Gulf Shores: Fun in the Off-Season

Gulf Shores: Fun in the Off-Season

Words by Sarah DeLoach

If you have yet to visit the Alabama Gulf Coast or are planning your next getaway, think about visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in the fall. Fall is one of the best times to visit this beautiful place with the perfect weather and soft sand beaches.
 
If the steamy summer months are too much for you, in the fall the temperature range averages a low of 49° and a high of 87°. While most people enjoy the beach during the year’s hottest season, you will be able to take advantage of the perfect weather and near-empty beaches.
 
The shifting weather patterns bring up gentle waves and falling leaves in the peaceful parks of Orange Beach. The fall is the perfect time to take advantage of your vacation because of the incredible deals and discounts available outside of the peak season.
 
The fall months are such an underrated treasure when it comes to Gulf Shores, and if you are looking for some fun activities during your vacation, there is no shortage of events that are sure to entertain you and your friends or family.

One of the season’s most incredible events is the 49th Annual Shrimp Festival. Taking place October 7-10, this volunteer-driven event has been a popular tradition on the gorgeous beaches of Coastal Alabama for 49 years. Unfortunately, due to the global pandemic, the festival was not able to take place last year, so in 2021 they are making up for lost time and are going to put on an action-packed weekend for you and almost 250,000 of your closest friends. If you love music, there will be different artists showcasing their talents. The two main entertainment stages will be going strong for four solid days, filled with country, classic rock, jazz, and more. Since this is indeed a shrimp festival, you can get your shrimp just about any way you want it, with a strong variety of seafood and non-seafood favorites. Artists from all over the area will also be there selling their handmade work. So, whether you like paintings, sculpture, jewelry, or arts & crafts, the 49th Annual Shrimp Festival is for you.
 
If you are looking for something delicious to keep you entertained, the Sweetest Chefs Baking Competition will showcase Pastry Chefs from around the country with dessert tastings from almost 20 different chefs. From September 17-18, there will be a pastry demonstration stage along with beer, wine and cocktail tastings. Make plans to be a part of this sweet weekend and purchase tickets here so you won’t miss out.
 
If you want to get your adrenaline racing, Flora-Bama’s Bulls on the Beach is one of Coastal Alabama’s most anticipated events of the year. Happening September 9-11, you and the whole family can experience the ultimate adrenaline rush with three nights of live rodeo action. This event will feature professional bull riders from all around the country. Be sure to get tickets before the event sells out!


Those are only three of the events occurring this fall season, and there are many more planned. Be sure to check out the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach calendar here for a complete list of what is happening this fall.