Spring is prime time for festivals of all sorts throughout the Gulf Coast of Alabama. The region buzzes with excitement and good weather to enchant visitors of all ages. From juried art shows to lively music festivals, there’s no shortage of entertainment to enjoy. Best of all, Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast are your backdrop for the fun times you’ll have!
Orange Beach Festival of Art
Saturday, Mar 8, 2025 – Sunday, Mar 9, 2025 at Orange Beach Waterfront Park
The Orange Beach Festival of Art is a vibrant celebration of creativity, showcasing an impressive array of artistic expressions including visual, performing, musical, and culinary arts. With more than 100 vendors offering a diverse range of media, festival-goers can immerse themselves in a sensory feast, experiencing art through sight, touch, taste, and sound. From exploring the kid’s art alley to sampling local delicacies at the culinary arts court and enjoying live music performances on the songwriter’s stage, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
For more than five decades, the Festival of Art has been a cherished tradition and the island’s premier springtime event. Recognized as Alabama’s Best Art Show multiple times and ranked nationally among the top 100 fine art and design shows, it continues to attract art enthusiasts from near and far. Best of all, this fine arts festival is completely free to attend, with music and entertainment featured on two stages. Whether you choose to volunteer, support the arts through the Patron of the Arts program, or simply soak in the creative energy, the Orange Beach Festival of Art promises a memorable experience for all. With multiple parking options available, it’s easier than ever to join in the festivities and celebrate the beauty of artistic expression.
Foley BBQ & Blues Cook Off
Friday, March 7, 2025 to Saturday, March 8, 2025 in Foley
The annual BBQ & Blues Cook-off started in 2009 as one of the Foundations biggest fundraisers. It is an outdoor food and music event held in Downtown Foley’s Heritage Park the second Saturday of March. An Alabama Barbecue Association Trail and Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned event, the Foley BBQ & Blues Cook Off attracts both corporate and individual teams competing for bragging rights in several award categories. Festival goers enjoy great food, popular blues bands and children’s activities. The Friday Night Kick-off event features Taylor Hicks—American Idol winner and soul sensation—to the BBQ stage for an unforgettable FRIDAY night concert! All proceeds support the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation directly impacting on the community and schools.
Bellingrath’s 5th Annual Beers & Blooms
Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Theodore
An all-day craft beer festival and concert series on a spring afternoon at Bellingrath Gardens—sign us up! Bellingrath’s Beers and Blooms takes place on the Great Lawn of Bellingrath’s Gardens where you can hear great music from local bands, sample a wide variety of craft brews, shop with local vendors, and feast with a selection of food trucks. It’s an afternoon of great fun all in the beautiful surroundings of the springtime Gardens!
73rd Annual Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival
Friday, March 14, 2025, to Sunday, March 16, 2025 in Fairhope
The 73rd Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival takes place along the flower-lined streets of uber quaint Fairhope. During this three-day event, the town’s population of 25,000 swells to nearly 300,000 as the downtown streets come alive with creativity, showcasing the best in art, food, entertainment and plenty of southern charm. Free to the public, you can enjoy live entertainment, fine arts and crafts, children’s art tent and festival cuisine from the food court. The 73rd festival theme is “Paint the Town”—literally. The festival is unveiling something truly unique—a mural that will be created downtown, celebrating the festival and honoring its 70+ year tradition. The mural will be located adjacent to the Fairhope Welcome Center on Section Street. Featured artist Hannah Legg will begin work on the mural in early March, with plans to do some live painting during the festival, allowing visitors to experience the creation process firsthand.
The Wharf Boat and Yacht Show
Friday, Mar 21, 2025 – Sunday, Mar 23, 2025 at The Wharf in Orange Beach
With over $100 million in boats and marine products showcased by more than 100 exhibiting companies, The Wharf Boat and Yacht Show stands out as the premier “Top Boat Buying Show” in the northern Gulf. Experience a stunning display of 140 wet slip boats and yachts, along with over 800 sport and console boats on land. New for 2025, The Wharf Boat and Yacht Show has partnered with Porsche Mobile to offer a luxury experience for automotive enthusiasts where they can sit behind the wheel of a brand-new Porsche vehicle. To top it all off, you can shop, sip, and stroll through ‘The Village’ while enjoying live music, attending instructional seminars, and kids activities. Whether you’re an entry-level boater or a seasoned veteran, there’s something for everyone at what the Wharf calls the ‘Boating Epicenter’ of the Gulf Coast .
Elberta German Sausage Festival
Saturday, March 29, 2025 in Elberta
Come for the best German Sausage you have ever tasted! Made from a secret recipe developed by the founding fathers of Elberta. The Elberta German Sausage Festival is the only place you can get the real thing and they sell a lot of it! Spearheaded by Elberta’s Volunteer Fire Department, the festival doles out about 6,000 pounds of German Sausage to the roughly 20,000 visitors who trek to Elberta for the festivities! You can spend the day enjoying plenty of delicious food that goes beyond just sausage. Selections include German-style filled cabbage, potato salad, goulash, red beans and rice, hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ sandwiches, ice cream, popcorn and peanuts. And of course you’ll find a Bier Garten with a large selection of imported beers. There is also lively entertainment featuring polka, country, contemporary and German music. More than 200 arts and crafts booths are on hand as well as carnival rides.
Mudbugs & Margaritas Festival
Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Foley
Get ready for a day filled with mouthwatering crawfish, refreshing margaritas and live entertainment at the Mudbugs & Margaritas Crawfish Festival in Heritage Park in Foley! This beloved event brings together food lovers, music fans, and families for a fun-filled celebration of Cajun flavors and Gulf Coast culture. As you would expect, crawfish is the main attraction with plenty of boiled crawfish as well as food vendors dishing out their favorite recipes starring the seasonal delicacy. For those who shy away from mudbugs, there is plenty of delicious Southern fare served up as well. You can quench your thirst with ice-cold margaritas, craft beers, wine and specialty cocktails. Plus the event features a free bourbon tasting from Dread River Distilleries. The festival also features live music, family-friendly activities with a huge kids zone and petting zoo, and arts and crafts vendors.
Ballyhoo Festival
Saturday, Mar 1, 2025 – Sunday, Mar 2, 2025 at Gulf State Park Lake Shelby
Experience the eclectic art, culture, and entertainment at the Annual Ballyhoo Festival in Gulf Shores, where the juried fine art of 100 talented artists takes center stage alongside a unique focus on cultural exchange. On Saturday, delve into the rich history of the Poarch Creek Indians with captivating narratives and mesmerizing tribal dances performed in ceremonial attire. The PCI Cultural Director provides insight into the significance of each dance, offering a fascinating glimpse into indigenous traditions.
Sunday’s cultural exchange takes the form of Early Americana music, featuring a lively Fiddle/Banjo Competition and performances by some of the Southeast’s finest musicians. Immerse yourself in the soulful melodies and toe-tapping rhythms that celebrate America’s musical heritage.
In addition to the cultural showcases, the Ballyhoo Festival offers a interactive activities for all ages, including the Children’s Art Pavilion, live performances by local bands, captivating art demonstrations, and a delectable array of food options. With the warm hospitality of Coastal Alabama’s residents adding to the festive atmosphere, the Ballyhoo Festival promises an unforgettable experience that celebrates the best of art, culture, and community spirit. Don’t miss out on this exciting event!
Bama Coast Cruisin’
Thursday, Apr 24, 2025 – Saturday, Apr 26, 2025 at the Wharf in Orange Beach
Experience the excitement of the Annual Bama Coast Cruisin’ event at the picturesque Wharf Resort and Marina in Orange Beach. Marvel at the beautiful cars on display against the backdrop of the Inter-Coastal Waterway and the Canal Bridge. This laid-back, family-friendly weekend offers a delightful blend of amazing cars, entertaining events, and Southern hospitality. While you’re here, take advantage of the opportunity to explore the Wharf’s charming shops and indulge in a delicious meal at one of its several restaurants. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable celebration of classic automobiles and community spirit!
Interstate Mullet Toss and Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party
Friday, Apr 25, 2025 – Sunday, Apr 27, 2025 at Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar
Mark your calendar for the iconic Interstate Mullet Toss and Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party, a legendary event that has transformed into one of the biggest beach bashes on the coast. What began as a simple reason to celebrate has evolved into an epic weekend-long party at the renowned Flora-Bama. Participants gather to test their strength and skill by tossing a dead mullet over the state line between Florida and Alabama to see who can throw the farthest. But the excitement doesn’t stop there – expect plenty of fun activities, amazing music, and delicious food throughout the event. People travel from far and wide to experience the unforgettable atmosphere and create priceless memories at this one-of-a-kind celebration. Don’t miss out on the excitement – join us at the Flora-Bama for an unforgettable experience!
Sand In My Boots Festival
Friday, May 16, 2025 – Sunday, May 18, 2025, in Gulf Shores
Don’t fret Hangout Music Fest fans! Morgan Wallen along with the producers of the venerable annual beach festival are hosting Sand In My Boots, a new three-day music festival taking place on the Hangout Festival site on the idyllic shores of Gulf Shores. Get ready for an unforgettable experience where sugar-white beaches, starry nights, and red hot music collide to create the ultimate concert vacation. This one-of-a-kind festival features a curated multi-genre lineup with some of Wallen’s closest friends and favorite artists who have inspired him. Every artist, activity, and experience will be handpicked by Wallen, driven by his excitement to share great music and create memories with fans, friends, family, and peers. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on the beach or grooving to your favorite tunes under the stars, Sand In My Boots is the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this epic event!
Start planning your spring getaway to Alabama’s beaches today to experience these amazing festivals!
