This week in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores offers a diverse lineup of events to mark the start of the new school year and enjoy community gatherings. Kicking off with the Mako's on Main parade, the town will celebrate with students, teachers, and families in a colorful display of school spirit. Prayer Walks led by local pastors will unite the community in support of the new school year, followed by a lively Karaoke Night at Tacky Jacks. Midweek, residents can savor Southern comfort food at Luna's Eat & Drink, while Thursday brings a chance to shop for local apparel at the Orange Beach Store. The weekend promises family-friendly dining at Shrimp Basket Foley, hands-on experiences as a Junior Zookeeper at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, and the enchanting performance of "Mary Poppins" at the South Baldwin Community Theatre.
Monday, August 5th - Mako’s on Main is a community celebratory parade that kicks off the new school year for Orange Beach City Schools. Students, Teachers, and families show up decked out in their best Mako gear sporting proudly the school's orange and blue colors, teams in their Mako jersey’s and cheerleaders cheer ready. It’s a time the town looks forward to where music is played and all who want to participate line up to walk down Main Street for all to see as one. Low on Mako items or new in town, stop by the Orange Beach Store and check out the latest Mako styles. Join the community, OBMHS, and National Blue Ribbon School OBES as they gather to commit to the new school year by continuing in the school motto of ‘Creating a Lasting Legacy.’
The Wharf
23101 Canal Rd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
https://www.orangebeachboe.org/about/superintendent
Tuesday, August 6th - “United we stand, divided we fall” seems to be the ringing theme for these coastal beach towns as the new school year for both GSCS and OBCS begins. This week the community steps up in big ways to help prepare for a positive start. One way they do this is by inviting anyone wishing to band together and come to the schools where local Pastors will be presiding over group prayers for the upcoming year. It’s called a ‘Prayer Walk’ and covers Elementary, Middle, and High for both city schools. For more information on the details and times, please visit your city's social media pages.
After everyone can drive down the street, loosen up leaving behind any freights taking to the stage with the whole family for ‘Karaoke Night’ at Tacky Jacks in Gulf Shores. Participants can choose from a loaded genre and era’s digital music list that promises something for all ages. Enjoy dinner and a show where you get to be a part of the act from 6-10PM. Rather you perform well or think you do, this is a time for everyone to get silly and enjoy a night of laughs, good food, and a possibility of talent. Bring the family for a night out where everyone is there for an evening of fun, food and singing.
Tacky Jacks
2513 E 2nd St.
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
https://www.tackyjacks.com/locations-gs
Wednesday, August 7th - Experience the perfect blend of fresh seafood and Southern comfort at Luna's Eat & Drink in Orange Beach. With the summer hustle coming to a close and the school year off to a fresh start, take a break and treat yourself to lunch at Luna’s. Choose from an authentic coastal fare, home-style favorite meat and three lunch specials and more. The chefs craft daily specials using simple ingredients with a southern twist, perfect for that lunch date you’ve putting off. Be sure to check out the gift store for island themed items and ask about the craft menu selections.
Luna's Eat and Drink
25689 Canal Rd suite B
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Thursday, August 8th - The Orange Beach Store in the heart of Orange Beach has everything Orange Beach. As you approach the new location you’ll find an inviting wrap around porch complete with rocking chairs. Guests can enjoy a rare combination of salty air and southern roots as they rock back and enjoy right where they’re at. Once inside, find selections of choice beach fashion branded for year round wear. Mako nation OBCS approved for school wear and adult sizes for Mako parents and fans. There’s no shortage of stylish apparel options and more. Stop by the Orange Beach store today and dress like a local open seven days a week from 9AM–8PM.
The Orange Beach Store
25777 Perdido Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
https://theorangebeachstore.com/
Friday, August 9th - In 1993, two Gulf Shores, AL natives had a vision to create a family-friendly seafood restaurant that captured the essence of the Gulf Coast. They wanted to provide a place where families could enjoy delicious seafood in a memorable setting. The restaurant quickly became a favorite among coastal vacationers, who demanded expansion to other locations. Today, choose from over 30 spots across the Southeast, where they can be found still striving to make every visit a memorable one, filled with delicious seafood such as the steamed shrimp platter and warm hospitality, just like you find at the beach. Check out their Foley location, nicely placed in the center of prime Foley shopping such as the Tanger outlet, sports stores and just down the road from historic downtown where you will find nods to the simpler days in time still thriving. Be sure to stop by the Foley Railroad Museum and Model Train Exhibit or take a stroll through the park and enjoy a family photo shoot with the antique train props that are always camera ready.
Shrimp Basket Foley
1500 S McKenzie St.
Foley, AL 36535
Saturday, August 10th - Ever wondered what it takes to be a zookeeper? Find out by becoming a Junior Zookeeper for a day! This exciting opportunity allows you to go behind the scenes and work alongside experienced zookeepers to care for the animals, including feeding and cleaning the contact barn animals, preparing enrichment activities for the animals in the Americas area, and participating in animal training sessions. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will give you a new appreciation for the hard work and dedication of zookeepers everywhere and maybe even a nudge towards a future career goal.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
20499 Oak Rd E
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
https://www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.com/
Sunday, August 11th - Most families could use a Mary Poppins every now and again or at least that magical bag of wonder that always seemed to have everything one might need at any given time. The famous story we all know and love will be coming to life on stage at SBCT in Gulf Shores. Sit back and enjoy as the actors carry the story to new heights with the enigmatic, unpredictable nanny who arrives at the doorstep of a struggling family. Watch as she brings with her a whirlwind of excitement and possibility. Mary Poppins will take the children, Jane and Michael, on some unforgettable adventures that teach them valuable lessons that inspire the entire family to embrace the power of imagination and believing in oneself. This is one fun Disney classic you won’t want to miss. Students- $15 Adults $20
South Baldwin Community Theatre
2022 W 2nd St.
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
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