Things To Do Include A Skydiving Bunny And Famous Grilled Sausages
Jessica Taylor • March 23, 2026
Easter holiday at the beach
Along the Alabama Gulf Coast, the forecast predicts a steady breeze, a touch of sunshine, and a strong chance of something uniquely unexpected. Get ready for this week's lineup of events that blend coastal charm with the character of our small towns. From cruising the back bays in search of dolphins to enjoying the hot rods lining the streets at the Wharf, and tapping into your artistic side while discovering live music in all the right spots, there's something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or have fully settled into the rhythm of island time, consider this your curated invitation to step outside, explore, join in, and experience the coast as the locals do—effortlessly fun, slightly unpredictable, often traditional, and always worth it.
Monday, March 23rd- Start your week off with a splash, whether you're in town for Spring Break, a local or visiting on a business trip, taking a cruise with the Fun Boat Tours will definitely set the tone for a fabulous week on the coast. This cruise offers a two-boat option for added fun, where each boat finds the other after a successful dolphin-spotting tour and cools off with a water-spraying stern-to-stern battle. Choose from three tour times: lunchtime, 11AM, midafternoon, 4PM, or a sunset cruise at 7PM. Each boat will paddle around the back bays, canals, and bayous and, weather permitting, out to the rockier Gulf waters in search of exciting sights and sounds such as dolphins, sea birds, and more. During the ride, guests will get a first-hand look at life in Orange Beach from the water, observing islands, massive boats, homes, and maybe even spot their next family waterside restaurant to check out after the cruise. This time of year, light coverings are recommended, especially in the evening as the sun goes down and the cool breeze takes center stage. Some light refreshments and souvenirs will be available once aboard; however, coolers and snacks are welcome. Get silly, get soaked (or don’t if you prefer) and capture the real waterside sights of paradise some of us get to call home.
Tuesday, March 24th- There are only a few weeks, often just days, each year when USA Today’s Best Recreational Trail, the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry, and other State Park trails for biking and hiking can be slightly uncomfortable due to weather. Generally, the weather is almost perfectly suited to year-round exploration, especially this time of year. With miles of trails and activities throughout the extensive park, the only challenge is deciding what to do first. The award-winning Backcountry Trail offers over 28 miles of paved pathways for guests to explore on foot, by bike, or by e-bike. The paved stretches throughout the park are also ADA-accessible. Trail maps are available and marked at various stopping points along the routes so you don’t get turned around. If you didn’t bring your bike, no problem! The park offers a free bike-sharing program, and several approved bicycle outfitters provide rentals. For extra fun, check out Coastal Segway Adventures, available at the main park office near Lake Shelby. Families can choose to stay overnight within the park in several ways or visit for the day. Feel free to bring a picnic and maybe even enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding while taking in parts of the incredible Gulf Coast ecosystem that is still presently preserved today. Be sure to stop by the Nature Center to learn more about the educational, interactive, and guided activities offered in the park. No matter how you choose to explore this Alabama Gulf State Park, you're in for a real treat.
Gulf State Park biking and hiking Trails
Wednesday, March 25th- Oh, to “The Joy of Painting,” Boss Ross was an inspirational household name that covered the screens of homes across the nation, filling living rooms, art rooms, and classrooms with his infectious positive attitude while sharing his whimsical painting techniques with the everyday, average, and aspiring artist. From his smile to his signature afro and wardrobe choices, Ross captured the hearts of eager painters and their families for decades while alive, so it’s no surprise his fame still carries the brush, echoing down halls, walls, and canvases to this day. Orange Beach Public Library is honoring the late and famous Ross this week with a special homeschool art academy, where students will have the opportunity to learn from the no-mistakes, just happy-accidents artist himself through videos and onsite renditions by local artists. The class will not only hear about Ross's life and legacy, but they will also have the chance to create their own whimsical landscapes, fully inspired by some of their favorite canvas fillings, such as “happy trees, almighty mountains, and fluffy clouds.” Be sure to register for this one, and if you miss it, check in with the library to express your interest and get Bob back to work again. Happy painting from 10:30AM to 1:30PM.
Bob Ross homeschool art-academy
Find yourself across the bridge on the other side of town in Foley. Don't miss out on the last of March’s Midday Melodies music at lunch time in the Heritage Park event. The Stickly Rivers band will take to the stage from 11AM-2PM. Feel free to bring a lunch, a chair or blanket and enjoy the tunes and sunshine. Parking is available around the park and across the street on the Pedestrian Bridge side.
Last of March Midday Melodies-Free event
Thursday, March 26th- If you missed last week's “Live at Waterfront” event or wondered about the crowd and stage as you drove by, you have another chance to join in this week! Thanks to the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, Orange Beach Parks and Recreation, and the City of Orange Beach, a new free concert series has begun. Based on last Thursday's turnout, it seems to be a huge hit with locals and visitors alike. Take a break from your busy week filled with sports, meal prep, and other activities, and come enjoy live music from 6 PM to 8 PM. There will be a food truck on-site, featuring a menu from Salty Barb’s, along with beverages for all ages. While food and drinks are not free, the event itself is. Guests are encouraged to bring bikes, golf carts, chairs, blankets, wagons, strollers, and pets! This is a great opportunity to meet your neighbors, enjoy the beautiful coastal back bay scenery, and take advantage of the on-site playground and waterfront walk while listening to tunes from Wille Traywick. It doesn’t get much better than this! Grab your friends and family, and join the Orange Beach community for a night under the stars, complete with a sunset view that can’t be beaten.
Friday, March 27th- Looking for a great way to celebrate the start of the weekend without adding sand to the menu while still experiencing the salty air, live music, and open sky? Check out the Gulf Coast's version of a backyard full-service dine-in, where a valuable decades-long menu has stood the test of time, so much so that it’s been able to expand with new locations and transcend, adding live music and steaks, along with the seafood delights that keep customers coming back time and time again. Doc’s Live on the Lawn experience, located across the street from the waves of the Gulf waters on Perdido Beach Blvd, is the perfect Friday evening choice. Starting at 5PM, Cedric Brooks will hit the stage and belt out tunes loud and clear through to 8PM. If you’ve ever enjoyed a seafood plate and top-notch service from the original Doc’s on Canal, you’ll love this location and the expanse that opened the door for even more enjoyment while staying true to the good old days. The menu choices showcase familiar favorites while adding choice Angus beef steaks and much more for your palate to savour, and an environment that basks in just the right level of evening entertainment. We recommend seating outside on the lawn, but just in case, there are plenty of inside dining options as well, with big screens for viewing and a full-service bar.
Saturday, March 28th- A legendary start to Easter for the family. Head over to the Flora-Bama Gulf side for the annual Easter Egg Hunt and Bunny Drop and kids' crafts, where the Easter Bunny parachutes onto the beach to greet the eager hunters and their families. This free event runs from 11 AM to 2 PM.
Flora-Bama Easter Egg hunt and Bunny Drop
Other exciting weekend activities can be found at the Wharf with the Orange Beach Invasion, a car and truck show known as one of the hottest events along the Gulf Coast. This three-day event offers ample time to check out all the hot rods, custom vehicles, and antique rides as they roll through and set up on Main Street, Wharf Parkway, and behind the AMC lots. Vendors offering food and gifts will also be available, creating a full festival atmosphere.
Further over the bridge, don't miss the Elberta German Sausage Festival, presented by Brown Helicopter. This one-day event starts at 8 AM at the Elberta Town Park and will feature up to 200 arts and crafts vendor booths, a number of non-profit booths, and plenty of delicious food options, including ice-cold beverages, various sausage choices, and BBQ stations. Admission is free, but please note that there is a strict no-pets policy for this one. Enjoy eating, shopping, egg hunting, beach cleaning, and exploring the Alabama Gulf Coast on this busy Saturday full of options!
Related article on German Sausage Festival
Sunday, March 29th- Worship on the water is a Alabama coastal tradition. Easter on the beach services at 6:00 AM, 9:00 AM, and 11:00 AM. Baptisms will take place after each service. The 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM services are usually packed, so we encourage you to arrive early and consider bringing a chair. While we have seating for up to 2,500 in the tent, we often run out of space.
There’s no time like the present to get in all the sweet thrills, photos, and more with Easter coming early this year. The time to celebrate and enjoy the pastel season is now. From 11AM-2PM, perfect for after church or a late morning, after sleeping in, Tacky Jacks in Gulf Shores will be hosting a special ‘Brunch with the Bunny’ event for just $8.99 for kids 12 and under and $18.99 for the adults buffet. Fill more than your baskets this Easter with a morning full of fun, great food, and plenty of memory-making opportunities. This eggcellent celebration will feature live animal appearances, face-painting stations, a hands-on arts and crafts section, naturally a photo-op space for pictures with the Easter Bunny, and a bunny-hopping dance party, compliments of an on-site DJ with a perfect song line-up, available for requests. Please visit the link below or call to RSVP for this eggcellent good time.
Brunch with the Bunny @ Tacky Jacks GS
Catch another hopportunity to snag some photos with your peeps at the Wharf Store, where each frame is filled with fluffy, cuddly live bunny rabbits, and multiple photo packages are available. Dress up or come comfy cozy–this is one precious treasure of the season you won’t want to miss.
Live Easter Bunny Photos @ the Wharf Store
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