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GSOB Balloon Fest01 6 unique events on Alabama's beaches worth the drive this summer

Summer is just around the corner, Birmingham, which can only mean it’s time to plan a trip to Alabama’s beaches. From music festivals and car shows to hot air balloon fun and more, these must-attend summer events are perfect for all ages. Read on for all the details.

1. Bama Coast Cruisin’—April 25-27

GSOB bama coast cruisin 6 unique events on Alabama's beaches worth the drive this summer — Old cars meet new rides at Bama Coast Cruisin’. (Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism)

Are you a car person, or do you have someone in your life who is? You need to be at The Wharf for Bama Coast Crusin’.

This annual event is so much more than a car show. You’ll discover:

Vendor booths
Live music
After parties
And more!

On Saturday, April 27, you can show off your ride or watch others as they drive along the scenic beach highway for an afternoon cruise.

Bonus: “Master of the Fine Line” and internationally renowned Master Pinstriper, Von Hot Rod, will have a booth with his painting supplies to give your ride some racing stripes.

When: Thursday, April 25 + Friday, April 26, 8AM-9PM | Saturday, April 27, 8AM-8PM
Where: 23101 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Cost: Free admission | $75 to show your car
More info | Register your car

2. Interstate Mullet Toss + Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party—April 26-28

GSOB MulletToss 6 unique events on Alabama's beaches worth the drive this summer — The Mullet Toss is one of my favorite events every year. (Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism)

When you hear the word “mullet”, you probably think of the business-in-the-front/party-in-the-back hairdo from the ’80s.

In this instance, the term “mullet” means something much different. It’s a type of fish and it’s the main attraction at the greatest party on the Gulf Coast this summer—The Mullet Toss at the Flora-Bama.

Here’s how it works:

Pay a $20 entry fee (includes a t-shirt).
Secure your spot in line.
Once it’s your turn, step up + toss a mullet as hard as you can towards Florida.

The person who tosses their mullet the farthest wins.

When: April 26-28 | begins at noon each day, awards at 4:30PM
Where: Flora-Bama, 17401 Perdido Key Dr, Pensacola, FL 32507
Cost: $10 (ages 21+) | $15 (ages 16-20) | Kids – free | $20 to participate in Mullet Toss
More info

3. Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival—May 2-4

GSOB Balloon Fest03 6 unique events on Alabama's beaches worth the drive this summer — Hot air balloons are so much bigger in person. (Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism)

The first time I saw the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, I was driving down the Foley Beach Express when, out of nowhere, balloons started magically floating across the skyline.

It was so cool that I stopped my car and got out to watch from the side of the road. Now, I make it a point to go every year, and you should too.

Over 40 incredible balloons will take to the skies during the event with adorable, colorful bubbles of fun.

You can even ride in a hot air balloon! On-site, you’ll find a tethered balloon that will take you about 50 feet into the air to get a bird’s eye view of the festival below.

For those of you who like to keep both feet firmly on the ground, you can explore everything from vendor booths and art displays to a petting zoo.

When: Thursday, May 2, 4-9PM | Friday, May 3 + Saturday, May 4, 11AM-10PM
Where: 100 N OWA Blvd, Foley, AL 36535
Cost: Free admission | Some activities come at an extra cost
More info

4. The Hangout Music Festival—May 17-19

GSOB HangoutFestival 6 unique events on Alabama's beaches worth the drive this summer — Three days, over 60 artists, non-stop fun. (Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism)

If the Mullet Toss is the biggest party on Alabama’s beaches, The Hangout Music Festival comes in at a close second.

Now in its 8th year of bringing the greatest names in music to the Gulf Coast, this popular event draws around 40,000 music lovers to the beaches.

Headliners this year include:

Zach Bryan
Lana Del Rey
Cage the Elephant
Renee Rapp
Chappell Roan

You can expect more than just music, too. There will also be face painting, vendor booths + a Ferris wheel. You can even get married at The Hangout Music Festival!

When: May 17-19
Where: 101 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Cost: All tickets are 3-day passes + prices start at $359
More info | Tickets

5. City of Gulf Shores Independence Day Celebration—July 4

Fireworks over Vulcan — Celebrate freedom in Gulf Shores. (The Bama Buzz)

Fourth of July on the beach just makes sense.

Gulf Shores has some of the best fireworks around. They’re fired off the end of the pier in Gulf State Park, giving you a stunning view as they glitter over the water.

Trust me, it’s a must-see.

When: Thursday, July 4 at 9PM
Where: 20800 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Cost: Free admission
More info: Website

6. Blue Angels Pensacola Beach Air Show—July 10-13

GSOB BlueAngels02 6 unique events on Alabama's beaches worth the drive this summer — Even the herons love watching the Angels soar. (Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism)

If you haven’t seen a Blue Angels airshow, pack your bags and meet me on the beach in about three months.

From zero-gravity stunts at thousands of feet in the air to a genuine WWII plane, Fat Albert, moseying along the horizon—this event is sure to wow you.

Make sure you bring a radio and tune into AM 1620 for the commentary.

Local secret: If the crowded beach isn’t your thing, catch the practice show on Friday, July 12. There may not be radio narration to accompany it, but it’s still a great time.