Freedom Fest Returns to The Wharf in Orange Beach

R. Ken Cooper • September 27, 2023

Celebrate fall with Freedom Fest at The Wharf

Freedom Fest at the Wharf in Orange Beach Alabama

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The 3rd Annual Orange Beach Freedom Festival and Bama Coast Cruisin’ Car Show is set to take place on October 6th and 7th at The Wharf in Orange Beach. The event is organized by the City of Orange Beach thanks to community sponsors and promises a weekend full of family-friendly activities.


Day 1: Friday, October 6th:

The festival will kick off on Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the Bama Coast Cruisin' show featuring vintage and classic cars on Main Street. A Kids’ Zone will be set up next to the Ferris wheel, and military and veteran groups will be stationed on Wharf Parkway. The U.S. Air Force Operation Shadow Strike mobile experience will also be present. On Friday only, Orange Beach police and fire will join the military groups on Wharf Parkway with demonstrations. 


Day 2: Saturday, October 7th:

On Saturday, the event will continue from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with over 70 arts and crafts vendors, food stalls, and a music stage. On Saturday, a motorcycle and Jeep rally adds to the festive weekend, including a beach cruise at noon. Bama Coast Cruisin’ participants will have their parade to the beach late Saturday afternoon.


Additional Attractions:

  • Arts and crafts vendors will offer a wide range of products, from handmade clothing to local honey.
  • An Outdoor Village area will feature blacksmithing demonstrations and vendor booths including outdoor apparel.
  • The Orange Beach Police Department will run the Kids’ Zone, which will serve as a fundraiser for the OBPD Benevolent Fund.


Live Music:

The CoastAL/Flora-Bama Music Stage on Saturday will include the following lineup: 

  • 9 a.m.-11 a.m.:  Jesse Duncan
  • 11 a.m.-1 p.m.:  Johnny Hayes 
  • 1 p.m.-3 p.m.:  Al & Cathy
  • 3 p.m.-5 p.m.:  Smokey Otis Band


Food and Beverages:

The food selection will include seafood, BBQ pork, boudin egg rolls, and much more. A lemonade stand will be run by the Orange Beach High School Softball Team as a fundraiser.


Parking and Transportation:

Parking will be free at various lots at The Wharf. A shuttle will also run from Orange Beach Middle/High School parking lot on Saturday.

Freedom Fest at the Wharf

Share this article w/ Friends...

Frank Brown Songwriters Festival Earns Second Place in National Awards
By OBA Staff June 13, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival has been named the second-best outdoor music festival in the nation by Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards. This honor places the festival among the top music events in the United States. The festival, held along the Alabama-Florida coast, is known for its unique venues and focus on talented singer-songwriters. It draws music fans from across the country each year.
The Foley Cobblestone Hotel was dedicated on Tuesday, June 10.
By Guy Busby June 13, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is seeing more visitors thanks to new hotel developments. These hotels are also creating more local jobs and boosting income for both the city and its residents. More hotel space means more opportunities for businesses and tourism. It's a win for the entire community.
Gulf Shores City Hall
By OBA Staff June 12, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — In a lengthy and sometimes emotional discussion, the Gulf Shores City Council voted Monday to reduce a $1,500 fine levied against a homeowner for removing trees without a permit—while signaling possible changes ahead for the city’s tree protection ordinance.
Foley Invites Community to Celebrate Third Thursday Anniversary
By OBA Staff June 12, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Downtown Foley is celebrating a big milestone this month. The Third Thursday event series turns one year old on June 19. To mark the occasion, organizers are planning a special celebration. Residents and visitors are invited to shop, dine, and enjoy the downtown vibe.
Coastal Alabama Food Truck and Beer Festival Set to Return to Gulf Shores
By OBA Staff June 11, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf Shores will once again welcome a popular event focused on food and fun. The Annual Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival is returning for its fourth year. It will be held on November 8 and 9 at Gulf Place. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and includes live music, lawn games, and activities for all ages.
Gulf Shores Approves Parking Study to Tackle Growth in Waterway Village
By OBA Staff June 11, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The Gulf Shores City Council on Monday approved a $72,625 not-to-exceed contract with Kimley Horn to launch a comprehensive parking study focused on the Waterway Village District. The move marks a key step toward revitalizing the area and addressing a growing need for smarter parking solutions.
New Halo Lights to Brighten Foley Streets
By Guy Busby June 11, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is adding more lights to the oak trees along city streets as part of a project to brighten the downtown area. The new lights will help make the area more welcoming and easier to walk through at night. They are part of a larger plan to improve lighting around town. The project focuses on adding lights to both the trees and nearby walkways.
Orange Beach Man Drowns in Wolf Bay on Sunday Afternoon
By OBA Staff June 10, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — An Orange Beach man drowned in south Alabama Sunday afternoon, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Dewayne Stephens, 55, of Orange Beach, was identified as the man who lost his life.
City of Foley Firefighters Praised for High Performance
By Guy Busby June 10, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Fire protection in Foley has gotten better over the past few years, even though firefighters are answering more calls than before. A national study showed that the city's fire service has improved. Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the higher score proves Foley’s firefighters are doing a great job under growing pressure. He credited Chief Joey Darby and the entire department for their work in keeping the community safe.
Full Moon Paddle Returns to Orange Beach Friday
By OBA Staff June 10, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Orange Beach Wind & Water Learning Center is kicking off its summer Full Moon Paddle series with a night of fun on the water. The event is open to the public and features a mix of paddling, live music, and food. Guests will enjoy a unique experience under the moonlight while supporting a good cause. All proceeds benefit the Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center.
Show More