Top Spring 2026 Events in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores

Already dreaming of spring at the beach? Winters are mild in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, but spring blooms with a welcome lineup of warmer weather, gentle breezes, and local events that celebrate the Gulf Coast lifestyle. Whether you’re coming for spring break or just a long weekend, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly festivals and activities to add to your stay. From food and art festivals to classic car shows, spring events on Alabama’s Beaches are all about getting out and soaking up the sunshine, beachfront-style.

We’ve rounded up the top spring 2026 events in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores to help you start planning.

Spring 2026 Events on Alabama’s Beaches

Annual Fort Morgan Oyster Fest

Feb. 28-March 1, 2026
The Beach Club Resort & Spa

Kick off the spring season in a shell-tacular way at the annual Fort Morgan Oyster Fest. This 2-day weekend event includes AYCE oysters fresh from Fort Morgan, served in dozens of delicious ways. Don’t like oysters? Dig in to other seafood dishes and non-seafood options from local restaurants and food vendors. There’s also live music, arts and crafts booths, cooking demonstrations, and a cornhole tournament for cash prizes. Book your stay at The Beach Club Resort to be just steps from the fun.

Orange Beach Festival of Art

March 14-15, 2026
Orange Beach Waterfront Park

The Orange Beach Festival of Art has marked the first rite of spring on the island for over 50 years. The event celebrates the arts in a variety of dazzling formats, including visual, performing, musical, and culinary styles. Attendees can browse original works from over 100 vendors to see, touch, taste, and hear the full experience. There’s also a kid’s art area, local food vendors, and a live music stage. It’s all wrapped up in a beautiful beachfront setting that’s second-to-none.

The Wharf Boat and Yacht Show

March 20-22, 2026
The Wharf in Orange Beach

Nothing says spring on the Gulf Coast like boats in the water, and this annual event offers the chance to browse and shop over $100 million in boats and marine products at The Wharf Marina. Consistently hailed as the “Top Boat Buying Show in the Northern Gulf”, the show features hundreds of yachts, center consoles, and pleasure boats in wet slips and land displays along the shore. Attendees can also browse over 120 vendor exhibits, jam to live local music, sample food truck fare, and explore The Wharf entertainment district.

Alabama Coastal Birdfest

April 23-26, 2026
Various Locations

Birders, take flight! While Parasail Sky Surfer offers a birds-eye view of the beaches, the Alabama Coastal Birdfest gives you a closer look at our area’s native and migratory bird populations in their natural habitats. The event includes workshops, expert-led birding tours, visits to Fort Morgan’s bird banding station and more.

Bama Coast Cruisin’

April 23-25, 2026
The Wharf in Orange Beach

Classic cars meet coastal vibes at Bama Coast Cruisin’, an annual festival held every spring and fall at The Wharf in Orange Beach. Antique and classic cars line both sides of Main Street after making Saturday’s annual Beach Cruise, a 14-mile joyride down scenic beach blvd. Head to The Wharf to admire the cars, enjoy live music and entertainment, and explore the many shops and restaurants surrounding the show.

Book Your Spring Stay in Orange Beach

Be sure to leave time between festivals to enjoy the many fun activities and attractions across Alabama’s Beaches. If you’re looking for a little trip-spiration, we’ve got some ideas for a fantastic spring stay:

• Book a spring flight with Parasail Sky Surfer to take in the beach views (and a sea turtle or two!) from hundreds of feet above the waves.
• Step aboard Sail Wild Hearts for a dolphin cruise, sunset sail, or kayak adventure to our local sandbar islands.
• Let Perdido Beach Service hook you up with beach chair setups, pontoon boat rentals, surf lessons, and other beach-day essentials.

Spring is on its way, so don’t wait! Book your trip now and enjoy an early taste of beach magic this year.