Shake Off the Chill: A Look at What’s Hot on the Gulf Coast This Week
From Motown magic to gumbo cook-offs, karaoke, and beachside bites, winter has never looked so good.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — After a chilly weekend, the Gulf Coast is heating up with a busy week filled with music, food, art, and family-friendly activities. There will be Motown tributes, hands-on cooking classes, quirky surf competitions, chili cook-offs, and cozy acoustic concerts—something happening every day to lift your spirits this winter. Whether you're a local seeking midweek fun or a visitor eager to experience coastal culture, this week's events offer plenty of reasons to get out, explore, and enjoy the best of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Perdido Key, and Foley.
Monday, February 2nd-
After a chilly weekend, everyone could use a little warmth, and the Supreme Reflections are bringing the heat for not one, but two nights of melodic and comedic pleasure in Gulf Shores. This event is part of the Winter Concert Series lineup, which features various concerts and shows. For just $40, guests can come in and shake off the cold, enjoying an evening filled with beloved songs from the late legend Diana Ross and The Supremes. The stars of the show have come together to present a delightful tribute to the group. Their performance showcases sounds that resonate and tunes that will have you dancing and singing along. Ross and her ladies are renowned as the most famous female singing group of all time. Motown was a cultural movement, and these artists brought its vibe to life through their captivating stage presence, incredible harmonies, and unforgettable lyrics that have created the soundtracks of our lives, both past and present. Some of the songs covered are over 40 years old, yet they still resonate with audiences in profound ways. The tribute group, the Supreme Reflections, combines musical talent with a touch of stage acting and refers to itself as a cast. They fill the performance with humorous skits, one-liners, and much more, creating a complete show with timeless songs. Expect to laugh, dance, and groove to the music, all while enjoying genuine talent—no lip-syncing here! This “full-scale musical comedy revue” honors three of the most iconic ladies to ever grace the stage. Don’t miss out on this incredible show on either Monday night, Tuesday night, or, why not, both?
Erie H. Meyer Civic Center
1930 W 2nd St.
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Tickets to Supreme Reflections
Tuesday, February 3rd-
If you’re someone who dines out and spends your time trying to figure out how your favorite dish is made so you can recreate it at home, you're not alone. Many of us enjoy dining out without ever considering mastering those dishes ourselves, while others live for it. Often, we leave it to the professionals and don’t think about how we could whip up our favorites at home, but maybe we should–especially when cravings strike, and we can’t get to our favorite restaurant. That's where the talented chefs from Cobalt, Cosmo's, and BuzzCatz come in! They are eager to share some of their best-kept secrets through an exciting series of cooking classes. Starting at 3 PM, Chef Nick Norman from Cobalt will lead a small class (limited seats available) to teach participants how to prepare two dishes: Shrimp Florentine and an additional surprise dish to be revealed upon arrival. You’ve probably heard that you should always order off-menu specials when dining out. If offered well, you can expect that level of excellence from Chef Nick’s creation for the second dish. The cost for each class is $25 per person, which includes not only the hands-on cooking experience but also a glass of wine and sizable samples of both dishes. To reserve your spot, call Cobalt directly today! And don’t forget to step outside for some photos with the stunning water backdrop. If you're still around near sunset, be sure to stick around to enjoy the view—you can thank me later. Enjoy.
Cobalt the Restaurant
28099 Perdido Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 923- 5300
Wednesday, February 4th- Everyone has their opinions, and many establishments proudly claim to be "number one in town" or the "best of the Gulf Coast." While such claims vary widely, living in a place where almost everyone believes they are the best often indicates there's something off or something special. In our beach towns, we lean toward the positive, as this has been verified over time. A standout example is Bleus Burger, which proudly claims to be "Gulf Shores' Best Burger." Starting as a popular food truck, it has evolved into a dine-in spot offering an impressive array of unique burgers, some stuffed with cheese. With creative names like "Easy Rider" and "Fat Possum," its menu reflects a love of old-fashioned flavors, with innovative family recipes alongside options such as chicken, soups, salads, and vegetarian dishes. Open daily at 11 AM, with extended hours until 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, Bleus Burger is a perfect choice for lunch or dinner. Since opening its brick-and-mortar location in 2017, it has earned and maintained positive reviews. Visit and see for yourself—just remember to cast your opinion–happy munching!
Bleus Burger
3800 Gulf Shores Pkwy
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Thursday, February 5th-
“If you're Tacky and you know it,” step up and sing on stage to show it–this Thursday night from 5 PM to 8 PM, and every Thursday after that! Tacky Jacks, one of the Gulf Coast's most well-known restaurant and waterside bar chains, has three marina locations to choose from. If you're new to the area, visiting, or a long-time resident, taking a drive down to Fort Morgan and the stops along the way is definitely worth it! Each Tacky Jacks location fosters a sense of camaraderie with both the brand and the menu, while also offering its own unique vibe and regular patrons. Picture porch sitting and fish stories, with everyone having something to share—from barstool chats to stage performances. You'll feel right at home. Join the crew and try something new! The menu offers a variety of options from land and sea, so there's something for everyone–just ask. Don’t forget to inquire about their sweet and creamy, chocolatey adult treat—the Bushwacker! You might even hear a story simply by ordering that drink. So, dust off your performance shoes and get ready for a night filled with laughs, hidden talent, a great mix of music, beautiful views, drinks, and delicious food. And of course, be prepared for a few embellished dock stories! It's Karaoke night, for those 21 and over, so come on out and showcase your songs!
Tacky Jacks 2-Fort Morgan
1577 Hwy 180
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Friday and Saturday, February 6th & 7th-
Stop by Foley for two days of delicious food and family-friendly fun at the Gumbo and Alabama Slammer Festival at its rescheduled times–Friday, the 7th, and Saturday, the 8th. Expect live music, activities for the kids, tasty beverages, and the main highlight—various gumbos presented by vendors in different ways in hopes of winning the title of Best Gumbo at this year's festival. Click below for more details.
Gumbo and Alabama Slammer Festival
Friday, February 6th-
The Orange Beach Art Center offers more than just visual art within its museum and gift shop. It's also a fantastic venue for events such as weddings, outdoor art festivals, large local gatherings, and live music entertainment. If you appreciate fine art, you likely also enjoy the rich culture that accompanies it, including instrumental music. As part of their Acoustic Arts Series, the center is hosting performances on Friday nights through February 13th, with limited seating available. Starting at 6 PM for just $20, art lovers are invited to experience the sounds of Della Grigsby, a cellist, in her concert titled "A Musical Odyssey Through Time and Genres." This is a performance you won’t want to miss, especially if you prefer a more comfortable atmosphere compared to the usual stiff seating at other fine art musical events. Here, you can relax while surrounded by beautiful art inside, overlooking the water behind the museum, all while enjoying the soothing acoustic sounds of the cello performed by Della. Join others for an evening of class, refinement, and talent; doors open at 5:30 PM. Be sure to call ahead to secure your spot.
Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach
26389 Canal Rd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 981- 2787
Saturday, February 7th-
The heat is on this Saturday—not because of the weather, but due to the events taking place! The day begins with Alabama’s very own “Weird Surf Competition,” complete with beach fire pits, and continues with a delicious Chili Cook-Off, which will be held a bit further down the coast at The Flora-Bama. The first heat of the surf competition starts at 9 AM for the Grom divisions and runs until 3 PM. Bring the family to watch some of the best young surfers on the island, along with adult competitors, as they strive for victory. From noon to 2 PM, the 32nd Annual Super Chili Bowl Cook-Off will be in full swing, offering even more excitement than last year. This event features not only chili competitions but also a contest for the best-decorated booth—all for a great cause. The fundraiser taking place will benefit both Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society. Participants in the cook-off will compete for prizes, including 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-place winners, a people's choice award, and recognition for the best booth. Everyone is invited to join either event, whether to compete or simply to watch and enjoy some delicious food. Non-competitors can attend the cook-off with an all-inclusive ticket priced at just $25. Things are heating up on the Gulf Coast, so why not join in on the excitement? Stop by one or both events—you’re sure to have a great time! Surf’s up and chili’s served—what more could you ask for?
Cotton Bayou- for Surf comp
Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar
17401 Perdido Key Dr.
Perdido Key, FL 32507
Sunday, February 8th-
Beach competitions continue this Sunday with the 2nd Annual Battle of the Bowls & Tater Chip Skip, taking place at The Gulf from 1 PM to 4 PM. This event, hosted by the Hangout Hospitality Group and SUNNY 105.7 FM Radio, features some of the best and most unique dishes and is quickly becoming a favorite among foodies, following last year's strong turnout. The proceeds will benefit The Sea Glass Initiative—a worthy cause that encourages attendees to enjoy themselves while supporting a meaningful effort. The event will be held under tents in the parking lot, where guests can sample a variety of dishes, each paired with a unique story. The Gulf Restaurant will also be open for those who wish to enjoy a meal after tasting all the different bowls. Located just past the Perdido Pass bridge, the restaurant offers stunning coastal views, including boats passing through and dolphins frolicking around the seawall while you dine. If you choose to stay after the event or head to the restaurant during it, the outdoor table stations are equipped with heaters to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. There will also be a fire pit and on-site games to keep you entertained after trying all the delicious bowls. Join in to taste amazing dishes, and remember: it's all for a great cause–plus an excellent way to spend your Sunday afternoon at the beach. Enjoy your Bowls!
The Gulf
27500 Perdido Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
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