Great Places To Try Before Labor Day Holiday
Jessica Taylor • August 25, 2024
From Dolphin Watching to Live Music, Here's What's Happening
As August winds down, the Gulf Coast remains lively with an array of activities for both locals and visitors. From dolphin cruises off the shores of Orange Beach to the roaring spectacle of the Blue Angels at the National Naval Aviation Museum, there is no shortage of events to keep the excitement alive. Whether you're exploring the musical talents of local bands, enjoying a tropical-inspired meal with a view, or celebrating National Beach Day with eco-friendly activities, this week promises a vibrant mix of entertainment, fun and relaxation.
Monday, August 26th - As we enter the last week of the month of August it’s hard not to notice that much has remained as active around town as it was at the peak of summer. The same is to be said about the liveliness of the waters past the sandy shores. Cruise Orange Beach Dolphin cruises have been coasting the shores and back bays exploring the area and hanging out with dolphins for over a decade. Guests will board the double-decker ship to find open-top deck seating, indoor cabin seating as well as bow and outdoor bottom deck standing. Enjoy a quick boat ride looking for neat finds along the way out into the open waters where the experienced crew will begin seeking to spot the local wild Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. After finding the main attractions, guests will observe them in their natural habitat, fishing, or just goofing off. During the hour and a half to two hour cruise, knowledgeable deckhands will narrate and offer fun facts, jokes and photographs. At the start and throughout the boat ride, a snack hand will be available to assist with shopping and snacking needs. Dippin’ Dots, drinks, chips, shirts and dolphin necklaces are all part of what is offered for purchase. Be sure to look out for the Pirate Ship and one just might get to be a part of defending the ship in a water cannon port to port battle. The action is still booming past the shores and beyond, making a dolphin cruise boat ride a natural response to the beauty that nature is flaunting.
Cruise Orange Beach Dolphin Cruises
27844 Canal Rd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Tuesday, August 27th- Each year a few special dates are carved out for public viewing and more for the famous Blue Angel practice live. Bring the whole family and come out to watch the blues practice at the Museum Flight Line. Upon arrival, you will simply follow the signs for parking and to the viewing stations. Be sure to double-check the times on the website below and keep in mind the length of time is set for 55 minutes. The first 500 to arrive may enjoy bleacher seating or skip that and choose the $6 chair service and mark your own spot outside of bleacher seating. All concessions, angel merch and any other paid service will need to be paid with card only as the museum is a cashless venue. Not only will you get an opportunity to experience something great while viewing these band of brothers in their element, but also playing a role in supporting the next generations of families as they come out to enjoy the blues as well. All proceeds go directly back into the Museum and Foundation programs. Ear plugs are suggested as the roaring Blue Angels rev up up and away.
National Naval Aviation Museum
1750 Radford Blvd Ste B
NAS Pensacola, FL 32508
(850) 452-3604
https://navalaviationmuseum.org
Wednesday, August 28th- With over four years of collective jam sessions as a band, Saucy Fuzz brings more than cover songs to the stage. The group plays a wide variety of known lyrical jams right along with some original tunes and songs. The genre entertainers dish out anything from alternative jump up and down music, to funk with a little rock and roll. If you are looking for a hyped night out that will keep you on your feet and on the dance floor, this is the band for you. Rather you are a night owl, on vacation, or a local getting off the night shift, Saucy Fuzz at the Undertow is ready to rock with you right into the early morning. Stop by Undertow, a local dive bar known for their AYCE day platters and late night bar scene presence. A place where everyone is welcomed to relax and be themselves with a few friends and local regular Undertow seat guests. Prefer to just listen and hangout the bar also offers plenty of table seats and pool tables to try your hand at a game or two.
The Undertow Bar and Grill
25025 Canal Rd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
https://www.facebook.com/undertow.bar/
Thursday, August 29th
- What better way to celebrate a break from the hard labor of the year than by transporting yourself to a tropical paradise right here at home with Burro Azul, a Beach Cantina. Located in Gulf Shores with a spectacular view of the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico and its white sandy beaches, just close enough for patrons to feel the cool breeze of the rushing shores. The Cantina serves fresh seafood, wraps and burgers, a unique mix of appetizers, creative specialty cocktails and, of course, burritos, tacos, chips and dips. Starting Thursday and running through Monday, Burro Azul will celebrate by bringing back the popular festive drink, the ‘Freedom Rita.’ Pop in, kick back and enjoy this special Labor Day Weekend beverage with a meal and a view because we all know tacos aren't just for Tuesdays and neither are ‘Freedom Rita’s.’
Burro Azul Beach Cantina
300 W Beach Blvd
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Friday, August 30th- Happy National Beach Day. Across the globe, beach lovers will flock to the sand for this lovely holiday. The Learning Campus Educators at the Gulf State Park have come up with a way to show your love for the day with an eco twist. Join the team to experience National Beach Day to its fullest along the breathtaking shores of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Enrich your beach visit after with activities by delving into the sustainable features of the Interpretive Center, the most eco-friendly building in the state of Alabama, recognized for its LEED Platinum and Living Building Challenge certifications. The Educators are ready to guide you through the center, showcasing its innovative sustainable designs and its practices. Come to be inspired while beach sunning and learning how to make a positive impact on the sand you love all in the same day. For more information on this event, please see the website below.
Lake Shelby
20115 AL-135
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Saturday, August 31st- Get ready to run or walk showcasing your best team spirit at the 8th Annual Bloody Mary 5K run and competitive 1-mile walk starting at 7:30 AM just one block west of Tacky Jacks right in front of Acme Oyster Bar. Early packet pickup is on Friday and at least 300 early bird registers will receive a Custom Bloody Mary Sublimated T-Shirt. All other participants will also receive a T-shirt, it will just be a different one. Post Race fun will include food, and you guessed it, Bloody Mary’s as well as a selection of beers. In honor of kicking off the start of the football season this weekend, be sure to show up in your favorite team's colors to be eligible to win individual prizes. Last year saw more than 400 registered racers and this year is hoping for the same or more. Get up and out early, stretch those legs and start the football season off in style.
Tacky Jack’s Gulf Shores
240 E 24th Ave
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Sunday, September 1st- It’s time to Light it up this Labor Day at the Wharf in Orange Beach. The night skies will be full of color and echoed with sounds and beats by DJ Matt starting at 6PM–9PM. In the Wharf’s usual Block party style, Main Street will be set up for a party. Kids and families can enjoy the boutiques, gift shops, restaurants and more while participating in planned games and other activities from the Ferris Wheel all the way to Marlin Square. Kid favorite SPECTRA Laser Light Experience show will take place as well as fireworks and community fun. Admission is free as well as parking with some activities starting at free, $5 and up to $15. Sunday at the Wharf for Labor Day is looking bright; you don’t want to miss this.
The Wharf
4830 Main St.
Orange Beach, AL 36561
https://alwharf.com/events/2024/09/01/51143
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