Black Friday Beach Deals Are Here!
Black Friday is almost here, and Current Tides Vacation Rentals has the ultimate beach vacation deal!
With just $100 down, you can secure your dream Gulf Shores or Orange Beach getaway for 2025. This exclusive offer has no blackout dates and is call-in only starting Friday, Nov. 29, so make sure to mention the promo code “BFriday100” when booking. Reserve your stay at one of our beach vacation rentals now and pay the remaining balance later!
With the Alabama Gulf Coast’s beautiful beaches and exciting events, there’s no better time to plan your perfect beach vacation in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach!
2025 Festivals and Events in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
Polar Bear Dip at the Flora-Bama (January 1)
Start your new year with a splash at the Polar Bear Dip at Flora-Bama! This quirky tradition invites locals and visitors alike to take a brisk plunge into the Gulf of Mexico’s cool waters. Whether you’re participating or watching from the shore, it’s a festive way to kick off your Gulf Shores beach vacation. Stay warm afterward with live music and delicious coastal food at this iconic Alabama Gulf Coast venue.
Choose an Orange Beach vacation rental and be close to all the action at the Flora-Bama!
Orange Beach Seafood Festival and Car Show (February 22)
Combine your love for fresh Gulf seafood and classic cars at this family-friendly event at The Wharf in Orange Beach. Enjoy mouthwatering seafood, live music, and a showcase of beautifully restored vintage and classic vehicles. Perfect for a family outing, this festival is a must-visit for anyone planning a beach vacation in Orange Beach during February.
Ballyhoo Festival in Gulf Shores (March 1-2)
The Ballyhoo Festival in Gulf Shores is a vibrant celebration of fine art, local crafts, and Native American heritage. This springtime event is perfect for families and art enthusiasts, offering live music, interactive activities, and an opportunity to explore the culture of the Alabama Gulf Coast. Make this festival at Gulf State Park the centerpiece of your spring beach vacation in Gulf Shores.
A Gulf Shores beach house is ideal for the Ballyhoo Festival!
Orange Beach Festival of Art (March 8-9)
If you’re an art lover, don’t miss the Orange Beach Festival of Art, a premier event featuring works from talented artists along the Gulf Coast. Held at Waterfront Park in Orange Beach, the festival also offers live performances, workshops, and plenty of family-friendly fun. This is a perfect event to add to your Orange Beach vacation itinerary.
Browsing the booths and enjoying the upscale food trucks at the Orange Beach Festival of Art is a favorite for couples looking for a romantic getaway. Choose one of our couple-friendly rentals or find one with a hot tub for this special trip.
With Current Tides’ large selection of Orange Beach condo rentals, you’re sure to find your family’s favorite!
Wharf Boat and Yacht Show (March 21-23)
The Wharf Boat and Yacht Show in Orange Beach is a dream event for boating enthusiasts and marine lovers. Browse a stunning array of luxury boats and cutting-edge marine gear while soaking in the lively atmosphere of The Wharf. This event is a must-see during your spring vacation in Orange Beach.
Original German Sausage Festival in Elberta (March 29)
Just a short drive from Gulf Shores, the Original German Sausage Festival in Elberta is a local favorite. Enjoy delicious German sausages, Polka music, and unique crafts from local vendors. This charming festival is a great way to experience the culture and hospitality of the Alabama Gulf Coast while enjoying your Gulf Shores vacation.
Whether you stay in a Gulf Shores vacation rental or one in Orange Beach, getting to Elberta is a breeze!
Bama Coast Cruisin’ (April 24-26 and September 19-20)
Car enthusiasts will love Bama Coast Cruisin’ at The Wharf in Orange Beach. Featuring rows of classic cars, hot rods, and muscle cars, this event draws visitors from across the Southeast. Whether you’re a car lover or just looking for a fun activity, it’s a great addition to your beach vacation in Orange Beach.
Flora-Bama Interstate Mullet Toss and Beach Party (April 25-27)
Head to Flora-Bama for one of the most unique events on the Gulf Coast—the Interstate Mullet Toss and World’s Greatest Beach Party! Toss a mullet across the Florida-Alabama state line while enjoying live music, tasty food, and the lively beach atmosphere. Make this iconic event a highlight of your Orange Beach vacation.
Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival (May 1-3)
Soar to new heights at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival at OWA Parks & Resort just stone’s throw north of the beach. Watch the skies fill with colorful hot air balloons, take a tethered ride, and enjoy live music and local food vendors. This unique event is a perfect way to elevate your Gulf Shores beach vacation.
No matter which Alabama Gulf Coast beach rental you choose, it will be easy to get to Foley and all OWA’s entertainment options!
Orange Beach Billfish Classic (May 13-19)
Sportfishing fans won’t want to miss the Orange Beach Billfish Classic. This exciting tournament brings together anglers to compete for big catches and big prizes. It’s a thrilling addition to any Orange Beach vacation during May.
Sand in My Boots Music Festival (May 16-18)
The Sand in My Boots Music Festival brings some of the biggest names in music to Orange Beach, including Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Brooks & Dunn, and Hardy. This three-day festival offers a mix of country, rap, and pop performances, making it a must-attend event for music lovers visiting the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Why not your pup for this one, and choose one of our pet-friendly beach rentals! Stay in Fort Morgan and enjoy the pet-friendly beach areas. Just be sure to use a leash and clean up after your pup!
Independence Day in Gulf Shores (July 4)
Celebrate July 4th in style with a beachside fireworks display in Gulf Shores. Relax on the sand, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and watch the Gulf light up in celebration of Independence Day. Make this patriotic holiday a part of your summer beach vacation in Gulf Shores.
Make sure the kids are entertained throughout your beach vacation and choose a rental with a pool!
Blue Angels Pensacola Beach Air Show (July 9-12)
Just a short drive from Orange Beach, the Blue Angels Pensacola Beach Air Show is a jaw-dropping display of precision aerobatics by the U.S. Navy’s elite flight demonstration team. This thrilling summer event is a can’t-miss experience for your Gulf Shores or Orange Beach vacation.
Flora-Bama Bulls on the Beach (September 4-6)
Experience the thrill of professional bull riding at Flora-Bama’s Bulls on the Beach. This high-energy event combines rodeo action with the stunning backdrop of the Gulf. It’s a one-of-a-kind event to include in your fall beach vacation in Orange Beach.
Orange Beach Freedom Fest (September 20-21)
The Orange Beach Freedom Fest celebrates art, music, and community with a patriotic twist. Featuring a car show, live performances, and local food vendors, this family-friendly event is a wonderful addition to any fall beach getaway.
Choose a Gulf-front vacation rental so you can take in the breathtaking scenery (and maybe see a pod of dolphins frolicking in the water) when you’re not at the festival!
Annual Alabama Coastal Birdfest (October 3-5)
Nature enthusiasts will love the Alabama Coastal Birdfest, where guided tours and educational seminars offer a closer look at migratory birds along the Alabama Gulf Coast. This serene event is a unique way to enjoy your fall beach vacation in Gulf Shores.
If serenity is in your vacation plans, choose a Fort Morgan beach rental and be sure to pay a visit to the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge during your visit.
Annual National Shrimp Festival (October 9-12)
One of the most beloved events on the Alabama coast, the Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores is a celebration of fresh Gulf seafood, live music, and arts and crafts. Along with all the fun things to do during this festival and the beautiful weather, this festival provides the perfect excuse to plan an October beach vacation in Gulf Shores.
As the temperatures begin to cool, October is also a wonderful time to enjoy a round of golf at one of the area’s beautiful courses.
Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show (November 7-8)
Wrap up your year with the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show at NAS Pensacola. This breathtaking event marks the end of the Blue Angels’ season and is a must-see for anyone visiting the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area in November.
You might even be lucky enough to see them zip by the balcony of your beachfront Orange Beach condo!
Year-Round & Holiday Fun in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores
The fun doesn’t stop with festivals and seasonal events! The Wharf in Orange Beach is a must-visit destination year-round. It hosts the C Spire Concert Series in summer and fall at its 10,000-seat amphitheater, featuring headliners like Thomas Rhett, Teddy Swims, Post Malone, Jon Pardi, Luke Bryan, and more.
During the summer, you can catch the dazzling SPECTRA Laser Light Experience nightly and enjoy weekly fireworks displays. When the holidays roll around, The Wharf transforms into a winter wonderland with an ice-skating rink, festive activities like photos with Santa Claus, and rides on the beloved Wharf Express Train. Whether you’re visiting for a concert, shopping, dining, or just soaking up the atmosphere, The Wharf offers something for everyone.
If you’re visiting during November and December, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are brimming with holiday cheer and events to get you into the festive spirit. Christmas at OWA Parks & Resort lights up the season with twinkling displays, visits from Santa, and holiday performances. Meanwhile, the Gulf Shores Lighted Christmas Parade brings joy to all ages with festive floats and holiday music marching through the streets. Over at The Wharf, the Christmas Tree Lighting kicks off the season in style, complete with live music, holiday treats, and cheerful activities for families. You can even enjoy New Year’s Eve celebrations at multiple venues, including the annual fireworks show to welcome the new year in true coastal style.
Whether you’re visiting for a festival, a concert, or one of the many holiday events in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, there’s always something exciting happening on the Alabama Gulf Coast. No matter the season, these beachside towns offer the perfect combination of relaxation and entertainment.
Take advantage of Current Tides’ Black Friday deal promo to secure your 2025 vacation today and start planning your trip around the incredible events listed here!
Call us at 251-948-1668 and make sure to mention the promo code “BFriday100” when booking. Reserve your stay now and pay the remaining balance later!
