Cooler Morning Breezes, Beachy Teases & Another Desirable Gulf Coast Week
Shrimp, sand, steins & a dash of spooky, October on the coast has arrived.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — October has officially arrived on the Alabama Gulf Coast, bringing cooler mornings and breezy evenings, with just enough falling leaves to remind us other seasons exist somewhere. Yet around here, the beach still calls, the dolphins keep showing off, and the calendar is packed with plenty of ways to enjoy that wonderful, quirky mix of autumn festivities and lingering summer vibes. From spooky crafts and boat rides to lunchtime live music in the park, camping, Shrimp Fest, running for local schools, sand sculptures, and lighthearted stein-hoisting fun, here’s what’s happening along our special stretch of paradise this week. Grab your planner, your crew, and maybe a light jacket for wind and possibly some rain – October on the Gulf is ready to have some fun.
Monday, October 5th-
The first full week of October has arrived. We’ve had a few crisp, cool mornings and evening breezes, with a few falling leaves hinting at the seasons to come, but the warm air still keeps us dreaming of sunny beach days. That’s the beauty of the Gulf Coast in a nutshell or seashell; we get to enjoy summer vibes neatly blended with those of the seasons nearly 12 months out of the year. Our streets are still lined with visitors seeking fun activities alongside the locals' salty vibes, sprinkled with October magic. Step into the spooktacular season with the Orange Beach Public Library's Afternoon Art event featuring "Haunted House Decorating!” This Monday from 4- 5 PM, tap into your imagination as you transform a blank wooden cottage into your spooky masterpiece. All materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own personal touches from home. All ages are welcome, though the event is best suited for those aged 5 and up. Get creative and festive this season, and don't forget to sign up using the link below. Before you can enjoy the warm, welcoming atmosphere just outside the back doors of the library, you’ll breathe in nice salty air and enjoy a calm water view. Don’t stop there; pop over just next door, within walking distance to the art center, waterfront park, or kids park and soak in the best of coastal seasons all in one spot before jump-starting your creative flow for the haunted house decorating event.
Tuesday, October 6th-
Another October coastal gem that fits our weather this time of year is that most Dolphin Cruise boats are still booking trips for the community and island guests. In other good news, our local dolphins can be found year-round. They only travel about 10 to 20 miles from where they are born, so they live in and around our back bays. We like to think they are just as much a part of the entertainment as we are; they definitely show up and often put on a show for their viewers. One cruise you can enjoy during this not-too-hot, not-too-cold season is the Bama Breeze, marketed as a Dolphin Cruise, which allows passengers to observe our local dolphins in their natural habitat as they cruise through the back bays and inlets around Orange Beach. Throughout the cruise, you don’t just get to view those beautiful creatures; you also might get to see birds and sometimes other marine life, explore up-close views of the smaller islands, and enjoy the stunning bay views and homes. This cruise is perfect for families with children of all ages who want a relaxing water and sightseeing trip rather than a high-speed excursion. For more information on the Bama Breeze Dolphin Cruise and to book your trip, check out the link below. Happy sailing!
Bama Breeze Dolphin Cruises-Perdido Key
Wednesday, October 7th- Another exciting note about our Coastal climate is Foley's presentation of Midday Melodies, held in Heritage Park each October. Weather permitting, family, friends, locals, guests—everyone is invited from 11 AM to 2 PM to enjoy the start of a new season with live music and a picnic lunch in the park. Each Wednesday at lunchtime, you can bring your own lunch from home, pick up something from one of Foley‘s many excellent restaurants nearby, or buy some treats from the Masonic Lodge, which will have refreshments and more available. The event kicks off this Wednesday with the Wiley Pete Duo performing. Meet your neighbors, chat with visitors, take your workday lunch break, however it looks for you, and enjoy Midday Melodies, one of the locals' most beloved seasonal events in the area, with not too hot but just right October coastal weather.
Thursday, October 8th-
The Gulf State Park campground, about 1½ miles from the white sandy shores of the Gulf beaches, offers a 496-site improved area with 11 modern, amenity-rich primitive campsites, pull-through sites, back-in sites, waterfront campsites, and ADA accessibility. Tents are ideal if you prefer a more rustic camping experience. Most sites have water, sewer, and electric connections. Some sites provide complimentary picnic tables and pedestal grills. The park also features laundry facilities, recycling bins, and the option to bring or rent bikes. You can also bring or rent kayaks. The park boasts a playground, several creeks, plenty of trails to explore, and 11 newly established primitive camping sites with stone campfire rings, grill tops, and picnic tables. There is no wrong way to enjoy camping at Alabama Gulf State Park. Activities include geocaching, zip-lining, hiking, and visiting the nature center. With a golf club and endless exploring opportunities, whether you’re a local seeking a weekend adventure or visiting for the Shrimp Festival, Gulf State Park Campground is a wonderful place to settle in. For more information and to book, check out the link below.
Friday, October 9th-
Alabama's original Beach party is back! The city of Gulf Shores invites everyone to the 53rd annual National Shrimp Festival. Come and see how the end of Hwy 59 and the surrounding coastline will be transformed into a four-day extraordinary seafood and vendor festival filled with art, two stages, national entertainment acts, live music, activities for the kids, games, and over 100,000 of your closest friends. This festival features over 300 food and art vendors, including original staples people travel from near and far to see again and enjoy, along with new commerce and exciting, up-to-date attractions. Kids and arts corners are filled with imagination and interactive activities. One of the best parts of this festival is that it overlooks the beautiful white sandy shores and beach that many of us are blessed to call home. The event runs Thursday from 10 AM to 10 PM, with Friday and Saturday at the same times and an early close on Sunday at 5 PM. Come for one day or for all—just be sure to come out, experience, and enjoy the 53rd Annual National Shrimp Festival!
Saturday, October 10th-
Planning to indulge in days of seafood and delicious treats at the 53rd annual National Shrimp Festival this weekend? Then we have just the thing for you. Prepare yourself and your metabolism on Saturday morning by joining others and lacing up your running shoes for the Shrimp Festival 5K and 10K. You can run or walk along the award-winning Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in the Alabama State Park. The event begins early at 7:30 AM for the 5K and at 7:45 AM for the 10K, wrapping up around 10:30 AM or when you finish. All proceeds will benefit the Orange Beach and Gulf Shores High School cross country and track teams to support their growing programs. Come out to celebrate the weekend and the festival, then head over to Gulf Shores afterward to eat as much as you like—you’ll have earned it. The race registration link is below. If you plan to head to the festival after the race, be sure to check out the incredibly talented and unique annual sand, scope, and competition located directly off the boardwalk at the shrimp festival. All ages are welcome. If you’d like to do more than just watch, check out the link below for prizes, categories, and everything you need to join the contest, which runs from 11 AM to 2 PM.
Shrimp Festival Run registration
Sand Sculpture Contest @ Shrimp Fest 2026-GS
Sunday, October 11th-
Nothing says October like a good old Oktoberfest with polka bands, and of course, your traditional stein-hoisting contest. Flora-Bama’s annual Oktoberfest returns this Sunday from 3 to 6 PM. Everyone 21 and over who enters will receive a free drink coupon, plus a 25% discount coupon for the gift shop. Best of all, complimentary German food will be available from the buffet while supplies last. The Stein hoisting competition begins at 3 PM, and food will be served from 4 PM, featuring Beer Brats, Sauerkraut, and German potato salad. Plus, the Bama offers a free stein to anyone who participates in the Stein hoisting contest. The Bama Dome will also feature live music by The Brats at 4 PM. This New Orleans-based polka band promises to bring lively entertainment with a day/evening full of laughter and dancing. Arrive before the event starts to register as early as 2PM for the Stein hoisting competition. This is important because they will only be accepting the first eight females who sign up for the female heat and the first 16 males for the two male heats. The doors open at 11AM, so come early and get in line on the line. Don’t forget to dress up in your favorite German attire. Throughout the day, silent judging will take place, and at some point, they’ll announce a $50 gift certificate for the best Lederhosen (male) and Dirndl (female) outfits. Everyone is welcome to this family-friendly event with no cover charge. Happy hoisting!
Flora-Bama Oktoberfest-Pensacola
Spooky, salty, crafty, crawly, and downright festive… yep, October nailed the fall on the coast assignment. See y’all out there!
Share this article w/ Friends...
