A Week of Gulf-Side Gatherings, Music, and More
Locals and visitors alike find plenty to do as summer nears its close
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — As the first full week of August begins, the summer season continues its slow wind-down along the Gulf Coast, but the calendar remains packed with events and opportunities to make the most of the warm weather. This week offers something for every pace and interest, from morning coffee runs and midday marina adventures to live music, local brews, and coastal clean-ups. Whether you're a resident fitting in a few more family outings before school starts or a visitor squeezing the last bit of sunshine from your trip, the Alabama-Florida coastal corridor is a great place to be.
The upcoming week includes hands-on educational programming, food and drink specials, outdoor activities, and community efforts to keep our beaches beautiful. Locals and tourists can enjoy everything from laid-back parasailing and breakfast bites to late-night music events and sunset cocktails. Many of these offerings also have a strong sense of place, where coastal culture, wildlife, and music intersect with local pride and hospitality.
Here's a look at what’s happening across the region from Monday through Sunday.
Monday, August 4th- As summer comes to a close, the air along the Gulf Coast remains warm, and the vibrant summer atmosphere continues with plenty to see and do, especially with watersports rentals. Happy Harbor Marina offers a wide range of water activities for all ages. Families with young children can rent boats for the day and cruise to one of the nearby islands in the back bays, enjoying gentle waters. You can also embark on a dolphin cruise aboard the Southern Rose or take to the skies with one of the parasail boats. If you’re seeking something more exhilarating, consider renting a WaveRunner and passing through the no-wake zones to speed up and explore the larger, open back bays where the opportunities for fun are endless. You can even pull up to a waterside restaurant for a quick bite or to cool off before heading back to the thrill of the waves. No matter what you choose, life on the water is a must when visiting or living along the Gulf Coast. Keep an eye out while riding for slow spots, sandbars, dolphins, and the beautiful birds all around. Unsure of what to bring? No problem! The Happy Harbor dock store has all the necessary supplies, along with a friendly staff ready to assist you in selecting the right items—and maybe even some fun merchandise to enhance your day out on the water.
Happy Harbor Marina
27212 Marina Rd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Tuesday, August 5th- Take a moment to experience the buzz at BuzzCatz, located on the west side of Cosmo’s courtyard in Orange Beach. Open daily at 7 AM, BuzzCatz makes it easy for everyone to stop by and enjoy delicious meals—sweet, warm, or cold—before heading to work. If you’re on vacation and want to make the most of your day, you can quickly grab a bite and still have time to relax on the beach and soak up the sun with a satisfied stomach. The dedicated team, including top-notch chefs, works tirelessly each week to provide fresh, homemade menu items and brews to your table. If you need a midday boost, they cover you with the new “Happy Meower” feature from 3-5 PM daily. Enjoy buy-one-get-one-half-off treats like ice cream and cookies. Looking for lunch? BuzzCatz has a full menu, made to order or pre-prepared daily, featuring chicken salad bowls, fried chicken from Luna’s, wraps, and salads. Breakfast is served until 11 AM, with items like kitty biscuits and oversized cinnamon buns. Whether you arrive early or stop by later, don’t forget to check out the gift shop, where unique gifts and fresh coffee beans are available daily. Don’t just hear about the buzz on the island—come and be a part of it!
BuzzCatz Coffee and Sweets
25753 Canal Rd-Suite B
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Wednesday, August 6th- Big Beach Brewery in Gulf Shores is always lively, especially during Hoppy Hour every Wednesday from 4 PM to 8 PM, where you can enjoy $1 off pints. This locally owned venue has retained its charm with its second owners and continues attracting happy guests from the local community and visitors enjoying the area. What can you expect? Great company, refreshing drinks, and occasionally a local food truck parked nearby offering delicious snacks that perfectly accompany the music and the laid-back island atmosphere. Stay until after sunset to experience a magical, twinkly, garden-like setting, as fairy lights illuminate the area with a bit of help from the stars. One of the unique features of Big Beach Brewery is that most of the brews—along with some wines on tap—are locally sourced, introducing bold new flavors with each season. Even on nights when food trucks aren’t available, the excellent Taproom Table offers delicious flatbreads available daily. The venue welcomes friends, families, and furry companions, allowing everyone to kick back, relax, and enjoy beverages while listening to live music. There are also open-stage opportunities for those who want to bring their instruments and share their talents or have some fun, as well as featured live musical talents most nights. Check out the daily events and unique happenings, as every night promises something exciting and different while maintaining a friendly, welcoming atmosphere that feels like you’re visiting a friend you’ve known your whole life, even if you just met. Join the brew crew for Hoppy Hour—you’ll be happy you did!
Big Beach Brewery
300 E 24th Ave
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Thursday, August 7th- If your little one needs some encouragement in reading, loves to read, or you are simply looking for an educational, hands-on adventure for the family, look no further than “Our Little Park Pals.” This program is designed for younger park guests at Gulf State Park, homeschoolers, and others visiting or residing on the island, aged 4 to 10. Say goodbye to dreary story times with this week's “LPP” feature “Reading with Raptors”! The experienced handlers of the animal ambassadors not only care for the animals but also act as educators, sharing fascinating information about the creatures and the nature around them. During this interactive story time, kids will have the chance to learn interesting facts up close and personal. They'll even have the opportunity to touch reptiles after the story session. A craft activity will also be available on-site, and parents must be present at all times for this event, including craft time. Registration is preferred but not required; the class is free with a $3 parking fee to enter the campground. Children can admire these animals while learning about their natural habitats, and afterwards, they can take a walk or bike ride through the state park to see some of the places where these animals originally come from. Most animals are rehabilitated and returned to the wild, while some serve as lifelong ambassadors due to their specific circumstances. Don’t miss out on this fun, hands-on educational experience where books and play unite for an unforgettable time! Starting at 1PM.
Gulf State Park Nature Center
22120 Campground Rd
Gulf Shores, AL 36561
Friday, August 8th- Enjoying the beautiful shores of the Gulf Coast involves more than just leaving footprints; it also means taking responsibility for cleaning up after those who may not understand the importance of preserving this pristine environment. Various groups and communities along the coast come together to tackle this initiative, ensuring that the beaches and waterways remain pollution-free. You can make a difference by participating in beach clean-up events from Gulf Shores to Perdido Key throughout the year. From 9 to 11 AM this Friday, join A Pensacola Perspective and Stay Trashy for a clean-up event at Public Beach Access #3 in Perdido Key. Please arrive a few minutes early to help start on time, as these teams work to keep public spaces tidy, free of trash, and clear of debris that could clog our waterways. Buckets, bags, grabbers, and gloves will be provided. Bring a smile, a willingness to help, and some water to stay hydrated. Be part of this meaningful effort to clean the coast; you'll leave feeling fulfilled knowing you've contributed to keeping our beaches pristine. After the clean-up, stop by Emporium @ C to explore their selection of coastal gifts and more. The holidays are just around the corner, with summer over time flies, plus it's never too early or too late to find a special trinket or unique beach-themed items for yourself or someone else. Emporium @ C, which opened its first location in Orange Beach 25 years ago, offers everything from jewelry to college gear and works by local artists and authors. Gift-wrapping options are also available on-site. Happy coastal cleaning and enjoyable shopping!
Emporium @ C
Villagio Perdido Town Centre
13700 Perdido Key Dr. #106
Pensacola, FL 32507
Saturday, August 9th- Have you ever wondered what it was like to be part of the iconic music festival, Woodstock? Known worldwide as one of the largest music festivals in history, attracting nearly 500,000 people, Woodstock became the catalyst for an entire counterculture phenomenon and set the standard for future festivals. Although many similar events exist in today's music scene, 55 years later, Woodstock remains the first and best of its kind, serving as a prototype for others to follow. Now, you can embark on a musical journey with a similar theme at “Sandstock,” on the Gulf Coast. What better venue for pure, unfiltered enjoyment than the Flora-Bama! This location is well-known and is paying homage to the original festival, inviting everyone to participate by dressing in their best hippie attire and stepping back in time along the line. The decor will be a nostalgic nod to the original event, with festivities happening all day and night, including food, dancing, ’60s music, and some sunshine on the sandy shores of the beautiful coast. Some featured musicians will include Brittany Bell, Shoal Nuff Band, Trevor Finalay, and Sugarcane Jane, among others. This unique event is one you won’t want to miss! Gather your friends, get dressed up, and enjoy the freedom of Flora-Bama’s first-ever Sandstock.
Flora- Bama Package and Lounge
17401 Perdido Key Dr.
Pensacola, FL 32507
Sunday, August 10th- Aperol Spritz Sundays at The Gulf, overlooking the pass to the actual Gulf, take "Sunday Funday" to a new level. From 5 PM to 9 PM, you can enjoy special cocktails featuring Aperol and a variety of fantastic beverages made to order right in front of you, all while enjoying the amazing waterside view. The menu is available for walk-up orders and offers a wide selection of fresh seafood items and delicious options for land lovers, including burgers and much more. You can watch boats coming and going, fishermen hoping for a great catch, and even spot local dolphins hunting for food and playing around. Enjoy the salty coastal breeze on your face as you sip your spritzer. Music starts at 5 PM, with a DJ who takes requests and keeps the vibe lively and exciting. Known as the golden hour, this event concludes right after one of the most beautiful sunsets you'll experience, featuring cotton candy skies that are perfect for snapping photos with loved ones. Once you've placed your order, you can find seating at picnic tables or benches to share with friends or meet new people. Kids can play in the sand while parents relax and take it all in. Enjoy a fun-filled day by the seawall!
The Gulf
27500 Perdido Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
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