The days are getting longer, and by the end of January, the sun will set at 5:14 pm, giving us an extra 45 minutes of daylight! With the coming of longer days and warmer weather, it’s time to start planning your spring and summer vacations, and there’s no better place to be than the beach! With powder-white sand and gentle, warm Gulf waters, Gulf Shores is a beacon for everyone from spring-breakers to empty-nesters, and with a line-up of exciting annual events taking place over the next few months, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Let’s take a look at seven exciting things to do in Gulf Shores this spring and summer and help you kick-start your vacation preparation!
Annual Fort Morgan Oyster Fest
February 24-25
Get ready for a shell of a good time at the Annual Fort Morgan Oyster Fest, a highlight of the Gulf Shores’ spring events calendar. Taking place the last weekend of February at The Beach Club Resort and Spa, attendees can expect a weekend full of delicious food, live music, and fun events the whole family will enjoy.
Your ticket includes access to an all-you-can-eat oyster extravaganza serving up Navy Cove and Admiral oysters in every way imaginable. From Rockefeller and charbroiled to oyster chowder and even spaghetti, there’s something to tickle every tastebud. A special menu will be available for kids, and beer and cocktails will also be available for purchase on the grounds so you can wash it all down with your favorite beverage.
If the oysters aren’t enough reason to come on out, the festival will also feature live music from Jesse Duncan (Saturday) and the Wes Loper Band (Sunday). Additionally, more than 40 Alabama-based arts and crafts vendors will be on-site showcasing their creations, and you can also partake in tons of fun games, contests, and kid’s crafts and activities throughout the day. From oyster shucking competitions to bouncy houses for the kids, there’s something for everyone at the Fort Morgan Oyster Fest. Grab your tickets before they sell out, and be sure to check out this exciting event on your coastal vacation!
Ballyhoo Festival
March 2-3
Located in Gulf Shores State Park, the Ballyhoo Festival is a celebration of fine art and the vibrant culture that exists in the Gulf Coast region. Featuring a weekend of music, dance, food, family fun, and, of course, fine art, attendees of the Ballyhoo Festival are immersed in the cultural vibrance that exists in our communities.
One part pow-wow, and one part art fest, visitors will enjoy performances by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians as well as traditional tribal dance, on-site art demonstrations, hands-on activities for kids, local seafood and cultural delights, and even a banjo and fiddle competition with $3,000.00 in cash prizes! Join the fun at this year’s celebration and you, too, will Ballyhoo! The festival is free to attend, so be sure to check it out on your spring vacation to Gulf Shores.
Orange Beach Festival of Art
March 9-10
Celebrate 50 years of art at the Orange Beach Festival of Art this March! Long heralded as the region’s first rite of spring, the festival celebrates the visual, performing, musical, and culinary arts found in the Gulf Coast. Completely free to attend, visitors will enjoy live musical performances on two stages, as well as booths from more than 100 vendors displaying a variety of bespoke items. Traveling with kids? Be sure to stop by the kid’s art alley for customized items and activities just for the little ones. Indulge in delicious food from the culinary vendors and enjoy a weekend of excellent exhibitions and creations from the coastal area’s finest artists. Whether you’re a local or just visiting on a Gulf Shores vacation, you won’t want to miss what Alabama magazine has celebrated as the “Best Art Show in Alabama.”
The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show
March 15-17
Whether you’re an angler, a watersports enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates all things boating, the Wharf in Orange Beach is the place to be March 15-17. Showcasing more than $100 million in boats and marine products, visitors will enjoy seeing the who’s who of the boating and marine industry. From sport & console boats to luxury yachts, this is the premier boat buying show in the northern Gulf. Enjoy the numerous restaurants and shops at the Wharf as you take in the sights of some of the best boats and products on the market. Let the kid’s creativity run wild at Marine artist Larry Rackley’s kid’s art classes. Then, enjoy live music and entertainment as you check out the seminars and exhibitions from the top dealers. Whether you’re just looking for a fun family outing or you’re in the market for some new gear, the Wharf Boat & Yacht show has you covered.
Interstate Mullet Toss
April 26-28
Don’t miss one of the biggest beach parties of the year going down at the Flora Bama in Gulf Shores April 26-28th. What started as a fun-loving beach party has turned into one of the rowdiest celebrations and fundraisers in the area. For a small fee, attendees can take part in the strange, albeit hilariously fun activity of tossing a mullet (not the business in the front party in the back hairstyle, but the FISH) over the state line into Alabama to see who gets it the farthest. Starting at 10:00 am, participants are invited to give it their all for $20.00 a toss. In return, tossers receive a free t-shirt to commemorate the event, and all proceeds are donated to local youth organizations that target education and prevention programs. Thanks to the popularity of the event, each year, donations of over $40,000.00 are made to local charities on both sides of the state line. Check out FAQs for the event, and be sure to add the Interstate Mullet Toss to your spring itinerary if you’re visiting Gulf Shores in the coming months.
Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival
May 2-4
Soar into a world of wonder at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival in Foley, Alabama. This enchanting event, held annually, is a visual spectacle that draws both locals and tourists alike. Imagine the sky dotted with colorful balloons floating gently over the scenic landscapes of the Gulf Coast. From the awe-inspiring balloon rides at dawn and dusk to the live entertainment, crafts, and community spirit, the festival is a full-fledged celebration designed to delight and mesmerize.
From live music, crafts, and food trucks to kid’s activities, games, and more, this is the perfect family-friendly thing to do in Gulf Shores.
More than an event, the festival is an experience that brings the community together, celebrating the beauty and adventure of hot air ballooning. Whether you’re there for the thrill of a balloon ride or to enjoy the festive atmosphere on the ground, this festival promises unforgettable moments for everyone.
Hangout Music Festival
May 17-19
The Hangout Music Fest, happening from May 17th to 19th, transforms the stunning beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama, into a lively and exciting music festival. From rock and indie to hip-hop and electronic dance music, it promises an unforgettable experience with its blend of top-tier performances and the scenic backdrop of the Gulf Coast. Beyond the music, attendees can enjoy beachside activities, gourmet food options, and interactive experiences, making Hangout Music Fest not just a concert but a full-fledged beach party. It’s an ideal destination for those looking to combine their love for music with the relaxed vibe of a beach vacation. This year’s lineup includes artists like Reneé Rapp, Zach Bryan, Odesza, and more. As one of the most popular music festivals in the country, tickets and vacation rentals are going fast. Be sure to secure yours today if you’re planning on experiencing this incredible Gulf Shores summer event.
Book Your Spring and Summer Gulf Shores Getaway Today!
Whether you’re visiting for one of these exciting festivals or events, or you’re just planning a nice family getaway to the beach, one thing is certain: finding the right vacation rental is the first step. At Fort Morgan Property Management, we have the perfect place for you and your family. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront private home or a bay view cozy retreat, we can help you find the perfect home away from home. Check out our vacation rentals and book directly with us for the best rates and service in the area. We hope to see you at the beach for one of these seven exciting things to do in Gulf Shores this spring and summer!