Gulf Shores, AL. — (GSN) — October is making its grand exit, Halloween and hayrides are stealing the spotlight, and the Alabama Gulf Coast is giving us every reason to squeeze a little more fun out of our short-lived fall. From cozy coffee dates and off-key karaoke to candy-filled trails, hometown festivals, and waterfront dining, this week’s line-up has something for everyone. So grab your calendar, round up your favorite people, and get out there! Whether you’re chasing Halloween treats, tapping your toes to live music, or savoring that sweet spot between summer heat and winter chills, plenty of local goodness is waiting just around the corner. 

Monday, October, 26th- As we head into the final week of October, our Coastal town begins to settle into a quieter rhythm. We find ourselves nesting in our favorite little nooks, while still enjoying the places we love all year long. There’s something special about this time of year—it offers a chance to slow down, share a friendly chat with our favorite baristas, servers, and stylists, and savor the small comforts that make a morning feel brighter. One local favorite offers a beautiful outdoor setting, perfect for a crisp Monday morning cuppa, coffee, or espresso, and a little breakfast. Start the week refreshed with something delicious from the menu, enjoy the breeze, and even grab a ready-made lunch to take to work. BuzzCatz in Orange Beach has everything you need for a perfect fall morning. Known for its kitty biscuits, delectable cinnamon rolls, homemade pastries, and more, it offers everything from a simple breakfast to avocado toast. Be sure to browse the cutesy gifts and pick up a bag of their delicious whole-bean coffee. You’re sure to enjoy it—and may find it becoming a comforting morning staple as we fall into to winter. 

BuzzCatz-OB

Tuesday, October 27th- Get wacky at Tacky Jacks in Gulf Shores this Tuesday! The open mic starts at 6PM, and no talent is needed—just bring your sense of fun. Sign up for a chance to take the stage, show off your skills, or get a little goofy. Prefer to stay in the audience? Come cheer on the performers, enjoy the show, and laugh along. You're never too old for karaoke! It's a timeless way to bring people together, let loose, and have fun without judgment. With a huge song selection spanning every genre, you can pick a favorite, sing once, or keep the songs coming—there’s no time limit on a good time. Grab a table and enjoy dinner, order from the bar, or simply hang out and stop by for drinks. We recommend grabbing at least some appetizers while you soak up the fun. Don’t miss karaoke night at Tacky Jacks this Tuesday! 

Karaoke Tuesdays at Tack Jacks-GS

Wednesday, October 28th- It’s difficult to believe October is almost over, and one of the month’s sweetest weeks has finally arrived. Get ready for The Island Church’s annual Trunk or Treat at The Wharf this Wednesday evening. Main Street will become a festive, never-too-spooky, always-exciting row of themed parking spaces, each with its own unique—and often silly—display. Meet costumed hosts, admire their decorated trunks, guess each theme, and collect sweet treats along the way. Guests with allergies are welcome; special turquoise pumpkin trunks are labeled just for them. This huge, free event is packed with extra fun: DJ Matt will spin tunes all night, free candy bags will be available for anyone who doesn’t have one or forgot theirs at home, and guests can enjoy a rock wall, bounce house, mechanical bull, face painting (for a small fee), a trip on the reptile bus, and pony rides. Stop by Portside at 7PM for a showing of Monsters University, then stick around for the SPECTRA Laser Light Show at 8 and 8:30PM Kids’ activities begin at 5PM, and the gates open for Trunk or Treat on Main Street and at Portside at 6PM. Come early and stay late. This is a safe, special event where the church has gifted thousands of Bibles in past years combined. Whether you’re coming for candy and good times or to add the greatest true storybook ever to your collection, you won’t want to miss it. We’ll see you there! 

Trunk or Treat-OB

Thursday, October 29th- Thursday is feeling like a loaded seasonal Saturday on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, with so much fall and Halloween fun packed into one week that it’s difficult to know what to do first—or what to skip! Here are a couple of fun options for everyone, all day and into the night. First up, starting at 10:30AM at the Erie Meyer Civic Center, dress up and join the library staff, city departments, and local businesses for Trick-or-Treating as they bring your favorite storybook characters to life. And there’s more: enjoy a Halloween-themed Storytime before heading out. Captain Steve will have special treat bags for kids, filled with little 3D-printed animals, stickers, candy, and information about his latest delta adventures. A fun stop you won’t want to miss. Then head north on Highway 59 to Foley for its downtown hometown festival, kicking off at 5:30PM. Enjoy game booths, activities, treats, hayrides, a costume contest, and more! Can't decide? No problem, the times for these fun, free activities work out so you can go to both if you’d like. 

Halloween Storytime with Captain Steve-GS

Hometown Halloween Festival-Foley

Friday, October 30th- More spooky family treats and beyond are happening this time; gear up for the annual Treats on the Trail, a favorite local tradition presented by the City of Orange Beach Coastal Resources and located on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. Starting around 4:30, the fun begins. The event is open to the public, and trick-or-treaters will enter at the Sportsplex trailhead, where they will find tables and more all down the trail and ask the question they look forward to asking all year while filling their little pumpkin buckets and bags full of sweet treats, toys, and plenty of turquoise pumpkin choices, too, for those who can’t snack on the usual treats and get to have special treats just for them instead. The night will be full of wonder, exploration, and outdoor fun, with games, bounce houses, s’mores, and, as always, animal encounters. The fun slows down just before sunset. Happy trails to ya. Oh, and don’t forget to dress up; all costumes are welcome. 

Treats on the Trail-OB

Saturday, October 31st- As you get ready for Saturday’s evening costume fun with neighborhood trick-or-treating, take a break before and enjoy the Original Elberta German Sausage Festival, running from 8AM to 5PM. It's a delicious way to fuel up before the kids head out for candy! The festival will serve around 7,000 pounds of Elberta’s signature German sausage, traditionally supplied by local processors. You can also enjoy sauerkraut, German-style stuffed cabbage, potato salad, goulash, and, for a little extra fun, hearty red beans and rice. Getting hungry yet? If you’d prefer something different, you can also get hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue sandwiches, ice cream, popcorn, peanuts, and plenty of sweet, homemade baked goods. Yum Yum! Enjoy live music throughout the day, including polka, country, German tunes, and one-of-a-kind local acts. Along with great food and entertainment, guests can browse arts-and-crafts vendors and enjoy family-friendly, carnival-style activities and games. Golf carts will be available to assist guests with disabilities, so please park on the west side of the grounds if you or someone in your party needs a ride. It’s a wonderful way to kick off your Halloween Saturday while giving back to the community, with some proceeds supporting the local fire department and other community nonprofits. Enjoy the festivities and happy trick-or-treating! 

The OG Elberta German Sausage Festival-Elberta

Sunday, November 1st- It may be the first day of November, but here on the Alabama Gulf Coast, that doesn’t mean we have to tuck tail and head indoors because it’s getting cold. In fact, before local venues bring out the outdoor heaters, there’s a brief window of perfect fall weather—not too hot, not too cold, baby bear porridge-style weather, just right for dining outside. The Flora-Bama Yacht Club is an ideal spot to take it all in, with open-air seating and waterfront views. The name may sound familiar—and for good reason. It’s the Flora-Bama name and brand you know and love, just across the street on the bayside and a bit different. Step away from the big crowds and pull up by car or boat. Check out the menu, created by their award-winning chefs, and enjoy a delicious meal on the spacious outdoor deck. If you’ve brought the kids, they can explore and play on the beach while you relax on the sand and listen to music from local and visiting musicians. It’s a great way to unwind on a Sunday afternoon, especially on the first day of November. Who knows? It may even be sunny enough to wear your swimsuit—but bring a cover-up. And if you forget, don’t worry: there’s plenty of cool merch to bundle up in if the weather turns chilly. The Yacht Club is open Sunday from 11AM to 9 PM. Curious about the menu? Try the seared yellowfin tuna sashimi, perfect for sharing, or choose from crab claws, oysters, and Greek shrimp nachos. Not in the mood for seafood? No worries. They also serve Greek chicken flatbread, salads with your choice of protein, juicy ribeye steak, chicken Pontchartrain, and more. You can’t go wrong with these scrumptious options and open-air waterfront views at the Flora-Bama Yacht Club. Do November the Alabama Gulf Coast way—you can thank us later. 

Flora-Bama Yacht Club-Perdido Key

Well, guys and gals, October’s going out with a little sugar, a little sass, and a whole lot of Gulf Coast fun. Make some memories, snag a treat or two, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride!