The Blue Marlin Grand Championship is back in Orange Beach and ready to thrill fans July 11–12. Known as “The Greatest Show in Sportfishing,” the event brings massive marlin, lively crowds, and family fun to The Wharf Marina. Visitors can expect music, food, lights, and a festival-style atmosphere each night. Admission is free, making this one of the summer’s biggest events on the Gulf Coast.

The tournament launches on Friday, July 11, with the popular shotgun start from Perdido Pass early that morning. Public dockside weigh-ins will be held Friday and Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Marlin Circle. Some marlin caught weigh over 800 pounds, and spectators can watch them swing into view on the big screens.

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Events begin earlier in the week with team check-in, VIP parties, and a Silent Auction on Wednesday, July 9. Tournament boats exit the marina on Thursday, July 10, after a team breakfast and rules briefing. The final celebration and winner’s party is Saturday night at Saunders Yachtworks.

Throughout the July 9–13 event window, visitors can enjoy live music, sponsor meetups, fishing demos, family rides, food vendors, and after-hours fun at The Boat Bar. Kids and families are welcome, and Alabama Beaches Savings Scorecard deals are available on dining and local attractions.

More than just a competition, the event supports a greater cause. Over $220,000 has been donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through past tournaments. A Silent Auction and charity-focused activities will continue this effort.

The tournament is known for its big fish, competitive edge, and unmatched energy. No team has ever won two years in a row, and this year’s field is wide open. Some boats travel hundreds of miles offshore for their chance at victory.

If you’re looking for a community event that combines sports, entertainment, and Gulf Coast culture, this is it. Whether you come for the fish, the fireworks, or the festival, July 11–12 is when you want to be dockside. For full event info and team updates, visit the Blue Marlin Grand Championship website.