Sun, Sand & Small-Town Surprises: Your Weekly Guide to the Alabama Gulf Coast

Jessica A. Taylor • July 6, 2026

From bingo by the shores and beach-town shopping to live music, bubbles, hidden nature trails, and Foley’s hottest Friday night grooves–here’s what’s happening this week on the coast.

Your Weekly Guide to the Alabama Gulf Coast

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) —  Another week, another reason to head out and explore the Alabama Gulf Coast. Whether you’re visiting for a few days, soaking up summer as a local, or simply looking for something new to do after work, this week’s lineup offers a little bit of everything. We’ve gathered seven days of fun—from waterfront bingo and live music to family and community celebrations, hidden gems, and one of the best ways to finish the weekend surrounded by nature. Grab your calendar, call a friend, and let’s make this week a memorable one. 


Monday, July 6th-
Join the Bamily for Bingo Bonanza—an exciting event hosted Monday-Friday! After a long weekend celebrating 250 years of America, this fun-filled day is a perfect way to relax and hop right back into the groove for the week. Enjoy some tunes, and challenge your friends to a friendly game of Bingo. Then step right outside to breathe in the salty, fresh air and soak up the beautiful views of the Alabama and Florida coastlines this Monday from 1 to 4 p.m., play free bingo and more with Rhonda Hart. Bring your appetite—there's delicious food and drinks to enjoy. Come for the fun, stay for the memories! 


Bingo with Rhonda Hart- Perdido Key 


Tuesday, July 7th-
Today marks seven days since the official opening of the Gulf Shores store—what is the Gulf Shores store? Let’s break it down. Imagine visiting a coastal beach town, experiencing all it has to offer, and then capturing that experience in a single item. That’s what it means to explore and select your piece or two of full-fledged, local heritage in the official Gulf Shores store. From shirts to sweats, water bottles, keychains, hats, and everything in between. Love the sand, shores, music, sunshine, and more? Well, the GS store is the place for you—document those memories and keep them alive, all while supporting the town's brand that keeps people coming back time and time again. 


The Gulf Shores Store


Wednesday, July 8th-
This Wednesday, get ready for an electrifying night as The Velcro Pygmies turn up the heat at The Hangout! The fun kicks off at 6 PM and goes until 10 PM, delivering a high-energy live music experience like no other. Their dynamic blend of instruments and vocals, combined with their infectious stage presence, creates an atmosphere that vibrates with excitement and echoes into the crowd and beyond. Though they're famous for their 80s tunes and iconic look, their music stretches far beyond that, bringing a vibrant energy to every performance. No matter your mood or how much you normally participate, this night promises unforgettable entertainment, getting you on your feet moving and, at the very least, head-bobbing from your seat. Mark your calendar for an unforgettable evening with The Velcro Pygmies—you won't want to miss it–but if you do they’ll be back for one more rocking night this Thursday, same time.


Velcro Pygmies @ The Hangout-GS


Thursday, July 9th-
With so many fun events happening on the Alabama Gulf Coast this summer, it’s easy to overlook something. That’s what we’re here for—whether it’s your first weekend in town, you’re new in town, or you live here, we’ve got you covered. Thursday at the Wharf with bubbles and beats is on and popping from 6 to 9 PM. Gather your friends and invite the neighborhood; all ages are welcome. Kids and adults will have a great time with entertainment from DJ Matt, camel rides, cornhole games, and a reptile bus to hop on for some scaly fun. Face painting is available for a charge, and of course, it’s free. There are no traffic-safe spaces to dance all down the street, and the main attraction—a kid-friendly splash zone—is where bubble trucks, swimsuits, or regular play clothes are encouraged. Although it doesn’t matter what you wear, bring a towel, a camera, maybe some water, or purchase some nearby, and, of course, your smile. It’s a time to laugh and enjoy—don’t forget to stay around for the Spectra laser light show as the beats bounce with the lights illuminating the palm trees along Main Street. Summer is on! 


Bubbles and Beats at the Wharf-OBA


Friday, July 10th-
For years, Foley was recognized as the small historic, shopping town you passed through on your way to the beach, but if you've been paying attention, it's not anymore. While the white sand and blue water may still steal the spotlight, Foley has quietly become one of the Gulf Coast's most popular spots for an evening out, filled with locally owned restaurants, unique shops, live entertainment, and plenty of character. So after you've rinsed the salt off from a day in the Gulf, skip heading straight home and drive north instead. End your Friday night at Doc Holliday's Saloon, where live music, pool tables, poker nights, handcrafted cocktails, ice-cold beer, and a crowd always ready for a good laugh make it easy to see why this local favorite is quickly building its hot spot reputation. Whether you're meeting friends or simply looking for a relaxed place to start the weekend, Doc Holliday's proves that some of the best nights on the Alabama Gulf Coast happen a few miles away from the beach.


Doc Holiday's Saloon- Foley 


Saturday, July 11th-
Experience a fun-filled evening at Marjorie Snook Park this Saturday from 5:30 to 8 PM behind City Hall for a lively pop-up park and block party, featuring a delicious hot dog eating contest that's sure to delight and entertain. Feel free to bring chairs and blankets to relax comfortably; golf carts are welcome, with on-site parking available as well. The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber will be selling beverages for all ages, and the Orange Beach History Museum will stay open until 8:30 PM to extend its wonderful exhibits for this special event. Don't miss out on the excitement—whether you're competing, cheering, or just enjoying the company of friends and neighbors. It's the second annual hot dog eating contest with fantastic prizes, including a year’s free membership to the Orange Beach Fitness Center, a trophy, and last but not least, bragging rights. Come on out, have a great time, and make some wonderful memories this weekend!


Pop-up-Block-party and Hot Dog eating contest


History Museum special late hours


Sunday, July 12th-
Before another busy week begins, trade the beach crowds for towering pines, peaceful waterways, and one of Foley's greatest hidden treasures—Graham Creek Nature Preserve. Spanning more than 600 acres, this outdoor paradise offers countless ways to reconnect with nature. Lace up your hiking boots and wander miles of scenic trails and elevated boardwalks, stopping to admire native plants, towering trees, butterflies, birds, and the wildlife that call the preserve home. Bring along a notebook or nature journal and see how many different species you can spot. Here's a fun Alabama fact: our state ranks as the fourth most biodiverse in the nation and the most biodiverse east of the Mississippi River, making every walk a chance to discover something new. Prefer to explore from the water? Bring your own kayak or canoe and quietly paddle Graham Creek, where calm waters offer a front-row seat to wading birds, turtles, fish, and the beauty of untouched wetlands. Before heading home, try your hand at the archery range, test your skills on one of the four disc golf courses, or simply enjoy soaking in one last dose of fresh air before Monday rolls around.


Graham Creek Nature Preserve- Foley 


Until next week…stay salty, shop local, explore often, and keep making memories.


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