Your Week on the Coast: Creative Days, Cozy Nights & Can't-Miss January Fun
This January, the Gulf Coast is showcasing a week filled with winter island magic that’s anything but boring.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The lineup invites you to get creative, explore, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Participate in hands-on art sessions at the Orange Beach Public Library, enjoy lively snowbird festivities in Foley, or discover fascinating local history at Gulf State Park. Food enthusiasts can indulge in a coastal craft beer dinner, while thrill-seekers can skate one last time at The Wharf. Night owls can two-step from Saturday night into Sunday morning at Flora-Bama. Don’t miss the family-friendly Bluey dinner, guaranteed to delight the little ones. Whether you're visiting or lucky enough to call the coast home, there's something special waiting for you each day of the week.
Monday, January 12th-
Do you want to be a plant parent but struggle to keep plants alive? Forget about faux flowers and traditional potted plants! Join fellow plant lovers and leaders at the Orange Beach Public Library for a unique event focused on crafting candle succulents. If you also love candles, this adult art class combines wax with creative design to make plant care easier than ever. Starting at 10:30 AM, the library will host a candle-succulent event, registration required, as part of its Matinee Art theme this month. Participants will learn how to layer colorful candle wax to create a candle succulent terrarium. You can also choose your favorite scent from a collection to personalize your creation. Say goodbye to the frustration of overwatering or underwatering real plants—you'll be creating a sweet candle succulent instead! Not only will you have the opportunity to design your own candle plant, but you will also enjoy the company of other creative individuals. Plus, you can explore the library’s incredible collection of books to take home, enjoy, and grow some more. Happy planting!
Orange Beach Public Library
26267 Canal Rd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Succulent Candles- Matinee-Art
Tuesday, January 13th-
Coffee, donuts, a scavenger hunt, and cash prizes—oh my! It's time for Foley's Annual Snowbird Coffee 2026, a full-blown shindig. If you enjoy adventures with great friends and the chance to meet new ones, be sure to drop by the Foley Civic Center by 9 AM on Tuesday. This event is tailored for you, our beloved snowbirds, and will include welcome bags filled with coupons and other goodies, all found in the charming town of downtown Foley. Upon arrival, guests can grab coffee and sweet treats while mingling before the hunt begins. Once the fun starts, you'll embark on an exciting scavenger hunt through Foley, where some lucky winners will find individual prizes totalling up to $1,000 bucks! Discover hidden gems, meet local shop owners, and explore their unique offerings. If you have any questions, just check your bag; it's packed with all the information you need to enjoy an adventurous day in one of Baldwin County’s most cherished historical towns. Now, get ready for the hunt, and don’t forget to tell your friends!
Foley Civic Center
407 E Laurel Ave
Foley, AL 36535
Wednesday, January 14th-
What a wonderful Wednesday winter showcase we have for you this week at the Learning Campus at Gulf State Park, presented by Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism. Locals and visitors are encouraged to participate in this series, where history, nature, and education converge. At 10:30 AM, historian, author, and Director of Historic Blakely State Park, Mike Bunn, will speak about the establishment of the Mississippi Territory and the origins of two states through the lens of his chapters. Along with Clay Williams, Bunn will provide a richly illustrated introduction that guides us along this pivotal era in history. During the presentation, they will cover topics including politics, land acquisition, the American Southwest frontier, and the division of territories that became the states of Mississippi and Alabama. They will explore the historical trajectory of the previously underpopulated backwoods frontier, examining its transformation into a vibrant, economically active hub in one of the nation's fastest-growing regions. This examination will include socio-economic factors, infrastructural developments, and demographic shifts that contributed to this evolution. This is an exciting history lesson you won't want to miss! The event is free, and Bunn will have a collection of his other books available for purchase at just $20 each. Let’s learn!
Learning Campus at Gulf State Park
20115 State Park Rd
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Thursday, January 15th-
Tacky Jacks in Gulf Shores is hosting a Coastal Craft Beer Dinner Experience that features not one, not two, not three, but four delicious courses for only $40. Given the rising costs of dining out, this is an incredible bargain—it's often hard to leave a restaurant without spending that much on just one regular meal! Starting at 5 PM, lucky participants will be treated to plates such as island-inspired dishes, including Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes paired with a refreshing glass of Hola Olas Mexican Style Lager, as well as a third course of smoked brisket accompanied by Dixie's Heart Irish Red Ale, and finishing with a Midnight Porter and dessert. Is your mouth watering yet? Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy a delightful evening of exceptional flavors, great company, and excellent service. Plus, you'll get to savour a second course, bringing even more unique offerings from Big Beach Brewing Company and two more kitchen delights. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy an exceptional dining experience at an affordable price. If you're 21 and up, come one, come all, and secure your seat today for this limited-seating event. Registration is available at the link below. Cheers!
Tacky Jacks
240 E 24th Ave
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Friday, January 16th-
January 2026 on the Gulf Coast is a stark contrast to January 2025, which brought record-breaking snowfall that lasted for days—an unforgettable experience for both residents and visitors. Now, we're back to the familiar climate: slightly cooler days with an occasional chill, quickly followed by sunshine. However, did you know you can still enjoy the best of both worlds right on the coast this month? Before it's too late, take advantage of the last weekend to experience ice skating at The Wharf in Orange Beach! That’s right—ice skating in the South is still happening! The rink opens on Friday at 4:00 PM and remains open until 10:00 PM, with extended hours on Saturday and Sunday. To make the most of your visit, visit The Wharf's website, navigate to the skating page, and sign your e-waiver in advance. This way, when you arrive, you can pay for your skates and get out on the ice to enjoy yourself. Don’t miss this final opportunity to experience a magical winter wonderland right in the heart of a coastal southern climate. After skating, warm up by the water at The Gulf, located just past the Perdido Pass Bridge, where you can enjoy outdoor dining with heaters available if needed. Indulge in delicious Gulf-fresh catches—the fish are still biting! You can try seafood boil platters, shrimp tacos, burgers, and more, all while savoring the island scenery and breathing in the fresh salt air. What a fantastic way to spend your Friday at the beach, combining ice skating, water scenes, and good times! Come check out some of the best aspects of being a local or visitor in a coastal town this January.
Ice Skating @ the Wharf e-waiver
Saturday, January 17th-
You’ve heard of honky tonk hoedowns, two-stepping showdowns, and, of course, the world-famous Flora-Bama, but have you ever heard of “Big Earl”? If not, this boot-stomping, beer-slinging party that is known to last until the sun comes up is the perfect way to get acquainted. Jack, a.k.a. “Big Earl” Robertson, invites you to join him for his All Country Birthday Blowout under the Bama Tent Stage. The festivities kick off around 7 PM and will feature some of the greatest country songs ever written, including classics from Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Dolly Parton! Expect to laugh, dance, and sing until you lose your voice while enjoying performances from some of the establishment's “best pickers, singers, and troublemakers, along with a few surprise guests” to keep the energy high all night long. Tickets for this exciting event are on sale now, so save the date, slip into your best dancing boots, grab a cowboy hat, and get ready to honky tonk with the best of them!
Flora-Bama Lounge & Package
17401 Perdido Key Dr
Pensacola, FL 32507
Tickets- Big Earl Birthday Bash
Sunday, January 18th-
Everyone’s favorite blue pup from Australia is back to hang out with her fans at The Hangout in Gulf Shores on Sunday evening! That’s right—Bluey is returning for a special dinner event. Join the whole family for an interactive night filled with activities to keep everyone entertained. Enjoy delicious food served in a community-style setting, ensuring no one misses out. Things at The Hangout just got a whole lot bluer with Bluey-inspired entertainment, including trivia, dance-offs, character meet-and-greets, photo opportunities, and much more! If your little ones adore America’s favorite Australian dog, Bluey, you’re in for an evening of pure delight. Guests may attend the interactive dinner at either 5 PM or 6 PM. When your dining time is over, there’s no need to leave; The Hangout has plenty of spacious areas for you and your family to stick around and enjoy even more good times. And remember, as Bluey says, "You've got to use your imagination to make things better!” Spots fill up quickly, so make your plans now and arrive early for all the fun.
The Hangout
101 E Beach Blvd
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
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