Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf State Park is preparing to launch a new outdoor event this spring. Venture Out is planned as a three-day festival focused on nature and recreation. Organizers say the event is family-friendly. Activities will take place throughout the park and along the award-winning Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail.

The first Venture Out is scheduled for Friday, May 15, 2026, through Sunday, May 17, 2026. Gulf State Park said the festival will feature a range of nature- and outdoor-focused activities, workshops, and tours during the three-day run.

The event is a collaboration among Gulf State Park, the Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability, Valor Hospitality, the City of Gulf Shores, and the City of Orange Beach. Organizers said the festival will take place at several locations within the park.

The locations include the Learning Campus, Lake Shelby, the Nature Center, and the Gulf Coast Eco-Center. Organizers said the schedule is designed to offer residents and visitors a range of activities at various spots throughout Gulf State Park.

Event activities include bike rides, guided tours, rope course sessions, beach walks, nature walks, a cookout, and a bio blitz. Organizers said the festival is intended to give outdoor lovers opportunities to explore the park's natural features in several ways.

Workshops will cover a range of topics, including coastal ecosystems, native wildlife, bicycles, and storms. Event information describes the sessions as hands-on classes for residents and visitors seeking to learn more about the local environment and how to best enjoy it.

Guided tours, wildlife adventures, and other family activities are scheduled throughout the day. Organizers said the schedule will include morning bike rides and nature walks, followed by afternoon workshops and hands-on experiences at various locations around the park.

An art exhibit is also planned for the festival. A dozen local and regional artists are expected to work along the trails during the event, creating live paintings of the park. The finished pieces will be displayed at The Lodge.

The display is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The exhibit will give visitors a chance to see artwork created during the three-day event while Venture Out is underway.

Organizers said Venture Out is meant to combine outdoor recreation with education. Event information says participants will be able to move between activities, tours, and classes while spending time in different parts of Gulf State Park over the weekend.

By spreading events across multiple locations, organizers said Venture Out will offer several ways for families to participate. The festival also highlights the park's trail system, natural areas, and educational spaces as Gulf State Park hosts the event for the first time.

For more information, visit: Venture Out on Alabama's Beaches