Songwriters and Santas Are on the To-Do List This Week
Jessica Taylor • November 10, 2025
It is always the season of live music along the coast
As the Gulf Coast drifts deeper into November, the rhythm of island life reaches a high note, with music echoing from every corner of the coast. This week, the world-renowned Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival takes center stage, offering a week filled with soulful storytelling, live performances, and coastal camaraderie from Gulf Shores to Perdido Key and beyond. The festival features a variety of events, including benefit nights, youth showcases, dockside jams, and sunset sessions, with each venue providing its own unique slice of Gulf Coast charm—where sand meets stage and every song tells a story. Additionally, early holiday festivals are set to spark the spirit of the season, alongside waterfront adventures and, as always, local food favorites. This combination creates the perfect blend of what makes this place so special any day of the week.
Monday, November 10th- This week, the island is buzzing with daily and nightly events as part of the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival. The week's festivities kick off on Monday with the festival's annual Autism Pensacola benefit, held at Flora-Bama and hosted by Tammy Vice. Entry is $10 to the Tent Stage, where the event will take place starting at 5 PM. Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy performances from over half a dozen artists, and a silent auction will also be open, closing at 9 PM. Come out early and explore one of the most beloved coastal entertainment locations, which is more than just a local bar. Take the opportunity to pursue your options from varying bar stops within the venue also featuring festival artists. You can relax indoors, or outdoors, savoring a drink or meal while enjoying the cool breeze and stunning views of the beautiful white sandy shores of the Gulf of Mexico, right at the Alabama-Florida line. Join the songwriters festival party at 5 PM for the tent jams, meet the talented performers, and help support a good cause. For more information on Autism Pensacola, please visit the link below.
Flora-Bama Lounge & Package
17401 Perdido Key Dr
Pensacola, FL 32507
Tuesday, November 11th- Three sisters, all under the age of 20, have been taking Nashville by storm with their heartfelt music and catchy tunes. Known as "The Bennett Hall Band," named in honor of their late brother. The girls started just two years ago and between balancing school and the challenges of teenage life, these girls write and collaborate to create inspirational music for anyone who will listen. If you haven’t heard them yet, now's your chance! As part of the Frank Brown gathering, the band will be performing at the beloved local hotspot, Hub Stacey's at the Point. Their story is as powerful as the resilience they convey from the stage, singing each song to honor their brother and bring families together to enjoy the simple pleasures of good food, great music, and even better company. Hub Stacy’s is more than just a sandwich shop; it offers a diverse menu featuring popular items beyond their famous sandwiches, such as loaded tots, fries, fried pickles, okra, quesadillas, salads, wings, and more—all served dinner-style by a friendly staff. With both indoor and outdoor seating options, the band will likely be set up outside. You can pull up by boat or wheels to enjoy this venue and continue your journey of storytelling with the highlights of the Frank Brown gathering.
Hub Stacey's at the Point
5851 Galvez Rd
Pensacola, FL 32507
Wednesday, November 12th- The ongoing festivities of the acclaimed 11-day event on the Alabama/Florida Gulf Coast now bring us to Lulu’s Homeport for the Youth Showcase edition of the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival. Between 5 PM and 8:50 PM, attendees will experience live performances featuring 15 artists, over three sets each poised to deliver their craft through both musical compositions and narrative engagements regarding their songwriting processes and personal inspirations. This venue is designed with open-air, covered seating that accommodates both dining and relaxation, allowing for an immersive experience while enjoying the performances. The unique environmental aspects of coastal acoustics, combined with the sensory elements of saltwater breezes and scenic vistas, contribute to the profound ambiance that enhances the overall musicianship. The integration of local and beyond talent with the coastal setting exemplifies the enchanting nature of this location. Lulu’s invites you to join the crew and other music lovers to fully engage your senses and appreciate the distinct characteristics of this remarkable coastal paradise during one of most remarkable festival times of the year.
Lulu’s Homeport
200 E 25th Ave
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Thursday, November 13th- It's still a great time of the year to enjoy boating activities or take part in a guided marine excursion along the coast. Even with the start of Christmas tree lighting ceremonies and an increase in holiday shopping, the aquatic environment continues to call, thanks to favorable weather conditions. Boating tours aren't just for sunbathing; many local retailers offer a variety of apparel, perfect for fishing or staying warm during breezy November boat rides. Think pullovers and light throw blankets for added comfort. This week, with the Frank Brown festivities happening throughout the community, it's a perfect chance to coordinate your plans with the live music events. Flora-Bama is a key location for these activities making the Flora-Bama Marina and Watersports a perfect choice. Guests can cruise the bays during the day cruise back to dock conveniently to take a lunch break and enjoy daytime entertainment from Sugarcane Jane, and cruise again before heading across the street to the bar and lounge for the ‘Songwriters and Sunsets’ evening event. The entry fee for this experience is $30, with proceeds benefiting the Larry Butler Memorial Fund at the UWF Grier Williams School of Music. Guests can look forward to an evening filled with award-winning musical performances set against a breathtaking coastal sunset, all in one of the region's most iconic venues. To enhance the experience, consider making it a day starting at the marina with a customized cruise or a personalized boat rental, ensuring you return just in time to wrap up a delightful time on the water and transition into an evening of musical bliss. Happy sails and songs.
Flora-Bama Marina
29603 Perdido Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Friday, November 14th- As we begin to transition into the festive season, we find an array of engaging activities ahead. The music festivals continue throughout the weekend at various venues, encouraging attendees to strategically plot their coastal excursions. Simultaneously, the Wharf is embracing a plethora of holiday-themed events. It's an opportune moment for early holiday shopping, taking advantage of seasonal offerings and curated gift ideas, including specialized stocking stuffers. Notably, the grand opening of the ice skating rink coincides with special photo opportunities with Santa Claus. The rink will be operational on select dates starting Friday, providing both single-session skate options and package deals for high rollers who plan to come back and skate again. Participants are advised to pre-register and complete their waivers to ensure a smooth skating experience. Additionally, Saturday at the Wharf presents Santa, who will be available for gift requests and photo sessions from 3 to 6 PM. Take the initiative to venture to the Wharf and indulge in a winter wonderland experience before enjoying a selection of performances from the lineup of the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival.
The Wharf Store ( photos with Santa)
4851 Wharf Pkwy E suite d118
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Saturday, November 15th- Take a scenic drive down Fort Morgan Road to discover a marina bustling with maritime activity, where Tacky Jack's Fort Morgan location is situated. This marina and restaurant collaboration is proud to present the inaugural Fort Morgan Seafood Festival, scheduled for Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the coastal environment, featuring picturesque island views and a vibrant dock atmosphere, while indulging in an array of culinary offerings. The festival menu highlights a Tacky Low Country Boil, complemented by a selection of standard menu items available at the restaurant, alongside an extensive range of cold beverages at the Dockside Bar. Guests can explore various booths set up by local artisans, vendors, and crafters, promoting regional businesses and crafts. Partake in a leisurely stroll through the marina, engaging with the exhibitors and visiting the dock store to learn about upcoming tours, charters, and year-round offerings. Whether your intent is solely to attend the festival or to explore the Fort and surrounding beaches, this drive promises a rewarding experience, bringing together locals and visitors alike to enjoy some of the best of life’s offerings: music, good eats, and a community that makes it all worth it.
Fort Morgan Seafood Festival
1577 AL-180
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Sunday, November 16th- Bend and Brews is back, with Glow Yoga Studios and Big Beach Brewing Company in Gulf Shores. For just $10, participants can join an outdoor yoga session every Sunday from 11 AM to 12 PM, weather permitting. Big Beach Brewing Company serves as a fantastic venue, often described as the perfect backyard gathering space located in the heart of Gulf Shores’ neighborhoods. It offers a welcoming atmosphere, ideal for those attending alone, as they are likely to meet others who share their interests. Attendees can enjoy the yoga practice and then relax with some craft brews. Members of Glow Yoga can participate for free, as their class is complimentary. After this refreshing morning session, attendees can look forward to an exciting evening featuring The Band Perry as part of the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival. This concert is a highlight of the festival and offers an unmissable experience for music fans, marking the conclusion of the 11 eventful days of music and storytelling along the Gulf Coast.
Big Beach Brewing Company
300 E. 24th Ave.
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Big Beach Brewing Company | Local Events
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