Coastal Events Highlight Education, Art, and Community this Week
Get ready for hands-on learning and outdoor celebration
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — A full slate of family-friendly events, hands-on experiences, and cultural celebrations are taking place this week across the Gulf Coast. From nature encounters and educational programs to music concerts and fishing competitions, there’s something for all ages and interests.
Whether you're a resident or a visitor enjoying the start of summer, this week's calendar offers opportunities to explore wildlife, meet community partners, enjoy coastal cuisine, and take in the arts. It’s a good time to get outside, learn something new, and connect with the vibrant communities that make up Alabama’s coastal region.
Monday, June 2nd - Get ready for another exciting summer season with the experts at Gulf State Park! They are hosting a range of events designed specifically for young naturalists as part of their “Little Park Pals” programs. Each session will feature an educational animal encounter and hands-on activities and crafts, perfect for the youngest park visitors as well as local kids on summer break. Kicking off these summer events is “Batty About Bats,” an interactive educational opportunity focusing on Chiroptera—the scientific order for bats, which early fun fact-are the only mammals capable of true flight. Participants will learn about the ecology of these fascinating creatures and gain insights into their biology. Everyone in attendance will have a chance to meet the park's very own “Bat Ambassador.” This close encounter will help deepen understanding of various bat species, their habitats, diets, sleeping habits, and last but not least their crucial roles in ecosystems as pollinators and pest controllers. To enhance engagement and improve knowledge retention, each encounter will include a narrative component to reinforce learning. This program is designed for children aged 4 to 10, with the goal of fostering an early appreciation for biodiversity, conservation, and the idea that we can all contribute to a better world by understanding it better.
Gulf State Park Nature Center
22120 Campground Rd
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Tuesday, June 3rd - The summer of fun, mixed with coastal education, art, and food, has officially begun. The area offers a wide range of entertainment and hands-on activities for the whole family, featuring both new events and beloved favorites that return each season. Tacky Jacks, with locations in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, is one of those returning summer favorites. They host daily themed activities, including art projects led by local and regional artists eager to share their talents and love for design. Guests can also enjoy beach games and animal encounters with representatives from the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. There are small fees that vary by project and typically include a $10 lunch/gift card, except on demo days. Don’t let that deter you from enjoying lunch with a view any day of the week! On Tuesdays, you can choose from “Hands on Habitat” at Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores from 11 AM to 12 PM, which is a free event. Alternatively, you can visit Tacky Jacks Orange Beach for “Art al Fresco,” where you can create a clay pot with a succulent for $25. No matter which location you visit or what day of the week it is, Tacky Jacks has exciting events lined up for all ages this summer. Be sure to reserve your spot by RSVPing, even for the demo days, which welcome all attendees, including observers. Arrive at least 15 minutes early and check in downstairs upon arrival.
Happy sunny days are here!
Tacky Jacks - Orange Beach
27206 Safe Harbor Dr.
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Tacky Jacks - Gulf Shores
240 E 24th Ave
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Tacky Jacks Hosts Summer Event Series at Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Locations
Wednesday, June 4th - Life along any coastline isn't always fun and games; it often involves hoping for the best while preparing for the worst. If you're unprepared for a natural emergency, things can quickly become overwhelming. With an influx of newcomers to the area, it's essential for both old and new residents to plan ahead and stay informed. The City of Gulf Shores recognizes this need and hosts an annual Hurricane Preparedness Expo to educate residents, visitors, and newcomers on what to do in case of an emergency. This year, the Expo will take place from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Erie H. Meyer Civic Center. This free event aims to provide valuable information on hurricane preparedness and showcase products and services that aid in storm readiness. The keynote speaker for this year's event will be Brandan Franklin, the Emergency Management Coordinator. The day will highlight the importance of knowing the available resources in advance, and attendees will have the opportunity to meet with local vendors and agencies, including Baldwin EMC and the American Red Cross. Additionally, residents can obtain a current Hurricane Decal by presenting proof of residency and identification. Decals are available for purchase, with a limit of three per resident, at a cost of $5 each. Stop by to connect with your neighbors, get prepared, and learn from experts who will guide you through the challenges of staying during or returning home after a major hurricane.
Erie Meyer Civic Center
1930 W 2nd St.
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
News Flash • Hurricane Preparedness Expo set for June 4
Thursday, June 5th - It’s the week for announcing our summer-long events, featuring highly anticipated comebacks and some exciting new additions. Last week, we kicked off with a Monday Night Summer Send-Off, featuring a special fireworks display and a little tease of what to expect over the summer. This week, Thursdays are set to become another vibrant affair! The festivities will kick off with DJ Matt providing musical entertainment. Expect camel rides—yes, actual camel rides!—along with cornhole competitions because you’re never too old or young to showcase your backyard BBQ skills. Face painting will be available for a small fee, plus much more. Join the fun with the Bubble Truck starting at 6:30 PM, be sure not to miss the special 30-minute GLOW bubble experience lighting up at around 8:30 PM. The SPECTRA Laser Light Show will share the spotlight during that time, with lights out at 9 PM. No matter when you arrive, you can expect a fantastic time filled with energetic vibes, unique attractions, engaging interactions, and stunning visual effects. The summer fun is just getting started here on the Gulf Coast, so check back weekly to ensure you don’t miss a thing!
The Wharf
23103 Canal Rd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Friday, June 6th - You can’t have fun without a little humor, and that’s exactly what the Flora-Bama Annual Fishing Rodeo embodies, known as the funniest fishing show to date. This inclusive event welcomes all anglers, regardless of skill level or type of watercraft—no special access is necessary. Participants can compete in various categories, including Catfish, Billfish, and Spearfishing. Additionally, there will be a large-scale crab-catching competition, ensuring that our shelled friends are included as well. The event promises a weekend filled with both camaraderie and competition, featuring an array of enticing prizes. For more information about registration, admission fees, and other inquiries, please visit the Flora-Bama website or check out our article below. This is one of the many highly anticipated events on the line, offering a time full of laughter, sunshine, fishing stories about that one BIG catch, and a year-long bragging pass about it. Join in as the fun begins on Friday and continues through Sunday!
Flora- Bama
17104 Perdido Key Dr
Pensacola, FL 32507
Registration Opens for the 2025 Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 7th - Now that the carpets have been rolled out, and the stage dates are being checked off, it's hard not to mention yet another incredible act this week at what is quickly becoming one of the best-known outdoor venues on the Gulf Coast. The C Spire Concert Series proudly presents Hank Williams Jr. with special guests, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Dust off your boots and grab your hats, folks—there's a honky-tonk coming to town! The deep roots of twang and soul run strong with these performers. "Bocephus," a nickname given to Hank by his late father, is a name he still responds to today, and it hints at the diverse sounds and influential music he brings, sometimes differing from his father’s Grand Ole Opry style. Hank's talent for performing on stage emerged at the young age of eight, and over the years he has seamlessly blended country, blues, and rock in his bold and distinctive style. While his covers of his father’s songs helped establish him as a household name, he is much more than that, as anyone who hears can tell. For this show, it's about more than just the music—it's a way of life, a statement, and a full presentation act that’s hard to follow. So, get out there to be a part of it, and get ready for an incredible experience. In the words of Hank, “Are you ready for the country? Are you ready for me?” As always, plan to arrive early, check out the on-site dining options, and bring only what you need for a night under the stars, celebrating a legend and reveling in the nitty-gritty of country rock and soul.
The Wharf Amphitheater
23101 Canal Rd
Orange Beach, AL
Sunday, June 8th - Today is World Ocean Day, a celebration dedicated to conservation, education, and appreciation of our salty waters. The Perdido Key Chamber Foundation is hosting an open house style event that highlights the incredible work of local environmental and conservation groups. This year’s event is unique, offering participants an unforgettable journey of their own. Join others for a FREE, family-friendly event from noon to 3 PM. Start your adventure at the Perdido Key Visitors Center, where you can pick up your official “World Ocean Day Passport” and begin your exploration. Upon completing your journey, everyone will receive a prize! As you visit some amazing partners along the Gulf Coast, each stop will provide opportunities to explore, learn, and contribute to the World of Oceans. Make your plans, grab your passports, and embark on this adventure to celebrate the wonderful creatures of our seas while engaging with your community and learning how to be a part of good change.
Perdido Key Chamber
15500 Perdido Key Dr.
Pensacola, FL 32507
Share this article w/ Friends...
