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.
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.
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.
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!
