Gulf Shores, Ala. — (GSN) —  Independence Day on Alabama’s Gulf Coast is set to be historic this year, as communities gear up for a special celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. Residents and visitors alike can look forward to a vibrant, multi-day lineup of festivities in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Foley, featuring fireworks, family-friendly gatherings, and community events.

Adding to the excitement, the Alabama State Parks "Stars and Stripes Celebration" at Gulf State Park will round out the weekend with ultimate fireworks show, promising a memorable holiday experience for all.

Event schedule

Red, White & Run 5K, Fort Morgan

• When: Thursday, July 2, 2026, with a start time of 7 a.m.
• Where: Fort Morgan, Alabama.
• Notes: Inaugural 5K event open to all ages and fitness levels, encouraging red, white, and blue attire in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Registration is $35 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under through June 20, increasing to $40 and $30 during late registration from June 21 through June 30. Proceeds benefit the Fort Morgan Volunteer Fire Department, and the event is hosted by the Fort Morgan VFD Ladies Auxiliary.
  

The Wharf Independence Day Street Party, Orange Beach

• When: Thursday, July 2, 2026, with festivities reportedly beginning at 5 p.m. and fireworks at 8:45 p.m.
• Where: The Wharf in Orange Beach.
• Notes: The area’s biggest early-holiday parties, with live entertainment and a fireworks finale.

Schedule:

• Kids’ Activities: 5-9 pm
• Fireworks: 9 pm
• Drone Show: 9:15 pm
• SPECTRA Laser Light Experience: Following the fireworks show
• Cost: FREE admission + parking; some activities cost $5-10

Gulf State Park Independence Day Events

• Stars and Stripes Celebration
• When: Friday, July 3.
• Where: Gulf State Park, Lake Shelby Dog Pond.
• Notes: Free event featuring a patriotic bike parade, pet parade, and live music throughout the day.
• For More Information, visit: Patriotic Parade 2026 | Alabama State Parks

• Patriotic Bike & Pet Parade with Pet Contest
• When: Friday, July 3, 9:00 a.m. 
• Pet Parade
• When: Friday, July 3, 9:00 a.m.
• Bike Parade
• When: Friday, July 3, 9:00 a.m.
• The Bitter End Band
• When: Friday, July 3, 10:00 a.m.
• The Virtues
• When: Friday, July 3, 12:00 p.m.
• Funky Lampshades
• When: Friday, July 3, 2:00 p.m.

ONE Club America's 250th Anniversary Celebration 

• When: Friday, July 3, 2026, starting at 5 p.m.; & Saturday, July 4 
• Where: ONE Club, 4500 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores. 
• Notes: A two-day event benefiting veterans, military, and local first responders through the ONE Foundation Charity. Thursday evening's schedule, sponsored by Donatello Ristorante with a curated menu, includes a cocktail hour, fashion show, live performances and entertainment, bagpipers, a light show, and a silent auction/raffle. On July 4th, a VIP Champagne Brunch begins at 10 a.m., followed by a viewing of the Gulf State Park Pier fireworks at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $79. 
• For more information, call (617) 233-9880

Gulf Shores Independence Day Celebration

• When: Saturday, July 4, 2026, 9 p.m.
• Where: Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier.
• Notes: The fireworks display is free and open to the public

𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟰

• 8 a.m. – The Gulf State Park Pier will close to the public for fireworks setup.
• 12 p.m. – The pier will reopen to the public 100 feet north of the firework launch site.
• 8:30 p.m. – The Fire Marshal will close the pier and restaurant.
• 9 p.m. – The fireworks show begins

𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟱

• 6 a.m. – Pier reopens to the public

The Hangout America’s 250th Celebration, Gulf Shores

• When: July 2–6, 2026, with daily activities and entertainment on Friday and Saturday until midnight.
• Notes: A multi-day patriotic celebration marking America’s 250th anniversary, featuring live music throughout the week, hourly entertainment, and interactive family-friendly activities. Highlights include appearances by historical characters, water-gun games, and a themed Pirates & Princesses Breakfast Adventure, offered daily at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. The event also features a limited-time red, white, and blue frozen drink and extended late-night music on Friday and Saturday. Organizers describe it as one of the most immersive and family-focused Independence Day experiences in Gulf Shores, encouraging attendees to participate in patriotic-themed fun and activities throughout the week. 
• Click here for more information: The Hangout Restaurant - Gulf Shores

Flora-Bama Fourth of July Celebration

• When: Saturday, July 4, 2026, with fireworks at 9 p.m.
• Where: Flora-Bama Lounge.
• Notes: Search results point to a Freedom Fun Run/Walk, Miss Firecracker contest, and fireworks.

Schedule: 

Freedom Run: Sat Jul 4th 8:00 am - 11:00 am

Flora-Bama's 6th Annual Freedom Run will take place on Saturday, July 4th, 2026. This patriotic run will feature two courses: The 4 Mile Run/Walk Course or the 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk. From ribbons and bows to flags, socks & t-shirts... Break out your best red, white, and blue attire because we want to make this run scream AMERICA! Registration Includes: Race Shirt (guaranteed to the first 400 registrants), Patriotic swag, and Food & Drink at our post-race party! All fun run participants will receive a finisher medal upon crossing the finish line. Awards will be given for 1st place in all categories.

For More Information visit: FLORA-BAMA 4TH OF JULY PARTY | FIREWORKS, PARTY, BAR-B-Q

Miss Firecracker Contest

It wouldn't be a 4th of July Beach Party without a bikini contest! Join the fun on Saturday, July 4th, at 3 pm in the Tent, either to watch or to compete. 

4th of July Fireworks

No 4th of July celebration is complete without FIREWORKS! To really enjoy them, you have to be at the beach. Come to the Flora-Bama and check out our annual fireworks show that night, July 4th, at 9 pm.

Turquoise Place Independence Day Fireworks Show 

The fireworks show will take place on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 9 p.m. The show is viewable for guests on the resort grounds and from the public beaches near the resort.

The Beach Club Celebrates the 4th of July Beachfront Style

Join us from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM for an unforgettable evening on the beach, hosted by Excel Beach Service! Enjoy a Southern-style buffet, live music, face painting, family fun, s’mores by the bonfire, and the opportunity to roast hot dogs over the fire. Finish the day with unobstructed beachfront views of the fireworks show! Tickets: Adults: $85 Children: $65

Click here to purchase tickets, or call 850-353-3276 for assistance.

Perdido Beach Resort Independence Day Celebration

• When: Saturday, July 4, 2026, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m. 
• Where: Perdido Beach Resort, Orange Beach. 
• Notes: An Independence Day cookout featuring burgers, hot dogs, and classic cookout favorites, along with live music, dancing, family-friendly activities, and beachside fun throughout the afternoon. The evening closes with a fireworks show over the Gulf. This year's event is exclusively for registered resort guests — those wishing to attend should book a stay. 
• For more information, visit: PerdidoBeachResort.com or contact the resort directly.

OWA Fourth of July Weekend Party, Foley

• When: July 4-6, 2026.
• Where: OWA, Foley.
• Notes: Family activities, live music, and a fireworks show are listed.
• Click here for more information: Star Spangled 250th Spectacular - Foley



BEST FIREWORKS VIEWING SPOTS:

• Gulf State Park / Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier area for the Gulf Shores show. The city specifically identifies this area as the launch site and one of the best viewing zones.
• Gulf Shores Public Beach for a broad beach-view perspective of the Gulf Shores fireworks.
• The Wharf area is for Orange Beach’s Independence Day Street Party fireworks since the event is centered there.
• Flora-Bama beachfront area for the July 4 fireworks and holiday activities tied to that venue.
• OWA grounds in Foley for the holiday weekend fireworks and family events.
• Tacky Jacks and The Gulf in Orange Beach will have a view of the Flora-Bama and Perdido Beach Resort Fireworks.