Festivals on Alabama's Gulf Coast - Updated 2024

With mild winters and warm, tropical summers, Alabama's Gulf Shores are a popular place. The area is prime for fishing, hiking, dining, and much more, including events. Several Gulf Shores festivals are among the best in the South and you won't want to miss them.

To help you out, we've picked a few events scheduled for later this year. Keep an eye on their websites for updates, but these festivals are great activities for your next vacation. And even better, you can stay close to the fun at our RV resort in Orange Beach, Alabama. Start planning your trip today!

3 Gulf Shores Festivals for Families

1. Hot Air Balloon Festival

One weekend a year, the skies above Foley, Alabama fill with colorful shapes. The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is a great family event scheduled for May 1-3rd, 2025. Dozens of hot air balloons will take to the sky at dusk and dawn, putting on a vibrant display.

During the festivities, lots more takes place. Live music comes courtesy of several regional artists. There are also dedicated kids activities, retail booths, and artisans all around. Plus, you can sample classic festival foods from a wide variety of vendors.

The best part of this Gulf Shores festival? Admission is free!

2. Blue Marlin Sportfishing Grand Championship

Taking place in Orange Beach, Alabama, the Blue Marlin Sportfishing Grand Championship is the angling event of the year. Numerous teams flock to The Wharf and head out on the water to get the prize catch.

Back on shore, a party atmosphere reigns supreme. Families fill the area and enjoy the fun of the event. The championship draws visitors from all along the Gulf Coast to watch the competition. The only question is, who will win?

In 2021, the event will run from July 11-12, 2025, but may feature some changes to the structure. Keep an eye on the event website for safety guidelines and updates.

3. Gulf Shores Shrimp Fest

For nearly 50 years, the Gulf Shores Shrimp Fest has been attracting visitors to Alabama's Gulf Coast. It takes place in autumn, from October 10-13, 2024, in the heart of Gulf Shores. With restaurants aplenty and easy beach access, the location is perfect.

What can you expect at the event? For starters, seafood. And lots of it. Shrimp is just the tip of the iceberg. You'll also find crab cakes, jambalaya, conch fritters, and Cajun cuisine. Complementing it is a wide array of live music with two stages. And you can walk off the food by perusing the arts and crafts booths of regional vendors. Come join the party at one of the best festivals in Gulf Shores!

RV Camping Nearby 

A world of fun awaits you at Sun Retreats Orange Beach. Situated in Orange Beach, Alabama, our family-friendly resort is ideal for camping near the area's festivals.

With 30 acres of space, our resort gives guests plenty of room. Each RV site comes with full hookups, along with access to cable TV and WiFi. Plus, you can find lakefront sites with beautiful views.

Plenty of amenities await your stay. Spend some time by the pool, relaxing under the palms. Or head out on the nature trails for hiking and biking. Many more amenities are available, including:

• Hot tub
• Fitness center
• Picnic area
• Clubhouse
• Dog park
• Business center
• Planned activities

When you come to town for a festival, you can know that a great stay awaits you at Sun Retreats Orange Beach.

Have you started planning your visit to Alabama's Gulf Shores yet? If not, now's the time. And don't forget to pass this post along to others who might be interested in these great Gulf Shores festivals!

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