Gulf Shores, Ala. — (GSN) — The calendar may be creeping towards September, but the Alabama Gulf Coast summer is still swinging for one more big hit. This week offers a wonderfully random–and very Gulf Coast–mix of activities to see, do, learn, hear, and eat. Test your trivia skills under the stars and twinkle lights, turn an oyster shell into coastal art, step back in time with ancient sea turtles, enjoy some Jack Johnson beachy vibes, celebrate the creatures that inhabit our waters and beyond, watch some serious fishing action come through the Pass, spend the morning at Hogwarts, sing along with Jason Aldean, and finish the weekend gathered around a community table. Whether you’re after a little adventure, some education, music, or just a good reason to get out of the house, this week has your plans sorted. So grab your calendar, gather your people, and let’s make these last golden days of August count! 

Monday, August 24th- Kick off the week with live music at not one, but three Tacky Jacks locations along the Alabama Gulf Coast. Neal Pennington takes the stage at Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores from 5 to 8 PM, giving early birds the perfect sunset soundtrack to start the evening. Over in Orange Beach, Dan Poer goes live from 6 to 9 PM, bringing his sounds to one of the coast's most beloved waterfront hangouts. Meanwhile, out at Tacky Jacks Fort Morgan, Dreezy & the Homies round out the night with their own set, also running from 6 to 9 PM. Whether you're on the Gulf Shores strip, dockside in Orange Beach, or taking the scenic route out to Fort Morgan, Monday night has a stage waiting for you.

Tacky Jack's Orange Beach - Gulf Shores - Fort Morgan

Tuesday, August 25th- This Tuesday, from 10 to 11, at the Learning Campus at Gulf State Park, register now for just $16.50 per participant and use coupon code HOTSUMMERDEAL! to save $5 per participant. Here you’ll dive into a morning of Eco Art oyster shell decoupage, where you’ll learn about Alabama's amazing oysters, how they’re farmed, and how you can recycle the shells, all while creating an artistic dish to bring a touch of the Alabama Gulf Coast right to your home. All supplies needed to transform your shell into a unique piece of art will be provided. Immediately following, walk over to the interpretive center on-site for a free event called "The Fossil Sea Turtles of Alabama." During this one-hour demonstration, you’ll explore the fascinating world of sea turtles, tracing their history from ancient fossils to the species still cruising the Alabama Gulf Coast waters and beyond today. Dr. Andrew Gentry, a leading scholar in sea turtle paleontology, will present this. During his talk, he will highlight insights from local fossil sea turtles and showcase how scientists have helped piece together the incredible history of these resilient reptiles. Make it a full day of learning, art, exploration, and animal education at the Gulf State Park.

Eco-Art: Oyster Shell Decoupage-GS

Fossil Sea Turtles of AL-GS

Wednesday, August 26th- From the North Shores of O’ahu to the salty shores of the Gulf Coast, Orange Beach welcomes American singer-songwriter Jack Johnson this Wednesday to the Wharf Amphitheater. Johnson brings a genuine coastal style, blending surf rock with pop, folk, and of course, acoustic — delivering his signature soft sound, often likened to the feeling of sitting on the beach listening to the waves — a pleasant, breezy groove. Johnson is also a film producer; he released his first musical album, "Brushfire Fairytales," in 2001, a year after his debut film. Since then, he has gone on to produce eight studio albums, along with three surf films and the latest a combo: "Thicker Than Water" (2000), "The September Sessions" (2002), and "A Brokedown Melody" (2004),  "SURFILMUSIC" documentary (2026). In February 2026, he announced he would be bringing his SURFILMUSIC Tour to South America, sharing his passion for all three: surfing, filmmaking, and music. Johnson and his team are also strong supporters of local artists, supporting town venues, working with non-profits, and promoting waste reduction programs to cut down on single-use plastics. Now, he’s easing into a slower pace after this summer's tour to stop by our quaint coastal town for an evening of amazing music and cool merchandise, with some of the profits supporting these charitable initiatives while celebrating a legend from the early 2000s who’s still thriving. Tickets are on sale now — check the link below. 

Jack Johnson Tickets

Thursday, August 27th- This Thursday, join others for an exciting event at the Gulf Coast Eco Center, hosted by two passionate conservation groups coming together to celebrate Alabama's vibrant marine life–Alabama’s Coastal Connection and Healthy Gulf. Guests will enjoy captivating short films, get the latest updates on local sea turtle nesting, and participate in educational presentations highlighting the importance of protecting our precious coastal ecosystems and the beauty that inhabits them. Discover how recent changes in wildlife protections threaten species like sea turtles, manatees, rice whales, and more—animals that call the Gulf home. With 22 endangered species residing in these waters, it’s time to take action. Come connect with others who care about Gulf conservation, enjoy snacks and drinks, live musical entertainment, and honor the incredible creatures that thrive along Alabama’s coast. For more details, check out one of our recent articles through the link below.

Celebrating Alabama's Marine Life-GS

Friday, August 28th- With fishing tournaments heating up all summer, and charters heading out daily this time of the year, it opens the door for these charterboats to compete exclusively with licensed vessels in a celebration of tradition, skill, and the camaraderie of the professional fleets that worked hard taking others out all summer and get to call this place home. Wednesday marks the thrilling shotgun start for the 4th Annual Charter Boat Billfish Tournament. After the reel action has kicked off during the days to follow–  Friday at Zeke’s Marina- the weigh-ins will begin, where anglers will lift, photograph, and score with their impressive big game fish—determining who will earn bragging rights for the year along with fantastic prizes. Head over to Zeke’s Landing, relax at Moe‘s Fishing Bar or the restaurant, and be close enough to join in and be a part of the excitement, or catch the latest updates on the winners later and enjoy prime waterfront viewing as the fleets begin arriving through The Pass for the weigh-in. The Gulf in Orange Beach is situated on the southwest side of Perdido Pass. This outdoor venue keeps your toes in the sand while offering lively live music during the Sunset Sips and Sounds event from 5 to 9 PM, and it is perfect for viewing the tournament fleets as they pass by. Experience the golden hour waterfront celebration featuring DJ sets, seasonal chef specials, fresh coastal seafood, and signature cocktails sponsored by Asper Spritz. Watch the boats roll in and guess who will take home this year’s coveted big win in the sensational 4th Annual Charter Boat Billfish Tournament. No matter which waterfront spot you choose to enjoy your Friday night, it promises to be an unforgettable, spectacular island life experience!

4th Annual Charter-Boat Billfish Tournament

The Gulf Sunset, Sips and Sounds

Saturday, August 29th- If you haven’t had the chance to explore the spectacular new Foley Community Library and you happen to love the wizarding worlds of Harry Potter, today is your day! From 10 AM to 12:30 PM, put on your robes and head over for a magical experience at Hogwarts. The library will transform into the enchanting wizarding school, complete with Mr. Norman the owl from the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Enjoy professional Harry Potter-themed photo opportunities, watch a screening of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in the Great Hall, and learn the art of tea-making with elderberry elixirs. Write a letter in their Owlery and explore the Diagon Alley craft zone, featuring vendors and fun games. Embark on a house scavenger hunt for a chance to win the House Cup, and savor some delicious butterbeer! Bring the whole family and spend an unforgettable day at Hogwarts right here in Foley. After an exciting day, trade your wand and robes in for boots and cowboy hats, and head back to Orange Beach for the final summer series concert featuring Jason Aldean. Tickets are on sale now—check the links below to learn more about each event and join the fun!

Harry Potter Day- Foley

Jason Aldean Tickets @ The Wharf

Sunday, August 30th- Looking for Sunday plans? Head to Cooper Farm Garden Center in Foley for their first-ever monthly community potluck. Don’t be shy—bring a dish to share and connect with your neighbors around the table. If the Cooper Farm name sounds familiar, you probably know them from the docs. Soon after their grand opening in 2023, they conducted one of the largest-scale partnerships with the Orange Beach Billfish Classic to distribute tournament-grade fish to families across the community through their nonprofit, Cooper’s Table. Since then, they’ve generously continued to partner with the OBBC and the Blue Marlin Grand Championship by accepting and distributing tournament-grade fish to families in our community. The Cooper family is deeply woven into the local coastal community, and they invite you to come out, meet them, and meet others as you share and fellowship over a meal this Sunday at 4PM. The farm will provide plates and silverware, plus ice water and an ice chest to keep additional drinks others bring cold. They will have activities for the kids in the fenced-in backyard. Cooper Farm is located next to John Deere and the horse stables on HWY 59 in North Foley–for updates on scheduling or weather changes, check the official Cooper Farm Garden Center Facebook Page link below. 

Cooper Farm Community Potluck-Foley

Now get out there, Gulf Coast – there’s still plenty of summer left to soak up and enjoy! Until next week, keep chasing sunshine, good local times, and whatever adventure happens to be waiting around the corner.