Some Fun Events Before 2023 Is Over
News Staff • December 25, 2023
The end of 2023 is near but some fun events await
Wind down from tinsel town with the Gulf Coast this week as we get ready to say goodbye to 2023 and hello to a brand-new year on the island.
It’s that pesky lull week for all the strange space between the fast-paced Holiday cheer of the Christmas season and the wait of the exhilarating and over the top New Year’s celebrations.
We’ve lined up some fun and inexpensive options to keep up the momentum as we prepare to exit the completed year and head into the next.
Monday, Dec. 25th - Firstly Merry Christmas, now let’s pack it all up and head to the line. Christmas morning and all day for some may be spent in matching pajamas with a warm mug of cocoa and peppermint breath, or it may be spent reminiscing of days that once were. The Bamily at Flora-Bama keeps their doors open 365 days of the year to make sure everyone always has a warm inviting place to go no matter the day. For Thanksgiving and Christmas the Bama is transformed into Momma’s kitchen bringing Sunday afternoon potluck vibes that most can relate to. So, rather you are away from family this year or choose to bring your family with you, the open doors of the Bama welcomes you to arrive around 12 PM with plans to start serving at 1 PM. As always, Turkey and Ham will be provided just bring a dish to pass large enough to serve around 10–12 people. “Live music will be playing all around the bar to help spread Christmas cheer for all to hear.” Come out and spend the day celebrating with friends, family to eat, drink and be merry. Doc’s Seafood Shack and Oyster Bar will also be open and serving a full menu and a Christmas special, Prime Rib from 12-7PM.
Flora-Bama
17401 Perdido Key Dr.
Perdido Key, FL 32507
Doc’s Seafood Shack and Oyster Bar
26029 Canal Rd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
https://www.docsseafoodshack.com/
Tuesday, Dec. 26th - The Gulf State Park is a great place to take a long hike, bike ride, or short stroll. All along the trails you’ll find pit stops and information guides as well as educational activities, fun, games and even short films at the Learning Center. Take a break from the chill outside and nestle in with the resources team to watch a 50 minute Our Planet documentary all about Coastal Seas and “the abundant sea life that occupies the coast of the continents.” Learn how in 2024, even on a small scale, we can make a difference in the rich marine life that occupies waters all across the world. Then get your blood flowing and walk over to the Woodside grill to get your competition on. It’s the last gathering for Trivia Night 6–8 and a great time to test your wit and earn those last-minute clout points to end this year off with a bang. Menu selections will be available as well as a full-service bar and outside fire pits for marshmallow roasting.
Learning Campus at Gulf State Park
20249A State Park Rd
https://www.alapark.com/events/gulf-state-park/coastal-seas-documentary
Woodside Restaurant at Gulf State Park
202249 State Park Rd
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Wednesday, Dec. 27th - After two full months of kitchen duties, take the morning off and fill your cup with a fresh brew from BuzzCatz in Orange Beach. This locally owned and quaint little coffee house is known for their mini kitty biscuits and other delectable sweet whipped delights and home brews. Buzzcatz is pet-friendly with indoor and outdoor seating along with bike racks for anyone wishing to two wheel in for breakfast. Choose from a variety of home style breakfast items with a little flair from the Chef and a chalkboard full of specials both savory and sweet. Don’t forget to ask about the member's punch card so you can cash in all your visits for an “on them” cup or sweet once the card is complete.
BuzzCatz Coffee and Sweets
25753 Canal Rd Suite B
Cosmo’s Courtyard
Orange Beach, AL 36561
https://www.buzzcatzorangebeach.com/
Thursday, Dec. 28th - If you missed this month's Alligator Adventures, the Learning Center has set up another time to come out and learn about apex predators that inhabit our local lands and waters. Get off the couch and stretch out those lazy holiday legs for a walk in the Gulf State Park meeting up at Rosemary Dunes. A table of information will be set up right in front of one of Lefty (our resident alligator’s) favorite hangout spots. Make sure to bring a camera. You might get a chance to capture Lefty and her babies or other wildlife right in their natural habitats. After Learning with Lefty, head over to the vastly rising in popularity local hot spot
CoastAL of Orange Beach for great food, great views, and great entertainment. Join fans and soon to be fans for some tantalizing tunes by Dixon Darling on the main stage starting at 4 PM. Don’t forget to check out the gift shop for styling beachwear made for year round weather and even occasions.
For exact meet up location and more information click here https://www.alapark.com/events/gulf-state-park/learning-lefty
Friday Dec. 29th - Sunday Dec. 30th - It’s an OWA weekend extravaganza “The Joy Sparkle and Cheer” edition. Friday sparks the kick-off party with bubbles all throughout downtown OWA from 5 to 8 PM. The Funky Lampshades will tempt our dancing feet plus Journey 2 Mars will perform on two stages with a two-hour simultaneous set. Saturday will bring more musical fun rotating three different styled groups from 12 to 9 :30 with the Bubble party coming back for a noon day release. If you're looking for a chance to catch more than one firework show, OWA will spark off early Saturday 8:50-9 PM making it easier to catch sparkles in the sky on Sunday evening. Sunday at noon, OWA will drop Disco Beach Balls from the sky full of giveaways for those fast enough to snag them. Themed characters will roam the streets, more music and special guest bands will take the stage for one of the ultimate block parties of the year. All Free fun for the Family and pet friendly.
Downtown OWA
100 N OWA Blvd
Foley, AL 36542
https://visitowa.com/calendar-of-events/
Friday, Dec. 29th - Chris Beverly with the Chris Beverly Experience will take the stage where 59 ends and the fun begins starting at 5 PM. Hang loose and fancy-free and shake off those fruitcake pounds at the Hangout in Gulf Shores. Stop by one of the busiest places on the island for an emptier space but never slower paced outdoor dancing event to close out this year.
The Chris Beverly Experience at The Hangout
101 E Beach Blvd
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Saturday, Dec. 30th - This show toured the US and is now voted Gulf Coast's #1 Variety Show! Brandon will awe you during this VARIETY SHOW with nearly 60 different singing & speaking impressions of your favorite celebrities ranging from Frank Sinatra to Justin Bieber while he mixes in the perfect amount of comedy, dance, audience participation, ventriloquism, and award-winning magic in a fast-paced, 60-minute show for all ages!
Brandon Styles Variety Show is every Tuesday & Saturday at 7pm.
OWA Theater
205-A N. OWA Blv
Foley, AL 36535d
Sunday, Dec. 31st - Daytime events will take place for those with littles who won’t make it to the midnight mark for their New Year's celebrations. Here are a couple to choose from or blend together. Lulu’s Noon year's eve will start at 10 AM with a Beach Ball drop at noon. Activities will range from face painting, arts and craft stations, kid safe fireworks and more. This is a free to attend event with purchasable options for certain activities and face paintings. Join the Wharf to say “see ya later 2023” and welcome 2024 with their annual Reelin’ in the New Year Street Party. Kid activities will begin at 5 PM, there will be music and dancing and, for those that can hang, fireworks plus the famous Marlin drop at midnight. This is a free to attend event with several kid activities costing $5- $10. Sometimes what seems like the end is really just the beginning. Happy New Year, Gulf Coast. Bring it on 2024. As C. S. Lewis once said, “There are better things ahead than any we leave behind.” THEN, the biggest New Year's Eve party on the beach takes place at Flora-Bama. Make sure and get tickets NOE because it always sells out.
Lulu’s Noon Year’s Eve
200 E 25th Ave
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
The Wharf Reelin’ in the New Year
23101 Canal Rd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
FLORA-BAMA New Year's Eve Bash
"On The Line"
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