Things To Do Along Bama's Coast This Week
Jessica Taylor • May 11, 2026
What-to-do guide has your beach plans covered
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (GSN) — If your idea of the perfect beach week includes soaring high above the Gulf, sushi dates tucked away in hidden local gems, sunset strolls in fresh coastal fits, and music-filled nights under the stars–consider your calendar officially booked. This week’s “What's Happening at the Beach” guide is packed with coastal events that show off every side of life along the Alabama Gulf Coast. From parasailing adventures and waterfront dining to outdoor family movie nights, legendary live music, marlin madness at The Wharf, and laid-back Sundays on the water with the Flora-Bama brand, there’s no shortage of ways to make memories this week in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Foley, Perdido Key, and beyond.
Monday, May 11th-
Take a ride out to the Gulf this week and expand your view of our coastline by soaring high in the sky with Orange Beach Parasail, a veteran-owned company. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that everyone should try at least once. An experienced crew will navigate to a safe distance in the Gulf, where each group will prepare for their individual takeoffs. The thrill of going up will provide you with one of the most peaceful yet exhilarating adventures you’ve ever had. From a bird's-eye view, you can catch sight of the stunning coastline and possibly spot dolphins and various bird species. After your flight, relax on the boat while others enjoy their trips, and then ride back to the dock. Orange Beach Parasail also offers a selection of merchandise and photos, so you can document and show off your parasailing adventure in style. Happy soaring—who’s ready to take flight?
Tuesday, May 12th-
Awaken your taste buds with what has been called the best sushi on the Gulf Coast—Big Fish restaurant, located on Canal Rd in Orange Beach. Tucked away in a spot you might miss if no one told you it was there, this family-owned restaurant offers an exceptional menu in a vibrant setting with an upscale feel, perfect for date night. You wouldn’t know it from the front, but this location has both indoor and outdoor seating behind the restaurant. Check out the charming courtyard with a wood-burning fireplace, creating an ambiance unlike any other. Explore the menu of these proud winners of the National Shrimp Festival Chef's Challenge and third place in the Annual Oyster Cook-off! If you love seafood and sushi, grab your sweetheart and come get pampered at Big Fish this week. Don’t forget to ask about their seasonal menu, which features the largest selection of fresh, never-frozen seafood and beef, along with skillfully prepared sushi. The menu also offers a selection of salads and entrées, including tuna, shrimp, stir-fry steak, and even fettuccine Alfredo, if you’re in the mood for some carbs. You can’t go wrong with your choices at Big Fish. Bon appétit!
Wednesday, May 13th-
Spend your Wednesday shopping at one of the coolest brands to hit our beach—the Orange Beach store, located in the heart of our charming coastal side of town. You’ll find branded merchandise that will keep you stylish here and back home. If you’re a visitor, they offer everything from our adorable big orange town logo items, all the way from infants to adults, with cozy resort-style wear, beach casual, and comfortable fabrics. The Orange Beach store has everything you need to fit in and stand out. Don’t stop there! After shopping, cruise down the road to Cobalt the Restaurant, just in time for live music and happy hour from 3-5. Stay for the sunset and take a stroll along the many boardwalks to capture stunning photos with the perfect backdrop. Sport your new outfit from the Orange Beach store while you enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of this always-casual, fine-dining location, which has something on the menu for everyone, not just seafood. Check out their own shop as you enter for more cool beachwear, merchandise, and gifts for the kiddos, too. Experience it like a local—you might even see some there!
Thursday, May 14th-
Everyone loves a FREE event, especially when it involves music that moves you and an atmosphere that’ll have even the oldest of attendees feeling young and free. Check out The Hangout in Gulf Shores, known for the party factor with their motto “Where 59 ends and the fun begins”, located in the Eppa Center of GS and right on the shores of the Gulf. Guests can park and choose from many entrances, some featuring shops and hostesses who will seat you anywhere you’d like or who can direct you to the open-air back area where seating is less of a thing but offered spread out, and bars, dance floors, kids areas, and salty breezes are all the rage. You can choose to dine, hang out for the music, or both, from 5 to 9 PM. Standout will take to the stage a band with a high-energy Top 40s set list filled with soul, funk, and R&B, mostly from modern favorites, but willing to take requests. Come out and see if you’ve still got it, or stretch out those young legs after a full day on the beach, where everyone is welcome, and the party keeps bumping long after the music stops—happy hanging and letting loose.
The Hangout GS where 59 ends and the Fun begins
Friday, May 15th-
There's no need to travel to another galaxy to catch cute characters from other planets far, far away! Grab your friends, a few chairs, maybe a blanket, and head down to Heritage Park in Foley for a music and movie night under the stars featuring “Lilo and Stitch”. The event is free, and the memories you'll make are priceless. Who needs a drive-in or four walls when you live in a place with beautiful green spaces? Our little beach towns offer plenty of room for kids to run and play, while parents can relax and keep an eye on them. Kids can stay close while still enjoying the many inflatables on site. This family-friendly event starts at 6 PM with music and a few beverages sold on-site, and the 2025 movie "Lilo and Stitch" begins at dusk. It's going to be a cozy, exciting Friday night packed with fun that you won't want to miss out on!
Music and Movie Night @ Heritage Park in Foley
Saturday, May 16th-
If only you could be at two major events at once! This Saturday at The Wharf, you might just get that chance. On Main Street, at the Marlin weigh-ins for the 30th annual Orange Beach Billfish Classic will be taking place. If you haven’t experienced this before, here’s your sign to change that! The stunning yachts and anglers will arrive at the back docks of The Wharf Marina no later than 6 PM. Guests can cheer them on as they pull in and unveil their big catches, all in hopes of winning the top prize. There are multiple divisions and plenty to see—this is one epic fishing party everyone is invited to! But why choose between two events? Right down the lane at the Wharf Amphitheater, the legendary 93-year-old Willie Nelson and his family will take the stage. He’ll be sharing his incredible talent and love for music, delivering some good old country vibes. No matter which event you attend, or if you can manage both, the answer to where to be this Saturday is clear: it’s The Wharf, where it’s going to be a rockin’ and reeling good time!
Orange Beach Billfish Classic 2026
Willy Nelson @ The Wharf Amphitheatre
Sunday, May 17th-
Not sure how to spend your Sunday at the beach, but looking for something a little different from just sunshine with sand, a restaurant, and or shopping, we’ve got just the spot where you can experience something unique, curated to your perfect liking, as well as all those other lovely island things all in one spot. Most have heard of the world-famous on-the-line restaurant bar Flora-Bama. Still, did you know that right across the street, on the other side of the water, you’ll find two unique restaurants, Flora-Bama Yacht Club and Flora-Bama Ole River Grill, tucked right beside Flora-Bama Marina and Watersports. Here you can choose to be in it for a thrill with yourself behind the wheel aka helm, join a group where you’ll get to mingle and meet new friends all aboard while exploring the back bays looking for our local dolphins, sightseeing at the magnificent waterside homes and local favorite islands, calling on your own private boat with your own private Captain, or sit at the Yacht Club or Ole River with your feet up and watch others go to and fro from the Marina and docks while at the same time, you relax and enjoy the view. It’s easy to spend your whole day on this side of the line. The only hard part is deciding what to do first. Check it all out this Sunday on the line and beyond.
Recent Posts
