Week of Coastal Events Highlights Learning and Leisure
Events from Orange Beach to Gulf Shores to Foley
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Gulf Coast enters another week with a wide range of community events designed to bring people together across Baldwin County. From educational opportunities and outdoor activities to music, food, and film, residents and visitors alike will find choices that suit different interests. Each day offers something distinct, underscoring the variety of programs available from Orange Beach to Foley and Gulf Shores.
Local organizations, businesses, and cultural groups are using the late summer calendar to highlight everything from water safety and environmental conservation to live performances and family gatherings. The schedule demonstrates how the coast balances recreation with learning, while also creating spaces for social connection and community support.
Monday, August 18th-
Whether you're a resident, employee, vacationer, renter, or visitor along the Gulf Coast, being a proficient swimmer is essential. The unpredictability of water activities requires a strong foundation in swimming skills—not just for personal safety during recreational activities, but also for the ability to assist others in distress. While no one wants to find themselves in such situations, being prepared is crucial. It’s important to develop both technical skills and endurance, starting with fundamental stroke techniques and progressing to more advanced strokes like freestyle and backstroke. Mastering these techniques can be vital in emergency situations, highlighting the need for comprehensive swim training, including rescue readiness. The team at the Orange Beach Aquatics Center is here to serve the community with their "Intro to Strokes" class, held from 8-9 AM. The cost is $5, and the class is open to the public, but advance signup is required. This beginner-level class is designed to help build confidence for those already familiar with water and teach basic skills to those who are not. In this course, participants of all ages will learn proper body positioning, breathing techniques, and efficient movement, all while emphasizing safety through skill development. By completing this class, you'll be prepared to advance to more challenging courses, such as the "Grab a Swim Workouts" challenge and more. Join the squad to cool off and gain practical skills that could potentially protect you and save lives in the future—all while having a great time!
Orange Beach Aquatics Center
4853 Wilson Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
After a fun day of swimming, head over to Bear Point Harbor on the lawn at OSO, located right in the heart of the marina, for a new series called “Monday Movies on the Lawn.” Starting at 7:30 PM with free admission, bring a blanket or chair and settle in for a screening of “JAWS,” a classic celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Don’t forget to stop by the dock store to inquire about other exciting water activities offered by the marina. Enjoy!
Bear Point Harbor
5749 Bay La Launch
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Tuesday, August 19th-
Ready for an exciting and carefully crafted family scavenger hunt that requires no prior planning on your part? Discover the rich coastal history of Gulf Shores while exploring its beautiful white sandy beaches, notable landmarks, and charming locally owned boutiques. As you and your companions work together to solve a series of cleverly designed clues, you'll engage in dynamic group challenges that enhance problem-solving skills and teamwork. This immersive experience, offered by the Splash and Dash Tour and Scavenger Hunt collective, allows you to uncover unique hidden treasures while exploring the area's distinctive offerings. Tours start at 11 AM and run every hour on the hour until 7 PM, beginning in Gulf Shores, with Fort Morgan and Orange Beach just a short drive away. Perfect for all ages, gather your family and friends for a fun and exciting way to learn about the history of our state’s coastal playground. From Native American heritage to Spanish explorers and Civil War battles, your group will figuratively connect with the remarkable stories of the area's past. Learn fascinating elements that shaped the future while enjoying complimentary samples at local shops, capturing memorable photos, and meeting new people. This experience is an excellent combination for history enthusiasts and outdoor lovers, offering something enjoyable for everyone. With a self-guided tour, you can explore at your own pace, taking as much or as little time as you like to experience the coast like never before. Be sure to arrive at the meeting spot 10 minutes before your scheduled time to find your group and connect with others before getting started. Happy exploring!
Gulf Shores Beach: Splash and Dash Tour and Scavenger Hunt meeting spot
Pink Pony Pub
137 East Gulf Place
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Wednesday, August 20th-
Firesmoked Fish Company, located in Gulf Shores, emphasizes a commitment to consistently high-quality smoked products throughout the year. Their primary focus is on the on-site smoking of a diverse range of meats and fish, ensuring optimal flavor and freshness that is available daily. Customers can explore their signature items or opt for the year-round selection of smoked salmon dips and spreads, crafted to highlight the nuances of smoke infusion and seasoning. For those interested in bulk orders, it is advisable to pre-order prepared fresh platters, allowing adequate time for the meticulous smoking process. Elevate your gatherings by presenting expertly curated selections of meats and fish from Firesmoked Fish Company, a choice that is sure to impress. You can express your appreciation later.
Firesmoked Fish Company
1544 Gulf Shores Pkwy
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Thursday, August 21st-
The adage "when you know better, you do better" underscores the importance of continuous knowledge acquisition in facilitating impactful environmental stewardship. This principle is particularly relevant to hands-on educational initiatives along the Gulf Coast, where organizations such as the Share the Beach Sea Turtle Advocacy Program and various Oyster Shell Recycling initiatives conduct an annual fundraising event with the Alabama Coastal Foundation to underwrite their conservation efforts. Scheduled from noon to 8 PM, this event encompasses educational outreach, craft beverage offerings, and interactive opportunities for attendees to engage with representatives from multiple conservation entities. Be it a pint or a flight, grab some. Proceeds to go towards these groups' efforts and get your chatter boxes moving to ask all the right questions or test your know-how with the experts themselves. Like the Brew come back Friday where, Big Beach Brewery will be hosting a product launch for 'Amy', a honey basil wheat ale, from noon to 11 PM. This initiative not only highlights the brewery’s commitment to sustainable brewing practices but also aims to bolster local community engagement through its support for environmental conservation efforts. Come out and be a part of something great while tipping your glass with others who feel the same.
Big Beach Brewing Company - ACF connect your coast event
300 E 24th Ave
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Friday, August 22nd-
There’s no room for trivial, aged, sleepy minds—your time has passed kind of mindset—at least not with the South Baldwin Literacy Council around. This group embodies the idea of exercising your brain at any age to keep your wits sharp. This Friday's trivia game is titled "Dead Authors Society.” Players and guests can look forward to an evening filled with “brain-teasing fun” at the Foley Civic Center. At this in-person event, participants will have the chance to test their wits and knowledge, sharing laughs in a night of friendly competition for a great cause. While competitors will provide the evening's highlighted entertainment, the real victory lies in raising money for literacy in Baldwin County. Come out and enjoy the event! Decorate your team's table with the "DAS" theme and dress to impress as your favorite author from the past. Doors open at 5 PM, and trivia begins at 6:30 PM, with teams of up to eight players each. Whether you choose to participate or just enjoy watching, sign up using the link below! Downtown Foley offers a diverse collection of dinner options for before or after the show, along with beautifully lit up sidewalks for strolling by shops and other great sights and stops while in town for the night.
Foley City Hall
407 East Laurel Ave
Foley, AL 36535
Saturday, August 23rd-
Saturday is teeing off, at the Wharf, featuring a significant upgrade with the introduction of Port Side on Main, offering an enhanced entertainment experience to go along with the already big summer and fall season of fun. This Saturday marks the commencement of ‘Gameday on The Green,’ an all-day college football viewing event that begins with the first kickoff each weekend and continues through November 29th. The venue will feature expansive outdoor screens capable of accommodating a large audience and an open green space designed for family engagement. Various recreational activities will be available between plays, including cornhole, Connect Four, giant Jenga, and more. Please refer to the official website for further specifics on this event, including food and drink specials and information on reserving dedicated spots. Additionally, during halftime, attendees can visit the north side of Main Street, where fans and food enthusiasts can partake in the 3rd annual Coastal Tailgate Cook-off Challenge. This event serves as a qualifying round for the World Food Championship. It runs from noon to 3 PM, creating a dynamic atmosphere reminiscent of a national championship pregame, albeit with a culinary twist. Tickets for the cook-off are currently available and provide an opportunity to sample an array of tailgate-style dishes, including wraps and gourmet tacos prepared by top culinary teams. Attendees can also vote for their favourite offerings in the ‘People’s Choice Award’. The excitement at the Wharf extends beyond daytime festivities; patrons are encouraged to linger into the evening or return dressed for a night of entertainment under the stars at one of the fastest-growing amphitheaters in the country. The lineup includes the ‘Little Big Town: Summer Tour,’ featuring performances by Ashley McBryde and Carter Faith as opening acts. Tickets for this exceptional concert are available now. Join in on the fun at the Wharf this Saturday and spread the word—it promises to be an extraordinary experience.
The Wharf
4830 Main St
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Coastal Tailgate Cookoff Challenge
Sunday, August 24th-
CoastAL in Orange Beach offers a fresh daily menu featuring some of the Gulf's most notable catches. You can expect your boat-to-table meal to be complemented by warm southern hospitality and fantastic views of the salty waves of the Gulf. This spectacular venue along the shoreline also offers various gourmet steak options, including Filet Mignon, Bone-In Ribeye, and mouthwatering Blackened Chicken Pasta. Don't forget to check out the bar for tropical and chocolatey beverages, as well as the gift shop for souvenirs or gifts. Be sure to take plenty of photos, as the breathtaking water horizon makes for a perfect backdrop. CoastAL is designed for a leisurely experience, so plan to stay a while! Enjoy live music performances, games on the grass, beach access, and even some dancing. There are shopping opportunities both onsite and at the famous local hotspot, The Orange Beach Store, just across the street. With two menus to choose from and fun-filled activities planned throughout the day and into the night, why not bring a friend or two? There's plenty of room for everyone at CoastAL in Orange Beach!
CoastAL Orange Beach
25722 Perdido Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Share this article w/ Friends...
