2023’s Hottest Summer Events in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Summer is all about enjoying good friends and good times, and what better place to do that than at the beach? Whether it’s cooling off with delicious watermelon, listening to great music or enjoying local events, summer is the hottest time to be at the beach. Here are some of our top events in Gulf Shores this summer.

Top 2023 Summer Events in Gulf Shores

Besides these fun events in Gulf Shores, don’t miss out on events and activities right onsite at The Beach Club! View the latest resort guide for all that’s happening at the resort.

2023’s Best Summer Orange Beach Events

Blue Angels Practice

11:30 a.m. select Tuesdays and Wednesdays
National Museum of Naval Aviation

Throughout the summer, the Blue Angels practice for about an hour on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It’s free to go to the Aviation Museum to watch the practice. Seeing the jets doing their maneuvers over the Gulf is a quintessential beach experience.

Pirates and Princesses Breakfast Adventure

8, 9 and 10 a.m. Daily
The Hangout

Join a treasure hunt, sing-along, games and see magic tricks and more during this daily breakfast your kids love. There are three shows each morning and an all-you-can-eat breakfast is $15 for adults; $8 for children; 5 and under are free.

Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival

May 4-6, 2023
OWA

Start your summer season with a high-flying aerial adventure at the annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival. This award-winning event includes balloon flights, glows and tethered rides (weather permitting), plus arts and crafts displays, kids activities, live music and more. Admission is free, but activities may cost a small fee.

C Spire Concert Series

Various Dates, May to October 2023
The Wharf Amphitheater

The fan-favorite C Spire Concert Series is back for another summer full of toe-tapping shows. Located at The Wharf’s open-air amphitheater, the show includes musical acts from some of the biggest stars in the business. The 2023 series includes names like Hank Williams Jr., Kenny Chensney, Dave Matthews Band, Eric Church, and many others.

City of Gulf Shores Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration

9 p.m., July 4, 2023
Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier

The City of Gulf Shores will celebrate the Fourth of July with its stunning annual fireworks display. Park at Gulf State Park Lake Shelby and walk across the pedestrian bridge. The pier will close to the public at 8:30 p.m., so be sure to arrive early to snag your spot for the show.

2023 Blue Marlin Grand Championship of the Gulf

July 12-16, 2023
The Wharf Marina

The Blue Marlin Grand Championship is an over-the-top weigh-in that makes for a memorable experience. It’s free to spectators, so come out to see the big catches. The event opens with a Street Party on Wednesday, July 12th and runs all weekend long. 

89th Annual Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo

July 20-23, 2023
Dauphin Island Rodeo Site

Catch a reelin’ good time at the largest fishing tournament in the world. The annual Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo is a 3-day event that attracts more than 3,000 anglers and 75,000 spectators. Awards are presented in over 30 categories with a total awards package topping one million dollars in value.

Commemoration of the Battle of Mobile Bay

August 5, 2023
Historic Fort Morgan

Re-enactment commemorates the events that took place in Mobile Bay on Aug. 5-23, 1864. The Fort comes to life with drills and demonstration of artillery by historical interpreters. Regular admission is charged. The Commemoration is always one of the top events in Gulf Shores each summer!

9th Annual Flora-Bama Bulls on the Beach

September 7-9, 2023
Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar

Strap on your best boots and hit the beach for some exciting bull-riding action. The annual Flora-Bama Bulls on the Beach offers three full days of rodeo fun featuring professional bull riders from around the country. The action starts on Thursday evening with Junior Riders on Miniature Bulls and a kids coloring contest.