Beads, Boats, and Backyard Beats
From flying moon pies and swinging beads to gliding floats and boats, to oyster tales and haunted trails, these southern towns are here to entertain from sunrise to sunset.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Gulf Coast is buzzing as the season picks up speed. There's no slowing down for these coastal towns! From MoonPies flying through the air to boats, bead tossing, and oyster education, there’s even a spooky haunted history tour after dark. Each day presents a new opportunity to gather, celebrate, and explore. Whether you're here for the magical Mardi Gras experience or simply searching for something unforgettable to do, consider this your guide to making the most of every moment along the Alabama Gulf Coast. Let the good times roll all week long, dive right in, dress up, and make this week one to remember.
Monday, February 16th-
By now, we’ve all either experienced or at least heard about the Gulf Coast Mardi Gras festivities, and many already have their favorite events lined up. For those still deciding how to participate in this party tradition, we have some events to share this week with something for everyone. First up is the MoonPies on Main, always held on the Monday before Fat Tuesday at the Wharf. This event features two parades: a smaller, pet- and kid-friendly parade that takes place in the early afternoon, followed by the evening Float Parade. This family-friendly event allows kids to explore the carnival atmosphere or even participate in the parade without any pre-registration—it's all about having fun and spontaneity. Starting at 4 PM, kids and their pets will begin their walk down Main Street. Expect to see pups in tutus, beautifully decorated strollers and wagons, and plenty of purple, green, and gold decked out fits walking down the street. During this family-focused parade, beads and throws are encouraged but not mandatory. It’s a joyful and safe space for kids and their furry friends to shine and wave as they go by. If you plan to join in, please arrive at Palms Plaza near the Ferris Wheel at least 15 minutes early to line up. There will also be various kid-friendly activities on-site, with costs ranging from $5 to $10 like pony rides and face painting, so don’t hesitate to arrive even earlier to enjoy. At around 6 PM, the atmosphere will shift for the evening float parade, where the crowds will thicken, and the lights will glisten for a special Mardi Gras SPECTRA Laser Light Experience. You can come for one parade or both, but whatever you do, make sure to be the Life of the Mardi!
The Wharf
23101 Canal Rd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Tuesday, February 17th-
Today is a big day! Since 1703, Fat Tuesday in Alabama has been celebrated as a pre-Lenten tradition that predates that of New Orleans, making Mobile the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States. Over the years, it has become a way of life on the Gulf Coast, with schools and city offices across counties closing to participate in the festivities. If you’re planning to stay by the shores, there are plenty of exciting places to enjoy the day and experience this beloved generational tradition. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach will host large parades featuring floats and community involvement at different times, offering a full day of activities for those attending both. For more details and information about the parade routes, check out the related article below. But did you know you can skip the concrete and head to the sand? Lulu’s will host its unique all-day Mardi Gras celebration and Boat Parade in honor of their birthday! This year, Lulu’s is celebrating 27 years! Festivities start at 10 AM, where birthday cake will be served, alongside a full menu of delicious food and drink specials. Guests can dance to Mardi Gras tunes performed by the renowned musical group the Tip Tops, who will take the stage at 11 AM. Come dressed in your best costume, and you might even win a prize for Best Dressed! Around 4 PM, Lulu’s boat parade will make its way through, ready to throw some exciting goodies as the crowd chants, “Throw me something, mister!” No matter how you choose to celebrate on the Gulf Coast, it is sure to be a bead deal!
Laissez
les bons temps rouler.
Lulu’s Homeport
200 E 25th Ave
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Wednesday, February 18th-
Whether it's Ash Wednesday or not, the Learning Center at Gulf State Park is open and ready for eager explorers and nature lovers to come learn, grow, and gain fresh perspectives. This week’s Winter Showcase Series is all about oysters, featuring a special presentation from Dr. Kayla Boyd and Rachel Ball from Mobile Baykeeper, taking place from 10:30 to 11:30 AM. During this session, participants will learn about the life cycle of oysters, the challenges they face, and their remarkable comeback through aquaculture. Oysters are not only a delicacy in local cuisine but also a cultural phenomenon that connects generations across various societies in Coastal Alabama. They’ll discuss their heyday, the decline they experienced, and their return to prominence. Plan to make a full day of it by packing a lunch and enjoying the nearby trails and picnic tables between events and classes. After the lunch break, from 1 to 4 PM, participants will dive into the science and nature of Gulf history and fossils. This mini-series promises to be fun, engaging, and educational, as you take a journey through the Gulf State Park and talk about the changes it has undergone, dating back to what’s often referred to as the Ice Age. Following the explorations, attendees will return to campus for a hands-on experience, uncovering fossils and the mysteries of the past, just like a paleontologist. You’ll even learn how to identify fossils and describe various shells. Happy learning!
Learning Campus at Gulf State Park
20249A State Park Road
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Thursday, February 19th-
Doc’s Seafood has been a well-known name on the Gulf Coast for over 34 years. With such a strong reputation, it’s no surprise that there are multiple locations, each offering a variety of menu options. Doc’s Seafood and Steaks in Orange Beach has introduced juicy certified Angus steaks to its offerings, along with a sports bar atmosphere that still maintains a coastal flair. One of the standout features of this location is the open-air deck known as "The Lawn," where the vibrant green landscape creates a relaxed, backyard vibe while you enjoy the salty air from the Gulf, which is just across the street. Families and guests can still indulge in their favorite seafood dishes, such as Fried Stuffed Crab and Clam Strips, as well as steak options and a lighter menu. In addition to outdoor dining and delicious food, this location offers flat-screen TVs for viewing. They also host live musical entertainment, dubbed ‘Live on the Lawn,’ most nights starting at 5 PM. This Thursday, you can enjoy tunes from David Wiley. If you haven't experienced this hotspot yet, now is the perfect time to see for yourself just how sweet it is to be loved by Doc’s Seafood. Enjoy!
Doc’s Seafood and Steaks
24221 Perdido Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Friday, February 20th-
Who's ready to cause a ruckus? Whether you’re still enjoying the memories from last year's wild event or looking forward to what’s next, it’s time to solve a thrilling murder mystery. Get set for an unforgettable evening of laughter and good old-fashioned fun at this year's "Murder Mystery Party: Murder at the Mullet Fest!" The OBA Senior Center is hosting its annual adult murder mystery party, and sign-ups at the front desk to participate as a character have already begun. Join the crowd at 5:30 PM for the chance to crack the case. They are promising an event that is “bigger, louder, and greasier than ever,” fueled by sweat, bacon, and grease—with perhaps a little ketchup thrown in for extra flavor if you catch the drift! All attendees are encouraged to dress up, even if they are not portraying a character. Come join others in solving the mystery of who the killer is—and it could very well be you! Food will be provided as well; the game is afoot.
Orange Beach Senior Center
26267 Canal Rd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Murder Mystery Party: Murder at the Mullet Fest
Saturday, February 21st-
Did you know that downtown historic Foley has a dark side? As the sun sets and the moon rises, a Haunted History Tour begins. Get ready for a fun family adventure filled with spooky tales, some real, some not, or are they? The group will embark on a friendly walk through the town's ghostly past. A knowledgeable guide will entertain everyone with chilling stories of the restless and tell of unexpected and unexplained events, all rooted in local lore. If you dare, bring your whole crew out for this twilight tour and discover what lingers in the historic and modern shadows of downtown Foley. The cost is $35 per adult and $27 for children aged 5-12. Please note that there are no bikes or fast wheels allowed for this event; only feet and strollers to ensure everyone can keep pace with the guide's spine-tingling narratives. There will be time for questions at stops and plenty of opportunities for photos. Take a stroll on Saturday night—if you're bold enough!
Foley Welcome Center
104 N McKenzie St
Foley, AL 36535
Sunday, February 22nd-
Take a break and unwind at one of the best back yard vibing local beach bars in Gulf Shores: Big Beach Brewing Company. Known for its local roots and community-inspired events, this venue is a welcoming hub where everyone leaves as friends after spending a day or evening—sometimes both—at this open-air location that sparkles under the stars at dusk. This Sunday is particularly exciting, as fan favorite Smokey Otis will be performing with his full band. That's right—the entire crew is back together, ready to rock the crowd with classic hits and requests from the audience. If you haven't visited this venue yet, this is a great opportunity to experience it. The Smokey Otis Band is an island legend, attracting a dedicated following and playing songs that everyone can enjoy and sing along to.Big Beach Brewing Company features a full bar and visible brewing stations, serving both seasonal and crowd-favorite hometown brews just for you. The band starts at 2 PM and will keep the music going until 6 PM, but feel free to come and go as you please—the doors are open at 11 daily at the brewery!
Big Beach Brewing Company
300 E 24th Ave
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
https://www.bigbeachbrewing.com/
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