For many coastal locals the holiday season begins when the Wharf's Ice Skating Rink opens! The Gulf Coast is gearing up for a week filled with events honoring Veterans and celebrating the community. From complimentary meals for veterans to family-friendly activities, local organizations are coming together to recognize the contributions of service members while offering various experiences for all ages. Throughout the week, residents and visitors can participate in events that range from autism awareness fundraisers and live music festivals to holiday preparations and wintertime activities, adding a festive spirit to the coastline’s vibrant November calendar.

Monday, November 11th -  Veterans Day is still celebrated across the US on November 11th signifying the time the armistice was signed ending World War I. It’s a day to honor, reflecting on the courageous valor it took for soldiers who served, some with their lives for the freedom of our country. As citizens, we often get a day off from work or school to commemorate and this year many local organizations and businesses have organized some events and specials. Shrimp Basket is taking it a step further offering Veterans a complementary full-size shrimp basket meal at any location. Veterans aren't the only ones in for the win on this National recognition day, kids can also enjoy a free meal with any purchase of an adult entrée. So, bring the whole family in for lunch or dinner and be sure to thank all the Vets you see with a simple, “thank you for your service,’ a nod and a smile. Check out the link below for more local Veterans Day spots. 

Shrimp Basket 

26651 Perdido Beach Blvd

Orange Beach, AL 36561

Click here to view our article about Veterans Day Specials.

Tuesday, November 12th - Autism awareness opens the world to a rising community generating positive interactions. To be a part of the creation of a more tolerant world knowledge and information is key and when on the Gulf Coast, that support comes packaged in melody. The Frank Brown Songwriters Festival has partnered with ‘ Pensacola Autism’ for a special event from 5-10PM in the Tent at the Flora-Bama. Each $10 donation at the gate will go directly to fund a five-week summer camp for kids and holiday cards for families in need. Enjoy the music, a rare fest performance with Sonny Throckmorton, a silent auction and more, while being a part of something big and learning how to share this great big world with those that experience things differently as well as the same. 

Flora-Bama Lounge & Package

17401 Perdido Key Dr

Pensacola, FL 32507

Click here for more information.

Wednesday, November 13th -  Meet some of Nashville’s most talented writers, and get serenaded with hit tunes, originals, never before heard songs plus the stories behind the sheet notes they jive to at OWA theater. The Frank Brown International Song Fest will showcase an exclusive event with writers Jon Nite and Lindsey Rimes. Dylan Altman, a number one hit writer for household names like Tim McGraw will be in attendance, adding to finesse to one ultimate night of Country music. The show starts around 7:30PM with doors opening at 6PM for drinks, refreshments and mingling. Tickets are selling out fast, so get yours today and enter for a chance to win a guitar signed live on stage by all three artists. 

OWA Theater

205 N OWA Blvd

Foley, AL 36535

Click here for more information.

Thursday, November 14th - Heron Point at the Wharf is located east side of Main Street nestled waterside on the ICW. This luxury spot hosts events for weddings, company parties, and this week, V.I.B.E. at 5, a local business after hours. The laid-back networking event will be larger and is being called a ‘Fall Wharf Jamboree. Local business attendees can enjoy not only a night of interacting, but the evening will also feature an arrangement of activities, food, drinks and more. A great time to party and get familiar with Heron Point, which will also be serving as the official Wharf ‘Toys for Tots’ drop off location, the Wharf will also be accepting cash to benefit the children's foundation. Stop by from 5PM-7PM and don’t forget to RSVP and bring those tots donations. 

Heron Point at the Wharf- V.I.B.E.

4985 Wharf Pkwy E

Orange Beach, AL 36561

Click here for more information.

Friday, November 15th - It’s opening day for the ice skating season at the Wharf. The gates open at 4PM, all skaters are required to sign in by completing an e-waiver that can be filled out ahead of arrival. Gulf Coast weather brings a lot of rare exciting year round qualities, but snow and ice are rarely one of them. Warmer southern towns enjoy the same cozy winter festivities as the rest and nothing says winter wonderland more than ice skating. Inside the man-made winter dome, guests grab their skates and hit the rink for as many whirls, twirls, bumps and bangs they care to slide around for. A small concession stand is open inside as well as a sitting area for any parents preferring not to revisit just reminisce about any old days on ice. Stop by for a fabulous day escaping the norm and glide right into a beach town dream where no frost is lost. 

The Wharf Skating Rink-

23101 Canal Rd

Orange Beach, AL 36561

Click here for more information.

Saturday, November 16th - Get an early start or mark your calendars for two months of holiday cheer options. Throughout the months of November and December at the Gulf State Park Headquarters in Gulf Shores, tables will be set up for ‘Homemade Holiday Crafts.’ Nothing says from the heart like a gift made by hand. Every Saturday will be dedicated to making these precious crafts either for your own home or to be gifted out over the Holidays. Mark your calendars and come out and get creative in this warm and cozy season from 10-11AM. The Wharf, ‘Photos with Santa’ ho, ho, holiday photo time has arrived as well for selected weekends now through December 24th, Christmas Eve. Make your list and get jolly. It's time to tell Santa and get that obligatory lap photo. Check out more dates here. 

Gulf State Park Headquarters

20115 State Park Rd 

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Click here for more information OR Click here for the Santa photo Schedule

Sunday, November 17th - When it comes to jam bands that rock, soulful quad Grits and Greens are a must-see. The band embodies the spirit of rock and roll, unleashing a symphony of sound that uplifts and inspires. Female vocal front Ryann McGhee accompanied by lead guitarist and husband Jesse, along with two friends, form this spectacular group. Each performance takes audiences on an odyssey of soul-stirring melodies and electrifying jam sessions, showcasing a mastery of their craft and love for the music. Check them out for late night melodies from 9PM–12AM. 

The Undertow Bar

25025 Canal Rd 

Orange Beach, AL 36561

Click here for more information.