Summer Week Brings Music Mud and Markets to the Coast
Daily events offer something for all ages from morning to evening
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The final full week of June offers a wide variety of ways to explore, unwind, and connect across the Alabama Gulf Coast. From interactive nature programs and musical productions to hands-on family fun and nightlife with a twist, the region’s calendar is packed with choices for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re here for a few days or lucky enough to live where others vacation, there’s something to look forward to each day.
From Gulf Shores to Orange Beach and beyond, the coast continues to offer more than just sand and surf. This week includes music bingo, outdoor markets, kid-friendly mud pits, and even a pirate ship cruise just for grown-ups. It’s all part of what makes summer on the Gulf so easy to enjoy—no matter your pace, interest, or age group.
Monday, June 23rd —
There's no need to suit up to make waves in Gulf Shores, where beachy vibes are alive from sunrise to sunset even in your street clothes. Start your day at Picnic Beach Bar & Grill, a family-friendly spot with a relaxing coastal atmosphere. Their diverse menu offers plenty of healthy options, as well as seafood favorites like coconut shrimp and the grouper basket, along with chicken and beef dishes to satisfy any craving. Dine like you live here, with the salty air on your cheek and a crew that screams, “welcome to the island” in every way. After your meal, make your way to The Hangout for some shopping with drinks, and then enjoy a night under the stars. On Mondays, catch the music of David Gautreau and The Delta Current, who provide a lively mix of soulful rhythms and electric guitar from 6 PM to 10 PM. This beachside hotspot is the perfect place to create summer memories that will last well beyond the season, all while staying dry in your best summer fit. With these two attractions, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a day at the beach and the experience of living like a local by the shore. Drive to both or pick a spot to park and walk between the two taking in the views and other attractions nearby, enjoy.
Picnic Beach Bar & Grill
128 E 1st Ave
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Tuesday, June 24th —
Big Beach Brewing Company is elevating Bingo with ‘Music Bingo’ on Tuesdays, where every player walks away with a prize. Expect a fun evening filled with classic hits spanning four decades—70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s—from various genres. Participation is free, so you can enjoy the music while playing. Big Beach features an open and airy venue, offering locally brewed hops and a wide selection of draft options, along with a full bar for those who prefer stronger drinks. Patrons are encouraged to arrive early, as the games start at 6:30 PM sharp. The best part of this engaging event is that every player wins a prize, so no one leaves empty-handed. Gather some friends and join the locals for a night of friendly competition, great tunes, good company, and refreshing beverages at Big Beach this Tuesday—you won’t regret it!
Big Beach Brewing Company — Music Bingo Night
300 E 24th Ave
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Wednesday, June 25th —
There’s no shortage of eco-engaging educational resources on the Gulf Coast, from community output to organized groups within the Gulf State Park. Finding a place to learn while blending any form of a hobby or lifestyle, be it physically tempting or artistically enticing, isn't the hard part; it’s deciding what to choose and where to go, and we are here to help. This week, for the State Parks Learning Campus Educator session, participants will explore the fascinating elements of our beach ecosystems. Dive right into the wonders of nature and conclude the experience by creating your very own exquisite glass terrarium, featuring items that reflect the beauty of our pristine coastline. This costs $16.50 flat per participant, and registration is required. The cost covers all items needed to make your design look within the terrarium; however, bringing special beach finds and shells is entirely acceptable to personalize your take-home art. Don’t miss this opportunity to become one with nature, learn from the experts and unleash your creativity, happy shells to you. The class starts at 3:30PM.
Learning Campus at Gulf State Park
20249a State Park Rd
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 923-3107
Learning Campus at Gulf State Park
Thursday, June 26th —
Who says themed pirate adventures are just for kids? Indeed, not the crew aboard the American Star, the famous Orange Beach pirate ship. Located at Hudson’s Marina, the American Star boasts a huge crowd daily, from local kids to serial island vacations and first-timers who must see the old scallywags and scuttlebutts for themselves. All day, the ship mostly takes kiddos around the local waters and into the Gulf for a fun interactive cruise with a lively crew, except for one lowly mate down below you’ll have to board to catch a glimpse of. Starting now and every Thursday night this summer, a 90-minute all-ages welcome, but adult catered cruise, is being offered, dubbed the ‘Nights and Lights scenic cruise.’ There will be music and dancing at this exclusive BYOB event. Guests will step aboard where they can dance, sing, take pirate photos, and enjoy the Alabama Gulf Coast in a way most have never seen from an after dark lighted boat perspective. Please bring your bag or cooler with any beverages or snacks you wish, being mindful to leave out any glass, and hop on for an incredible night out of the sun pirate adventure.
Hudson’s Marina
4575 Wilson Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Friday, June 27th —
The rock world called, and the Expect Excellence Music Department understood the assignment and answered once again. Back to knock your socks off, the stage welcomes the much-anticipated rock production, “Dream On” for a Summer slot. This electrifying show will charm audiences at the Orange Beach Performing Arts Center for three nights. Take a journey through rock history, featuring a carefully curated lineup of 24 iconic songs that span the legendary decades of the 70s on up to the 90s. Jam out to timeless hits such as “Here I Go Again” by Whitesnake, and so much more. The broad balance of tunes marks for an unforgettable experience filled with energetic nostalgia, enthusiastic air guitar performances, and the chance to sit or stand to sing along to beloved classics. Caleb Pittman expresses his excitement about the ambitious and quite successful production, noting that it captures the essence of rock and roll’s golden age. The stage will host upwards of 40 local talented performers who have all dedicated countless hours, rigorous rehearsals and more to authentically convey the passion, spirit and technical prowess required to bring these legendary rock anthems to life. Music lover or not, this show is sure to have everyone taking a walk on the wild side. Tickets are on sale now for just $15 for general admission, making it an accessible option for music fans of all ages. Snag our tickets through the link below to ensure your spot or purchase upon arrival. Just be sure to mark your calendars for this thrilling celebration of rock music.
Orange Beach Performing Art Center
23908 Canal Rd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Performing Arts Center | Orange Beach, AL
Saturday, June 28th —
International Mud Day is a fantastic opportunity for kids to don their “who cares” play clothes and truly let loose in the mud! Graham Creek Nature Preserve offers the perfect outdoor setting for a messy day filled with laughter and fun. Children will remember this exciting experience of getting muddy on purpose and with permission for weeks to come. The event is free, and even if it doesn't rain, the leaders at the preserve will provide a big pile of mud mucked up just right for the occasion. Guests of all ages are invited to get squishy and enjoy the “dirtiest day of the year.” Kids can get creative by making mud pies, slipping down specially crafted muddy slides, or simply jumping and splashing around. Leave your manners and complaints at home—this is a day for fun and BIG mess! Bring plenty of towels (several are recommended), bags to contain the muddy attire afterward, a change of clothes, and water shoes or old sneakers that can get ruined. For everyone's safety, make sure no one is wearing open-toed shoes or no shoes. Don’t forget a water bottle to stay hydrated, snacks if you’d like to take a break, and a big smile for your adventurous spirit! Join the muddy fun from 10 AM until noon to celebrate and embrace the simple joy of getting messy!
Graham Creek Nature Preserve
23030 Wolf Bay Drive
Foley, AL 36535
Sunday, June 29th —
The island can’t let all the over-the-bridge Baldwin County farmers and guests have all the fun; locals enjoy a good farmers market within arm's reach just as much as the next. If you’ve encountered anything consistently around here, it’s the traffic, making a haul over the bridge for fresh produce a somewhat all-day affair. For one day only, the Orange Beach Parks and Recreation Department has created an exclusive ‘Pop-Up Farmers Market’ at Waterfront Park from 9AM until 3PM or until the goods run out. No need to fight the crowds or plan a list of stops to appease the time, not the distance needed to go “to town”, as we like to call it. This prime location makes it possible to and highly encourages golf carts, bikes, and walking patrons to participate in this event, though any wheels or means of transportation will do. The day will feature produce and veggies from local farmers and growers, i.e., plants that bloom and grow, and a sweet addition of other value-added vendors. So, grab the kids and bring them along to play at the playground onsite while you shop for some of the best and freshest items the Gulf Coast offers, hand-delivered right to our very own Waterfront Park. All are welcome to attend and bring a friend or two, see you there.
Orange Beach Waterfront Park
26425 Canal Road
Orange Beach, AL 36561
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