Gulf Coast Boat Show Kicks Off Today at the Wharf in Orange Beach

OBA Staff • March 20, 2026

Three-day event features more than $100 million in boats and marine gear for all types of boaters.

Gulf Coast Boat Show Kicks Off Today at the Wharf in Orange Beach

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show is returning to Orange Beach this spring. It is one of the Gulf Coast's largest annual marine events. More than $100 million worth of boats and gear will be displayed. Organizers describe it as "a show for everyone," from first-time buyers to experienced captains.


The three-day event begins today, Friday, March 20, and continues through Sunday, March 22, at The Wharf Marina in Orange Beach. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with shorter hours on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.


Each day has its own special theme. Friday is Fox10 Locals Day. Saturday features the Wharf Dock Walk, presented by Bellingham Marine. Sunday closes the weekend with Military Appreciation Day, where active and retired service members can enter free with a valid military ID.


Tickets are $15 for a one-day pass purchased before March 19 and $20 afterward. A Platinum three-day pass is available for $35. Children 12 and under enter free all weekend.


Attendees can expect to see 120 wet slip boats and yachts in the water. More than 300 sports and console boats will also be displayed on land. Over 120 exhibitors will be present to showcase the newest gear, technology, and marine accessories.


The Bridgewalk Area and Event Stage will feature live music, food, and drinks all weekend. Visitors can also join seminars and on-water demonstrations to strengthen their boating skills. The Wharf's shopping, dining, and entertainment options will enhance the festival atmosphere.


Show organizers say the event is designed to appeal to a wide audience. Whether someone is shopping for their first boat or has years of experience on the water, there is something to see and do. Hundreds of vessels, brands, and industry professionals will all gather in one place.


For tickets and more information, visit the official show website at
wharfboatshow.com.

Share this article w/ Friends...

Kenny Chesney Brings Exclusive SiriusXM Concert To The Legendary Flora-Bama
By OBA Staff March 20, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Kenny Chesney is heading to one of the Gulf Coast's most beloved landmarks for a special occasion. The country music superstar will perform an exclusive live concert at the renowned Flora-Bama Lounge. The show aims to mark ten years of his SiriusXM channel, No Shoes Radio. SiriusXM recently
Orange Beach Surf Rescue Asks Community To Donate Life Jackets For Beach Safety Program
By R. Ken Cooper March 20, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach Surf Rescue is reaching out to the local community for help in maintaining a life-saving program. The team partners with the Sea Tow Foundation to keep its Life Jacket Loaner Program active. The program offers free life jackets to beachgoers at a loaner station near the water.
Orange Beach Event Center
By OBA Staff March 19, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach is officially moving to sell the Orange Beach Event Center at The Wharf, a city-owned venue that has hosted hundreds of conferences, banquets, and community events over the years. City leaders state this decision will free up funds and focus on developing new facilities that...
Foley Airport Opens Its Doors for the Second Annual Open House
By Guy Busby March 19, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley's municipal airport is opening its doors to the public again. The city of Foley and Lightning Aviation are hosting a second-annual open house at Holk Field. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the terminal and other parts of the facility. The event is expected to be a fun and...
Gulf Shores Conceptual Playground Replacement
By John Mullen March 19, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – In 2014, Gulf Shores did a study on its Kids Park playground in Sims Park and discovered its life expectancy was waning fast. The wooden structure was built with the guidance of playground company Leathers and Associates and a community effort in 1996.
Closed For Nearly Two Decades, Gulf Shores Bridge Set For New Life
By John Mullen March 18, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Years after closing an unsafe bridge in the neighborhood north of West Beach Boulevard, the city is moving forward with a plan to repurpose the bridge and the surrounding area. A traffic study years ago deemed the bridge “unnecessary” to traffic flow in the neighborhood and a later grant app
Baldwin County Sets Virtual Training Ahead of New Housing Assistance Program Launch
By OBA Staff March 18, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Baldwin County is preparing to introduce a new housing initiative for residents. County officials have announced a virtual training session for lenders and realtors. The session will help these partners guide residents through the new program. The Homeownership Assistance Program is support
The 150-acre project would add housing north of the entertainment complex along the Foley Beach Exp
By John Mullen March 18, 2026
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – OWA Parks and Resort is seeking approval of a subdivision on 150 acres north of the complex as the beginning of “The Waters at OWA multi-family development,” according to city documents. The 150 acres are north of North OWA Boulevard and west of the Foley Beach Express. Developers there also want
Orange Beach Middle/High School Wins Alabama Safety Award For Second Straight Year
By R. Ken Cooper March 17, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach Middle/High School earned a prestigious state school safety award for the second consecutive year. Only nine out of 1,500 schools in Alabama received this honor. Attorney General Steve Marshall visited the school to present the award. Students and staff gathered for a...
Coastal Orange Beach Has Been Nominated As Best Waterfront Restaurant In The Nation: VOTE
By OBA Staff March 17, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The largest news publication in the country, USA Today, has nominated COASTAL Orange Beach as one of the "Best Waterfront Restaurants" in the nation. Their millions of readers will now vote for what is #1 in the United States. Other eatery locations include California, the Carolinas, and Ha
Show More