Reviewed by: Miranda Shaffer
5 quick getaway events you won’t want to miss in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach this February-April
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As we move past winter and into spring, nothing’s better than a quick getaway. If you’re seeking entertainment with a gorgeous Gulf Coast backdrop, here are five can’t-miss events coming up in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.
1. Orange Beach Seafood Festival
Join your love for seafood and cars during this popular Gulf Coast event. This year, The Orange Beach Seafood Festival returns with a full day of fun, including:
- Delicious food
- Artists + vendors from across the South
- Music for the whole family
- Car show featuring antique, classic and hot rod vehicles
The sweetest part—the festival benefits Makos Academics Arts & Athletics Club (MAAAC) and Orange Beach schools.
When: Saturday, February 19 | 10AM-4PM
Where: The Wharf in Orange Beach, 4830 Main St, Orange Beach, Al 36561
Price: Free
Parking: $2 per car donation benefiting Orange Beach schools
More info
2. Ballyhoo Festival
Bally what? Ballyhoo! And it’s a festival you won’t soon forget.
In its eighth year, it features juried fine arts of 80 artists and a unique focus on cultural exchange.
On Saturday, March 5, discover the history of the Poarch Creek Indians through historical narrative and original tribal dancing.
On Sunday, March 6, check out the Ballyhoo Festival Cultural Exchange featuring Early Americana music with a fiddle/banjo competition, plus performances by some of the best musicians in the Southeast.
Also at the event:
- Art demonstrations
- Children’s Art Pavilion
- Food
- Local bands
When: Saturday-Sunday, March 5-6 | Saturday 9AM-5PM, Sunday 11AM-5PM
Where: The Lake Shelby Picnic Area inside Gulf State Park, 20115 State Hwy 135, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Price: Free
More info
3. Orange Beach Festival of Art
Love the arts? Me, too! So, believe me when I say the Orange Beach Festival of Art is a must-attend.
The event celebrates an extraordinary variety of arts, including visual, performing, musical and culinary with more than 100 vendors to discover.
While there, be sure to swing by the kids’ art alley for family fun, the music and songwriter’s stage for great sounds and the culinary arts court to taste test tons of delicious local fare.
When: Saturday-Sunday, March 12-13
Where: Orange Beach Waterfront Park, 26389 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Price: Free
More info
4. The Wharf Boat and Yacht Show
Ever wondered what $150 million worth of yachts and boats looks like? Then this is the event for you!
Taking place in Orange Beach, The Wharf Boat and Yacht Show offers fun for the whole fam, including:
- Fishing + boating seminars
- Food vendors
- Kids’ activities
- Live music
- And more!
Complete schedule and full list of vendors.
When: Friday-Sunday, March 18-20 | Friday-Saturday 10AM-6PM, Sunday 10AM-4PM
Where: The Wharf in Orange Beach, 4550 Main St, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Price: General Admission – $10 | Platinum Admission (3-day pass) – $25 | Military & First Responders – $8 | Kids (12 + under) – Free
More info
5. Waterway Village Zydeco & Crawfish Festival & 5K Run
This April, let the good times roll in Gulf Shores during the Waterway Village Zydeco & Crawfish Festival & 5K Run.
Here’s what’s on the agenda:
- Arts & crafts vendors
- Crawfish boil
- Kids’ activities
- Music from some of the best Zydeco bands from around the South
- 5K Run/1 Mile Fun Run
When: Saturday, April 16 | 10AM-6PM
Where: Waterway Village in Gulf Shores (Under the Instracoastal Bridge, North & South Side), Waterway W Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Price: Free
More info
6. BONUS Event!
Surprise! I have one more event for you, and I think you’re gonna like it. It’s the annual Bama Coast Cruisin’ event, April 28-30, at The Wharf in Orange Beach.
Here you’ll find a full weekend of laid-back family fun with cars on display, shopping and dining at The Wharf’s top restaurants and more—all set against the backdrop of the Intracoastal Waterway and Canal Bridge.
When: Thursday-Saturday, April 28-30 | 9AM
Where: The Wharf in Orange Beach, 4830 Main St, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Price: Free
More info
With events this fun and the beach as your backdrop, it’s time to plan your getaway. Visit Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism for all you need to know.
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