The Gulf Coast Serves Up Original Music, Food & Fun This Week
Frank Brown Songwriters’ Fest, Boating and Oysters Anchor this Weeks Events
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — As November begins to stir along the Alabama Gulf Coast, the upcoming week is poised to deliver an engaging fusion of culinary experiences, live music, and outdoor activities that continue to embody the region's unique charm. Patrons can indulge in classic dishes at Wolf Bay Lodge while also immersing themselves in the ecological diversity offered by Gulf State Park. Midweek offers a prime opportunity for water-based exploration through various options available at Hudson’s Marina. As the week progresses, the region will resonate with the sounds of the 41st Annual Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival—a dynamic eleven-day event dedicated to the art of lyrical storytelling. The weekend culminates in a couple of significant fan-favorite food events: the Experience the Oyster festival hosted at the Hangout, the Coastal Alabama Food Truck & Craft Beverage Festival in Gulf Shores. This week presents an ideal occasion for both locals and visitors to engage with the area's musical, culinary, and recreational offerings, making it a compelling time to explore the coastal landscape. Let’s dig right in.
Monday, November 3rd-
Wolf Bay Lodge has established a remarkable reputation over the past 50 years for delivering high-quality seafood in an authentic local setting, deeply rooted in tradition. Guests can choose between two locations—Orange Beach and Foley—where they can take advantage of early specials from 3-6 PM alongside a curated happy hour. The fall and winter menus feature new choices, plus their home-cookin meal options that highlight not just the regional culinary heritage. In addition to the robust dining experience, Wolf Bay Lodge offers a unique shopping opportunity through its gift store, embodying the essence of coastal charm interwoven with Southern hospitality. The store showcases carefully arranged decor displays with functional kitchenware and visually appealing items. Products range from clothing and handbags to bath bombs and jewelry, catering to diverse tastes and making it an ideal destination for personal treats or early holiday gifts. Patrons are encouraged to visit either location for lunch or dinner, where the combination of a well-established service model and quality offerings indicates a successful business strategy that has resonated with the community for five decades. Experience dining and shopping in one convenient stop at Wolf Bay Lodge.
Wolf Bay Lodge
24131 Perdido Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Tuesday, November 4th-The Gulf State Park presents a range of engaging educational programs tailored for campers, homeschoolers, vacationers and community members interested in participating in weekly classes. Most activities are offered free of charge, with a parking fee applicable for certain vehicles. On Tuesdays, the focus of the exploration is on "E's: Eagles and Ecosystems," featuring a guided nature walk. Participants will convene at the Lake View Trailhead prior to departure, with the hike commencing at 11 AM under the guidance of a trained Naturalist. This excursion includes a visit to a bald eagle nest and traverses through a fire-dependent ecosystem, providing insight into its intricate dynamics. Throughout the hike, which spans approximately 1 mile, the Naturalist will identify various avian species, flora, and fauna encountered, offering brief discussions and addressing queries from participants. Attendees are encouraged to engage with the environment, deepen their understanding, and plan return visits to explore the extensive network of trails and educational opportunities that Gulf State Park offers to locals and visitors alike.
Lakeview Trail Head
Wednesday, November 5th-
The back bays, bayous, inlets, and canals are what make our coastal towns so special and ensure that everyone who lives or visits here feels connected to the local waterways. You'll find those who love to shrimp, cast nets, crab, and fish from boats, shores, and piers. Some prefer to be in the water, while others enjoy the Gulf or the brackish waters. To discover what you want most, you must spend time in and around the water. Hudson’s Marina in Orange Beach is the perfect place to do that. Whether you’ve lived here for a while, are new to the area, or are just visiting, Hudson’s watersports menu has something for everyone. You can choose from fishing charters, dolphin cruises, or pirate adventures aboard the American Star, or enjoy the thrill of fast jet boats that offer theme park vibes, all exploring the saltier waters. If you prefer to captain your adventure, you can rent pontoon boats, jet skis, or seadoos. For a more relaxed experience, consider a paddleboat or kayak rental, exploring the brackish waters. This is an excellent time of year to take it slow in one of the latter rentals, allowing you to truly enjoy the scenic views. You can observe waterfront homes, visit restaurants, and explore nearby islands—all within the safety of a no-wake zone. Here, you can paddle at your own pace and take in the beauty that makes this slice of the South feel like paradise. Be it the Gulf or Bay, whatever you rent to explore Hudson’s Marina makes a way, now get out there and enjoy.
Hudson’s Marina
4575 Wilson Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Thursday, November 6th- Thursday marks the commencement day of the 41st Annual Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival, one of the longest-running music festivals in the industry. This event, renowned for elevating emerging artists and showcasing established songwriters, spans 11 days and features over 200 acts across various venues in the Gulf Coast region. Among the notable performances is the just-announced acclaimed group The Band Perry, which will be concluding the event on the 16th at Flora-Bama. Attendees are encouraged to utilize the official festival website to explore the lineup of venues and create a personalized schedule for this extensive musical experience. Key locations include Flora-Bama, Woodside Restaurant at Gulf State Park, Lulu’s in Gulf Shores, Tacky Jacks locations, plus more and several additional ticketed venues. This multifaceted festival goes beyond mere entertainment; it delves into the artistry of songwriting, providing an intimate look into songwriters' personal narratives and creative processes. Through story sessions, participants can engage with performers, discuss their craft, and uncover the underlying themes and motivations that shape their works. Mark your calendars for this engaging 11-day musical immersion on the Alabama Gulf Coast. This event promises to showcase talent and foster a deeper appreciation for the art of songwriting and its intricate storytelling. Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of this remarkable gathering of pure talent.
Frank Brown Songwriters Festival
Alabama Gulf Coast
41st Annual Frank Brown Fest lineup
Friday, November 7th-
This weekend presents a comprehensive suite of culinary events spotlighting a range of haute cuisines, notably the "Experience the Oyster" festival at The Hangout, hosted by Murder Point Oysters. Now in its fourth iteration, this event assembles some of the South’s premier chefs, showcasing fresh raw oysters sourced directly from Gulf Coast Oyster Farms.The festivities commence on Friday with an exclusive VIP party at Zeke's, featuring an array of savory oyster preparations, culinary appetizers, and a cocktail reception with the participating chefs. On Saturday, the main event kicks off at The Hangout, running from 11 AM to 5 PM. VIP attendees from Friday will gain early access starting at 10 AM. Throughout the day, The Hangout will provide its full menu, catering to attendees eager to immerse themselves in the celebration minus the oysters. Highlights include live musical performances, handcrafted cocktails, chef demonstrations, a big-screen football viewing experience, and gumbo, allowing for a diverse array of culinary and entertainment engagements.
The Hangout
101 E Beach Blvd
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Experience the Oyster Cook-off
Saturday, November 8th-
Most outdoor festivals offer various or specific themed food items to keep the guests fueled for whatever activities and events they have planned for the rest of the fest, you don’t find many that are solely all about the grub and what washes it down. Introducing the Coastal Alabama Food Truck and Craft Beverage Festival where the focus is on the intake and individuality of each truck specialty. The event is free to enter and runs for two days from 11-5PM. Upon arrival guests will have options on the best way to tackle the tastings including options to purchase beer tickets to make the walk-ups and wait go faster. This event prides itself on bringing some of the best food trucks in the South, serving up all manner of palatable favorites, from flavored lemonades, funnel cakes, gooey cheese steaks and more. Come out hungry and leave happy.
Town Green
101 Gulf Shores Pkwy
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Coastal Alabama Food Truck Festival
Sunday, November 9th- Pups (and their people) take over Orange Beach Waterfront Park for Fido Fest, a free, community afternoon from 2–5 p.m. packed with dog-friendly activities, live music, vendors, and the inaugural Mr. & Miss Fido Fest Pageant. All sizes and breeds are welcome, making this an easy, outdoor way for families to celebrate the bond with their four-legged friends. Bring the leash, the camera, and your best good boy (or girl) for an afternoon that’s equal parts tail wags and coastal vibes.
Orange Beach Waterfront Park
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