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People enjoy a meal with views at Shipp's Dockside Grill in Orange Beach, Alabama, a favorite restaurant on Alabama's Beaches — Shipp’s Dockside Grill is one of many favorite spots to dine with a view on Alabama’s Beaches this fall. (Chris Granger / Alabama’s Beaches)

While fall on Alabama’s Beaches means fewer crowds, that makes the season’s iconic festivals even better. It’s a cozy, community vibe where you can have more of the delicious fresh seafood, frosty drinks and delightful salty breezes all to yourself (well, almost).

To help you plan your laidback fall beach getaway, we’ve got the deets on what’s going on throughout the season in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

3 events, one amazing Freedom Fest weekend

Classic cars line the streets of The Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama during Freedom Fest — Enjoy a laid-back weekend of fun during Freedom Fest weekend in Orange Beach. (Alabama’s Beaches)

For a weekend of family fun, go ahead and circle the weekend of Sept. 20-21 on your calendar to be at Orange Beach Freedom Fest.

It’s all about good times and great oldies with the Bama Coast Cruisin’ Fall Show coinciding with Freedom Fest. Marvel over gleaming chrome and sparkling custom paint as they catch the early fall sunshine and dig into tasty festival eats and musical treats from a variety of live bands.

Visitors and locals alike love this annual festival, and another community favorite happens that weekend, too—Alabama Coastal Cleanup. Held on Saturday, Sept. 20, it’s a great way to give a little love back to the beaches by volunteering with your family or friend group.

Race, ride + swim (or just cheer)

A woman runs into the ocean during a triathlon held on Alabama's Beaches this fall. — Athletes put their strength and stamina to the test during the Brett/Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon. (Alabama’s Beaches)

This next event is for folks who are all about going places fast and for the distance, on foot, in the water and on two wheels.

🚴🏿‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏊‍♀️ Brett/Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon

What: Athletes from across the South hit the sand, surf and streets for this signature race that’s an unforgettable experience for competitors and fans.
When: Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025 | Starts at 7AM
Where: Gulf Shores Public Beach/The Hangout, 101 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
More Info

Little crustacean, big party

Festival tents line the Gulf Shores main public beach and surrounding streets for the National Shrimp Festival, a continuing longtime tradition on Alabama's Beaches this fall — Surround yourself with art, music and Gulf-to-table meals over four days at The Annual National Shrimp Festival. (Alabama’s Beaches)

For a seafood with a name that people often interchange with “small,” shrimp are a huge deal around here and have been for a long time. The Annual National Shrimp Festival returns for its 52nd year in early October and features more than 100 hours of live music across genres.

This four-day fest is one of the best weekends at the beach all year, typically attracting more than 300,000 people to the public beach boardwalk for the tunes, tastes and take-home memories from 50 vendors selling arts and crafts.

🦐 52nd Annual National Shrimp Festival

What: Live music, local art and yessss … plenty of shrimp.
When: Thursday-Sunday, Oct. 9-12, 2025
Where: Gulf Shores Public Beach, 101 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
More Info

Cheers to 50 years!

A frosty bushwacker cocktail sits on a table overlooking docks on Alabama's Beaches. — Raise a toast to the Bushwacker’s big birthday when you visit Alabama’s Beaches this fall. (Coleman Concierge / Alabama’s Beaches)

What better way than to conclude with a toast? The legendary Bushwacker turns 50 this year, and Alabama’s Beaches are celebrating in style. Confer with your beach buddies now over this Bushwacker Trail to choose your favorite spots to savor the official flavor of fall during your Alabama Gulf Coast getaway. Speaking of flavors …

🐟🦀🦪 BONUS TIPS: Here’s where to find the best local seafood + produce