Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Spring on the Alabama Gulf Coast has a special charm that makes it difficult to stay indoors. Perhaps it's the refreshing salty breeze, the lively music playing while you enjoy the warmer weather, or the exciting events happening around every corner. From waterfront dining and vibrant candy shops to free outdoor concerts, rock shows with unmatched stage presence, family-friendly festivals, and dynamic Disney musicals, the coast is alive with things to see and do. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed afternoon or an exciting night out, there are plenty of local events to help you soak up the season in true southern coastal style. 

Monday, March 9th- CoastAL in Orange Beach is more than just a beachside restaurant; it offers a resort-like feel without breaking the bank, all in the heart of Orange Beach. Surrounded by luxury visuals, CoastAL features two dining options: one for those seeking a fancy experience and another for those craving a beachside burger accompanied by music and a vibrant crew ready to recommend the best dishes. The drink menu is filled with dazzling island getaway options, complemented by top-notch service. After your meal, enjoy a day pass to a private beach access reserved exclusively for CoastAL guests and locals. At CoastAL, you'll find all the perks of a waterside resort venue, along with a fantastic merchandise shop right on-site. The store is larger than you might expect and offers a range of boating clothes, beach gear, and everything else you can dream of while imagining yourself getting lost in island time. Be sure to stop by and ask about upcoming events and what's new at CoastAL—the place to be when visiting Orange Beach!

CoastAL Orange Beach

25722 Perdido Beach Blvd

Orange Beach, AL 36561

CoastAL Orange Beach

Tuesday, March 10th-  Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to one of Yabba’s Wacky Snack Shack locations in Gulf Shores and Foley. This delightful candy shop offers more than just ice cream and fudge; it's a whole experience. You'll feel like you're in Willy Wonka’s factory, with enticing smells, vibrant colors, and playful merchandise sprinkled throughout the shop. There’s no specific place for gift items to settle; rather, the atmosphere tempts you to browse as you make your way through. At Yabba’s, you can expect to discover a variety of quirky items you never knew you needed, leaving with a skip in your step and a bit of sundae residue on your lip. Check out the menu for a full list of food items, including flavored popcorn and milkshakes. There’s no shortage of childlike whimsy and plenty of treats that might make even your dentist blush. From ice cream to sugary candy delights, it’s the perfect place to reconnect with your inner child—don’t forget to bring the kids along! Yabba’s has something for everyone, even the sourest of folks can’t help but giggle and smile.

Yabba’s Wacky Snack Shack 

Yabba's two locations

Wednesday, March 11th- Midday Melodies is returning with a fantastic musical lineup this spring! The event takes place in Heritage Park every Wednesday from 11 AM to 2 PM. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, strollers, blankets, and a picnic to enjoy on the lawn while listening to live music. This week’s featured artist is Mr. Zack Chavers, who will be playing some delightful tunes while everyone relaxes and enjoys the atmosphere. The event is free, and ample parking is available around the park and across the pedestrian bridge once the main parking lot fills up. You are welcome to bring your lunch from home, pick something up on the way, or just bring a drink and unwind in the breeze. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends or spend time with those you already know while celebrating the new season. For more information about this event and others in Foley, please check out the link below.

Heritage Park

104 N McKenzie St

Foley, AL 36561

Midday Melodies 

Thursday, March 12th- If you know, you know—no one kicks off a new year of Spring Break quite like the Velcro Pygmies! Whether you're a fan of the 80s rock scene or not, you’ll likely leave this high-energy show feeling as if you lived it, loved it, and are its biggest fan. The band delivers an epic performance, ensuring that no song is left out of the vibe. They bring the volume, the look, and the moves with every strum of the chords. Even if you're not typically a dancer, think again when enjoying live music! This rock show will have everyone moving, grooving, and singing along. The vibe is unique, preserving the magic of the 80s in the best way possible, even decades later. Grab your friends and head to the Hangout, where 59 ends and the fun begins. Get ready for a fantastic rock concert featuring classic hits and all the jams that make you want to get up and move. This is one night you won’t regret! Spring Breakers, locals, and more are invited to hit the sand and dance floor from 6 to 10 PM. Bring your appetite or work one up while enjoying a show like no other

The Hangout 

101 E Beach Blvd 

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

The Hangout

Friday, March 13th- As the heat intensifies outside, things are cooling down inside the Orange Beach Performance Art Center. If you missed last weekend's opening shows, you still have a chance to grab your tickets for one of the best performances the theater has ever hosted. Prepare to be amazed by a wintry wonderland of sights, sounds, and sets as the stage transports you to Avendale for a fantastic Frozen adventure. This production has been praised as being as good, if not better, than Disney standards, thanks to its stunning costumes, music, performers, and more. If you've seen a production at this theater before, you may be wondering how they can improve upon their previous offerings. You'll just have to come and see for yourself why the cold never bothered these stage and behind-the-scenes performers anyway–move over, Broadway. Tickets are available online through the link below or at the box office for just $15—a remarkable price for such a high-quality production. Don’t wait; get your tickets now and enjoy the show! The show starts at 7 PM on Friday and Saturday, and one last matinee on Sunday at 2 PM. 

Orange Beach Performing Arts Center 

23908 Canal Road

Orange Beach, AL 36561

Frozen Broadway Musical Tickets 

Saturday, March 14th- In true Spring rising form, the Gulf Coast is offering an exciting lineup of events that cater to everyone, making it difficult to choose just one. Saturdays are especially packed with activities, starting bright and early at Flora-Bama with the 13th Annual Beach Run/Walk for America’s Warriors. Join others as they stretch out their legs along the white sandy beaches for a great cause while honoring those in service. This event donates 100% of the registration fees to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and kicks off at 7 AM. For more information and to register, please see the link below. Next, satisfy your taste buds at the BBQ and Blues Cook-Off taking place at Heritage Park in Foley from 10 AM to 4 PM. Tickets are just $15 and include mouthwatering BBQ samples. This family-friendly event features delicious food and great music, providing fun for all ages (but please leave your pets at home for this one). All proceeds will go directly to the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation, which supports future community events and local schools. Finally, saddle up and head over to the fairgrounds in Robertsdale for the Rotary Club Foundation Rodeo, another fantastic event for a good cause. Enjoy watching stimulating bull and bronc riding, traditional barrel racing, and much more. This family-friendly event opens its gates at 5 PM, with the rodeo starting at 7:30 PM. Giddy up and let’s ride!

American Warriors Beach Run/Walk

BBQ and Blues Festival 

Rodeo 

Saturday & Sunday, March 14th & 15th- Get ready to explore the outdoor aisles for the Orange Beach Art Festival on and around the grounds of the picturesque Orange Beach Art Center, located at Waterfront Park. What makes this festival truly special is that there’s no need for extra kids’ activities since a kids’ park is right there as you walk in. But just in case, they have set up a special kids’ zone called the Art Alley, where children can enjoy hands-on arts and crafts and take home their creations, making it a full day of play and art for the whole family to stay entertained. For a special price, kids can browse each booth to choose which fun art activity they’d like to do that day—or they can try them all, then head to the kids' park. Throughout the venue, you will find tents filled with fresh flowers and spring plants ready to take home and nurture. There's also music on the lawn, food trucks, and local restaurants serving a variety of snacks, appetizers, delicious meals, and sweet treats. Parking is available nearby and at the OB City Hall. Alternatively, you can ride your bike or even bring your golf cart for the day. This event has been voted the best art festival in the nation by USA Today, which is an impressive achievement for our little beach town. Join the fun and explore over 100 booths featuring award-winning fine art and unique boutique items you can purchase for yourself or a friend, a teacher, and so on. In addition to the lovely items on display at the art center, guests can watch live demonstrations of clay throwing and glassblowing. The festival is free to attend, but its fine reputation is priceless. It takes place on Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Happy art exploring!

Orange Beach Waterfront Park

26425 Canal Road

Orange Beach, AL 36561

Orange Beach Art Festival