulf Shores New Year’s Celebrations

Posted on by Eva Faircloth

For travelers looking for something to do on New Year’s Eve in Gulf Shores, we’ve got good news for you. We’ve collected the best Gulf Shores New Year’s parties—as well as nearby celebrations along the coast—including kid-friendly occasions and adult-centered extravaganzas to usher in 2020.

Welcome the new decade Gulf Coast style with these festive Gulf Shores New Year’s events!

New Year’s Eve for the Family

Kids Confetti Drop

Youngsters will have a blast at this kid-friendly event with tons of activities like face painting, camel rides, a bouncy house, a surf simulator, and much more! The countdown starts just before noon and when 12 o’clock strikes, the air will fill with colorful confetti. After the Kids Confetti Drop, stick around for the Reelin’ in the New Year celebration.

When: 10 am to 3 pm

Where: The Wharf in Orange Beach

Admission:  Free; various kids activities from $5-$10

woman celebrating new years and holding sparkler

Noon Year’s Eve at Lulu’s

Kids and adults alike will have tons of fun at Lulu’s Noon Year’s Eve in Gulf Shores. This exciting event will include tons of kid-friendly activities including face painting, live music, and a colorful beach ball drop! Welcome 2020 a little earlier this year with this family-friendly New Year’s Eve event in Gulf Shores.

When: 10 am to 3 pm

Where: Lulu’s in Gulf Shores

Admission: Free

Ice Skating Rink at The Wharf

Celebrate the new year with an evening of ice skating. The ice skating rink at The Wharf provides a classic winter activity next to the Gulf. Take the family to the rink for a day of skating or enjoy a romantic skate with your SO to celebrate the new year. The price of admission is $10 and includes skate rentals.

Where: The Wharf

Admission: $10 per person; includes skate rentals

new years eve fireworks in the night sky

Reelin’ in the New Year at The Wharf

Live bands, a surf simulator, face painting, and fireworks at midnight; that’s what you can expect at this year’s Reelin’ in the New Year at The Wharf. The New Year’s Eve Street Party kicks things off at 5 pm with kid-friendly activities including a rock wall, mechanical bull, and a trampoline jumpee. Live music includes the Travis Clark Band and the Jason Jones Band with the tunes starting at 7 pm. All of the fun leads up to the marlin drop and fireworks at midnight!

When: 5 pm – 12 am

Where: The Wharf

Admission: Free; various kids activities from $5-$10

New Year’s for Adults

Flora-Bama’s New Year’s Eve Bash

New year, same exciting Flora-Bama new year’s celebration. Take a short drive from Gulf Shores to Pensacola, Florida for the famous Flora-Bama’s New Year’s Eve Bash, featuring live music on three stages, mouthwatering food, party favors, and champagne. Advance tickets are $40 for ages 21 and up and includes an all you can eat dinner buffet from 6 pm to 11 pm, a breakfast buffet from 12 am to 2 am, party favors, and a free champagne split at midnight. You won’t want to miss this!

When: 6 pm – 2 am

Where: Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar

Admission: $40 for advance tickets ages 21 and up

Contact: (850) 492-0611

clinging glasses of champagne

Flora-Bama Polar Bear Dip

Dress in your best new year’s attire and take a dip in the Gulf of Mexico once high noon strikes on January 1st for the Flora-Bama Polar Bear Dip! Fully submerge beneath the waves and receive a free draft beer and a new year’s lunch at Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar.

When: Noon, January 1st, 2020

Where: Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar

Admission: Free

Winter is a great time to take a Gulf Shores vacation –> Check out these 5 reasons to take a Gulf Shores getaway during the winter.

The 12 Best Things to Do in Gulf Shores at Christmas

Posted on by Eva Faircloth

From lighted boat parades to merry celebrations and Christmas tree lightings, there are so many things to do in Gulf Shores at Christmas!

We’ve rounded up the best family-friendly Christmas events in Gulf Shores for the perfect coastal Alabama Christmas.

Check out the 12 best things to do in Gulf Shores at Christmas for the 2018 holiday season!

 

christmas tree and lights in background with wooden table in foreground

Ice Skating Rink at The Wharf

Ice skating by the Gulf? That’s right! Just a short distance from Gulf Shores, The Wharf in Orange Beach will once again feature its ice skating rink, a unique experience for all ages to enjoy this holiday season! Located next to the Fire Station at The Wharf, the ice skating rink is open from November 16th thru January 13th, with various times throughout. Admission is $10 per person and includes skate rentals. For $13, skaters can enjoy the ice skating rink and a ride on the Ferris wheel.

When: Friday, November 16th thru Sunday, January 13th; Various times

Where: The Wharf

Admission: $10 per person; includes skate rentals

 

Photos with Santa at The Wharf

Visit Santa’s Village and get a picture with the big man himself! You’ll find Santa’s Village at The Port at The Wharf from November 16th thru December 24th, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

When: Friday, November 16th thru Monday, December 24th; Various times

Where: The Port at The Wharf

 

Holiday Horse & Carriage Rides at The Wharf

Holiday Horse & Carriage Rides is the perfect way to spend an evening getting into the holiday spirit with your loved ones. Visit The Wharf Friday, Saturday, or Sunday between November 18th and December 16th for a ride through the lights and decorations of Orange Beach. Carriage rides are $25 per ride, up to four people, and $5 for single riders.

When: Sunday, November 18th thru Sunday, December 16th; 5 pm – 8 pm

Where: The Wharf

Admission: $25 per ride (up to four people); $5 for single riders

 

christams tree up close

Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens

Get into the holiday spirit with over 3 million lights and 15 different scenes at the Bellingrath Gardens from November 23rd thru December 31st! Located about an hour and a half from Gulf Shores, this dazzling display of Christmas lights will fill all ages with Christmas cheer, including decorations at the Bellingrath Home, nightly choral performances, hot cocoa available for purchase, and holiday meals available nightly at the Magnolia Cafe. Listed as one of America’s top 100 events by the American Bus Associaton and one of America’s best public light displays by USA Today, you will not want to miss it! Tickets start at $8 for children ages 5-12 and $16 for adults.

When: Friday, November 23rd thru Monday, December 31st; 5 pm – 9 pm

Where: Bellingrath Gardens and Home

Admission: $8 for children ages 5-12; $16 for adults

Contact: (251) 973-2217

 

Christmas Tree Lighting at The Wharf

Visit The Wharf in Orange Beach, Tuesday, November 27th for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting! This jolly celebration is filled to the brim with holiday activities and excitement, including festive musical performances, cookie decorating, letters to Santa, and much, much more. This festive event concludes with the SPECTRA Sound & Light Spectacular.

When: Tuesday, November 27th; 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Where: The Wharf

Admission: Free

 

7th Annual Merry Market Expo

Over 70 vendors will be on hand at the 7th Annual Merry Market at the Orange Beach Event Center! Shop, peruse and enjoy the season’s tidings with unique gifts, crafts, and more Friday, December 7th and Saturday, December 8th. Search for the perfect gift for that special someone or shop for yourself at this year’s Merry Market. Admission is free.

When: Friday, December 7th 9 am – 6 pm & Saturday, December 8th 9 am – 5 pm

Where: Orange Beach Events Center

Admission: Free

Don’t miss out on the best holiday shopping in Gulf Shores.

 

9th Annual Gulf Shores Lighted Christmas Parade

Find the perfect spot around Gulf Shores Public Beach and Sims Park for this festive parade in Gulf Shores! Floats with glimmering lights, special appearances from holiday characters, and live performances from marching bands will be on hand for this holiday celebration. Once the parade concludes at Sims Park, the celebration continues at Sims Park with more Christmas fun and excitement including photos with Santa Claus and a snowball drop!

When: Friday, December 7th; 6:30 pm – 9 pm

Where: Gulf Shores Public Beach

Admission: Free

 

christmas ornaments on the beach

South Baldwin Community Theatre presents A Charlie Brown Christmas

The Christmas season isn’t complete without enjoying the holiday classic A Charlie Brown Christmas, and at South Baldwin Community Theatre in Gulf Shores you can enjoy it live! Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the other Peanuts come to life during this Christmas classic. Show dates are December 7th thru December 9th and December 14th thru December 16th.

Tickets start at $15 for adults and $9.95 for students. Call (251) 968-6721 for more information.

When: December 7th, 8th, 14th, and 15th at 7:30 pm; December 9th and 16th at 2:30 pm

Where: South Baldwin Community Theatre

Admission: $9.95 for students; $15 for adults

Contact: (251) 968-6721

 

2nd Annual Jingle Jubilee Kids Crafts Day

Visit The Wharf Saturday, December 8th for a fun-filled day of arts, crafts, and more! The Jingle Jubilee Kids Crafts Day is a great day for kids to use their Christmas spirit and create unique, homemade crafts like ornaments, cookie decorations, and more. Craft stations will be set up at various shops along The Wharf where kids can use their creativity for special holiday treats. There will also be live music. The fun starts at 12 pm and ends at 4 pm, but stick around for the evening’s Christmas Lighted Boat Parade!

When: Saturday, December 8th; 12 pm – 4 pm

Where: The Port at The Wharf

Admission: Free

 

33rd Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade

Find a spot near the water for this year’s Christmas Lighted Boat Parade Saturday, December 8th from 5:30 thru 8:30 pm. Beginning at Lulu’s Homeport Marina, this glimmering holiday bonanza will wind past The Wharf, Bear Point, Ono Island, and Perdido Pass before making its stop in Terry Cove. Kayaks, sailboats, charters and many other vessels will be decorated with dazzling light displays and holiday spirit. A post-parade awards ceremony will be held at FloraBama Ole River Grille.

When: Saturday, December 8th; 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Where: Lulu’s Homeport Marina

 

2nd Annual Happy Howlidays Kid & Pet Parade

Humans and pets alike are invited to this jolly pet-friendly parade! Take a short trip from Gulf Shores to Orange Beach for this year’s Happy Howlidays Kid & Pet Parade at The Wharf. Don your four-legged friend in their holiday attire so they can strut their stuff along The Wharf. Kids and adults are encouraged to dress up too, so make it a family affair! The parade begins at 2 pm on Sunday, December 9th and concludes with kids activities like a bouncy house, a live DJ playing music and games, and face painting. Pet adoptions and donations will also be available through the Baldwin Humane Society.

When: Sunday, December 9th; 2 pm – 5:30 pm

Where: The Wharf

Admission: Free

 

12 Days of Christmas Shopping

Still in need of that perfect gift for that special someone? Don’t fret, the 12 Days of Christmas Shopping event at The Wharf has you covered! For 12 days starting December 13th, various shops at The Wharf will be offering exclusive deals and one-day-only sales so you can grab the perfect present that won’t cost you an arm or a leg.

When: Thursday, December 13th thru Monday, December 24th

Where: The Wharf

 

Looking to book your Gulf Shores vacation? Why wait till summer? Check out these 5 reasons why you should book a fall and winter vacation rental in Gulf Shores.

Things to Do During Inclement Weather on the Gulf Coast

Posted on by Eva Faircloth

The sun is shining and there’s not a cloud in the sky. Picture perfect weather is what everyone is expecting during their beach vacation. Unfortunately, sometimes rain and sleet do happen. In that case, you shouldn’t have to stop your dream vacation from continuing just as planned. We have created a list of the top activities to do to entertain your guests during your beach vacation along the Gulf Coast.

The National Naval Aviation Museum is a quick drive along the coast into Pensacola, FL and is an ideal location for rich history and historic displays. The 350,000 square feet museum is the largest Naval Aviation museum. The best part of a visit to the museum is that it’s FREE!

The David L. Bodenhamer Recreation Center  is located in the heart of Gulf Shores, AL and offers a variety of recreational activities. Even though the center is membership based, daily passes can be purchased for only $10 per day per person and include access to the indoor pool, basketball/racquetball courts and game room.

Gulf Bowl is not your ordinary bowling alley. Located in Foley, AL, the owners of Gulf Bowl focus on family entertainment that includes state-of-the-art lanes, laser tag, ropes course, interactive arcade, dining and even private parties.

Fat Daddy’s Arcade is in Orange Beach, AL and offers over 80 different arcade games. Catering to all ages, Fat Daddy’s offers something for everyone. Many of the larger-than-life size games award tickets that can be redeemed for sought after prizes.

The Factory in one of Gulf Shores newest additions for family fun. With so many different activities under one roof, they encourage everyone to play now and grow up later. Guests can jump around on over 12,000 square feet of connected trampolines. Other activities include an obstacle course, foam pits, dodgeball, flight simulator and an arcade.

The Gulf Coast Escape Room is great for all ages and is designed to get you out of your comfort zone. Work together as a team to make your great escape in under 60 minutes. Each room has a different theme where you have to crack codes, solve ciphers and decode clues for an unforgettable adventure.

 

Don’t let a little bit of inclement weather put a damper on your visit to the Gulf Coast. Visit one of the establishments listed above and leave us a comment on how much fun you had.