Coastal Events

Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival

Foley, AL | April 30–May 2, 2026

The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, held in Foley, AL, is a vibrant spring celebration where colorful hot air balloons fill the coastal skies in breathtaking morning launches and glowing evening displays. Alongside the balloons, visitors can enjoy live music, local food vendors, arts and crafts, and family-friendly entertainment in a relaxed, festive atmosphere by the water. It’s a chance to watch the sky come alive, stroll through lively festival grounds, and experience the Gulf Coast during one of its most colorful and uplifting times of the year—making it an unforgettable weekend escape for all ages. Get regular flight updates through WHEP Radio Baldwin 92.5 FM or through the WHEP app! Festival grounds are about a 20-30 minute drive from Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. Admission is free.

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NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship

Gulf Place, Gulf Shores | May 1–3, 2026

The NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship returns to Gulf Shores May 1–3, 2026, bringing some of the nation’s most elite collegiate athletes to the sugar-white sands for an action-packed weekend by the Gulf. Fans can expect fast-paced rallies, incredible athleticism, and an electric tournament atmosphere as top teams battle it out just steps from the shoreline. What makes beach volleyball unique is that it’s played in a 2 vs. 2 format, demanding greater versatility and all-around skill from each athlete. As a result, spectators are treated to high-intensity rallies and thrilling, back-and-forth matches from start to finish. Beyond the matches, visitors can soak up everything Gulf Shores has to offer—warm coastal breezes, stunning beaches, fresh seafood, and a lively beach-town energy that makes the whole experience feel like a perfect spring getaway. It’s more than a championship—it’s a front-row seat to world-class sport in one of the most beautiful coastal settings in the country.

Orange Beach Billfish Classic

Orange Beach | May 12–16, 2026

The Orange Beach Billfish Classic is a thrilling Gulf Coast tradition where world-class anglers head offshore in pursuit of prized billfish, returning to the marina for high-energy weigh-ins that draw crowds and build excitement each day. Visitors can soak in the action as boats line up, stories are shared, and impressive catches take center stage, all set against a lively coastal backdrop with food, music, and a celebratory atmosphere. Whether you’re a fishing enthusiast or simply looking for a unique event by the water, it’s the perfect time to experience Orange Beach—when competition meets laid-back coastal energy.

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Dave Matthews Band Concert

The Wharf, Orange Beach | May 25, 2026

The Dave Matthews Band takes the stage at The Wharf in Orange Beach, for a high-energy night of live music set against a laid-back coastal backdrop. Known for their dynamic performances and genre-blending sound, the band delivers everything from fan favorites to extended jams that keep the crowd moving from start to finish. Before the show, visitors can explore The Wharf’s shops, restaurants, and waterfront views, making it easy to turn the evening into a full night out. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just looking for a great concert by the water, it’s the perfect way to experience Orange Beach’s vibrant music scene.

Black Crowes + Whiskey Myers Concert

The Wharf, Orange Beach | May 27, 2026

The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers bring a powerhouse night of Southern rock to The Wharf in Orange Beach, delivering gritty guitar riffs, soulful vocals, and a high-energy performance under the coastal night sky. From classic hits to crowd-favorite anthems, the show is packed with raw sound and electric stage presence that keeps fans on their feet. Before the music starts, visitors can explore The Wharf’s lively mix of shops, restaurants, and waterfront views, making it easy to turn the concert into a full evening experience. Whether you’re a longtime rock fan or just looking for a fun night out, it’s the perfect blend of live music and laid-back beachside atmosphere.

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