Celebrate community parades, seafood feasts, art walks, and beachside music across Perdido Key, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores.
From alpenglow festivals in the Rockies to bluegrass weekends in the Smokies—and sun-splashed fêtes along the Gulf Coastt—America packs the calendar with reasons to travel.
Closer to home, our corner of the Gulf Coast shines brightest when the festival season kicks in. Are you planning a getaway to Perdido Key, Orange Beach, or Gulf Shores? You'll find year-round excuses to join the crowd—shrimp sizzling on the grill, brass bands on parade, classic cars catching the light, and songwriters swapping stories after dark.
In a hurry? Here's the gist of what to expect.
- National Shrimp Festival (Gulf Shores): Seafood favorites, big-stage energy, and an art village by the beach.
- Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade: Floats, beads, marching bands, and family-friendly revelry.
- Orange Beach Seafood Festival & Car Show (Feb): Local eats, 100+ makers, kids' zone, and a massive car lineup.
- The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show (Orange Beach): New models, on-deck demos, and all things life-on-the-water.
- Flora-Bama Mullet Toss (Perdido Key): A legendary beach party with a playful state-line throw.
- Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival: Intimate sets across venues in Perdido Key, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores.
At Luxury Coastal Vacations, we provide amazing rental options along the Gulf Coast. We're local experts, and if you ever need more tips on the Gulf Coast, head over to our destination blog. We've covered a variety of topics, including the top pet-friendly spots, kid-friendly activities, and tips for a perfect beach day
In this guide, we'll highlight the standout annual events across Perdido Key, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores so you can plan a weekend (or three) you'll actually remember.
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1. NATIONAL SHRIMP FESTIVAL (GULF SHORES)
A Gulf classic where seafood, music, and art take center stage.
Each October, Gulf Shores transforms into a walkable celebration of coastal flavor and creativity. Expect shrimp cooked every way imaginable, multiple music stages with steady sets from afternoon into the evening, and an art village packed with regional makers. It's the kind of festival where you graze, browse, and linger—never far from the beach breeze.
Where: Gulf Place, Gulf Shores (beachfront area)
Who's this for
- Seafood lovers and live-music fans
- Shoppers who enjoy local art and coastal crafts
- Families seeking an easy, walkable beach festival
Event Highlights
- Shrimp and seafood staples along the beach
- Multi-stage music from local to national acts
- Art village with jewelry, painting, and coastal crafts
- Festive atmosphere steps from the sand
2. GULF SHORES MARDI GRAS PARADE
Beads, brass, and a family-friendly take on Carnival.
Gulf Shores brings Mardi Gras to the shore with colorful floats, costumed krewes, and marching bands that keep the route buzzing. Kids stake out curbside spots for throws, while parents enjoy the upbeat street-party energy. It's a compact, high-spirit slice of Carnival—coastal style.
Where: Along central parade routes in Gulf Shores (seasonal route announcements)
Who's this for
- Families and groups who want a relaxed Carnival vibe
- Parade-goers who like floats, throws, and marching bands
- Visitors looking for a short, high-energy seasonal event
Event Highlights
- Creative floats, costumes, and classic Mardi Gras throws
- Upbeat street-party atmosphere with marching bands
- Bring a bag for beads; curbside viewing is easy
3. ORANGE BEACH SEAFOOD FESTIVAL & CAR SHOW (FEBRUARY)
Local eats, local makers, and rows of gleaming classics.
This one-day community favorite pairs Gulf flavors with a showcase of antique, classic, and hot-rod cars along Main Street at The Wharf. More than 100 arts-and-crafts vendors set up shop, there's a kids' zone for easy family time, and food stalls keep lines moving with crowd-pleasing staples. Admission is free and parking is straightforward—arrive hungry.
Where: Main Street at The Wharf, Orange Beach
Who's this for
- Foodies who want Gulf favorites in one stop
- Shoppers browsing handmade goods and art
- Car enthusiasts (antiques, classics, hot rods) and families
Event Highlights
- One-day fest (10 a.m.–4 p.m.) with free admission
- Seafood favorites, snacks, and cold beverages
- 100+ arts & crafts booths plus a kids' zone
- Large car show along Main Street; easy parking and volunteers
4. THE WHARF BOAT & YACHT SHOW (ORANGE BEACH)
Step aboard the latest models and talk shop with the pros.
From center consoles to luxury cruisers, The Wharf Marina becomes a hands-on showroom for boat buyers and enthusiasts. Walk the docks, tour models, chat with builders and outfitters, and pick up ideas for your next day on the water. With restaurants and boardwalks in easy reach, it's as pleasant to browse as it is informative.
Where: The Wharf Marina, Orange Beach
Who's this for
- Boat owners and would-be buyers
- Anglers and gearheads comparing new tech
- Anyone who loves a waterfront browse with dining nearby
Event Highlights
- Wide range of boats and yachts on display
- On-deck walk-throughs and gear demos
- Meet manufacturers, brokers, and local experts
- Marina setting with restaurants and boardwalk amenities
5. FLORA-BAMA MULLET TOSS (PERDIDO KEY)
A playful, only-here beach tradition at the state line.
Part friendly competition, part coastal legend, the Mullet Toss invites participants to send a (dead) mullet flying from Florida into Alabama for bragging rights and laughs. The beach fills with live music and easygoing crowds, and spectating is half the fun. Stay for the stories—you'll leave with a good one.
Where: Flora-Bama Lounge & Beach, Florida/Alabama line
Who's this for
- Groups of friends chasing a quirky, high-spirited day
- Casual spectators who love live music and beach hangs
- Anyone collecting "only on the Gulf Coast" stories
Event Highlights
- Iconic state-line fish "toss" with a festive crowd
- Beachside music, food, and laid-back revelry
- Easy to spectate—even more fun to try
6. FRANK BROWN INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITERS' FESTIVAL
Stories, melodies, and the craft of songwriting—up close.
For more than a week each November, intimate venues across Perdido Key, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores host writer rounds and acoustic sets. You'll hear the stories behind the songs, discover new voices, and often chat with artists after the show. It's a rare window into the songwriting process, wrapped in a coastal backdrop.
Where: Multiple intimate venues across Perdido Key, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores (often anchored by Flora-Bama)
Who's this for
- Music lovers who value lyrics and storytelling
- Fans of intimate sets, writer rounds, and post-show chats
- Curious listeners exploring new voices across genres
Event Highlights
- Close-up performances with direct artist interaction
- Mix of emerging and seasoned songwriters
- Workshops, writer rounds, and impromptu jams
- Coastal settings that elevate every set
Quick-Glance Table: Gulf Coast Annual Events
|
# |
Event |
Where |
When (typical) |
Vibe |
Great For |
|
1 |
National Shrimp Festival |
Gulf Place, Gulf Shores |
October |
Seafood + music + art market |
Foodies, families, art browsers |
|
2 |
Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade |
Central routes, Gulf Shores |
Late Jan–Feb (seasonal) |
Floats, throws, marching bands |
Families, parade lovers |
|
3 |
Orange Beach Seafood Festival & Car Show |
Main Street at The Wharf |
February (one day) |
Eats, makers, classic cars |
Families, car buffs, shoppers |
|
4 |
The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show |
The Wharf Marina, Orange Beach |
Spring (dates vary) |
New models, demos, marine tech |
Boat buyers, anglers |
|
5 |
Flora-Bama Mullet Toss |
Flora-Bama state line beach |
Late April |
Quirky, high-spirited beach party |
Friend groups, spectators |
|
6 |
Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival |
Venues across Perdido Key/Orange Beach/Gulf Shores |
November |
Intimate songwriter sets |
Music fans, story-seekers |
|
|
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