Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Winter may be cool, but the Gulf Coast social calendar is heating up in exciting ways. This week offers a variety of activities, including rolling the dice, clinking wine glasses, meeting some wonderfully unusual sea creatures, shopping for books paired with cheese, and diving headfirst into Mardi Gras sort of—all without leaving our little paradise. Whether you’re here to socialize, enjoy a drink, learn something new, or simply explore, January is filled with playful, feel-good events that show coastal life doesn’t slow down…it just becomes more fun.

Monday, January 19th-  This winter, Picnic Beach is transforming Mondays into a social hub for both newcomers and long-standing community members, fostering an environment centered around interactive gaming. Participants are invited to engage in a dynamic mix of board and card games, rotating throughout the afternoon. Attendees are encouraged to linger and indulge in selections from the appetizer menu or opt for a more substantial meal featuring coastal cuisine and dishes crafted by their chefs. Happy Hour will be in full swing during this event, offering enticing specials that enhance the overall experience from both the bar and kitchen. Join locals and visitors from 2 PM to 5 PM at Picnic Beach in Gulf Shores for this unique seasonal opportunity to network, socialize, and enjoy recreational activities in an inviting atmosphere, right down the street from the white-sand shores. 

Picnic Beach 

128 E 1st Ave

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Picnic Beach 

Tuesday, January 20th-  For connoisseurs who missed last year’s Wine Tasting with Winston, the team in Orange Beach is thrilled to announce its return this Tuesday. Join in for an elevated experience featuring bold flavors and exquisite pairings, all set against the stunning backdrop of Tacky Jack’s OB, known for its breathtaking island views. At an affordable price of $40 per person, this event includes a curated selection of wines, each carefully chosen to complement various culinary delights. Each course offers an exploration of unique regional flavors, thoughtfully paired to enhance your tasting experience. Seating is limited, and the event will take place from 6 PM to 8 PM. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your palate and enjoy a delightful culinary journey from the comfort of your seat.

Tacky Jacks Grill & Tavern

27206 Safe Harbor Dr.

Orange Beach, AL 36561

Tacky Jacks 

Wednesday, January 21st- We’ve all seen the photos in online forums, such as Facebook groups, where people ask, “What is this?” or “Look what I found today.” Curious beachgoers often discover strange, gooey, and oddly shaped creatures or their parts that wash ashore. Wouldn’t it be great to have a straightforward, fact-based cheat sheet directly from experts who know these waters and the creatures that inhabit them best? You're in luck this week! As part of the 2026 Winter Showcase Series at Gulf State Park, known for its top walking trails, Gulf Shores Tourism is hosting an informative program. Most of these classes are free, including this one, where you’ll learn about barnacles, horseshoe crabs, jellyfish, flounder, and other coastal critters that don’t always get the same attention as their more popular counterparts. The talented team at the Learning Campus will showcase these creatures' hidden talents, explain some surprising behaviors and their significance, and highlight how some of them have adapted to our shores. You’ll also discover some of the creepiest and most fascinating creatures that bring the Gulf beaches and shallows to life. Lean in to learn everything you need to impress others the next time you're on the sand, and be sure to share your newfound knowledge with fellow beach enthusiasts! Starts at 10:30 AM. 

Learning Campus at Gulf State Park 

20115 State Park Rd

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Learning Campus at Gulf State Park

Thursday, January 22nd- Whether you’re still relishing the delight of Tuesday’s Wine Tasting with Winson or just preparing your taste buds for the upcoming week, we have more corks popping just for you! For only $12, you can become a member of the “Friends of the Library,” a non-profit organization that helps keep our doors open and the pages of our library books turning. Join in at the Orange Beach Community Center from 6 PM to 9 PM for a wine and cheese book sale event. Everyone loves a good book, and if you’re a seasonal local, having the chance to purchase one to take back home from paradise is truly special. This is your opportunity to expand your bookshelf, connect with other book lovers, and enjoy a glass of wine and a delicious cheese plate. It doesn’t get much better than that! Remember not to worry if you’re not a member yet; you can sign up at the door, pay your yearly fee, and slide right in for a night of literary pleasure right here on the island!

Orange Beach Community Center 

27235 Canal Rd

Orange Beach, AL 36561

Community Center | Orange Beach, AL 

Friday, January 23rd- Carnival vibes are buzzing on every corner of the Gulf Coast, and excitement is building for the upcoming parades, moon pies, gumbo, king cakes, and more. In Alabama, we are fortunate to have Rouses Market, a staple of Louisiana cuisine, providing an array of authentic Cajun delights. This year, Rouses Market will feature artwork by Becky Fos. Fos will be present to engage with fans and sign posters, creating a unique opportunity for art and Mardi Gras enthusiasts. This event, made possible through a collaboration between Rouses Market, Coca-Cola United, and Dr Pepper, will showcase Fos’s renowned talent, known for its vibrant depiction of New Orleans culture. Her work is typically found at her gallery on Magazine Street in New Orleans, making this meet-and-greet a special occasion for collectors and admirers alike. Attendees will have the chance to secure a signed poster featuring her Mardi Gras 2026 piece, available for one day only from 5 PM to 7 PM. After acquiring a poster, guests are encouraged to indulge in Rouse's culinary offerings and look for her artwork featured on Dr Pepper 12-packs currently available in stores. This event is not just about art; it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in the celebratory spirit of the Carnival season. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity—“let them eat king cake!”

Rouses Markets

25405 Perdido Beach Blvd 

Orange Beach, AL 36561

Orange Beach • Rouses Supermarkets 

Saturday, January 24th- Attention all wildlife conservation and feline welfare enthusiasts, Baldwin County’s new Coastal Cat Sanctuary is hosting a special open house event on Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM. This event provides a unique opportunity for attendees to learn about the sanctuary's operations, interact with the resident cats, and discover best practices for coexisting with community felines, all while emphasizing compassion and respect. During the open house, sanctuary operators will offer detailed information about the methods used in the daily management and care of the cats. While attendance is free, attendees are encouraged to support the initiative by donating cat food if they wish. This open house is a special occasion, as the sanctuary is closed to the public on all other days and does not accept abandoned cats. Join other cat and animal lovers for this engaging purrfect experience that highlights the sanctuary's mission and promotes a community-centered approach to feline welfare along the Gulf Coast, especially in cooler months like January.

Coast Cat Sanctuary 

13350 County Rd 49 S

Foley, AL 36535

Coastal Cat Sanctuary in Baldwin County, Alabama

Sunday, January 25th- 

To celebrate the New Year, all general admission tickets to the zoo are 26% off on Saturdays and Sundays throughout January! General admission not only includes entry to the zoo but also grants access to daily “Keeper Chats”—interactive, educational presentations featuring various animals at different times during the day. The zoo is open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM, allowing guests plenty of time to explore the park, take in the exotic scenery, and participate in select guided educational walkabouts. At check-in, guests can purchase additional experiences, such as feeder cups for use at designated animal exhibits throughout the park. Other exciting add-ons available at check-in include Giraffe feedings for just $5, where you can climb an elevated walkway to meet these gentle giants and feed them from your hand, Sulcata Tortoise feedings for $5, South American Sloth Adventure for $24.95, and Destination Madagascar Lemur Adventure for the same price as the sloth experience. Please note that all animal adventures are subject to weather conditions, so be sure to check the weather forecast and plan your visit accordingly to see some of Alabama's coolest non-native residents. During your visit, you'll also find additional activities, such as gemstone and rock exploration with varying costs per bucket of prizes. There are dining options, as well as a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs, including lifelike plush toys of your favorite animal, once called “the little zoo that could.” Have a great time!

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo 

20499 Oak Rd E

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo