The Gulf Shores area is set to host a week of exciting events and activities that cater to a variety of interests, from art and fitness to culinary experiences and live music. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy everything from creative workshops at the local library to sushi tastings, water sports, and a songwriters’ showcase. With opportunities for relaxation, exercise, and entertainment, the week promises something for everyone to enjoy, whether on the water, at local restaurants, or celebrating National Women’s Health and Fitness Day. Be sure to explore the array of events happening throughout the week in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Monday, September 23rd -  If the unmistakable scent and susurration of waves crashing on the shore, can activate our parasympathetic nervous system, invoking a relaxed and soothed state, could painting them do the same. Physiologists suggest “Art therapy” to aid in areas like improving mental health, boosting self-esteem, problem-solving, focus, accepting imperfections, and bringing one into a relaxed and calming state. Could combining them invite all or some of these positive reactions? Stop by Orange Beach Library from 4-7 PM for “Wave Painting” to see for yourselves, and try your brush at bringing the swash to the page. Participants will paint along with guide Mrs. Breanna, where individuality is encouraged and direction suggested. Be sure to check out the other activities, events and books from the shelves that are offered when stopping by the Public Library for an afternoon of art, this event is not recommended for ages under five. 

Orange Beach Public Library

26267 Canal Rd

Orange Beach, AL 36561

https://www.orangebeachlibrary.org

Tuesday, September 24th - Kick those lunch breaks up a notch with Cosmos. Sushi is back and better than ever, now offering a full menu. Step off the beaten path and get refreshed with the chef’s made-to-order rolls and salads while enjoying the eclectic charm the courtyard and restaurant both deploy. The art of sushi rolling is extremely valued, even glamorized in Japanese culture, as it is considered equally important as how it tastes. The team at Cosmo’s have been perfecting the ancient techniques to become star players in the local sushi game. Curious about sushi but never tried it before, stop by for Happy Hour and order a few different rolls to share with friends or just to try alone. It’s a delicacy not fit for all palates but a proven winner for the majority of this coastal community and its guests. Get by to try it out and be sure to check out the other hot and tasty menu items and beverages open seven days a week. 

Cosmo’s 

25753 Canal Rd

Orange Beach, AL 36561

https://cosmosrestaurantandbar.com

Wednesday, September 25th - Happy National Women's Health and Fitness Day! Looking for a way to commemorate the date with the gals, look no further than Happy Harbor Marina. The weather is slowly but surely priming up for longer days on and near the water as the heat lessens and the cool breezes begin to flow in. What better way to blend both the good weather and good habits than by working every muscle to glide gracefully across the calm back bay waters of Orange Beach? Kayak and Paddle Boarding are an excellent source of exercise for the voyager and outdoor lover in everyone. Rent single or tandem kayaks, and boards for one hour, four hours, or an eight-hour full-body workout adventure on the water. With the picturesque islands nearby groups can stop off for a board break and go for a swim or walk on the sand around the islands keeping the pace of energy flowing. Stay fit and have fun while celebrating the joys of womanhood, being healthy and audacious in your National Women’s Health and Fitness Day approach. 

Happy Harbors Watersports

27212 Marina Rd

Orange Beach, AL 36561

https://www.happyharbors.com/paddlesport-rentals-in-orange-beach

Thursday, September 26th - To wrap up Gulf Shores ‘Sunset Series in style, the final performance is coming with a combo pack of artist performances for a ‘Songwriters Showcase.’ The evening’s free concerts will begin at 6 PM and open to the public with Food Truck dinner options and snacks plus drinks for all ages sold from the Chamber available onsite. Of the artists showcasing will be “Blue Mother Tupelo,” a duo band familiar with the ‘Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival who have been captivating audiences with their style and lyrics for 29 years. American Country Music songwriter, Wyatt Durrette is best known for his collaborations with the famous ‘‘Zack Brown Band,’ like the well-known song, “Colder Weather.” East Tennessee native, Dave Kennedy, a singer and songwriter that Carolina Country Music Fest writes “descended on Nashville like a whirlwind,” and last but not least, the founder of “Revival”, a platform staged in Nashville to spotlight other exceptional songwriters, Rob Snyder. This is one sunset and night under the stars you won’t want to miss. Invite the whole gang and bring a towel or chair if desired. 

Gulf Place

101 Gulf Shores, Pkwy

Gulf Shores, AL 36542d

https://www.gulfshoresal.gov/1463/Sunset-Series 

(251) 968-1171

Friday, September 27th day - Waking up to the sounds of a songbird invites a warm and happy feeling, but did you know that almost all birds project a sort of vocal identification? There are over 11,000 known birds in the world yet no sealed declaration on that being the capped number of species. The information that’s been discovered and studied has come a lot through the channels of “Bird Banding,” a process that dates back to the 1800s. This technique is one of the oldest and most important in identifying and learning the individualities of birds. Take advantage and explore the Fort Morgan Historic Site, before or after listening to a mix of licensed banders and experienced volunteers for, ‘Fall FM Bird Banding,’ from 8 AM- 3 PM, where bird enthusiasts will get to observe the banding process, learn about avian conservation efforts, and more. Throughout the event, the crew will provide insights, share life history information and answer questions, an early day geared for all levels of bird admirers. No charge for this donation-based outreach, however, the Fort does take an entrance fee when parking. For more information on this event, please visit the link below. 

Fort Morgan Historic Site

101 AL- 180

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

https://www.bandingcoalition.org/fort-morgan-bird-banding

Friday Night Life - The adult-only ‘Sips for Simbas, Zoo Brew’ is back at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. The evening will have a variety of beer tastings, foods, live musical entertainment, meet and greets with the furry stars and more. Admission for Zoo members is $60 or + $10 more than that price for non-member fee and a special $25 admission fee for your designated driver to join. This year, for the first time, guests may enter an hour and a half before the tastings to enjoy the ‘after hours’ tour of what the animals get up to once the zoo is closed. The proceeds from this event will not only support the Zoo but also go towards many other conservation efforts the Zoo supports. Tickets are limited to ensure each guest's satisfaction, and are on sale now for this give-back to the community, “Zoo Brew’ coastal event. 

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

20499 Oak Rd E

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

https://www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.com/event/zoobrew24/

Saturday, September 28th -  Prioritizing small meaningful interactions can enhance a person's experience when marking memories. A thoughtful day at the beach, a slow and carefully planned picnic lunch, a gathering to watch or engage in a similarly liking activity or game, or why not do it all? Prepare for an exciting season of football every Saturday, for ‘Game Day’ at Picnic Beach in Gulf Shores. The menu will feature game-day specialities, “packed with delicious bites and cocktails” at every gate. That’s not all the PB has to offer, each week everyone will have a chance to enter to win tickets to the 2024 Iron Bowl, a great reason to make ‘Game Day at Picnic Beach’ your Saturday football season tradition. Grab your team swag and come on down and cheer the PB team will take care of the rest.

Picnic Beach Bar and Grill

128 E 1st Ave 

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

https://www.picnicbeach.com

Sunday, September 29th -  Watch the waves go by from the ‘ByWater Beachside’ beach bar while you still can. ByWater a bar that rises high to expectations and heights is located on ‘The Gulf State Park Fishing Pier’ where guests are sure to catch more than what’s being served on the plates. This almost secret gem isn't open year round, making it an even more intriguing and inviting joint than being a beachside bar and grill already does. The venue is locally owned and operated with all open seating and some covered available first come, first served. The menu ranges from fresh catches to hot off-the-grill items and promises a prompt and friendly service where each table gets the VIP aka local treatment. On any given Sunday one might run into the owner ready to share old storm stories and maybe even sit down to chat for a while. The views are plenty depending on the time of day, guests might even get to see what all the rage is on coastal sunsets, and watch fishermen, women and children set out and back for the big cast of hope for a big salty haul. Enjoy the atmosphere as much as the food and be sure to look out for birds that frequently fly by the popular area, often stopping close by for a better look. 

ByWater Beachside Bar & Grill

20800 E Beach Blvd

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

(251) 948-1154