Cinco de Mayo And Mothers Day In This Week's Things To Do
Jessica Taylor • May 4, 2026
Events along the Gulf Coast
Orange Beach, Ala. — (GSN) — Get ready for an exhilarating week on the Alabama Gulf Coast, where sunshine and salt air are just the beginning! With an exciting mix of taco-filled celebrations, delightful waterfront getaways, community gatherings, and a special weekend dedicated to Moms, there’s so much to explore. Whether you're craving delicious food, fun activities, or simply a chance to unwind by the water, this is the perfect time to embrace all that’s happening around you. Our weekly guide highlights the must-see events and top hot spots, ensuring you make the most of every moment. So dive in and let the adventure begin–your perfect plans are just a step away!
Monday, May 4th- Start your week on a high note by visiting Cosmos, a beloved local hotspot popular with both visitors and their four-legged friends. This “far from ordinary dining” experience features unique Gulf Coast cuisine, including starters such as savory cheesecake, firecracker shrimp, crab cakes, and tuna poke nachos. For lunch and dinner, you can choose from various main dishes, including salmon salad, chicken roulade, gumbo, fresh catches, and grilled shrimp. Dinner service includes options like scallops and their famous Banana Leaf Wrapped Sea Bass, along with larger portions of similar lunch items. If chicken or seafood isn’t your preference, don’t worry—try the delicious Delmonico Ribeye, Tournedos, or Pork Chop for dinner instead. Make sure to check out the drink and dessert menus as well, which feature treats like cool and hot Cosmos Banana Fritters, Crème Brûlée, and Peanut Butter Pie. This is just a taste of what's on offer at Cosmos, which has proudly been one of the top restaurants in Orange Beach for twenty years, maintaining the same quality, values, and great flavor along with excellent customer service. So go ahead—get out there and enjoy a meal at Cosmos; you won’t be disappointed, and May the Fourth be with you!
Tuesday, May 5th- Cinco de Mayo falls on Taco Tuesday this year, and for taco lovers everywhere, that’s mariachi to their ears! Come celebrate this national holiday, which coincides with a nationally beloved weekly tradition, at Cactus Cantina in Orange Beach. Every Taco Tuesday is special, but today is particularly "especial." Voted the best Mexican food on the Gulf Coast, Cactus Cantina Mexican Grill offers a diverse menu featuring traditional dishes and modern cantina-style options for every palate. The appetizer selection includes delights such as street corn guacamole, jalapeño cheese dip, and various other cheesy dips. If you're looking for a coastal twist, try the Boom-Boom Shrimp Salad or the Pina Fajitas, which feature a grilled half pineapple stuffed with chicken and sautéed bell peppers and onions. And don't miss their unforgettable taco menu, which includes options like carnitas, Texas-style, and birria, as well as beef, steak, shredded, and grilled chicken tacos. For the occasion of Cinco de Mayo, they will have specials of every kind, including those from the bar and items on the chalkboard menu that you’ll have to show up to check out in person. Join others to celebrate and honor Mexico's vibrant culture on this double whammy of Taco Tuesday and Cinco de Mayo in 2026. Viva la fiesta!
Wednesday, May 6th- Slide, swim, and play—Hudson Marina is excited to introduce its newest and most deluxe adventure yet! Meet Miss Sea Pearl, a 65-foot luxury party boat featuring an exhilarating slide that lands you safely right into your very own saltwater pool. While it may sound large, the Pearl offers easy access to the swim platform, complete with a 40-foot inflatable swimming pool, two lily pads, and the main attraction: a 30-foot waterslide. Experience a resort-style outing right here in the scenic back bays of Orange Beach. Passengers can lounge, sunbathe, and take refreshing breaks in Miss Pearl's air-conditioned cabin. Over a two-hour excursion, you'll have the chance to enjoy a variety of amenities that this vessel has to offer, with fun for all ages as everyone splashes around after an exciting slide down into the coastal waters below. If you're looking for a memorable way to vacation or want to have an unforgettable weekday adventure as a local, don't miss out on Island Slide Adventures with Hudson Marina in Orange Beach. You’ll be glad you did! To book your pass or schedule your shuttle, please call the marina today.
Thursday, May 7th- If you’ve ever been curious about the excitement surrounding pickleball or if you're already a fan of the game, now is your opportunity to take your skills to the next level! The City of Orange Beach, in conjunction with OB Parks and Recreation, is thrilled to announce the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Pickleball Complex, which features 14 courts for your enjoyment and competitive play. Join others on May 7th from 10:00 to 11:30 AM for this momentous celebration. During the event, you will have the chance to participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by free demonstrations for all skill levels. Light refreshments will be available for attendees while supplies last, along with some fun promotional giveaways. In true Orange Beach fashion, the event and the new complex are being promoted with the slogan “Dinks are Better Here,” a playful nod to the city's iconic motto, “Life is Better Here.” Whether you’re ready to play, learn, or simply support this exciting addition to our town, this welcoming event promises to foster community spirit and unity while offering plenty of interactive amusement.
Friday, May 8th- Through thick and thin, Lulu’s in Gulf Shores has been a beloved staple, upholding family-centered values and offering a vibrant, colorful atmosphere. Staying true to original family recipes, Lulu’s embodies the coastal, back bay, and waterway vibes of the area, making it a unique destination on the Gulf Coast. Their motto, “Vacation State of Mind,” captures the essence of enjoying great fun, food, and music all year long. This Friday night, don’t miss the music of “Thicc and Thinn,” featuring Shea White and Karl Langley. This dynamic duo brings soulful vocals and impressive guitar strumming, performing a mix of classic hits and their own crowd-pleasers. They will entertain guests from 5 to 9 PM, and you can enjoy dining indoors or outdoors, as well as at the bar. Afterward, relax by the sand while listening to their collaborative tunes and even make some requests. Lulu’s offers more than just dining and live music; there's plenty for the whole family to enjoy onsite, including the Beachside Fun and Games Arcade, a Ropes Course, and Beach Volleyball. With the long spring into summer evenings, now is the perfect time to soak up the sun and good times. No matter how you look at it, this quintessential beach vibe hotspot is a must-visit. Check it out this Friday!
Saturday, May 9th- Welcome back, Monarchs Day! This Saturday on the coast, there’s something for everyone. Join others for Foley’s celebration, a welcoming party in honor of the monarch butterflies’ migration, from 9 AM to 10 AM. This hour-long event will educate guests about the monarchs' purpose and delicate nature, and you'll also have the chance to take home a native milkweed plant or seeds to use in your garden. Be part of the celebration and learn how you can help protect these beautiful butterflies, which are essential to native plant species in Alabama and beyond. The first half of the event will take place at the Foley Civic Center, followed by a guided tour at the Riviera Utilities Native Pollinator Garden next door. If you enjoy what you see, continue the festivities with arts and crafts activities hosted by the Foley Public Library outside the civic center in the garden. Light snacks and H20 will be provided. Meanwhile, down the highway at Cotton Bayou in Orange Beach, Tambo’s Surf and Skate Shack will be hosting the second competition of the local 2026 Surf and Skate Series, called “The Gulf of Mexicans” (The GOMs), weather permitting. This competition features cash prizes for the top winner of the surf contest. It’s a busy weekend on the Gulf Coast with plenty to see and participate in, all with an outdoor theme that everyone can get on board with—even compete!
Sunday, May 10th- There are many traditional ways to celebrate your mom this year for Mother’s Day, such as enjoying special menus at restaurants and exploring local shops that offer discounts on gifts and packages she will love. However, why not celebrate Mom for two days with a full Mother’s Day weekend, Alabama Gulf Coast style, with the Fort Morgan Seafood Festival? Located at the marina, this event offers live music, a low-country boil, arts and crafts where she can choose her own handmade gifts, and delicious food and drinks available on the dock, along with the full menu at Tacky Jacks upstairs. Kids will have plenty to keep them entertained, as they won’t have to sit still waiting for their lunch reservations. The Children’s Village will feature crafts and games to engage young ones while Mom soaks up the sunshine and relaxes stress-free. Enjoy fresh seafood straight off the boat each day from 11 AM to 5 PM. Admission is free, with optional purchases available, a Splash for Cash fundraiser on-site, and Lighthouse cruises to Sand Island running throughout the day. Celebrate Mom in a unique way this year with a weekend filled with fun and great memories right at the docks of Fort Morgan Marina. Happy Mother’s Day! Saturday and Sunday.
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