Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) —  Well, friends, August is officially saying goodbye—and September is sliding in as if it owns the place. But around here, we don’t exactly close the door on summer just because the calendar says it’s time. This week along the Alabama Gulf Coast, you can still catch a sunset from the water on local cruises, shop local (ALWAYS), get your creative juices flowing, groove to free live outdoor music, hop aboard a train and visit a historic one, lace up for a football-loving 5K, and finish the week with a Labor Day celebration complete with laser lights, a visit from Tink and fireworks. So whether you’re squeezing out one more bit of summer fun or already mentally decorating for the holidays (yes, really), there’s plenty happening from the shores, the shine, and beyond. Let’s get into what’s up and what’s good on the coast this week!

Monday, August 31st- Experience the last day of August in style with a sunset Dolphin Cruise aboard the Fun Boats in Orange Beach. The sun is still shining, the air remains warm, and not surprisingly, our local wild dolphins are still making appearances throughout our beautiful salty waters. The boat sets sail for a delightful two-hour cruise, offering more than just a scenic water view. It’s also a wonderful chance to enjoy an educational marine life experience, where the crew dishes out facts and more, plus you might even participate in a water war with the company's second boat, and last but not least, witness a breathtaking Gulf Coast sunset—something that us locals never tire of. Tickets for all ages, including infants, are just $30 plus tax. Book now through the link below for an exciting adventure where dolphins are guaranteed to appear, and unforgettable memories are sure to be made. 

Sunset Dolphin Cruise with the Fun Boats

Tuesday, September 1st- The Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fisherman’s Market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., year-round, with fresh seafood, locally produced artisanal goods, choice meats, crafts, and other handmade items. Throughout the year, they also host exciting pop-up markets for special occasions and events. This Tuesday, kick off September with a visit to explore the Market with a unique Thanksgiving and Christmas twist—supplies for planters, magnolia reefs, garlands, and custom designs. Though September has just begun, it’s never too early to start preparing for the upcoming holidays. This vibrant market is hosted by The FlorAL Market, where designers will be on-site to help you choose the right supplies and share how-tos for creating your perfect holiday decor! Happy shopping, planning, and designing. For more info, please call Meredith at 251-200-1429. 

Tuesday Market- Foley

Wednesday, September 2nd- The Gulf Shores Public Library is excited to offer a fun, engaging Homeschool Discovery series twice a month from September through December. These sessions feature hands-on learning activities that are educational and enjoyable for local kids and visitors alike. Join us this Wednesday to jump-start this new program, which this week will include creative writing techniques, frameworks, and helpful tips on the writing process. An instructor will guide the group through these skills, and writing prompts will be tailored to different grade levels so every student can participate and succeed. The program begins at 10:30 AM. Additionally, on the first Wednesday of each month at 4 PM, the library will host special programs for tweens and teens. They can choose to participate in a Nintendo Switch tournament, where they can showcase their racing skills in a bracket-style competition against up to three players on their own devices—space is limited, so please plan accordingly. The other option is their Pokémon Club, also starting at 4 PM, where participants can bring their cards to trade, share, and join fun activities and discussions about their favorite Pokémon. It's a great chance to make new friends! Remember, you can bring your own cards or games, but don't worry if you don't have any—library loaner decks are available. Come and enjoy all that the Gulf Shores Public Library has to offer—sign up, register, or learn more about these events with the link below. 

Homeschool Discovery & Tween and Teen programs-GS

Thursday, September 3rd- The Sunset series at Gulf Place returns this fall in Gulf Shores. Join the community and their guests on the Town Green for free concerts—yes, live music outdoors, overlooking the beautiful white-sand shores at sunset. They’ve expanded the event to include an interactive selection of community experiences that will create even more engaging atmospheres for residents and visitors alike. Let’s break it down: alongside enjoying free live music, attendees will have opportunities to connect with local businesses, organizations, and non-profits that will be set up, as well as community partners. Break the ice with activities, demonstrations, educational displays, and, best of all, giveaways. Come along to mingle and enjoy these interactive experiences. This Thursday marks the beginning of the musical lineup with Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band. The fun starts at 5 PM. The DJ will play until six, with the live concert beginning at 6 PM and running through to 8 PM. Come hungry and plan to enjoy your dinner from this week‘s food truck, Beachin’ Eats, and treat yourself after with Kona Ice. The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber will also be on-site at each concert selling beverages suitable for all ages. Here are some of the vendors participating this week: the Alabama Coastal Foundation with Share the Beach, Blue Girl Studio, Gulf Coast Eco Center, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, the Gulf Shores City Store, and the Gulf Shores Police Department. You don’t want to miss out on this fall’s sunset series and its expansion. We’ll see you there.

Sunset Series Live FREE music- GS

Friday, September 4th- Take it easy while still enjoying an exciting time this Friday in downtown Foley. Bring the kids and enjoy a thrilling train ride at Heritage Park, then hop off and find a quaint spot in the park for an outdoor picnic. Don’t miss the historic train museum filled with fascinating exhibits. Families can snap unforgettable photos with the vintage locomotive and explore lovely pastimes just outside. Treat yourself to a visit to Stacey‘s Old-Time Soda Fountain for a sweet delight or stop by Yaba's sweet shop for a variety of tasty treats and lunch if you didn’t bring that picnic with you, both nearby and walking distance. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and rich history of downtown Foley this Friday for a day full of fun and adventure, toot toot!

Railroad Museum and more-Foley

Saturday, September 5th- Get ready to lace up and kick off Labor Day weekend with a bit of exercise and lots of spirit for this year's annual Bloody Mary 5K run and walk at Tacky Jacks. Join others for the 11th annual race in Gulf Shores, where runners or walkers arrive at 6 AM on a flat, no-hill course, allowing you to enjoy at your own pace and any skill level a beautiful morning along Alabama’s beaches. This race marks the final event in the Run the Coast Summer Series for 2026. If you’re unfamiliar with the series, it’s for runners who want to test themselves and compete for prizes—not just any prizes, but cash awards given to the top three male and female finishers. These are based on their overall points across all three races. Don’t worry if you haven’t participated before; you can still join in and enjoy this 5K run or walk and reward yourself with a drink at the finish line back at Tacky Jacks Waterway Village, win spirit awards and medals for top age groups. Since football season has officially begun, many participants also use this race as a tradition to show off their favorite team colors. Whether you wear your running gear or your team's jersey or T-shirt, be ready to stand up and out and cheer for your football team. Happy running and team spirit repping!

11th Annual Bloody Mary 5K-GS

Sunday, September 6th- Come and light up Labor Day in Orange Beach this Sunday from 6 to 9 PM, or arrive an hour earlier for live music at Portside starting at 5 PM. At the Wharf, there’s always a party or something exciting to enjoy. From 6 to 9 PM, enjoy a DJ on Main Street, where traffic will be closed so children and families can run up and down the street and visit shops, illuminated by the light-up palm trees, with dancing and anticipation for the 8:45 PM Firework Bonanza. Fifteen minutes before the fireworks, the renowned SPECTRA laser light experience begins and will run again at 9 PM and 9:30 PM. There will be plenty of games to keep the children entertained, camel rides, and a very special guest appearance from Tinker Bell. Admission to this event is free, as is parking. Families can eat before they arrive or choose from a variety of sit-down and take-away restaurants, ranging from pizza to a steak at Villagio. There’s no wrong way to enjoy light-up Labor Day this Sunday at The Wharf. Who’s coming?

Light Up Labor Day

August may be clocking out, but the coast is still popping! So snag your friends, pick your fun, and send summer off on a high note. See ya’ll out there!