Orange Beach, Ala. — (GSN) — Orange Beach City Schools invites students, staff, and the community to celebrate the start of the school year at the annual Makos on Main Parade. The event will be held at The Wharf in Orange Beach and is free and open to the public. Students from Pre-K through 12th grade will march together along Main Street. The parade will conclude with a pep rally-style finale at Portside on Main.

The event is scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, 2026, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at The Wharf. Students are asked to line up at 5:30 p.m. on the west side of the Marlin Statue. Designated signs will be in place to help each grade level find its assigned group. Pre-K through 12th-grade students will each have a marked spot in the lineup.

The Orange Beach Police Department will host a Kids' Zone near the Ferris Wheel from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The Kids' Zone will offer younger attendees a chance to enjoy activities before and during the parade. Families are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the pre-parade fun. The area will be sponsored and staffed by the Orange Beach Police Department.

Once the parade concludes at Portside on Main, the celebration will continue with live performances. The Orange Beach City Schools band and cheerleaders are scheduled to perform on the Portside on Main stage. The venue will arrange seating by grade level and group. Orange Beach Middle and High School students, along with parents and guests, will have designated sections near the stage.

After the parade, attendees can head to Tee Off at The Wharf for dinner. Children 12 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée. Orange Beach City Schools staff members receive 10% off their meal with a valid school ID. The restaurant offer gives families an easy way to cap off the evening together.