Orange Beach, Ala. — (GSN) — The local beach communities come together and celebrate beach nesting shorebirds. The events combines recreation and conservation, offering an afternoon of educational booths, live music and local comradery.

The 3rd Annual Nest Fest is coming to Orange Beach Waterfront Park. The free festival is open to the public and welcomes families, nature lovers, and curious visitors of all ages. Organizers say the event is a great chance to celebrate the beach-nesting birds that call the area home each season.

The festival runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on May 31 at Orange Beach Waterfront Park, 26389 Canal Road, Orange Beach, Alabama. Admission is free, and no tickets are required. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and stay for the full afternoon of activities.

Nest Fest is hosted by the City of Orange Beach Coastal Resources, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Audubon. These three organizations collaborate each year to raise awareness of the shorebirds that nest along the Alabama Gulf Coast. Their partnership brings education and conservation efforts directly to the community.

Attendees can look forward to interactive games, art activities, and educational booths throughout the afternoon. The booths are designed to teach visitors about local bird species and the importance of protecting nesting habitats along the beach. The activities are hands-on and family-friendly, making it easy for children and adults to get involved and learn something new.

Complementary food will be provided to all guests at no charge. Live music by Saucy Fuzz, a local Orange Beach band, will keep the energy going throughout the event. The combination of good food, great music, and meaningful education makes Nest Fest one of the more unique community events on the Alabama Gulf Coast.

The event's tagline, "Where Recreation Meets Conservation," captures the spirit of Nest Fest. Organizers hope the festival helps more people understand why protecting beach-nesting birds matters. Every year, these birds return to local beaches to lay eggs and raise their young, often in areas popular with beachgoers. Raising awareness helps reduce disturbances at nesting sites.

Orange Beach Waterfront Park provides a beautiful backdrop for the afternoon celebration. The park sits along the water and offers plenty of open space for families to spread out and enjoy the day. Whether someone is a longtime bird enthusiast or just looking for a fun, free outing, Nest Fest has something for everyone who shows up.