Welcome to this week’s guide for things to do here on the coast. From an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon to soothing tunes under the sunset, we have a week packed with opportunities to create memories that will last a lifetime. 

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking to embrace the adventure that the waters hold, a music aficionado eager to soak in the vibrant sounds of local talent, or someone who finds joy in the peaceful moments of a beachside sunset, there’s something for everyone. 

Monday, April 8th - Happy Total Solar Eclipse Day grab your special glasses and prepare to see something truly amazing right before your eyes. According to the Guardian, the US saw its most recent eclipse in 2017, although seven-year intervals are highly unusual with the one before that dating back to 1979 and the next one set for 2044. Don’t miss this incredible chance in history to see the moon move between the earth and sun completely. . For viewing in our local area, times are set to begin or prepare around noon with eclipse time roughly from 1 to 2 PM. Perdido Key Chamber is offering admission to the state park beach access for just $3 for a public viewing with glasses provided while supplies last, calling it a “Beachfront Solar Eclipse Brown Bag Bash.”. It’s going to be a day for the books. 

RELATED ARTICLE: THE SOLAR ECLIPSE IN GULF SHORES

Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce-to pick up glasses

15500 Perdido Key Dr.

Pensacola, FL 32507

Visit their event for more information.

Tuesday, April 9th - Sunsets on the water cast an arrangement of pleasing colors irresistible to any eye. Island life invites a unique opportunity for those on land to experience the magic of the colors decorated over the water as well. OSO located at Bear Point Harbor, has just the right recipe to make it happen. Take a seat for dinner or a nice appetizer while enjoying musical tunes led by Mason Henderson starting at 6 PM, just in time to get settled in and be there for one of the best places to view a colorful Alabama Gulf Coast sunset. Don’t forget to visit the Dock store next door to ask about some of the adventurous watersports, boat tours and fishing charters offered out of the marina. 

OSO at Bear Point Harbor 

5749 Bay La Launch Ave

Orange Beach, AL 36561

Visit their website for more information.

Wednesday, April 10th - Waterway rentals are coming back in full swing. As the Summer season approaches fast, we welcome the slower openings of the Spring season. Cool mornings and evenings with all-day breezes make this time of year a great start to test the waters and choose your favorite way to cruise coastal Alabama. Unsure of what to choose, take a little time to view all the inventory and options at Flora-Bama Marina across from the world-famous bar, Flora-Bama. Pick anything from pontoon boats with built-in slides or add a splash pad for extra laughs and good times with friends and family. Like to go fast, check out the Jet Ski’s, ride solo or take a tandem ride with a buddy. Soar the skies for the best island view from above the Gulf of Mexico with Ike’s Parasail. Rather you choose to rent out your own adventure or cruise with a special Captain and boat guide, the Flora-Bama Marina has a little something fun to tempt all water and sky lovers this Spring.

Flora- Bama Marina

29603 Perdido Beach Blvd

Orange Beach, AL 36561

Visit their website for more information.

Thursday, April 11th - Renowned American and Blues and Fairhope graduate rock singer Grayson Capps will take the stage for this week's Waterway Village free music concert series. All shows start at 5:30 PM, plan to arrive early to mark your spot to set up for the evening. All attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs, snacks and any other comforts to sit back and begin an evening full of community, music, laughs, coastal breezes and more. Food trucks will be onsite for anyone wishing to take the night off and show up and be served. Drinks will also be available to purchase for all ages courtesy of the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber. Make sure to stop by The Gulf Coast Arts Alliance to find some local art during their special extended hours during the concert. This is one night of wonder and entertainment you won’t want to miss. 

Meyer Park -Waterway Village Concert Series - Grayson Capps

400 E 22nd Ave

Gulf Shores, AL 365442

(251) 968-1171

Visit their event page for more information.

Friday, April 12th - Nothing beats live music on the beach when the weather is right and the crowds are still light. Coastal Orange Beach not only offers prime Gulf Front views, it’s fixated smack-dab in the heart of this little Coastal town. Directly across the street from the new and larger Orange Beach Store, this prime location brings any local and visitor alike to a place of centeredness that makes you feel at home. Now offering breakfast, Coastal has three menus to tease your taste buds with. During the day, take a break from the sand and have lunch from the Beachside Bar Menu or stay for dinner and enjoy some tunes from Perdido Key artist Brooks Johnson “bringing refreshed Americana Soul to the Gulf Coast” from 5 to 9 PM. Save room for desert and make a stop inside the gift shop to see some of the latest beachwear fashion. 

Coastal Orange Beach

25722 Perdido Beach Blvd

Orange Beach, AL 36561

Visit their website for more information.

Saturday, April 13th - Running for a cause, “because it’s more than just a race- it’s a 5k with a purpose.” Join in with local island youth from The Island Church for IY5K as they lace up their running shoes to spread the good news. Speed the Light, a nonprofit organization that empowers missionaries around the world, has teamed up with IY to benefit missions in 2024. All ages are welcomed to attend and participate in this heartfelt event. Traditionally Speed the Light reaches to younger groups in support and in setting yearly goals. A true testament of generational blessings. They stand on the word and also their mission statement of “cultivating a heart of missional generosity in the next generation.” Are you ready to be a part of something bigger than yourself to make a difference in parts of the world you may never see? The time has arrived, the race has already been won. The task now is to tell others at the Speed of Light let's go. Tickets are on sale now for early birds for $45, ticket prices will go up leading to the day of the run. See link below for more details and to register. 

The Wharf 

23101 Canal Rd

Orange Beach, AL 36561 

 iY5K - Running in Orange Beach — Let’s Do This

Sunday, April 14th - Relax on the beach and possibly catch a Blues Beach Buzz. The Blue Angels will be returning from their air show at the Fort Worth Air Power Expo on Sunday evening.

Generally, the further east you are, the better chance you have to see the Blues. For the last several years, the Blues would primarily fly in from the east over Navarre, through Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key before making their final turn at Perdido Pass. Occasionally, they would go further west, as far as Gulf Shores, but that was rare. Last week they made their final turn at the Gulf State Park Pavilion, just east of the Gulf State Park Pier. We never know what to expect.

Like the last 12 years, and counting, the OBA Community Website will post a Blues Forecast for what time the Blues may give us a Beach Buzz Sunday.

OBA Community Website

OBA Facebook Page