A Full Week of Activities On Tap Along the Alabama Gulf Coast
Gulf Coast events offer a mix of fun, education, and tradition
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – It’s a week full of local events across the Alabama Gulf Coast, offering a wide mix of outdoor activities, live music, educational programs, and community gatherings. From Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Gulf Shores to art markets in Foley and walking challenges on the trails of Orange Beach, there’s something for every age and interest.
Residents and visitors alike can enjoy everything from saltwater fishing classes to coastal boat tours, and even themed dance parties at Bird Island. Whether you're looking to be active, creative, or just relax with family and friends, the Gulf Coast has a full lineup to help you make the most of your week.
Monday, May 5th - It’s Cinco de Mayo at LuLu’s in Gulf Shores, and the celebration is sizzling! Join the fun with festive food and drink specials all day long, including $3 off all nachos, $3 cans of Modelo, Corona, and Pacifico, and $5 Homeport Margaritas. Whether you’re a local or visiting the coast, LuLu’s is the place to be—known for its vibrant atmosphere, family-friendly fun, and a menu packed with Gulf Coast flavors. Located on the Intracoastal Waterway, LuLu’s offers waterfront views, live music, and a sandy beach area for kids to play while adults relax. It’s more than just a restaurant—it’s a coastal experience that captures the spirit of the Gulf. Come celebrate Cinco de Mayo with great eats, cool drinks, and even better vibes!
LuLu’s - Gulf Shores
200 E 25th Ave.
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Tuesday, May 6th -
The future belongs to the world's youth, and the Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival & Music Foundations recognizes this fact. Expanding beyond the well-known music festival, this foundation actively contributes to the community that helped it rise to fame and many others. One exciting initiative is the ‘ABCs of Ecology,’ which combines creative sound with environmental education. This event takes place at the City of Gulf Shores Public Library, encouraging families to bring youth of all ages to enjoy the show and explore the shelves for their next story to take home. All performances feature original collaborations by Jo Billups and Karen Harvill, who began this incredible work nearly 40 years ago. The goal is to encourage and educate others to care for one another, for nature, for animals, and for the environment we live in. The stories and songs cover various topics, including whales, snails, birds, and bees. Admission is free, and the show starts at 10 AM. So, gather the whole family, invite a friend, or come by yourself to learn through entertainment and enjoy some laughter!
City of Gulf Shores Public Library
221 W 19th St.
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 968-1176
SONG WRITERS FESTIVAL GULF SHORES LIBRARY
Wednesday, May 7th -
The Gulf State Park offers several trailheads spanning our 32-mile island with connections through Orange Beach and Gulf Shores boasting one of the top recreational trails in the country, the Back Country Trail in the 2025 USA Today 10Best Readers Choice Awards. Making it a prime location for locals and visitors alike to explore, adventure and now is offering a chance to be a part of a four - part group ‘Trailhead Walking Challenge’ for FREE. To receive email updates for the challenge, guests are encouraged to register online. However, if you can’t join the main group, please feel free to go solo or create your own walking group and go at your convenience. The first group walk challenge starts at 5:30PM and begins and ends after a 3.25 mile loop at the Orange Beach Sportsplex. So, grab some friends and get out and move through the trials, making new friends along the way and experiencing the great outdoors. After registering for the first challenge, feel free to sign up for the other three and complete the whole course. For more information on this and other Gulf State Park organized events, see the website below.
Orange Beach Sportsplex
4385 William Silvers Pkwy
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Orange Beach’s Trailhead Challenge Encourages May Hikes
Thursday, May 8th -
The Angler Academy at Gulf State Park offers an introductory experience to saltwater fishing for beginners of all ages. Participants will learn about Alabama’s fishing regulations and essential equipment, as well as receive hands-on training in tying knots, selecting hooks, and baiting. The session aims to build confidence and skills for independent fishing and is offering two days this year. It's suitable for both novices and experienced anglers looking to refresh their abilities. Join the academy to enjoy fishing and create lasting memories on the pier and who knows, you might even catch that BIG one! The experience alone is worth the time and memories made, so come out and enjoy, learn from the best and cast those lines. Gulf State Park will provide a fishing rod, bait, and a temporary fishing license for Angler Academy. After the class, anglers can purchase a pier license and rent a rod from the tackle shop. The wristband is valid all day, keep in mind refunds are only available if the class is canceled due to weather. Register below.
Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier
20800 E Beach Blvd
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Friday, May 9th -
Are you looking for a fantastic way to escape and explore the pristine beauty of Orange Beach from the water? Enjoy a relaxing experience while chatting with friendly locals who can answer your questions about the area and introduce you to our lovely waterfront restaurants? If so, we have just the thing for you: the Coastal Cruiser! This perfect boat for family and friends can accommodate up to 20 passengers and comes with a private captain aka tour guide. The world-famous Flora-Bama, located right on the line, offers a wide variety of fun and exciting events, along with two bay side restaurants and its very own marina where CC lives when she’s not out exploring. Guests can plan an entire day of Bama fun both on land and from the water. The Coastal Cruiser is a spacious two-motor pontoon boat equipped with a canopy to ensure shade and comfort for all passengers while navigating the beautiful back bay waters. You’ll get an up-close look at the coveted islands that locals call home, various birds, possible sea life, waterfront homes, marinas, restaurants and more. Even if you're not on vacation, you can still enjoy this experience and feel like you're on a getaway! Book today to see your beloved town from a new waterside perspective and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds you. A great escape for both visitors and locals. Don't wait—seats fill up quickly! Call or book online today for a boat ride you won't want to miss.
Flora- Bama Marina
29603 Perdido Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 980-5222
Saturday, May 10th -
The Orange Beach Boat Club is excited to announce a special event at the local favorite hot spot, Bird Island. Families have enjoyed this beautiful slice of paradise for years, providing a peaceful escape from the busy main beaches where kids can safely swim and play while adults relax and sunbathe. This year, they are hosting a themed costume award celebration like no other. You are cordially invited to “Dancing Through the Decades,” featuring an afternoon of music and dancing. Attendees are encouraged to wear outfits that reflect a decade mixed with their style or represent their favorite decade. Awards will be presented for the best group and individual performances in the dancing and costume categories. Get ready to rock through the ages, dancing to some of the greatest hits from the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, and beyond. Be sure to bring your enthusiasm for this fun-filled day; the wilder and wackier, the better! Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to cut loose, show off your best moves, and have fun in the sun. For more details, connect with the OBBC on Facebook. We’ll see you there!
Robinson/Bird Island
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Sunday, May 11th -
Calling all mothers. It's time for the annual Mother's Day Art in the Park. While every day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the moms in our lives, there is something truly special about honoring traditions that are shared globally. Families all over the world shower the mothers in their lives with gifts of flowers, jewelry, and handmade tokens of love. Many brunch menus feature delectable chef specials just for moms, and some towns hold annual events to honor those they call "Mom," such as Art in the Park, which encompasses all of these elements. This special event began in 1971 and now showcases over 100 artists from the Southeast, offering handcrafted gifts that mothers can choose for themselves. It also provides a cultural experience that highlights the best coastal southern themes and lifestyles that make our towns unique. John B. Foley Park downtown remains the original venue where this lovely Mother's Day weekend tradition started. If you prefer a place to sit and enjoy a meal before exploring the art show, be sure to check out some of our favorite dining recommendations in the article below. Happy Mother’s Day to all.
Heritage Park - John B Foley Park
125 E Laurel Ave
Foley, AL 36535
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