Gulf Shores Area Events

Primal Fear

This Halloween season, step into Primal Fear, OWA’s most terrifying immersive attraction, where your deepest fears become your reality. Open select nights September 25–26 and October 2–3, 9–10, 16–17, and 19–31, 2026, Primal Fear takes guests on a psychological journey through a maze designed to awaken humanity’s most instinctive fears. From claustrophobic passageways and unsettling distortions to the chilling sensation of being watched or hunted, every room is crafted to keep you questioning what waits around the next corner.

Complete your night with limited-time themed food and beverages, exclusive Primal Fear merchandise, and unforgettable memories—if you make it out. Grab your tickets today!

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The Alabama Shrimp Festival

This annual event has been entertaining the Gulf Shores community for over 50 years! Bringing you shrimp cooked just about any way you can imagine it, the Alabama Shrimp Festival is an action-packed weekend filled with great food, all kinds of music, and local art. 

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Haunted Hustle 5K, Fun Run and Witches and Wheels Ride

Celebrate Halloween with the spookiest race of the year! This event features a variety of activities including a 5K Walk/Run, a Fun Run, the Witches on Wheels Bike Parade and a live DJ on stage. Be sure to wear your best costume and register for any of the events to participate. All proceeds will benefit the Dolphin Foundation for Education and Arts.

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Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival

In its 42nd year, the songwriters' festival will feature over 200 nationally acclaimed songwriters across different venues in the Alabama/Florida Gulf Coast. Learn the stories behind the words in a way that can only be taught by the author themselves at this highly anticipated event.  

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Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show

This free air show offers aerobatic performers and Pensacola's very own Blue Angels. Gates open at 8:00 AM, and the show begins at 9:30 AM. Spectators are encouraged to bring their own seating but paid seating is also available for purchase.

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Experience the Oyster

Head to the Hangout for the ultimate oyster festival weekend! In its 5th year, this event will feature some of the freshest oysters from farms across the Southeast alongside chef-curated, oyster-inspired dishes. Saturday also includes a variety of exciting events including live music, chef demos, a big screen football experience and more.

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Annual Gumbo Festival

Taste spectacular chef-crafted gumbo from chefs across the nation at this highly anticipated event. Hosted by CoastAL, the beachside festival also features live music and delicious cocktails for you to enjoy as you sit by the beautiful Gulf beaches.

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Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival

The Food Truck Festivals of America celebrates its next year in Panama City Beach! The event will host popular food trucks serving a variety of delicious goods along with vendors offering regional and national brews.

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Annual Coastal Christmas Market

The Gulf Shores Christmas tradition returns this holiday season. For two days, vendors will be showcasing unique items that are perfect to finish off your shopping list. 

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Lulu's Lighted Boat Parade

Take part in one of the oldest Christmas traditions in Coastal Alabama with Lulu’s Lighted Christmas Boat Parade! The parade starts at dusk at Lulu’s in Gulf Shores and ends at the Wharf, but boats will be visible all along the canal for all to enjoy the brightly decorated boats as they light up the night

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Lulu's Noon Year's Eve

Every December, Lulu’s hosts a kid-friendly New Year’s Eve event with festive music, arts & crafts, a sand castle competition and more! Come party and ring in the new year with a huge beach ball drop at noon.

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