Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — New Year’s Eve on the Gulf Coast offers something for everyone, from early ball drops and confetti showers for kids to chef-driven dinners, themed bar parties, and late-night live music. Families can ring in 2026 at noon or well before midnight, while night owls have their pick of New Year's parties, costume contests, and live music stretching into the early hours of New Year’s Day. Whether you’re looking for a quiet meal with a view, a ticketed blowout at a legendary roadhouse, or a street party under the marlin drop, there’s no shortage of ways to close out 2025 along the Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast.

The New Year’s Eve events below are listed in chronological order by start time.

LuLu’s Gulf Shores leans into family fun with its annual NOON Year’s Eve Celebration, a daytime twist on the classic countdown that runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Instead of keeping the kids up late, families can ring in “midnight” at noon with a massive beach ball drop, festive music, fun crafts, and a few surprises sprinkled in. Local favorite Chitlin Switch will keep the energy up with live music from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., making it easy to linger over lunch while the kids play. It all happens at LuLu’s Gulf Shores, and you’ll find it at 200 E 25th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542. For more details, visit the Facebook event page. 

The Wharf in Orange Beach turns New Year’s Eve into a full-on family Playground with its annual Kids’ Confetti Drop presented by Beachball Properties, a midday celebration designed for little ones who won’t make it to midnight. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Main Street and Palms Plaza come alive with inflatable attractions, balloon creations, a 360 photo booth, and nonstop music from DJ Matt, plus face painting and camel rides available for an extra fee. Kids’ activities run throughout the event, The Destinations perform live at Portside from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the big moment comes at noon, when confetti cannons blast a colorful flurry into the sky for an early countdown to 2026. Admission and parking are free, with some activities ranging from $5 to $10. You’ll find The Wharf at 4830 Main Street, Orange Beach, AL 36561. For more information, visit the Facebook event page. 

Big Beach Brewing Company is leaning into snowbird season on New Year’s Eve with a rich winter treat and extended taproom accessibility, making it an easy stop for craft beer fans spending New Year’s on the coast. The brewery has a 2025 Holiday Hours schedule posted so locals and visitors know when to visit, and one of its biggest draws is the special release of Flight of the Snowbirds Bushwhacker Stout. This big, Bushwhacker-inspired imperial milk stout clocks in at around 10% ABV and layers chocolate, vanilla, toasted coconut, and local cold-brew coffee into a decadent cold‑weather sipper. It’s the kind of beer that feels tailor‑made for toasting the end of the year after a day on the sand, whether you’re a longtime regular or just migrating south for the winter. You’ll find Big Beach Brewing Company at 300 E 24th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542. For more information, check out the Facebook event page.

Wolf Bay Restaurant – Foley is offering a New Year’s Eve Special Dinner that feels tailor-made for food lovers who’d rather toast 2026 over a great meal than in a crowded ballroom. On Tuesday, Dec. 31, from 3 to 8 p.m., the restaurant will serve a curated holiday menu featuring Beef Carpaccio Crostini to start, a Filet & Conecuh Cake Tower as the centerpiece entrée, and a decadent Chocolate Éclair Parfait to finish, along with a Buffalo Trace Smoked Old Fashioned as the featured cocktail; each course is available à la carte, and the regular menu will still be offered for those who want their usual favorites. The special New Year’s Eve menu will be available at both the Orange Beach and Foley locations, making it easy to work dinner into your evening plans, whether you’re staying bayside or beachside. You’ll find Wolf Bay Restaurant – Foley at 20801 Miflin Rd, Foley, AL 36535. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.

Cosmo’s Courtyard is setting the stage for a cozy, coastal sendoff to 2025 with a special New Year’s Eve Dinner on Tuesday, Dec. 31, from 4 to 9:30 p.m. For one night only, the restaurant will replace its regular menu, happy hour, and sunset menu with a dedicated NYE lineup, giving the evening a more elevated, celebratory feel. Diners are encouraged to call ahead and reserve a table, as space is expected to fill quickly with locals and visitors seeking a relaxed, chef-driven meal before heading to other festivities—or calling it a night after dessert. You’ll find Cosmo’s Courtyard at 25753 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.

Zeke’s Restaurant invites diners to welcome 2026 with a New Year’s Eve experience that highlights Gulf Coast flavors and waterfront views. On Tuesday, Dec. 31, the restaurant will serve a thoughtfully curated NYE menu from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., featuring chef-selected dishes built around seasonal ingredients, plus elevated touches such as special caviar offerings. Guests can raise a glass with signature cocktails or champagne while they linger over dinner and watch the last sunset of the year on the marina. You’ll find Zeke’s Restaurant at 26619 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561. For more details, visit the Facebook event page. 

The Wharf in Orange Beach turns New Year’s Eve into a full-blown street party with its annual Reelin’ in the New Year celebration, a free event that mixes family-friendly fun with a big-time coastal countdown. On Tuesday, Dec. 31, from 5 p.m. to midnight, Main Street and Marlin Circle will be packed with live music, photo ops, and activities, as the Alan Mabry Duo plays from 6–9 p.m. and The Park Band takes over from 9 p.m. to midnight, joined by another live band at Portside. As the clock nears 12, the energy shifts toward the Kentucky Mist marlin drop and a fireworks finale powered by White Claw, followed by the SPECTRA Laser Light Show lighting up the night sky. Admission and parking are free, with some kids’ activities priced between $5 and $10, making it easy to bring the whole crew. You’ll find The Wharf at 4830 Main Street, Orange Beach, AL 36561. For more information, visit the Facebook event page. 

CoastAL Orange Beach is offering a New Year’s Eve dinner tailor-made for anyone who wants their celebration served with a side of Gulf views. On Tuesday, Dec. 31, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., guests can settle in for a special NYE dinner menu, live music, and a beachfront atmosphere that feels a little extra magical on the last night of the year. With limited spots available, this is the kind of evening you’ll want to book ahead—perfect for a romantic date night, a small group of friends, or a laid-back family toast before the midnight madness starts elsewhere. You’ll find CoastAL Orange Beach at 25722 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561. For more information, visit the Facebook event page. 

Tacky Jack’s Gulf Shores is turning New Year’s Eve into a full-on party, blending its laid-back Open Mic Night with Nigel & Company with a special Bushwacker Balloon Drop that’s all about big flavors and bigger fun. Aspiring performers can step up to the mic and “be the star of your own Tacky show,” with sign-ups opening 15 minutes before the music starts, while the restaurant gears up for its ticketed NYE Bushwacker Drop from 6 to 9 p.m. The evening includes an appetizer buffet, a complimentary Bushwacker (with additional Bushwackers available for $7), party favors, and a balloon drop loaded with prizes, plus live music from Double Stuff to keep the energy high. The event is 21+. Seating is limited, and a $10 reservation fee applies toward the $50 ticket price; it is refundable if you cancel before the event. You’ll find Tacky Jack’s Gulf Shores at 240 E 24th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542. For more details, check out the event pages here: Open Mic with Nigel & Company and the New Year’s Eve Bushwacker Balloon Drop.

Flora-Bama Lounge & Package is once again staking its claim as the place to be on New Year’s Eve, throwing a high-energy New Year's Eve Bash that leans into everything people love about this legendary roadhouse on the state line. On Tuesday, Dec. 31, from 6 to 9 p.m. and well beyond, all three stages will be packed with live music, and the party will roll straight into midnight with plenty of food, party favors, and a champagne toast to officially welcome 2026 “On The Line.” The event is 21+ only, and organizers have said it will sell out, so securing tickets early is essential for anyone who wants to be in the middle of the action. You’ll find Flora-Bama Lounge & Package at 17401 Perdido Key Dr, Pensacola, FL 32507. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.

Tacky Jacks Grill & Tavern – Orange Beach is going full retro with a Disco New Year’s Eve Party that invites you to boogie your way into 2026 under the glow of the disco ball. Jack’s Bar will be open from noon to midnight on Tuesday, Dec. 31, with happy hour from 2–6 p.m., drink specials all day (including $5 select martinis and $3 Busch Light), and DJ Tony spinning disco classics and dance-floor bangers from 6 p.m. straight through the countdown. Guests are encouraged to embrace the theme with bell-bottoms, sequins, glitter, and platform shoes for a disco costume contest, with Tacky Jacks gift certificates awarded to the top three looks. You’ll find Tacky Jack's Grill & Tavern – Orange Beach at 27206 Safe Harbor Drive, Orange Beach, AL 36561. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.

The Hangout in Gulf Shores is turning the last night of the year into a high-energy launch party with NYE AT THE HANGOUT 2025, presented by Future Astronaut. On Tuesday, Dec. 31, beginning at 8 p.m. for a late-night lineup featuring Nashville act Zewmob along with Dariu$, Pado, and THE IN-LAWS, all backed by full-scale production from Future Astronaut and sound by Premier Sound using Danley Sound Labs. The vibe is pure nightclub-on-the-beach, capped off with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight for all ticket holders as everyone “blasts off” into 2026 together. This event is 21 and up, making it a go-to option for adults who want a big, music-driven New Year’s Eve right on the sand. You’ll find The Hangout at 101 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.