As summer kicks off on the Gulf Coast, various events promise to entertain residents and visitors alike. From the grand opening of a new Irish restaurant in Gulf Shores to an exciting fishing tournament, family-friendly happy hours, beachside s'mores, tropical festivities, and live music performances, there's something for everyone. 

Here's a glimpse of the week's highlights, ensuring an engaging and vibrant start to the summer season.

Monday, May 20th - Monday, May 20th - Irish eyes are smiling in Gulf Shores with the opening of Galway Irish Restaurant. This new addition to the local dining scene offers an authentic taste of Ireland, featuring a menu packed with traditional Irish fare such as shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, and hearty stews. Located in a charming setting, Galway Irish Restaurant also boasts an impressive selection of Irish whiskeys and beers, creating an inviting atmosphere perfect for both casual meals and special celebrations. Live Irish music and friendly service complete the experience, making it a must-visit spot for residents and visitors alike.

Galway Irish Restaurant

2301 East 2nd Street

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

For more information, visit their website.

Tuesday, May 21st - Fish don’t let a good thing like rain keep them down they’re used to being wet! The forecast this week calls for the ultimate fishing skill with the remake date at the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Series first major qualifying tournament. The tournament has a grand focus  on team participation. Anglers from near and far enter to win big with their crews and for a great cause. Expect to see Tuna, maybe a little Wahoo, Mahi Mahi and, last but never the least and the star of the show, the coveted Blue Marlin. A bar has been set high this year with record-breaking weigh-ins from last year's tournaments back to try their line at it again. Don’t miss this exciting spectacle as the main street at the Wharf in Orange Beach fills up with people anxious to see the heavy lifting at Marlin Square. The first weigh-in starts Tuesday, 21st at 7 Pm and the final weigh-ins Wednesday, 22nd starting at 6 PM. Who will it be this year? Come out and find out for yourselves and make sure to snag some OBBC 2024 merch swag. 

The Wharf - Marlin Square

23101 Canal Rd

Orange Beach, AL 36561

For more information, visit their website.

Wednesday, May 22nd - Escape the busy streets and stroll through the courtyard to Luna’s Eat and Drink for one of the best happy hours on the island. A family-friendly restaurant with bar seating, dining and patio with enclosed outdoor activities for the tiny hands and feet of the less patient patrons. Luna’s offers deals on their extensive draft beer selection, flight specials, house wines and an appetizer menu drafted to make any takers' hour happy or hours from 3-5PM daily. Be sure to stay for dinner and appease more than those taste buds with the musical sounds bellowed from local artist Brittany Bell. It’s an evening set for satisfaction from start to finish for all who join in. 

Luna’s Eat and Drink

25753 Canal Rd Suite A

Cosmo’s Courtyard

Orange Beach, AL 36561

For more information, visit their website. 

Thursday, May 23rd - Nothing beats a campfire on the beach except maybe some gooey chocolate goodness, like s’mores. That’s right, it’s a collective community beach throw down. Community leaders encourage all parties to arrive early before the kick-off at 6 PM. Load up the family, chairs, blankets and more to join the City of Gulf Shores residents and visitors for their semi-annual S’mores on the Shore featuring live music, white sandy shores and salty air. This is one free and fun family event that truly represents the heart of these island towns. 

Gulf Shores Main Public Beach at Gulf Place

101 Gulf Shores, Pkwy

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

For more information, visit their website.

(251) 968-1171

Friday, May 24th - Aloha Summer Kick-off yep Downtown OWA is keeping up the momentum and summer party stride with a weekend full of tropical fun. The island vibe extravaganza begins Friday with a special meet and greet with Tropic Falls mascot Mr. TuKi the Toucan. Various tropical games will be available with loads of other entertainment topped with OWA’s very own Hula Dancing fleet. After an afternoon of swimmingly good times, get ready to sit back and relax for a Dive-in Movie featuring Lilo and Stitch (2002) starting at 6:30 PM. This pace is full, and the tropics are calling, so why not answer and keep on with the summer tee-time party planning.

Downtown OWA

100 N OWA Blvd

Foley, AL 36535

For more information, visit their website.

Saturday, May 25th - The Gulf Coast can never have too many Summer - Kick off parties and summer’s just wouldn’t be the same without annual blasts taking off like the silly and riveting LuLuPalooza at Lulu’s in Gulf Shores. Get ready to bask in the sun rays and sing in the shade with a promise of an activity driven or lazy beach bum vibing fun day for all ages. Settle into the good summer feeling with back-to-back live music performances, special menu options, activities and non-stop entertainment throughout the day and into the moonlit hours of the starry night. It’s time to celebrate summer and get this party started right. 

Lulu’s LuLuPalooza

200 E 25th Ave

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

For more information, visit their website.

Sunday, May 26th - The surf is up and so are the melodies at the iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop in Orange Beach, AL. Stop by the go-to destination for surf enthusiasts, vacationers, and beach lovers alike, since 1959, if you don't know it yet stop by and sway to some beats by artist Chris Beverly. Where rock meets sand and blends a little classic soul with a jam band flow. What better way to continue on in the summer wonder than perusing beach and watersports swag and being charmed by live music while you do. Located across the street from the white sandy shores of the Gulf of Mexico for a full beach summer salty air finish for a Sunday treat. Music will start at noon and run through 4 PM. 

Ron Jon Surf Shop

22689 Perdido Beach Blvd 

Orange Beach, AL 36561

For more information, visit their website.