Every winter a special group of people grace Alabama's Gulf Coast, these people are affectionately referred to as "Snowbirds." The laid back, do-nothing lifestyle known as retirement finds its way to the back burner as our Snowbirds struggle to find time to do nothing. State club meetings, fishing, volunteering, Golf tournaments, shopping, breakfasts, day trips and sometimes part time employment replace catnaps.

Of course, lazy days still have their appeal. It's up to you.

The winter months offer all types of entertainment from symphonies to theatre, Jazz to Dixieland, you name it. Festivals, parades and art exhibits are aplenty. The Calendar of Events will help you decide how to spend your time while visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

 
3rd Annual Gulf Coast Area Christmas Parade at The Wharf
Date: 12/11/2010
4550 Main Street Orange Beach, AL 36561
Price: Free to public.
Phone: 251-224-1012
Website: www.thewharfal.com
The young and old alike will enjoy a festive afternoon of floats, music, and holiday cheer, both before, after and during the parade, which begins at 4 p.m. Santa will be on hand from 1-4 p.m. to take Christmas toy orders and pose for pictures. And Wharf retailers will be offering specials throughout the day.
Civil War Christmas at Fort Morgan
Date: 12/11/2010
Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores
Price: Admission: $5 for adults, $4 seniors, $3 for children 18 -under, free 6-under. Family Pass: $12 for 2 adults/2 children.
Phone: 251-540-7127
4-7 p.m. Experience a Civil War Christmas at the fort during a special candlelight tour as interpreters portray the life of the men and women of the Confederate garrison during the Civil War during Christmas season.
South Baldwin Community Theatre presents: Funny Money
Date: 2/9/2011 - 2/13/2011
South Baldwin Community Theater 2022 West 2nd Ave Gulf Shores, AL
Price: Tickets: Adults $12; Students $8
Phone: 251 968-6721
Website: www.sbct.biz
Thurs, Fri., Sat. – 7:30pm Sunday matinee – 2:00pm This is the annual production cast and presented by the Snowbirds and is one of three 'special events' offered this season that is not covered by the season ticket. Based on the book "Funny Money" by Ray Cooney. The French version of this play became one of Paris' longest running productions. What would you do if you picked up the wrong briefcase and it happens to contain a million pounds in banknotes? henry Perkins found just a case; now he has to deal with the changes it brings.
South Baldwin Community Theatre presents: Funny Money
Date: 2/16/2011 - 2/23/2011
South Baldwin Community Theater 2022 West 2nd Ave Gulf Shores, AL
Price: Tickets: Adults $12; Students $8
Phone: 251 968-6721
Website: www.sbct.biz
Thurs, Fri., Sat. – 7:30pm Sunday matinee – 2:00pm This is the annual production cast and presented by the Snowbirds and is one of three 'special events' offered this season that is not covered by the season ticket. Based on the book "Funny Money" by Ray Cooney. The French version of this play became one of Paris' longest running productions. What would you do if you picked up the wrong briefcase and it happens to contain a million pounds in banknotes? henry Perkins found just a case; now he has to deal with the changes it brings.
Coastal Chorale Snowbird Serenade 2011
Date: 2/17/2011 - 2/20/2011
TBD
Price: Tickets are $10.00 and may be purchased at any area Vision Bank.
Phone: 251-955-5051
Thursday, February 17, 2011 - 7:30 pm Friday, February 18, 2011 - 7:30 pm Saturday, February 19, 2011 - 3:00 pm Saturday, February 19, 2011 - 7:30 pm Sunday, February 20, 2011 - 3:00 pm Thrill to the sounds of the popular Coastal Chorale as they perform many of your favorite songs from past and present. With their unique style and great sound, it is easy to understand why sell out crowds are singing their praises!
Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade
Date: 3/8/2011
Hwy 59 from bottom of Intracoastal Canal Bridge to Main Beach Gulf Shores.
Price: Free to public.
Laissez les bons temp roulet! (Let the good times roll!) Parade kick off at 10:00 a.m. Get ready to shout, "Hey, Mister! Throw me a Moon Pie!" Future Mardi Gras Dates: March 8, 2011, February 21, 2012, February 12, 2013, March 4, 2014 and February 17, 2015.
Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade
Date: 3/8/2011
Wintzell's on Perdido Beach Blvd to Hwy 161.
Price: Free to public.
Phone: 251-981-6979
The City is very excited to have the Honor Flight South Alabama Veterans as the Grand Marshals this year. Laissez les bons temp roulet! (Let the good times roll!) Parade kicks off at 1:30 p.m. Get ready to shout, "Hey, Mister! Throw me a Moon Pie!" Parade route:here.. Future Mardi Gras dates: March 8, 2011, February 21, 2012, February 12, 2013, March 4, 2014 and February 17, 2015
2011 Orange Beach Festival of Art
Date: 3/12/2011 - 3/13/2011
Waterfront Park 26389 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561
Price: Free admission
Phone: 251-981-ARTS (2787)
Website: www.obfoa.com
Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. The Orange Beach Festival of Art is held each year on the second week-end of March. It has been an anticipated annual event for nearly two decades and this year will be part of the state tourism department's Year of Alabama Small Towns and Downtowns. Juried artists from the region and around the nation come to display their work at the first fine art and fine craft show of the season. Located on beautiful Wolf Bay, the festival is held on the Orange Beach Arts Center's campus and the adjoining Waterfront Park. Adding to the long tradition of fine arts and fine crafts, the 2010 Festival will add four complimentary attractions. A Literary Arts Tent with house regional and celebrity authors, book readings and book signings. The new Drama and Dance Stage will see performances of theater troops and dance performances. For our youngest artists the Children's Art Alley plans more than half a dozen hands-on exciting art experiences. At the Songwriters and Musicians Stage guest will enjoy the amazing regional talent as songwriters share their songs, play and sing for everyone.
The Original German Sausage Festival
Date: 3/26/2011
Elberta Town Park
Price: Free to public.
Phone: 251-986-5805
Website: http://sausagefest.elbertafire.com
Held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The best German Sausage you have ever tasted! Made from a secret recipe developed by the founding fathers of Elberta, AL. This is the only place you can get the real thing! Arts & crafts, live music, carnival rides, baked goods & more. Don't forget to visit the Bier Garten for a large selection of imported beers.