Orange Beach Festival Of Art Earns Another National Nod

OBA Staff • February 9, 2026

After winning last year’s Best Art Festival title, Orange Beach aims to repeat the win with support from residents, visitors, and art lovers across the country.

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach Festival of Art is back in the national spotlight after being nominated again for Best Art Festival in the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards. The coastal event earned the title last year and is now aiming to defend its crown in the 2026 voting. City and arts leaders say the repeat nomination highlights both the festival's quality and the strong support it receives from locals and visitors. They are encouraging festival fans to vote daily to help keep Orange Beach at the top.

Over the next four weeks, USA TODAY 10BEST readers can vote once per day until voting ends on Monday, March 2, at 11:59 a.m. EST. The top 10 festivals, as ranked by readers, will be announced on Wednesday, March 11, at noon.

The Orange Beach Festival of Art has been a Gulf Coast tradition for more than 50 years, showcasing painters, potters, sculptors, glass artists, and more along the city’s waterfront. The event, hosted by the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach, draws artists and visitors from across Alabama and the Southeast each year. Local officials describe the festival as a key piece of the city’s identity and tourism economy.

“Having the Orange Beach Festival of Art earn the title of Best Arts Festival in the nation in 2025 by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards is a testament to the hard work of Coastal Arts Center Director Desiree Hodge and her dedicated team,” Mayor Tony Kennon said in a recent statement. “It is truly a diamond on our coast.” The new nomination gives the city another chance to shine on a national stage, he added.

This year’s 10BEST contest allows supporters to vote once per day from each device, including phones, tablets, and computers. Organizers in Orange Beach are sharing the voting link on social media and encouraging residents, business owners, and past festival guests to take part.

Readers can cast their votes for the Orange Beach Festival of Art at the USA TODAY 10BEST website. City leaders hope that strong online participation will help bring the Best Art Festival title back to Alabama’s Gulf Coast for a second straight year.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Share this article w/ Friends...

Woman Stabbed With a Screwdriver Leads To Foley Man’s Arrest

By OBA Staff • March 26, 2026

Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Officers in Foley responded Wednesday afternoon to a violent domestic incident that ended in a brief standoff and an arrest. Police say a woman was stabbed with a screwdriver on Dailey Lane, prompting an emergency call around 2 p.m. Responding officers began searching for the suspect, identified a

Multiple Agencies Baldwin County Agencies Battle Wildfire at Gulf State Park

By OBA Staff • March 26, 2026

Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — A brush fire at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores prompted numerous first responders from around Baldwin County to scramble on Tuesday. The fire spread quickly, causing road closures and the evacuation of businesses in the area. Crews worked both on the ground and from the air to control it.

Foley Turns Crosswalks Into Art With Seven New Downtown Murals

By OBA Staff • March 26, 2026

Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Downtown Foley has a striking new look that residents and visitors are sure to notice. Seven vibrant crosswalk murals now span key intersections in the city center. The project combines eye-catching public art with a serious aim of making streets safer for pedestrians. These installations...

Orange Beach Wildlife Center Invites Public to Meet and Greet Event

By OBA Staff • March 26, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Orange Beach Wildlife Center is opening its doors to the public for a special event. The center plans to host a Wildlife Meet-and-Greet for the community. Visitors will tour the facility's educational section. They will also have the opportunity to meet staff members and some of the...

Foley Police Warn Residents About Phone Scammer Impersonating Chief Carnley

By OBA Staff • March 25, 2026

Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The Foley Police Department is warning residents about a phone scammer pretending to be Police Chief Carnley. The scammer has been calling people in the area, asking for donations to the department. The calls sound convincing because they use an audio recording that mimics the real Chief Carnley.

Foley Prepares for Move to New Public Library and Community Center

By Guy Busby • March 25, 2026

Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is in the final stages of preparing for one of its most anticipated civic projects in years. Work on the new Foley Public Library and community center is nearing completion. City officials say the move from the current building to the new facility is on schedule. The project is expected...

Gulf Coast Heroes To Be Honored At Surf And Turf Dinner Gala

By OBA Staff • March 25, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Sunny 105.7-FM is going all out to honor the unsung heroes of the Gulf Coast. The Gulf Shores/Orange Beach-based radio station is hosting its Heroes of the Gulf Coast event, a special evening dedicated to celebrating everyday people who stepped up and made a significant difference.

Casino Royale Night To Support Arts Programs Along The Alabama Gulf Coast

By OBA Staff • March 25, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Friends of the Arts is bringing a touch of glamour to the Alabama Gulf Coast this spring. The organization's annual Grand Event fundraiser will feature a Casino Royale theme, offering an evening of entertainment, delicious food, and friendly competition. The event will take place at...

Survivor 50 Watch Party Set for Portside at the Wharf

By OBA Staff • March 24, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — CBS's Survivor is returning to the Gulf Coast. Gulf Shores resident Jonathan Young, who competed on Season 42, is hosting a watch party for Season 50. Young is also part of the cast this season. The event will be held at Portside at the Wharf.

Developers Seek 72 Vacation Rental Units Near Gulf Shores Golf Club Entrance

By John Mullen • March 24, 2026

Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Developers are looking to add 72 vacation rental units at the Gulf Shores Golf Club in a request set to come before the Gulf Shores Planning Commission at its March meeting. Plans call for using just over eight acres near the course entrance. City staff will recommend denial of the request.