Gulf Coast Events Guide: A Week of Fun in the Sun
Family Fun Meets Local Traditions on the Gulf Coast This Week
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Gulf Coast is gearing up for a week of community celebrations and cultural events from April 21-27, featuring activities that range from traditional Japanese art workshops to the region's iconic Interstate Mullet Toss. The calendar includes recognition of local heroes, family entertainment venues, and outdoor adventures across Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Perdido Key.
Highlighting the week's festivities is the Gulf Coast's largest beach party at Flora-Bama, where participants will compete in the annual Interstate Mullet Toss, throwing fish across state lines in a tradition that draws visitors from across the country. Meanwhile, the Orange Beach Public Library will host a cultural arts program, and The Port at Zeke's will honor community first responders in an inaugural celebration of local heroes.
Monday, April 21st -
Every year in May, cities and villages throughout Japan celebrate Children's Day with “koinobori” festivals, featuring carp streamers, i.e. wind socks. This day is dedicated to wishing happiness and health for all children around the world. Each color of the streamers has its own unique meaning, representing different family members and various types of fish, including the koi fish, which symbolizes strength, courage, and determination. It is a day filled with fun and vibrant colors. This month, the Orange Beach Public Library is hosting “Afternoon Art,” featuring “Japanese Wind Socks.” Registration is encouraged to secure a spot, and can be completed either in person or through Facebook. This event is suitable for children aged five and up. From 4 PM to 7 PM, participants will learn about the tradition behind these colorful symbols while painting their own windsock to take home. Stop by today, snag a new book, escape to new continents and create something great.
Orange Beach Public Library
26267 Canal Rd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Tuesday, April 22nd -
Choose the Factory located off Hwy 59 between Gulf Shores and Foley for your next birthday party, or simply come by for a day of fun out of the sun or on a rainy day. Open seven days a week, they offer both group and individual rates and some food packages. If climbing isn’t your thing, no problem—just grab a jump pass, and vice versa. The Factory boasts over 15,000 square feet of trampoline fun, including dodgeball, ninja obstacle courses, and rope swinging, all included with the jump pass. They also have a kiddie area for children aged 4 and under. If you're ready to test your stamina and balance, check out their climbing walls featuring 30-foot high challenges, the adrenaline tower, slides, and skyscraper steps. Don’t worry gamers, they've got you covered too with engaging flight simulators, various arcade games, and batting cages. You can’t go wrong with a day at the Factory, whose motto is “Play Now. Grow Up Later” so get out there, cut loose and have fun! No age limits.
The Factory
18948 Oak Rd West
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Wednesday, April 23rd -
Things are buzzing at the Brew with new ownership having transitioned smoothly last week, and the hops are still flowing. Any day of the week is a great time to visit this airy, still locally-owned venue, but this April, Wednesday promises some especially good reasons to spend your evening at Big Beach. Starting at 4 PM and lasting until 8 PM, patrons can enjoy $1 pints from the tap. Additionally, from 6 PM to 9 PM, the Brew is excited to welcome back “Jam Night!” If you haven’t experienced this event yet, you’re in for a treat. It features an incredible showcase of collaborative musical talent where local artists bring their instruments and jump in to jam together—totally unrehearsed and completely one-of-a-kind. So gather some friends and head down to Big Beach Brewing Company to celebrate the new owners while enjoying some fresh jams and hops.
Big Beach Brewing Company
300 E 24th Ave
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Thursday, April 24th -
The world always finds reasons to celebrate and honor the heroes who keep our loved ones and us safe. In this spirit, our not so small town is excited to host an evening dedicated to our brave local heroes who keep up with the pace and flow as we grow. Join in for the event starting at 5 PM at the Port at Zeke’s, where stories of hope, inspiration, and the often-overlooked acts of greatness from the Gulf Coast heroes who make our community a better place will be shared. The night will recognize individuals in several categories, including Medical, Beach Rescue, Public Safety Police, Public Safety Fire, Youth Advocate, Military, and, last but not least, the Good Samaritan. Space is limited for this inaugural event, so secure your tickets now. This is a special night you won’t want to miss! Come out and support those who support us all while showing gratitude and respect to these honorable mentions and hearing about some of what they do.
The Port at Zeke’s
26619 Perdido Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Related Article: Community Heroes to Be Celebrated in Orange Beach
Friday-Sunday -
Nothing to see here, just the Gulf Coast’s greatest beach party and a little event called the Interstate Mullet Toss! What began as a fun celebration has turned into one of the largest beach events along the coast, eagerly anticipated by attendees, some of whom even book their stays years in advance. This annual event is hosted by the world-famous Flora-Bama bar. During the Mullet Toss, participants throw a dead mullet across the state line between Florida and Alabama to see who can throw it the furthest. While the competition can be entertaining, the real joy lies in the lighthearted and humorous nature of the event. Each year, people from all over come up with increasingly creative outfits and ideas. The event lasts the entire weekend, with special sub-events happening each day (see below) so get out there and play or just watch and laugh. Doors are open daily from 11 AM to midnight. Also, this weekend catch the 15th Annual Bama Coast Cruisin, a showcase of some of the most beautiful cars in the country-free to the public Thurs-Sat at the Wharf.
Flora-Bama
17401 Perdido Key Dr
Pensacola, FL 32507
Friday, April 25th -
Join in on the exciting Mullet Toss at Bama, featuring the Miss Mullet Toss 2025 competition! There are wicked cool prizes totaling up to $5,000 available. This event is strictly for those 21 and older, and registration is currently open and will also be available on the day of the event. Contestants will be judged based on their form, swimwear, and individual creativity. It’s anyone’s game, and patrons are encouraged to cheer for their favorites as the judges evaluate the contestants until only one girl remains. The festivities kick off at 11 AM, with the Miss Mullet Toss competition taking place on the tent stage starting at 2 PM, Mr. Mullet Toss will be at the same place and time the following day. Food and beverage menus will be available all-day Gulf side and across on the bay side at, Yacht Club and Ole River Grill, making sure everyone has all the fuel needed for the day.
Flora-Bama Ole River Grill
17400 Perdido Key Dr
Pensacola, FL 32507
The Flora-Bama Yacht Club
17305 Perdido Key Dr
Pensacola, FL 32507
Saturday, April 26th -
Spring into action with the Gulf Shores Junior City Council for an exciting and vibrant Spring Market! This youth-led initiative celebrates the incredible talent and creativity found in Gulf Shores, aiming to bring the community together while showcasing local artists and their work. They’re calling for all local passionate artists and food vendors to participate. Whether you have fresh-picked produce, handmade creations, or delicious local delicacies to share and sell, the Spring Market is the ideal platform for connection and growth. To ensure authenticity and local flavor, all vendors must be the original producers of their goods. Visitors can look forward to live music throughout the day, as well as a kids' corner to keep the little ones entertained. Whether you want to be a vendor and display your work, or simply come to enjoy what others have to offer, stop by from 10 AM to 2 PM and experience some local talent on display.
Waterway Village
23558 East Gulf Ave
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Waterway Village | Gulf Shores, AL - Official Website
Sunday, April 27th -
It’s always sunny on the Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruises! Conveniently located at the Wharf Marina, guests can board and embark on a journey through the canals to explore the open back bays. This isn't just any dolphin cruise—it's also an eco-tour. Our back bays are home to several estuaries, making them an excellent spot to get up close and discover marine life before it heads out into the Gulf. These brackish waters, which receive a fresh water flow, are teeming with wildlife, including alligators, deer, and all sorts of creatures that might surprise you. Sightings and evidence of nightly prowlers abound for boaters throughout the day. The Sunny Lady is a double-decker boat, featuring indoor seating for those who prefer to enjoy the view from inside, as well as standing and walking room on the exterior for those eager to experience the open air. The tour showcases stunning homes, local waterfront restaurants, shops, and other attractions that both islanders and visitors can enjoy while in Orange Beach, including the Orange Beach Art Center. The dolphins in our area are residents, typically traveling no more than twenty miles from where they were born. This makes back bay dolphin cruises a fantastic opportunity to see these playful creatures, who show no signs of leaving anytime soon. The crew encourages guests to bring binoculars to spot large birds of prey and other interesting wildlife in their natural habitats while aboard. Book your adventure today, either by calling us or using their online reservation system.
Sunny Lady Dolphin & Eco Tours
4673 Wharf Pkwy
Orange Beach, AL 36561
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