Your Weekly Guide to What’s Happening at the Beach This Easter Week
Coastal events, local favorites, and meaningful moments—here’s what’s going on this week in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and beyond.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — If you’ve been wondering what’s happening this week, you’re in luck! This Easter week along the Alabama Gulf Coast is filled with coastal events, family-friendly fun, and unforgettable moments. From sunrise services to sunset adventures, this guide consolidates everything you can enjoy—ranging from unique Easter basket shopping and on-the-water excursions to nature egg hunts, live music, and Good Friday services that set the tone for the weekend ahead. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there are plenty of ways to embrace the season and make the most of what’s happening this week at the beach.
Monday, March 30th-
It's the last week to shop till you hop, to find all those Easter basket goodies. This year, impress your little bunnies and hunnies with some non-traditional items that can be enjoyed well past the season. Did you know that many local restaurants have incredible menus and venues and offer some unique gifts beyond the usual logoed t-shirts and hats—though those are pretty cool, too? Check out Cosmos Courtyard, where you'll find novelty trinkets, pet gifts, and much more in Maggie’s Gift Shop, featuring a wide variety of Cosmos’s branded items, plus jewelry, games, toys, books, puzzles, and that's just the beginning. Luna’s Eat and Drink, GT’s on the Bay, and Cobalt also have a range of unique gifts, including snuggly buddies that would be perfect for your family's Easter baskets. Wolf Bay in Foley offers a great selection of southern beachside gifts ideal for older kids or your special someone. Lulu’s has plenty of branded gifts and also offers plush toys and other coastal-themed items that will make any child leap for joy when they discover their baskets of surprises. Don’t forget about the Hangout in Gulf Shores, where the slogan is “where 59 ends and the fun begins.” This venue houses multiple shops that cater to every personality, including a selection of gag gifts because everyone loves a good laugh. The Orange Beach Store, CoastAL, Emporium@C, and Flora-Bama each offer gifts that reflect the local area—items that will outlast every chocolate bunny this year and won’t create a mess. Consider mixing it up like many locals do and fill those baskets with meaningful, long-lasting items that your kids and family will cherish for years to come. Hoppy shopping.
Tuesday, March 31st-
The weather during this time of year is perfect—not too hot, with just the right amount of breeze, making it ideal for enjoying the salty seas! Happy Harbors Watersports in Orange Beach is a fantastic destination to visit this Tuesday or any day of the week. Right next door, you'll find the original Tacky Jack’s, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In between your water activities, be sure to stop by Tacky Jack’s to enjoy a meal and meet the amazing crew, all while taking in the beautiful view or relaxing indoors for a small break from the sun. Happy Harbors offers a wide variety of fun activities, including paddle sports like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. They also provide captain-led dolphin cruises throughout the day, as well as sunset cruises. Take the plunge with parasailing and have the chance to spot dolphins and other sea life in the Gulf waters, with the aerial view of the 32-mile island a truly spectacular sight, unlike any other. If you’re interested in being your own captain for the day, Happy Harbors has you covered with boat and jet ski rentals. You can explore the back bays, pull up to nearby waterside restaurants, or even take a trip to the inner islands to soak up some sun. No matter how you choose to enjoy your time on the water, you won’t be disappointed at Happy Harbor Watersports in Orange Beach. Happy splashing!
Wednesday, April 1st-
This week, there are some eggciting events hoppening on the Gulf Coast. First up join others at the Foley Public Library in celebration of the Easter season. Storytime will feature a special Easter-themed story and other festive tales. After the reading, kids and families can enjoy a craft session with the Easter Bunny and take photos. The fun begins at 10 AM. Whether you’re a local or not, don’t miss out on this adventure! All visitors and homeschool families are welcome. Next, pack up and cruise down Easter Bunny Lane to Gulf Shores for a parent break at Big Beach Brewing Company, where children can run, jump, and play in the outdoor area. This venue has a homey feel, with a backyard party vibe that continues into the evening, illuminated by lights across the grassy knoll. From 4 PM to 7 PM, guests over the age of 21 can enjoy $1 off pints and wine by the glass during Hoppy Hour, no fooling (wink wink), along with good company and a relaxing atmosphere. Make the most of what our towns have to offer this week! Don’t settle for just one activity; get out there, explore, and create some lasting memories.
Easter Storytime and more @ Foley Public Library
Thursday, April 2nd-
Experience the timeless flavors at De Soto’s Seafood Kitchen, where every day feels like Spring Break or Summer. For over 25 years, De Soto’s has delighted families with delicious meals. Whether you're visiting for lunch or dinner, make sure to ask the friendly local staff about the daily specials and their favorite menu choices. To maintain a stellar reputation at the beach for this long, a restaurant must either have standout menu items that keep customers coming back or offer the same quality as specialized restaurants while providing a diverse menu. De Soto’s has both, offering a wide range of options to suit everyone in your group. In addition to various seafood dishes, the menu includes homestyle lunch plates, salads, steaks, chicken, and oh my. Stop by De Soto’s before heading to the beach for the day or for an evening out. Once you’re satisfied, head to The Hangout, a gathering spot where all ages can enjoy fun activities in a safe environment, both inside and in the outdoor enclosed courtyard in Gulf Shores. If you’re there later in the evening, you're in for a treat! From 6 PM to 10 PM, enjoy live musical entertainment from Chase Mitchell, who will perform fan favorites and take requests. Find a cozy spot or make your way to the dance floor—a breezy evening of music under the stars at The Hangout is an experience everyone should try!
Friday, April 3rd-
One of the highlights of Easter is the Sunday celebrations; however, without the intentional, willing choice made on Good Friday, there wouldn't be a Sunday celebration. While most people refer to it as "Good Friday," the services and times offered can vary. Let’s explore the different options available for this significant day, which leads us into our Easter Sunday celebrations in April across the nation. Join the Church of the Shores for a Tenebrae service on Good Friday at 6 PM. This service will include moments of silence, scripture readings, and a reflective walk through the true story of the cross. It's a time to pause, reflect, and prepare in remembrance and praise for Easter Sunday morning. Flora-Bama will also offer a moment of reflection at 6 PM at their Worship on the Water Ministry Center, featuring come-and-go communion opportunities. St. Thomas by the Sea will have services starting at 9 AM with a no-Mass Adoration, followed by Stations of the Cross at noon, and concluding with a Passion Liturgy at 3 PM. Plan to be there for all three as they roll into each other for completion after the 3PM service. The Island Church in Orange Beach will hold two identical services, one at 3:30 PM and 5 PM. For more information about these services and others offered by each establishment, please visit the links below.
Worship on the Water- come and go communion
Saturday, April 4th-
In light of the season, before heading to your favorite spots or festivals, take a trip to Orange Beach Sportsplex, where your little ones can explore and hunt for eggs in age-appropriate zones set up by local sponsors and the Gulf State Park. Located along the Hugh S. Backcountry Trail, which is currently vying for another national title in USA TODAY’s 10 Best Recreation Trails award for 2026, participants will find an organized egg hunt for kids aged 10 and under. They can collect eggs and search for a few important golden eggs hidden carefully along the trail from 10 AM to 1 PM. After the hunt, additional activities and crafts will await them. Next, load up and head to Foley's Heritage Park, where the fun continues with the Mudbugs and Margaritas Festival, running through 5 PM on Saturday and again from 10 AM to 5 PM on Sunday. At this event, you’ll find delicious crawfish and a variety of margarita flavors to choose from, as well as numerous arts and crafts vendors to shop from. There will be interactive contests for cash prizes and more. Entry to the festival is $5, and everyone is welcome to bring a lawn chair to enjoy a full day of lounging, eating, and listening to musical entertainment. There will also be a kid zone with inflatables, games, and prizes, plus a zoo—it's going to be wild this weekend, so come out and enjoy! If crawfish isn’t your preference, don’t worry; food trucks will be on-site serving a variety of other delicious menu options. Hoppy Spring Gulf Coast style!
Mudbugs and Margarita's- Foley
Sunday, April 5th-
How will you choose your Sunday Easter service location? Well, if you're from here, you probably already have your Easter service plans in place. If not, let’s dive in and explore an option you might not have considered. Many people are familiar with sunrise services on this special day, and here on the Alabama Gulf Coast, that often means celebrating on the sand and beach. Worship on the Water does that weekly, and for this special day, they will be offering three incredible services right on the white sandy shores in front of the Flora-Bama. They set up a tent that seats 2,500, and space inside often fills up quickly. The sunrise service begins at 6 AM, where attendees gather to “celebrate the hope and resurrection of Jesus” together. The following two services take place at 9 AM and 11 AM. A significant reason to choose WOW for your celebration is not just the beautiful location but also the meaningful baptisms that take place in the Gulf after each service. Since parking and space can be limited, please plan to arrive early. Exercise patience as you walk through the crowd and make your way to the tent or the surrounding area. Be part of the hope that fills Easter Sunday as you enjoy the sun shining on your face in an atmosphere that glorifies the one deserving of it all. Happy Easter from the Gulf Coast, WOW, and finally, the Bamily!
Worship on the Water Easter @ Flora-Bama
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