Let the Good Times (and Tails) Roll
Parades, parties, crafts, trivia, date nights—and maybe your new best friend.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The last full week of carnival season on the Gulf Coast has officially kicked off, and it's packed with activities. As we get closer to Fat Tuesday, expect to see beads flying, creativity shining, and a calendar filled with exciting events. This week offers a variety of fun experiences, from Mardi Gras jewelry-making and brain-teasing trivia nights to numerous parades, Valentine’s dinners, and other sweet celebrations. This week delivers all the fun with none of the work week pressure! When you think it can't get any better, there’s also the opportunity for pet adoptions at two locations. Nothing says "Happy Mardi Gras" or "Happy Valentine’s Day" quite like bringing home a rescue pup. Whether you're here for the throws, the shows, or the toe beans, there's something festive and special waiting for you every single day.
Monday, February 9th-
The Gulf Coast is gearing up for an exciting carnival season, and the final countdown to the big parades and Fat Tuesday has begun! Local arts and crafts scenes are embracing the festive "throw me something, mister" spirit. Instead of fighting for beads, why not showcase your own unique Mardi Gras jewelry designs? Join others at Tacky Jack’s in Gulf Shores for this week's "Winter of Fun: Art al Fresco" class. Starting at 10 AM, participants will choose to create either a Valentine's or Mardi Gras jewelry piece using sculptable clay. Over the next hour and a half, participants will learn how to design a custom wearable piece with additional materials to make it truly yours. This class is open to all ages for just $25, which includes a $10 lunch gift card or merchandise card. RSVP online so the instructors know how much to prepare. No matter which theme you choose, your creation is sure to be a gem that you or someone you love can enjoy for many holidays to come!
Tacky Jack’s
240 E 24th Ave
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Clay Mardi Gras or Valentine themes necklaces
Tuesday, February 10th-
Welcome to a game where everyone knows the answers! However, given the various categories presented, will the contestants be able to recall which questions match those answers? If you're thinking of Jeopardy, you’ve got it! The Hangout in Gulf Shores, like many local establishments, understands that during the off-peak season, our year-round residents, winter visitors, and holiday guests still need entertainment. That’s why they’ve organized a night of good old-fashioned game show fun to meet that very need. You’ll find a mix of brainy competitors eager to claim victory alongside first-timers, seasoned players, and even kids, all engaging in a fast-paced yet friendly competition. Each team can order dinner and drinks and relax at their tables before, during, or after the game. Don’t worry if you don’t have a team; others often arrive solo or unaware of the game and are looking to join in. The crew will help connect you with new friends to tackle the challenge together. The event is free to play and invaluable to win! The first round starts at 5 PM, with the last round ending around 7 PM. Be sure to arrive early to form your team or join one. However, if you arrive late, don’t worry—someone may be ready to bow out and welcome you in for the next round. Good luck, and have fun!
The Hangout
101 E Beach Blvd
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Wednesday, February 11th-
There are only a few Senior Wednesdays left this winter for the special admission price of $10 for those aged 62 and over. From 9 AM to 3 PM, seniors looking to explore the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo before returning home or as a resident before the big crowds can take advantage of this fantastic ticket deal, available only on Wednesdays through February 28th. If you haven’t had a chance to enjoy this great offer, this week is perfect for a visit. The weather is just right—not too cold or too hot—making it ideal for some wild animal entertainment. Take a leisurely stroll along the less crowded pathways, stop to interact with your favorite animals, and even enjoy some up-close encounters. Soak up the sunshine while feeling the breeze, check out the butterfly museum, and let your inner child shine by taking a ride on the merry-go-round with bench seating that accommodates everyone. If you have grandkids in town, this is a wonderful way to treat them to an enjoyable afternoon. You can save money on admission and spend it on more adventures or souvenirs from the gift shop. Not in town? No problem! You can take a photo with their favorite animal and then purchase a plush replica of that animal right in the gift shop to take back home to them. No matter how you decide to spend your time at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, you’ll leave with a joyful howl and the exciting memories of a grand roaring time.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
20499 Oak Rd. E
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
$10 Senior Wednesdays @ the Zoo
Thursday, February 12th-
You’ve likely heard the exciting news that the highly anticipated Gulf Shores Parade is returning to its original location on Highway 59. This change allows more local businesses and guests to feel at home while enjoying the festivities and letting the good times roll. But do you know how much planning goes into making events like this successful, and how many people contribute to the preparations? If you're interested in learning more about this process and enjoying some entertainment, look no further than the Gulf Shores Public Library's special ‘Mardi Gras Storytime.’ The event will take place from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM and will be unlike most storytimes. City of Gulf Shores Special Events Supervisor Erica Bassett will share insights into the glitz, glam, and production that make the parade a beloved celebration for residents and visitors alike. During this time, guests will enjoy stories related to Mardi Gras, partake in group singing, make crafts, and even parade around the library for added fun. This event is free, so be sure to stop by! And as always, take some time to explore the shelves to find your next adventure. Happy celebrating! Then head to Zaxby’s for a great lunch, where they're serving up fine chicken, tea, and sauces to keep you coming back for more.
Gulf Shores Public Library
221 W 19th Ave
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Friday, February 13th-
This may or may not be the kind of pub ball you typically crawl to, but you get to decide! Guests are welcome to come dressed in their best gowns, dressed casually, in themed outfits, or just as they are for the Fort Morgan Parading Society Annual Mardi Gras Bawl. The organized festivities begin at 7 PM, but you can arrive as early as you'd like to kick off the party. The night will feature drink specials from the bar and a DJ playing tunes and taking requests until 10 PM. An on-site photographer will be available, so be sure to schedule a Mardi Gras photo session while enjoying the atmosphere, drinks, and great company. To keep things simple and safe, this event is for those aged 21 and up, and admission is free. Bring your dancing shoes and some tokens for drinks as SanJay and the entire TJ’s Krewe prepare to make this night one for the books. If this is your first Bawl, you're in for a treat! Not only will everyone have a chance to dance, but the night will also feature one of the most exciting Mardi Gras 2nd Lines on the Gulf Coast, taking place right at the Deck behind the restaurant. Both cash and cards will be accepted for any extras you'd like. Don’t forget to have photos taken by Lori S. Happy Carnival season!
Tacky Jack’s 2– Fort Morgan
1577 Hwy 180
Fort Morgan, AL 36542
Parading Society Mardi Gras Bawl
Saturday, February 14th-
If you’re looking for a fun way to entertain the little ones before preparing for a romantic night out, having Valentine's Day coincide with Mardi Gras is a perfect opportunity. Foley’s Mardi Gras Parade on Main Street starts at 11 AM and lasts until 2 PM, giving families plenty of time to enjoy the festivities and get the kids home so that mom and dad can head out for dinner or enjoy a quieter meal at home together. This parade is unique compared to others in the area, as participants are not your typical Mardi Club peeps paying hefty fees for advertising. It features residents, families, some businesses, schools, and others celebrating and generously sharing items to toss to the eager onlookers. Organized by Mr. Paul Adams and hosted by Krewe De’ Kaoz, this parade emphasizes fun without pressure or commercialism. Although the parade begins at 11 AM, it’s recommended to arrive early to secure a good spot along the route, as streets will close as the start time approaches. Expect to see local first responders, fire trucks, police, and school bands all coming together for a display of community spirit—truly a reflection of small-town unity. You might even spot familiar faces from around town, along with their families, as they pass by to say hello. Keep in mind that the items thrown during the parade are mostly donated by participants, so be sure to show appreciation for whatever you receive. Save your excitement and longing for the larger floats and loud outfits featured in the evening parade at Orange Beach, starting at 6 PM, or for other events next week at the Wharf on Monday night, or in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach on Fat Tuesday. Between the parade and dinner or second parade, head over to Big Beach in Gulf Shores to continue the day of celebration with pet adoption through Zeke’s Rescued Paws and take home your furrrever Valentine. Enjoy the festivities, and have a Happy Valentine's Day! Check out some great spots for date night from the links below.
Foley Morning Mardi Gras Parade
Be Our Valentine @2PM Flora Bama with Sugar Cane Jane
Valentine's Day pet Adoption @ Big Beach
Sunday, February 15th-
The west side of the island is celebrating the season in style this Sunday with two exciting events featuring unique parades, both starting at 1 PM. Fort Morgan’s Parading Society will host their annual parade, showcasing golf carts, buggies, jeeps, cars, boats, trailers, and more as they parade down the streets. This year, there will also be a special Pup Crawl for you and your four-legged furry friends along Highway 59, with stops along the way. The festivities kick off at the Ice House Tap Room. Participants will follow a line of parading pets and their owners to various stops, including Scoops and Picnic Beach, culminating at Highway 59, and the fun continues. At the Hangout, enjoy live music, a costume contest, and dog adoptions in case you want to add a new furry friend to your family, or you're a parade viewer who’s been inspired and would like their own. Many tail-wagging pups will be available and ready to meet their new best friends! This is a registration event open to everyone; you can sign up on Eventbrite using the link below. While there is no fee to walk in the parade, registering ensures everyone's safety, and there will be plenty of treats available. The Pup Crawl is free to watch or join along for the stops. Participants are encouraged to bring their own throws to toss to spectators cheering them on in their best Mardi Gras outfits. Each stop along the crawl will also include complimentary treats for your canine companions. So come out, let loose, and enjoy the festivities by the shores this weekend!
Pup Crawl- Mardi Gras parade registration
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