Gulf Shores, Ala. — (GSN) — Well, well, well… look who’s trying to keep a quiet week on the calendar! Nope, not us. The Alabama Gulf Coast always has big plans, and apparently, sitting still at home never makes the guest list. This week, we're putting our creative hats on, toasting to good music, sneaking in a little beach retail therapy, and letting the ghosts and goblins, and candy-hungry kiddos, take center stage. Add a few local legends, some salty-air adventures, and a Sunday that might involve a winning poker hand, and you’ve got yourself a week worth leaving the house for. So, snag your calendar again, rally your peeps, and let’s see what kind of trouble we can get into–in the most charming way possible, of course. 

Monday, October 19th- If you enjoy writing or are interested in becoming a writer, the Unbound: Writing Circle event this Monday at Foley Community Library may be an ideal opportunity. Led by author Cosette Bolt, the event will feature guided exercises and rapid writing sprints. This workshop is designed to help participants focus on the creative aspects of writing by exploring their imaginations and overcoming any writer's block they may be experiencing, allowing them to build momentum and move on to complete a finished piece. Two session times are available: an afternoon session from 2:00 to 3:30PM and an evening session from 5:30 to 7:00PM. In addition to learning from a published author, participants get to attend the workshop free of charge. Registration is required, as space is limited to ensure that each writer has the opportunity to be heard and seen while working closely in a small group. The workshop will begin with a grounding exercise and guided visualization to help clear mental clutter and access creative potential. Participants will then take part in dedicated writing sprints featuring prompts inspired by real-life experiences. The event will conclude with an optional sharing session in an open circle, with no critiques, creating a supportive space for writers at all experience levels. Writing is an excellent way to explore your creativity, organize your thoughts, and support personal well-being. If you enjoy writing or have always wanted to try it, this is an excellent opportunity. Check out the event details for more information.

Morning Writing Circle registration-Foley 

Evening Writing Circle registration-Foley

Tuesday, October 20th- The Meeting of the Minds is back and ready to take on the whole week at Lulu’s in Gulf Shores! Not familiar with it? It’s a Parrot Head event. Still not sure what that means? Have you ever heard of Jimmy Buffett? Now that we have your attention, get ready for a full-on fan club musical extravaganza. The event itself is free, so just come ready to eat and drink to your heart’s content, whether you’re at the bar or seated at a table. The festivities kick off Tuesday with local favorite Brent Burns and friends on the inside stage from 1–4PM, followed by the welcome party, where everyone is invited—members and nonmembers alike. Each day brings exciting music and more, all leading up to Lulu’s Songwriter Showcase on the Crazy Sista Stage on Sunday. For more information, check out the link below. And as the legend himself would say, “Finns up… and let’s keep the party going!” We’ll see you there, whether you’re a Parrot Head or soon to be one–party on. 

Meeting of the Minds @ Lulu's-GS

Wednesday, October 21st- This Side of 49 is the featured musical performer for this week’s Midday Melodies in Heritage Park. If you haven’t been following along this month, Midday Melodies is a free live outdoor concert held every Wednesday in October, perfect for a nice autumn lunch break. Each week, the Masonic Lodge provides concessions for purchase; however, packed lunches from home or food and beverages picked up from nearby restaurants are also welcome and encouraged. With so many excellent choices for lunch around downtown Foley, it's hard not to snag something to add to your already special midweek outdoor treat. Invite a friend, plan ahead, and put a blanket or some chairs in your car so you’ll have a comfy spot to land while you eat, soak up the sun, and listen to some oldies but goodies, along with a few fresh, new songs from the band This Side of 49. Are you convinced yet? Don’t miss out on this unique series, which welcomes all locals and visitors for a day of community and free fun. 

Midday Melodies in Heritage Park-Foley

Thursday, October 22nd- Spend the day at the beach, stop by in the evening, or make a whole day of it—CoastAL in Orange Beach is the place to be, with music keeping the good times going from day into night. Its prime Gulf-side location offers beautiful views and easy beach access, while the music, two distinct menus, and gift shop—more beach boutique than store—make every visit special. Life on the Alabama Gulf Coast usually means sunshine and warm weather, but when the Gulf breeze rolls in, even a sun-soaked day can turn into sweater weather. Locals and visitors alike know the look: hoodies and cozy sweatshirts paired with shorts or swimsuits. The CoastAL shop has just what you need to stay comfortable through the changing temperatures—from lunch in the sun to a cool afternoon and the evening breeze. You might be lounging by lunchtime and pulling up your hood by early afternoon, especially after sunset. With styles that are both adorable and handsome, you’ll stay cozy and look fresh. Catch Cliff Cody from 9AM to 11AM, then hit the beach and come back by 5PM for Jesse Duncan, playing until 9PM While you’re there, stop by the shop and enjoy everything CoastAL has to offer: Gulf-side dining, beach access, and more you can thank us later. 

Music, shopping and more @ CoastAL-OB

Friday, October 23rd- A beachside holiday calls for a few island perks, and Trick or Treat with Zeke’s Fleet is one of the year’s best. Zeke’s Marina is home to the area’s largest fleet—aka a whole lot of boats gathered in one place—making this an event you won’t soon forget. Instead of going door to door, stroll the docks and visit participating boats, decked out for Halloween with costumed crews ready to hand out plenty of candy. The fun begins and ends at Mo Fishin Bar, where kids can enjoy crafts and games, enter the costume contest, and sign their pets up for the pet contest—all while listening to live music by Ryan Dyer. The event runs from 6–10PM. Food will be available from the menu, along with a $35-per-person seafood broil and a long list of drink specials to wash it all down.Come celebrate in costume and enjoy the one time of year when over indulging in sweet treats is the main part of the fun. It’s sure to be a spook-tacular coastal celebration.  For more details on this event be sure to visit Zeke’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Zeke's Landing-OB

Saturday, October 24th- It’s getting ghostly and ghoulish out there, and the air has a faint pumpkin aroma—maybe because it’s time for the 7th annual Trek or Treat at the Gulf State Park Learning Campus. Who doesn’t love a blend of traditional Halloween trick-or-treating and an outdoor trail trek through one of the best state parks in the US? It’s not all trekking and sweet treats: local businesses and park rangers set up candy giveaway stations and activity stations all along the paths for visitors to enjoy. Don’t worry if you have little ones; it’s not really all that spooky, and the best part is that it takes place in daylight, from 11AM to 2PM. The location matters because, if you’ve ever visited the park for a free educational event centred around the Learning Campus, you know very well that there will be fun and games, crafts, something to learn, and even a chance to interact with some of the park’s live creatures. Bring the whole family and join in for this safe, fun time at a rain-or-shine event you don’t want to miss. Be sure to dress up or wear orange, and call yourself a pumpkin—it’s time to Trek or Treat. Happy exploring! 

Treck or Treat-GS

Sunday, October 25th- The Mystics of Pleasure is proud to announce and invite the public to the 26th Annual Fun Poker Run—a day of “sun, sand, and spirited competition!” Everyone is welcome; you don’t have to be a Mystic member to join the fun. This isn’t your traditional sit-down poker game. It’s an active, adventurous crawl by boat or car, with stops at exciting locations along the way. Collect a stamp at each stop to build your poker hand before the big game. The fun kicks off bright and early at 8AM with breakfast and registration at Tacky Jacks in Gulf Shores. Pick up your list of stops, then head out by 10AM. Make a couple of pit stops at the Wharf, enjoy a scenic tour to Pirates Cove, then cruise back through Cobalt before finishing at Tacky Jacks. Each stop brings its own theme or food offering, with plenty to eat and do. Gather your mates, find a driver or captain, and set off by road or waterway—the adventure awaits! Good luck; you could be one of the lucky winners. Ahoy, and get your game face on! 

Poker Run by car or boat-OB, GS, Josephine

That’s a wrap, coastal crew! Have fun, make memories, and, as always, stay salty.