Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) —  November is wasting no time giving us reasons to get out and about. From kicking up our boots and exploring the shoreline to cruising the coast, catching local theater, hearing talented songwriters, and sampling some seriously good gumbo, there’s enough excitement to go around. Add a food truck festival and a little Fido fun, and you’ve got a pretty entertaining start to November. So, let’s see what’s up and what's good this week on the Alabama Gulf Coast and beyond. 

Monday, November 2nd- After a week of sweet treats and spooky evenings spent waiting in line for more, it’s time to say farewell to October and swing open the saloon doors to November—with a whole new kind of line: line dancing that is! Starting Monday, The Hangout in Gulf Shores is offering free line dancing lessons from 6 to 8 PM. Join instructor Bree and fellow dancers as you learn to get down and get low. Boots, sneakers, and all experience levels are welcome. The class is beginner-friendly, and no experience is needed. Bree teaches country line dancing at Moonshine Saloon in Pensacola and is excited to bring her skills and enthusiasm to the Alabama Gulf Coast for five Mondays in November. Line dancing has been around for ages and spans many musical genres, but it only took its modern form in the late 20th century when it came to the US. In class, participants will learn choreographed dances made up of repeating steps performed in lines or rows—so it’s easy to follow along, even if you forget a two-step or three. Come after dinner, bring the whole family, or enjoy a meal before or after class for a full evening of dancing fun. Giddy up, cowboys and girls. 

Line Dancing Lessons with Bree-GS

Tuesday, November 3rd- The Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion is a wonderful place to visit any time of year, but when you get the chance to rediscover the beach with experienced guides, you jump at it. As the beaches, waterways, and surrounding areas begin to thin out, there’s room for exciting community adventures. Join Gulf State Park naturalists for a rewarding, all-ages beach exploration. Discover coastal plants and wildlife like never before, learn how nature and human activity shape our shorelines, and find out what helps keep this beautiful ecosystem thriving. Registration is preferred but not required. If you don’t already have a Gulf State Park parking pass, be prepared to pay $15 for parking. It’s also that time of year when we see many seasons in one day, so bring layers, water, maybe a journal to jot down your findings, and a camera of choice. Meet at the Beach Pavilion at 9 AM. The guided portion ends at 10 AM, but the parking pass is good through sunset, so enjoy as much and as long as you’d like. 

Explore The Shore Beach Pavilion-GS/OB

Wednesday, November 4th- As the streets clear and cooler air rolls in during early mornings and evenings, it's the perfect time to enjoy the area with the windows down at a slower pace. But there’s no need to leave style behind. Gulf Coast Rental Co. is still up and running, ready to serve you with all kinds of rentals, including its famously “head-turning roadster,” the SlingShot ride. Guests can rent one for the day and cruise the coastal roads, taking time to discover all our little beach towns have to offer—from shops and restaurants to marinas and more. The possibilities are endless, and it’s an adventure you won’t soon forget. This show-stopping cruiser isn't a traditional motorcycle or car, but a unique blend of the two, with open-air seating that’s perfect for the breezy weather. It’s a great way to spend the day—and look good doing it. For photos and more details about the Rad SlingShot and other rentals from GCRCo, check out the link below. Now get out there and turn some heads. 

Gulf Coast Rental Company-OB

Thursday, November 5th- Who you calling ugly? We all may remember Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved fairy tale, “The Ugly Duckling,” a story of self-discovery, adventure, and emotion. For one night only, local elementary school students and others will take the stage at the Foley Civic Center for a community performance of this delightful, award-winning musical adaptation of the children's story. Follow one special duckling as he realizes he’s different from his siblings and faces mistreatment and bullying from those around him. His mother, however, defends him, nurtures him, and even praises his abilities, showing she sees him for who he truly is. Along the way, the cast, audience, and little duckling (who isn’t a duckling at all) will meet a motley flock of characters and discover that being different may not be so bad. In the end, everyone will see his true beauty and nature unveiled on stage. Tickets are just $5 at the door, but the lesson lasts a lifetime. Join the cast and community in supporting these young performers in this timely tale of the not-so-ugly duckling. Presented by the Foley High School Theatre Department, curtains at 6 PM for Honk Jr. 

Honk JR. the Musical-Foley

Friday, November 6th- The much-anticipated Frank Brown Songwriters’ Fest is finally here! Kicking off on the 5th, it’ll bring a couple of weeks of delightful new and beloved tunes to the Gulf Coast. This Friday, take in the tunes at Tacky Jacks in Gulf Shores from 5:30 to 9 PM. New to the Frank Brown Fest? It’s one of the Gulf Coast’s largest annual gatherings of local and national songwriters. The festival gives seasoned and aspiring songwriters, along with talented musicians from around the world, a chance to share their music. One of its standout features is the chance to hear the stories behind the lyrics and get a glimpse of the artists themselves—perhaps discovering a few future favorites along the way. Friday evening’s lineup features Austin Church & Bobby Keel, Tony T-Bone Montgomery & Joel Shewmake, and lastly Kim Carson & Daryl Wayne Dasher. For the heart and history behind the event, visit the festival website. For local details about upcoming venues, check out the link below. Happy listening, learning, and jamming to some top-notch performers. 

Frank Brown Fest @ Tacky Jacks-GS

Frank Brown Songwriters Fest 5th-15th-Gulf Coast

Saturday, November 7th- It wouldn't be an Alabama Gulf Coast island-time weekend without a lineup of stirring events. For one day only, CoastAL in Orange Beach is hosting its National Gumbo Fest from 11 AM to 2 PM for just $25 per person.—so choose your outings wisely! Gumbo lovers and Creole chefs will gather to share and sample their best bowls, with tasters and judges deciding which one takes the top spot. Add sunshine, a cool breeze off the Gulf, exhilarating views, live music, delicious food, and a little friendly competition, and you’ve got a recipe for a great day. Whether you're hopping from one amusing event to another or settling in for just one, be sure to consider CoastAL's National Gumbo Fest when making your list. Happy first full weekend of November, Gulf Coast style, “C’est si bon!”

National Gumbo Fest-OB

Saturday and Sunday, November 7th-8th- For two days, come check out this gathering of top food trucks and beverage carts this side of the Mason-Dixon Line, all together on one island, ready to share and serve up some of their specialties with you! The City of Gulf Shores is pleased to introduce, for its fifth year, the Annual Alabama Food Truck & Beverage Festival. Over two dozen trucks will be available to choose from—if you can pick just one—with a wide variety of regional and national craft beverages, along with plenty of favorite and beloved dishes. The event will take place from 11 AM to 5 PM on Saturday and Sunday at the Town Green in Gulf Shores. Of course, guests can enjoy great food, along with great music, lawn games to keep everyone entertained, and shopping fun with crafts and goodies for all ages. A few mouth-watering features to look for are Flashy Funnel Cakes, 18 Wayz Wingz and Thingz, Cousins Maine Lobster (I know, right?), The Smash House, The Lucky Lemon and, to wash it all down, Great Lakes Outback, Mystical Shellie Works, the buttabar, and more. Pups are welcome, so load up the lawn chairs and blankets and come out for a full weekend of delight and community thrills. 

Food Truck Festivals of America-GS

Sunday, November 8th- Who let the dogs out? Whoof, whoof! Grab your furry friends, bring their leashes, and join the community for a free animal fair: the second annual Fido Fest, hosted by the City of Orange Beach and OB Parks and Recreation at beloved Waterfront Park. Waterfront Park has something for the whole family, including a newly renovated, gated kids’ park, scenic walking paths down to the brackish waters of Wolf Bay, swings, benches, photo opportunities, an art museum, and more. For Fido Fest, from 2- 5 PM, there’ll also be a dedicated event area packed with vendors, food, live music, kids’ crafts, and dog-friendly activities. Don’t miss the on-site artist creating pet caricatures—or the crowning of the second annual Mr. and Mrs. Fido Fest! Bring your furry family member for a day of fun, and enter them in a contest that earns the winners a full year of barking rights among their fellow Fido neighbors. For more information, check out the link below. Come out, enjoy the festivities, and cheer on your favorite to win! 

Fido Fest-OB

Well, there goes your excuse to stay in this week! Come on—November’s calling.