Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Residents and visitors along the Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast will celebrate the start of 2026 with traditional cold-water plunges. These annual events draw thousands of people to the shoreline to jump into the Gulf at high noon. Local venues in Gulf Shores and Perdido Key provide food and entertainment to help participants warm up after the swim. Both gatherings offer a festive atmosphere for families and friends to mark the first day of the new year together. On the afternoon of New Year’s Eve, participants at Pirates Cove will hit the chilly waters of Arnica Bay. 

Below are the details for all the Polar Bear Dip events in our area. 

Flora-Bama Polar Bear Dip

The Flora-Bama Lounge & Package will host its annual Polar Bear Dip on New Year’s Day, Thursday, January 1, 2026, from noon to 3 p.m. at 17401 Perdido Key Drive in Pensacola, Florida. After a long night of New Year’s Eve celebrations, participants are invited to charge into the Gulf together at high noon. Participants typically arrive in costumes, swimwear, or even wetsuits to experience the brisk saltwater. Anyone who fully submerges in the gulf earns a free draft beer and a New Year’s lunch of ham, black-eyed peas, greens, and cornbread. For more information, visit the FLORA BAMA POLAR BEAR DIP website.

The Hangout Polar Bear Dip

The Hangout in Gulf Shores will ring in New Year’s Day 2026 with its own Polar Bear Dip at 101 East Beach Boulevard. Doors open at 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 1, 2026, with the plunge set for noon. The event lineup includes hot chocolate for chilly swimmers, live music from Patrick Barnett, and college football games on screens throughout the venue. Staff members say food, drinks, and festivities will continue through the afternoon as participants and spectators celebrate the first day of the new year on the Gulf Coast. For more information, visit The Hangout Restaurant - Gulf Shores website. 

Pirates Cove Polar Plunge

The Annual Pirates Cove Polar Plunge will give New Year’s revelers another chance to greet the Gulf Coast waters in costume. Pirates Cove in Elberta plans the free event for Wednesday, December 31, 2025, with a countdown and group plunge at 1 p.m. on the main beach. Organizers encourage participants to wear pirate gear, matching crew outfits, or any clothing they are comfortable getting wet in. After a quick dash into the water and back out again, attendees can warm up with hot or cold drinks and linger on the beach and around the bar with friends and family. For more information, visit the Events - Pirates Cove website.