Explore Alabama's Gulf Coast this spring with April and May events like the Flora-Bama Triathlon, Mullet Toss, and Hot Air Balloon Festival, plus tips on more fun things to do.
Planning a Gulf Coast getaway this spring? You're in for a treat! Your visit gets an upgrade thanks to the exciting festivals and local celebrations happening all around.
Curious about it? Here's a quick preview just for you:
- The Flora-Bama Triathlon: An endurance race meets a beach party with swimming, biking, running, and a festive finish at Flora-Bama.
- Flora-Bama Easter Egg Hunt: A family-friendly beachfront egg hunt with live music, food, and a visit from the Easter Bunny.
- Flora-Bama Mullet Toss: A quirky Gulf Coast tradition where participants throw mullet fish across the Florida–Alabama state line.
- Hot Air Balloon Festival: Dozens of colorful balloons fill the Foley sky, with sunrise flights, Balloon Glow, music, and family fun.
At Luxury Coastal Vacations, we offer a wide range of rental options along the Gulf Coast, paired with exceptional customer service and meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of your vacation. As experts in Perdido Key, Pensacola, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores, our destination blog covers everything from top pet-friendly spots and kid-friendly activities to must-try restaurants, local distilleries and breweries, and tips for the perfect beach day.
In this article, I've rounded up some of the most vibrant and popular events happening along Alabama's Gulf Coast in April and May, plus a few extra tips to help you make the most of your visit.
Ready? Let's jump straight to the fun stuff!
1. THE FLORA-BAMA TRIATHLON
Fun competition blending Gulf Coast beauty with serious athletic grit,
The Flora-Bama Mullet Man Triathlon is equal parts endurance race and beach party. Held each April, it combines Gulf Coast beauty with serious athletic grit, drawing both competitors and fans. Between the swim, bike, and run, athletes get stunning views, and spectators enjoy nonstop energy with a festival-like atmosphere.
Event Highlights
- Quarter-mile swim in the Gulf.
- 16.5-mile bike ride on scenic coastal roads.
- 3.9-mile run ending at the legendary Flora-Bama Lounge.
- Relay team option for sharing the challenge with friends.
- Post-race celebrations with live music, cold drinks, and festive crowds.
- Spectator-friendly course with plenty of cheering spots.
2. FLORA-BAMA EASTER EGG HUNT
Flora-Bama turns the holiday into a beachfront party ideal for vacationers with kids in tow.
Easter morning on the Gulf Coast comes with a splash of sunshine, sandy toes, and family fun. The Flora-Bama turns the holiday into a beachfront party, where kids race across the sand for eggs while parents kick back with a drink and enjoy the view. It's festive, it's coastal, and it's a holiday memory that feels extra special.
Event Highlights
- Egg hunts divided by age groups, so little ones and older kids all get a fair chance.
- Hidden surprises inside the eggs that keep the excitement going.
- Live music sets the holiday mood right by the water.
- Festive food and drinks, from shrimp baskets to mimosas.
- A special visit from the Easter Bunny for the perfect photo op.
3. FLORA-BAMA MULLET TOSS
A wild Gulf Coast tradition where fish fly, crowds cheer, and the party never stops.
Once more, Flora-Bama brings a fun event for visitors and locals to enjoy. The Flora-Bama Mullet Toss isn't your typical competition; it's a wild Gulf Coast tradition where fish fly, crowds cheer, and the party never stops. Each April, thousands flock to the beach to test their throwing arm with a mullet in hand. Part sport, part spectacle, and all-around fun, it's a weekend packed with energy, laughter, and plenty of Gulf Coast spirit.
Event Highlights
- Participants hurl mullet fish from a 10-foot circle across the Florida–Alabama state line.
- Thousands of spectators gather to watch, cheer, and join the fun.
- Live music, beachside bars, and a lively festival vibe all weekend long.
- Proceeds go to local charities, so the event supports a good cause.
- Creative tossing techniques and epic crowd reactions make it as fun to watch as it is to play.
4. HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL
Awe-inspiring sights and all-day fun on the ground.
Each May, the skies over Foley burst into color as the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival takes flight. Dozens of balloons float gracefully above the horizon, creating a magical scene that draws visitors from near and far. From sunrise launches to evening Balloon Glows, the festival offers a mix of awe-inspiring sights and all-day fun on the ground.
Event Highlights
- Sunrise balloon flights with breathtaking Gulf Coast views.
- Tethered balloon rides for a taste of the adventure without leaving the festival grounds.
- The Balloon Glow at night, lighting up the sky in sync with music.
- Live music and performances throughout the weekend.
- Food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, and a bustling marketplace.
- Kid-friendly activities for little adventurers.
- Beer and wine garden for adults looking to unwind.
Other Fun Events on Alabama's Gulf Coast
- NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship: Teams from across the country compete in women's beach volleyball tournaments right on the Gulf Shores public beach.
- Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade: A festive, colorful parade through town with floats, costumes, and southern charm.
- Music at Meyer Park: Free concerts in the park; great for evenings with live local music against a Gulf Coast backdrop.
- S'mores on the Shore: Gather around beach fires for live music, s'mores, and chill coastal vibes.
- Independence Day Fireworks: Fireworks show from the pier on July 4th over the Gulf waters; a classic holiday spectacle.
- Sunset Series: Evening concerts at Gulf Place with scenic sunset views, local bands, and good vibes.
- Coastal Half Marathon, 5K & 1 Mile Run (Orange Beach): A post-Thanksgiving run through scenic coastal roads.
- The Wharf Events: Regular live music, festivals, and family events at The Wharf in Orange Beach.
Extra Tips: Other Things to Do in April/May on the Alabama Gulf Coast
- Take a scenic drive down the Orange Beach Waterfront Trail, with stops at local parks, coastal views, and wildlife spotting opportunities.
- Explore Gulf State Park with its miles of hiking and biking trails, or rent a kayak or paddleboard for a peaceful day on the water.
- Cast a line from the Gulf State Park fishing pier, a favorite spot for anglers.
- Visit the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola to explore fascinating exhibits on military aviation history.
- Savor fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants like The Gulf in Orange Beach, where the views are just as memorable as the dishes.
Your Home Away From Home on Alabama's Gulf Coast
Looking for an extra idea to make the most of your vacation on the Gulf Coast? Book your stay with Luxury Coastal Vacations. We offer the finest selection of luxury rentals on the Gulf Coast, spanning Alabama and Florida.
When you choose to stay in one of our homes or condos, you can expect a 5-star experience that you'll cherish forever. Browse through our options and discover what awaits you on the beautiful Gulf Coast.
