2026 Spring and Summer Events in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

hot air balloons in the sky at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival

December 19, 2025

Beyond family-friendly activities, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach come alive with spring and summer events we highly recommend. Whether you’re planning a relaxing getaway or an action-packed vacation, be sure to squeeze a few into your itinerary!

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Spring Events
Summer Events
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Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Spring Events

Boat and Yacht Show – March

Dozens of dealers and nearly 100 exhibitors will display over $100 million in boats, yachts, and marine products at The Wharf Boat and Yacht Show. We also love this spring event because we get to see the latest in marine technology up close!

Local Tip: Avoid the lines and purchase your tickets online!

L.O.L Festival – April

Held at beautiful Gulf State Park, L.O.L. Festival brings three days of live music, food, and entertainment, and will surely become one of your favorite Gulf Shores spring events! Meet local vendors and kick off the season with a fresh, community-focused celebration.

OWA Spring Fling – March-May

The OWA Spring Fling is a series of spring celebrations running from March through May in Foley, just north of Gulf Shores. We particularly enjoy the Rubber Ducky Regatta and Bunnies and Baskets for the littles, while runners and walkers of all abilities can participate in the Steps for Inclusion 5K.

The Wharf C Spire Concert Series – April-July

The C Spire Concert Series at The Wharf in Orange Beach brings top performers from country, alternative, and rock music to the Alabama Gulf Coast in the sand and on stage!

Flora-Bama Mullet Man Triathlon – April

The Flora-Bama Mullet Man Triathlon begins with a ¼-mile swim, followed by a 16.5-mile bike ride, and culminates in a 3.9-mile run. Athletes with any energy left can enjoy the post-race party featuring live music, great food, and plenty of fun!

Flora-Bama Easter Egg Hunt and Church Services – April

The Flora-Bama Easter Egg Hunt is a spring event locals love. With crafts, face painting, and the Easter bunny skydiving onto the beach, it’s a full-out celebration! Come back on Sunday for church services on our sandy shores!

Lulu’s Easter Egg Dash – April

Bring the kiddos out for Lulu’s Easter Egg Dash on Easter Sunday! The Easter Bunny will make an appearance, and you’ll have the time of your life snapping photos to share with family and friends.

Bama Coast Cruisin’ – April

We love Bama Coast Cruisin’ for its laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere, wide variety of stunning vehicles, and access to local shops and dining. If you miss them in the spring, hit their fall event!

Flora-Bama Mullet Toss – April

One of the biggest beach parties on the Alabama Gulf Coast, the Flora-Bama Mullet Toss is an event like no other. An entry fee of $20 gets you a commemorative T-shirt and a shot at throwing a dead mullet further than anyone else across the Florida-Alabama state line!

NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship – May

The NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship returns to Gulf Shores, bringing the nation’s top collegiate teams to compete on the white sand beach, with the title decided on Sunday morning. Fans get front-row access to high-energy matches, elite athletes, in an amazing atmosphere you can’t replicate in a stadium. It’s a rare chance to pair top-tier college sports with an Alabama Gulf Coast getaway!

Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival – May

The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is a three-day spring celebration featuring tethered hot air balloon rides, interactive displays, and pilot meet-and-greets. This free spring event also offers fun kids’ activities, food and craft vendors, and more!

Orange Beach Billfish Classic – May

May brings the Orange Beach Billfish Classic, a popular blue marlin tournament attracting competitive fishing teams from all over. Tuna, wahoo, and dolphin are included in optional catch and release categories, making this a thrilling event for anglers of all skill levels!

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Summer Events

Shark Fest – June

So much to see and do at Shark Fest in Gulf State Park! Enjoy three full days of hands-on discovery, learning about sharks and the different species that call the Alabama Gulf Coast home. With interactive exhibits and family-friendly activities, it’s an engaging experience for all ages!

Fourth of July Celebration – July

We can’t think of a better way to spend the Fourth of July than at the beach. Fireworks over the Gulf are the perfect finale to our day in the sun. Plus, a long holiday weekend gives us more time with family and friends!

Blue Marlin Grand Championship – July

The Blue Marlin Grand Championship is yet another Gulf Coast Triple Crown Series event you won’t want to miss. Cast for blue Marlin, tuna, dolphin, and wahoo, and compete for cash prizes against some of the best sport fishing teams in the region!

Blue Angels Pensacola Beach Air Show- July

Watch the U.S. Navy’s elite flight demonstration squadron perform aerial stunts at the Blue Angels Air Show on Pensacola Beach. Arrive early and bring a hat, sunscreen, shades, water, and beach chairs, then kick back and enjoy the show!

Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo – July

The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo on Dauphin Island promises some of the most exciting game fishing around. Payouts are hefty, including a million dollars in cash and prizes! Get your little anglers involved at the Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament, a one-day summer event designed to bring families together and teach kids about sportsmanship.

Looking for More Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Events?

Beyond these spring and summer events in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, you’ll find a host of fun activities designed to get you outside during your time here. Best of all, Kaiser Vacation Rentals offers a place near it all with spacious interiors, places to gather, and lots of family-friendly amenities!