Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) —  From a coastal wildlife refuge to a farmers market rescheduled after last weekend's storm, the Alabama Gulf Coast has a full calendar for the week of October 12 through October 18, 2026. Events span seven days and multiple cities, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Foley, and Perdido Key. Residents and visitors can enjoy outdoor nature walks, live music, community coffee hours, a zoo Halloween event, a wine-pairing dinner, and an Oktoberfest celebration. Several events are free to attend, and most take place outdoors.

Monday, October 12th- If you’re seeking a peaceful place to connect with nature this Monday, consider visiting the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary filled with natural beauty and wildlife. Trails are open to the public Monday through Friday from sunrise to sunset, offering a welcoming environment for anyone who wants to appreciate the outdoors through education and more. Stop by the visitor contact station Monday-Friday from 9 AM to 1 PM to learn about guided bird walks, dune hikes, and night prowls led by staff, volunteers, and partners dedicated to sharing their passion for nature. As you explore, you'll find trails and boardwalks, perfect for a gentle walk. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and clothing, bringing a light backpack for water, a notebook to record your observations and questions, and binoculars to see wildlife up close. Entrance is free, but if this experience touches your heart and you'd like to explore more of America's natural treasures, you can buy an America the Beautiful pass online or at the visitor station to visit more places that often charge admission. The refuge is home to remarkable wildlife, including the endangered Alabama beach mouse and threatened and endangered sea turtles. Through habitat protection and conservation efforts under the Endangered Species Act, or ESA, these species have a better chance of survival along our ever-changing coastline.  During your visit and guided tours, you'll learn how partners help sustain this special place and how you can volunteer, whether you’re a local or just passing through. Everyone has a meaningful role in preserving the beauty of our natural world. Take a walk on the wild side, and don’t forget your camera to capture memories you’ll cherish. Plan to stay a while and stop by Mikee’s Seafood before heading home for dinner at a family-owned and operated restaurant since 1987. Happy exploring, and enjoy some of the best the Alabama Gulf Coast has to offer. 

Bon Secure National Wildlife Refuge-GS

Mikees Seafood-GS

Tuesday, October 13th- Wine tastings with Winston are back at Tacky Jacks on the Alabama Gulf Coast. So far, these grand events have sold out in advance; however, a few seats are still available this Tuesday. Don’t waste any time — be sure to click the link below after reading this to reserve your spot. If you’re new to this seasonal tasting, fabulous wines are expertly paired with a four-course meal of small, delicious plates from around the world, themed around different regions. Tuesday’s menu is from the Pacific Northwest. The first course is a wild sockeye salmon Capriccio; the second, a wild mushroom tartlet; the third, a coffee-rubbed pork tenderloin with roasted Brussels sprouts; and the fourth course, for the sweet tooth, hazelnut brownie bites with dark berry reduction and sea salt. Come see which wines we've selected for each pairing—all for just $45 per person, with a $5 reservation holding fee, and the remainder payable in full upon arrival or at the time of reservation. Come uncork something new while you relax in the beautiful outdoor waterfront seating with stunning views — and a gorgeous cotton candy Coastal sunset from 6 to 8 PM, hosted by Alabama Crown Distributing. What are you waiting for?

Wine Tastings with Winston tickets-OB

Wednesday, October 14th- Nothing says October lunch breaks in Foley like the lively midday melodies at Heritage Park, a beloved music-in-the-park event. Everyone looks forward to these Wednesday concerts. This week, Dan Lee will lead the musical performances. If you're new here, this free, family-friendly outdoor event takes place at Foley Heritage Park, where you can bring your own lawn chairs or picnic blankets, lunch, sit back, and unwind in the still-warm but pleasantly crisp fall air along the Alabama Gulf Coast. Enjoy your lunch break with friends and neighbors, plus fantastic live music. The Midweek Melody celebration runs from 11 AM to 2 PM—perfect timing for most work lunch hours. If you're working from home, take the chance to get outside, soak up some sunshine, and enjoy great tunes. You won't want to miss it! Concessions will also be available onsite for purchase from the Masonic Lodge. 

Midday Melodies with Dan Lee-Foley

Thursday, October 15th- Discover a hidden gem of Gulf Shores that you’d have to be looking for to find—Happy Pappy’s Coffee House, a cozy spot known only to those in the know! It’s the perfect place to gather with friends or meet city officials in a relaxed, informal setting. The City of Gulf Shores is thrilled to launch "Coffee and Convos," a new monthly event where community members can chat casually with local leaders. Mark your calendar for the inaugural session from 9 to 10:30 AM this Thursday at Happy Pappy’s. Featuring City Administrator John Walker, Mayor Robert Kraft, and other key officials, this is your chance to ask questions, share ideas, and get to know this charming coffee spot. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to connect and explore! 

Coffee & Convos with the City-GS

Friday, October 16th- Some people, when they hear the weather is about to turn cooler, immediately think of chili and other crockpot delights that pair well with football season and excitement. But in the beloved coastal southern regions, those thoughts also encompass hearty, hot bowls of seafood, gumbo, or shrimp bisque—especially if you’ve ever tasted the family recipe with hand-stirred roux and Gulf shrimp from Lulu’s Homeport in Gulf Shores. Gumbo is a year-round favorite, whether it's hot or cold outside, and especially now. As a cold front moves in this weekend, it’s the perfect time to visit Lulu’s, grab your hoodies, and enjoy a classic family recipe—Lulu’s Shrimp and Andouille Sausage Gumbo. On Friday, from 5 PM to 9 PM, enjoy two coastal wonders together: music and good eats with Thicc and Thinn, a musical duo featuring Shea White and Carl Langley, known for soulful vocals, tasteful guitar, solid percussion, and a shared passion for songwriting that blends folk and blues. Nothing beats relaxing at sunset, then under the stars, with a hearty bowl of gumbo and the soulful sounds of Thicc and Thinn. Make Lulu’s your evening stop this Friday. 

Gumbo for dinner and Thicc and Thinn for dessert-GS

Saturday, October 17th- Celebrate something exciting with the animals at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo this Saturday from 9 AM to 12 PM. Dress up and join us for 'Boot at the Zoo,' a fun-filled day of free, not-so-scary activities like trick-or-treating. You'll have the chance to meet and greet with the animals and enjoy one-on-one time with your favorite animal ambassadors. Best of all, this event is included with your regular Zoo admission! Click the link below to purchase your tickets or pick them up at the door on the day of the event. All Zoo members and children under two can enjoy this day for free — just remember to show your membership cards at the entrance. Not a member yet? Consider joining today to enjoy special discounts like this! Click the second link below to become a member. As always, all proceeds support the Zoo's animals and programs like this. While there will be meet-and-greets with animal ambassadors, please note that animal encounters will be closed for this event. Bring along your own treat bags and dress in your best costumes for a chance to win a golden ticket to redeem a prize at the gift shop. Happy trick-or-treating!

Zoo tickets to enjoy Boo at the Zoo-GS

Become a member of the Zoo!

Sunday, October 18th-  Last weekend had our coastal calendars in a bit of a hurricane-induced shuffle! With the storm originally forecast to affect our area shifting east, we’re thankful the Alabama Gulf Coast was spared the impact we had anticipated. Unfortunately, some events were canceled for good, but thankfully a couple of fall favorites have found their way back onto the calendar. So let’s celebrate the silver lining and make the most of these rescheduled Sunday Festivities. First, the Orange Beach Park and Recreation Department at Waterfront Park is reopening for their fall pop-up farmers market. From 10 AM to 2 PM, visitors can browse curated collections, chat with farmers and growers, learn, purchase fresh produce, and visit and shop from unique vendors. Don’t miss this delightful autumn gathering! Then, from 3 PM to 6 PM, gear up for Oktoberfest at Flora-Bama. Enjoy live music from The Bratz, cheer on the Stein hoisting contests, and get into the festive fun.  Links below to join in on the celebrations. 

Pop up Farmers Market-Fall Edition-OB

Oktoberfest-Perdido Key

That’s your week, y’all! We dodged the worst of the storm, recovered a little fall fun, and still have memories left to make. Get out there and make ‘em count!