Gulf Shores, Ala. — (GSN) — The calendar is shifting towards October, and the coast is responding with a lineup that’s anything but sleepy. From waterfront music and creative conversations to breakfast that jives all day, jazz under the stars, fishing, paddling, and a bit of market hopping, there’s plenty to tempt you out the door. Consider this your friendly nudge to put down the to-do list and go enjoy some Alabama Gulf Coast fun—fallish style. 

Monday, September 28th- Tacky Jacks is known for many things, such as their motto of by land or sea; their tradition of using duct tape to decorate the interior walls and outside surfaces with colorful pieces of signed duct tape and often miniature art; or even their legendary breakfast dish, the Farmers Omelet, which is recognized by the state as one of the top 100 dishes to try in Alabama, and for the lovely waterfront views. But this Monday, they’re filling seats by drawing music-loving crowds with exceptional local live music. Not just one, but two local favorite acts will perform on Thursday evening starting at 6 PM. Pop in to listen to Jessie Taylor and Chris Beverly serenade the crowd, who may be sitting back and enjoying the tunes, up on their feet jamming, taking it all in while they eat and dine, or simply sipping and swaying. No matter how you choose to spend your night at Tacky Jacks in Gulf Shores this Thursday, it’s sure to be a fantastic time—won’t you join? 

Live Music @ Tacky Jacks-GS

Tuesday, September 29th- We've all seen murals; what began as ancient decorative traditions has now spread across the globe, becoming a powerful tool for social change, public education, and community identity in the 20th century. Large murals that speak the truth with deep meaning have emerged. Murals have also become widely used for personal and commercial purposes in shops, restaurants, and more. Just what drives these artists to expand from hand-held or easel canvases to walls? Join others this Tuesday at the Foley Public Library from 5:30 to 7 PM to explore why, hearing directly from one such artist: muralist Banks Compton from Alabama. The evening will feature a moderated discussion and a Q&A panel with a few special guests. Banks has recently completed projects with the Mobile Juvenile Court, the Baldwin County Solid Waste Disposal Authority, and, you may have guessed it—the Library. Come out and celebrate meaningful connections between art and community at Foley Community Library’s "Stories On The Wall: A Community Conversation." The evening will also include an art unveiling you won’t want to miss! Event details can be found through the link below. 

Stories on the Wall-Foley

Wednesday, September 30th- Did you know the Sunliner Diner, a nostalgic hot spot known for its classic cars and handspun shakes, not only offers a delectable breakfast menu, but also serves breakfast all day long? Alongside mouthwatering milkshakes and burgers, you can stroll in from open to close and check out some of their signature breakfast items, such as the Shrimp Benedict, BenGees Breakfast Combo, the Big Daddy-O Breakfast, Banana Nut French Toast, as well as classic breakfast options like steak and eggs, ham and cheese omelets, and more. For a sweeter choice, check out the waffle selection, including the Dreamboat, Barry Stack, and original Belgian Waffles. That’s not all—you can also choose a flavored Belgian waffle, with sides like traditional hash browns and bacon, as well as Southern sides such as grits, biscuits, and sausage gravy. Stop by this Wednesday and come hungry — breakfast at the Sunliner Diner is being served over easy! 

Breakfast at Sunliner Diner-GS

Thursday, October 1st- Jazz offers an energetic blend of rhythm, spontaneity, and a unique style that has fascinated the music world since the late 19th century. Often, people hear jazz and automatically think of blues, ragtime, and brass bands, and they are correct; however, it also embodies sophistication, earning jazz recognition as a form of classical music that blends complex structures, rich history, and deep emotional expression. It’s a refined taste that relies on technical mastery and high-society cultural roots. The Orange Beach Art Center is proud to host an evening of smooth jazz under the stars. The night’s jazz will be a relaxing, romantic blend. The show will be held under the Art Center’s Bayfront tent, featuring Gino Rosario on piano with special guest David Jones on trumpet. It’s a great way to start the first night of October in a beautiful setting, for just $20 for general admission and $25 for VIP seating, which includes one drink ticket. To buy your ticket, call the Art Center or stop by this week. It’s going to be a lovely night of classic jazz that soothes

. 

A smooth Jazz evening under the stars - OB

Friday, October 2nd- It’s officially fishing rodeo season when the big game fishermen take a back seat on the Gulf Coast to allow for recreational and meaningful community fishing tournaments to begin. The Perdido Key Fishing Rodeo is a multi-species tournament with both Inshore and Offshore divisions and, in true Gulf Coast event style, a portion of the proceeds will go to a good cause. This year, proceeds will be donated to Operation Tacklebox, whose mission is to help veterans heal through fishing and other activities by getting them back on track with their benefits and a bit of outdoor therapy —with a dash—or plenty—of a good time. Other initiatives the Tacklebox mission supports include camping trips, visits to various fishing expos, and other activities made possible by donations and tournament fees to support these warriors. The tournament begins this Friday and runs through Sunday. If you’d like to sign up, get involved, check out the link below, or pop in for the weigh-ins and perhaps make a donation at Entertainer Bait and Tackle on Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 5 PM. May your lines be tight and your coolers be full—happy fishing and observing. 

Fishing Rodeo-Perdido Key

Saturday, October 3rd- There’s nothing quite like a calm, serene, flat-water trek alongside a gorgeous surrounding landscape, something you might enjoy while paddleboarding along Old River, just across from the Gulf waters and sandy beaches — but Flora-Bama’s 3rd Annual Paddle Dash is anything but that! This Saturday, starting at 7 AM, grab your boards, pump up your competitive spirit, and get ready for a 2-mile dash that begins at Ole River Grill and extends to Ono Bridge and back. It’s time to race on the water and to get signed up — the first 100 to register will receive a free T-shirt. The winners circle will include the top three males and top three females, each of whom will receive a Flora-Bama gift card and bragging rights. Be sure to join the crew back at Ole River Grill after the race for a grab-and-go breakfast — what an excellent way to start your Saturday and christen the first Saturday in October.

3rd Annual Paddle Dash-Perdido Key/Pensacola

Sunday, October 4th- With the first official weekend of fall behind us and the first weekend of October underway, what better chance to celebrate than with a pop-up farmers market fall edition at Waterfront Park in Orange Beach? Come out to shop and browse a curated collection from local farmers and growers. To add a touch of pumpkin spice, there will also be a selection of vendors, plus Anna's Café Coffee Smoothie truck on site. Parking is available throughout the park, with additional parking at the Orange Beach Public Library and the Orange Beach Senior Center; however, we encourage bikes, walking, and golf carts. Come check it out and get down with the season from 10 AM to 2 PM this Sunday. We’ll see you there. 

Pop Up Farmers Market- Fall Edition-OB

Now, if that doesn’t give you a reason to leave the couch, I’m not sure what will! Pick your adventure, gather your friends, and relax with some Gulf Coast enjoyment.