Winter Called. We’re Busy–Because Staying In Is Overrated

Jessica A. Taylor • January 26, 2026

A Jam-Packed Week of Laughter, Creativity, and Gulf Coast Good Times

Winter Called. We’re Busy–Because Staying In Is Overrated

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Who says winter has to be boring? Along the Gulf Coast, we refuse to sit back and wait for the summer to get down with exciting activities–we’re ready to keep you entertained rain, shine, or shiver. This week’s calendar is packed with toe-tapping music, hilarious comedy shows, hands-on art classes, delicious food festivals, and brunches that could steal the spotlight. From performances that blend opera and comedy (I know, right?) to crafty coastal workshops and mimosa-filled Sundays, this week is all about combining enjoyment, ancient techniques, and education, all enhanced by a touch of Southern Creole coastal flair. Whether you’re looking for creativity, community, or just a great meal, there are plenty of reasons to get out, explore, and enjoy the chill of the season—Gulf Coast style!



Monday, January 26th-
The start of the week just got a whole lot better with a two-night event at the Civic Center as part of the Winter Concert Series. The City of Gulf Shores is excited to present this one-of-a-kind show, unlike any other. Featuring a unique blend of music and comedy, combining the classic vocals you’d find at Carnegie Hall with the laughter reminiscent of the Blue Comedy Tour. Just imagine Larry the Cable Guy performing opera in a comedic style—laughing while appreciating the talent in one full swoop! The shows will start at 7 PM, with doors opening at 6 PM, and run until 10 PM on both Monday and Tuesday nights. Don’t miss out! Tickets are on sale now to see the 3 Redneck Tenors for an unforgettable performance that spans “Country to Broadway and everything in between.” Get ready for a side-splitting ride! Matthew Lord, Blake Davidson, and Sean Steele each bring something special to the stage, including an opera veteran (yes, you read that right). The show is musically crafted by award-winning composer Craig Bohmler. If these names sound familiar, it’s because they gained fame as top finalists on America’s Got Talent back in 2004. Be sure to order your tickets soon, as these jaw-dropping, high-energy shows are selling out quickly! Don’t wait—check out the link to purchase tickets below. So, if you’re looking for a fun and memorable experience this week, as Bill Engvall would say, “Here’s your sign!” Enjoy. 


Erie H. Meyer Civic Center

1930 W 2nd Street 

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Tickets 3 Redneck Tenors 


Tuesday, January 27th-
Winter of fun continues at Tacky Jacks with Art al Fresco! This week's event will focus on creating a unique bouquet with unscented floral designs that require no water to thrive—just a little paint and a touch of creativity. The class, instructed by a talented local artist, is titled "Painted Pinecone Flowers on Wood." The cost is $25, which offers great value for the experience. Participants will learn how to create and design their very own custom pieces. You can use the pinecones provided, or if you’re an avid collector of natural items, feel free to bring your own. No worries—there are plenty of pine pallets available for everyone. The class will start at 10:00 AM at Tacky’s Orange Beach location. Please RSVP online if you plan to pay upon arrival. We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes early to get settled, gather your supplies, and be ready to start on time. As an added bonus, the class includes a $10 Tacky Jacks gift card, perfect for lunch or a souvenir from the gift shop. Whether you're creating something for yourself or a special someone, this is a great opportunity—especially with Sweethearts Day just around the corner. Happy bouquet painting!


Tacky Jacks Grill & Tavern 

27206 Safe Harbor Dr

Orange Beach, AL 36561

Art Al Fresco @ Tacky Jacks 


Wednesday, January 28th-
If you missed the earlier weeks of the winter series, the Learning Center at Gulf State Park has you covered with continued excitement in “The Science of Nature.” This program combines excavation, art, and ancient history, making it a grand time to learn and even create. They’re calling all nature lovers, explorers, art enthusiasts, and aspiring archaeologists—for a time to dig in! After a hands-on mock dig, you'll put your thinking cap to good use by reconstructing pottery fragments and putting them back together to bring history to life, literally. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn about ancient pottery-making techniques and then make their very own clay pots to take home. This mini-series offers a chance to expand your knowledge, develop skills, or gain new ones in a hands-on, educational way. As the campus motto goes, “Learning doesn't stop after school,” so go ahead and sign up for the class—get inspired, inspire others, and fuel your curiosity while being creative and learning. This program is open to individuals aged 18 and up for $38.50 per person and is a three-hour class starting at 1 PM. Happy exploring!


Learning Campus at Gulf State Park

20249A State Park Rd

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Ancient Pottery 


Thursday, January 29th-
This Thursday has a fantastic lineup of events, from a book tasting to a beeswax. Perplexed? Relax, you’ll be glad to know that no books will be harmed during this tasty global event taking place at your Orange Beach local library. The tour will kick off at 2:30 PM for an unforgettable experience featuring book samplings from coast to coast, along with delicious food to complement the selections from various countries. This event is open to everyone who registers, but spots are limited, so grab a friend, sign up, and enjoy some delightful food and literature – it’s an experience you won’t want to miss! If you prefer bees over books, head over to the Gulf Coast Eco Center instead for a wax wrap and lip balm workshop from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, or try to make both. For just $15, participants will learn to make wraps and lip balm using beeswax and plastic-free ingredients. No matter which event you land with, you’re sure to leave with some wonderful take-home treasures. Please remember to note any allergies when registering for the book tasting. 


Orange Beach Public Library

OBPL events


Gulf Coast Eco Center

1650 Eco Trail 

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Beeswax wraps and Lip balm


Friday, January 30th-
Nothing says summer and sunshine quite like a gulfside venue. But have you ever imagined calling such a place your office? CoastAL is hosting a full-day Hiring Event, looking for a fresh, eager crew ready to start their careers against a backdrop of white-sand shores and the sounds of waves crashing or lively local music from the stage. Come out and meet the team, the dedicated year-round staff, and explore your opportunities to join the CoastAL family. Stop by anytime between 10 AM and 5 PM to enjoy delicious food, stunning views, and CoastAL gear from the gift shop that will have everyone asking just what rad beach you're from. Why not "work where others vacation" and look great doing it? Good Luck. 


CoastAL Restaurant 

25722 Perdido Beach Blvd

Orange Beach, AL 36561

Hiring Event @ CoastAL


Saturday, January 31st-
Carnival, or Mardi Gras season, isn't just about parades and balls; it’s a full-on celebration of Creole heritage that includes festivals, art, and more. While the rest of the country tends to slow down after the holidays until Easter, our little beach towns are gearing up for some delicious crawfish pies—oh me, oh my! First up is Foley's annual Gumbo and Alabama Slammer Festival. For a small $5 fee, guests can enter to enjoy a variety of delicious gumbo-inspired dishes and other bayou menu items, plus more yummy delights and beverages for an additional cost. There will also be live themed music for everyone to dance to. In addition to eating and dancing, vendors will line the park with arts-and-crafts stalls featuring home decor, as well as contests attendees can enter to win and vote in. Bring the whole family for this all-day event and be back on Sunday! Kids can fly high bouncing in bounce houses, engaging in interactive games, and petting furry friends in the petting zoo—all free for kids 12 and under. Start the season off right and get into the spirit of carnival flair, and let the good times begin to roll!


Heritage Park 

125 E Laurel Ave

Foley, AL 36535

Gumbo and Alabama Slammer Fest


Sunday, February 1st-
Sunday Winter Brunch at Wolf Bay, a perfect way to wrap up the week and enjoy a cozy event that will warm you right up. The brunch starts at 10 AM and transitions to lunch at 2 PM, celebrating both a new month and the last of winter in our area every Sunday in February. This isn’t your typical brunch! Enjoy crowd favorites like the Breakfast Burger, Eggs Benedict, Monte Cristo, and for the little ones, don’t miss the delicious Mickey Mouse Pancakes! If you’re feeling thirsty, they offer $3 mimosas all day, extending into the evening. Wolf Bay is a family-owned establishment that prides itself on supporting the community. Providing special deals and meals throughout the year while ensuring our winter guests from the north feel welcomed, right along with the regulars. Whether you’re a resident or visiting, don’t miss the chance to indulge in this delightful Winter Sunday Brunch. It’s an opportunity you won’t want to let go, even if the cold never bothered you anyway!


Wolf Bay Lodge 

20801 Miflin Rd 

Foley, AL 36535

Fall and Winter special menu


Share this article w/ Friends...

Gulf Shores City Hall
By John Mullen January 26, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The city council is poised to take the first step to put in motion a plan to upgrade several city buildings in Gulf Shores. The city hall annex, currently housing the mayor’s office and other departments, is the focus downtown, with improvements and expansions planned for the south side...
Alabama State Parks Launches New Junior Ranger Program For Kids
By OBA Staff January 26, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Alabama State Parks is launching an exciting new program that invites children of all ages to become Junior Park Rangers. The program is completely free and welcomes families, school groups, and youth organizations. Kids don't need any outdoor experience to join. The program is designed...
Classic Cars And Fresh Seafood Highlight Orange Beach Festival
By R. Ken Cooper January 25, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Wharf will come alive once again as the 34th Annual Orange Beach Seafood Festival and MAAAC Car Show returns this February. The popular event draws thousands each year for a day filled with coastal food, family fun, and impressive classic cars. Visitors will find a lively mix of...
Foley Library Book Sale Brings Big Selection And Small Prices
By Guy Busby January 25, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The Friends of the Foley Public Library will once again turn the Foley Civic Center into a bargain hunter’s paradise as thousands of books and other media go on sale to support local literacy efforts. Gently used best-sellers, classics, and specialty titles will fill rows of tables across the...
Gulf Shores Pedestrian Bridge Project Reaches Key Milestones
By R. Ken Cooper January 24, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — We see some people asking why the pedestrian bridge is being built. The pedestrian bridge is needed to eliminate the pedestrian lane on the Hwy 59 Bridge. Once the pedestrian bridge is completed, it will allow a 3rd traffic lane on the Holmes Bridge (Hwy 59).
Mayor Kennon To Address February’s Orange Beach Community Potluck
By R. Ken Cooper January 24, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Mayor Tony Kennon will be the guest speaker at February’s Orange Beach Community Potluck, an event that brings residents together for an evening of food, fellowship, and civic engagement. The gathering, hosted by the Orange Beach Community Association, continues a long-standing tradition...
Nick Cantrell
By Jessica A. Taylor January 24, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Since its establishment in 2004, the space at 24823 Canal Road has served as a vibrant gallery, showcasing and facilitating unique art sales. For nearly twenty years, it was known as the Prosperous Pelican, under the stewardship of the late Lee and Nancy Wright—locally esteemed figures...
Mardi Gras Spirit Returns To The Alabama Gulf Coast
By R. Ken Cooper January 23, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Mardi Gras spirit is gearing up to return to Alabama’s Gulf Coast, bringing colorful parades, live music, and community celebrations to Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Foley, Elberta, and Fort Morgan. Festive floats and crowds will fill the streets as revelers join in the annual tradition of
Foley Civic Center
By Guy Busby January 23, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — South Baldwin seniors will soon have an opportunity to learn more about services designed to support healthy, independent living. Senior Wellness Week is coming to Foley, offering older adults and caregivers a chance to connect with local resources in one convenient setting. The traveling event...
Orange Beach Middle and High Wins Safe School Award Second Year in a Row
By R. Ken Cooper January 23, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach Middle and High School has again earned statewide recognition for its commitment to student safety and preparedness. The school was named a recipient of the Alabama Attorney General’s Safe Schools Award for the second year in a row. The award honors schools that show...
Show More