08/31/2026
Fall Is Calling: What's Happening in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach This Season
Summer's winding down, but the party's just getting started on Alabama's Beaches. Cooler temps, thinner crowds, and a packed events calendar make fall one of the best times to visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Here's what's on tap:
🎣 MBGFC Labor Day Invitational — Sept 3-6
Head to Orange Beach Marina for the season's final big-money fishing tournament, with $25,000 on the line across blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, and dolphin categories. Evening weigh-ins are a spectacle even if you're not competing.
🤠 Bulls on the Beach — Sept 10-12
Flora-Bama goes full rodeo with professional bull riders from across the Southeast. Gates open at 6pm, action kicks off at 8pm.
🏊 Brett/Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon — Sept 12
Gulf swim, flat bike ride, scenic run — hosted at The Hangout with unbeatable coastal views.
🇺🇸 Orange Beach Freedom Fest — Sept 19-20
Live music, local arts and crafts, southern food, and Bama Coast Cruisin's fall car show along Main Street at The Wharf.
🚙 Gulf of America Jeep Fest — Sept 24-27
Brand-new this year — an exclusive Jeep owners' festival at The Hangout with light and sound competitions, a poker run, and beach rides.
🍤 National Shrimp Festival — Oct 8-11
The big one — celebrating its 52nd year! Live music, craft vendors, kids' activities, and all the fresh Gulf seafood you can handle.
🎶 Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival — Nov 5-15
Eleven days of intimate, story-behind-the-song performances from top singer-songwriters at venues across the coast.
🦪 Experience the Oyster — Nov 6-7
Fresh oysters every way imaginable, handcrafted cocktails, live music, and SEC football at The Hangout.
🍺 Coastal Alabama Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival — Nov 7-8
Regional craft beer, great eats, live music, and lawn games at Gulf Place Town Green.
🏃 Coastal Half Marathon & 5K — Nov 28
The Saturday-after-Thanksgiving tradition through the scenic, paved trails of Gulf State Park — half marathon, 5K, or 1-mile fun run for all abilities.
