Can you hear the sounds of summer approaching? May marks the beginning of the busy season on the Alabama Gulf Coast, with legendary events to start the season. The region offers a mix of relaxing activities plus once-in-a-lifetime experiences like the Hangout Music Festival, bird's-eye view helicopter skydiving tours, live music, good ole southern coastal cuisine, and historical pastimes. To help you get started, we've selected a few top picks for this week, including the much anticipated Orange Beach Billfish Classic at the Wharf.

Monday, May 13th - If you've spent any time on and around Orange Beach, you’ve probably heard the locals say “Be on the lookout for a possible beach buzz today.” What they are referring to is a Pensacola Blue Angel Flyby. Though a truly remarkable sight to see, a practice show brings a different type of thrill with tricks and more time to see the various flight demonstrations. These viewings are only open to the public on selected dates and Monday, May the 14th happens to be one of them. Start early and plan to arrive no later than 9:30 AM when the gates first open to ensure a great spot for family viewing. Practices last 55 minutes give or take. Bleacher seating is limited and available for around 500 people with a limited number of chairs available for a fee of $6, Happy Aviation. Be sure to check out the new 2024 documentary all about the Pensacola Navy Blue Angels, available in IMAX in certain locations, and on Amazon Prime Video. See the link below for the official trailer. 

National Museum of Naval Aviation

1750 Radford Blvd.

Pensacola, FL 32508

https://navalaviationmuseum.org/blueangels/ 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f36UTLWPL6I

Tuesday, May 14th - Are you in the mood for something new and exciting, but still craving that classic seafood taste? Look no further than The Steamer and Baked Oyster Bar! This cozy restaurant offers a variety of steamed seafood dishes, including royal reds, crab legs, and mouth-watering baked oysters. Don't worry, land lovers - they have options for you too! Come on down and experience the ultimate seafood adventure where the only things you might see fried are those who skipped seconds on their sunscreen. 

The Steamer

124 W 1st Ave 

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

http://gulfshoressteamer.com

Wednesday, May 15th - Ready to cross ‘skydiving’ off your bucket list but not quite ready for the height of the plane? Join veteran-owned Lost Bay Helicopters for an exhilarating ride unlike other ‘skydiving’ experiences. At LBH they provide the perfect jumping platform for an unforgettable free-fall and safe landing with their parachutes. The same adrenaline rush as a plane with a little more freedom in conformity and lasting memories made with LBH’s experienced team for support. Make sure to ask about the different training courses offered as well as the bird's eye island view helicopter rides. Get ready to take your flight and soar to new heights with Lost Bay Helicopters. 

Lost Bay Helicopters 

3190 Airport Dr

Jack Edwards Airport 

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

https://www.lostbayhelicopters.com

Thursday, May 16th -  Step back in time and explore the historic depot, the heart of Foley Alabama’s activity for over six decades. Today, the depot houses a fascinating model train exhibit that covers 1,200 square feet and boasts intricate details like a model town, farming community, and outdoor drive-in. The engineers who run the trains are vastly knowledgeable and enthusiastic about sharing their love for model railroading with every guest. Spend the day in downtown Foley walking the historical streets and shops and make sure to stop by the museum to enjoy this free exhibit while exploring the outdoor antique train and boxcars. Check out the website below for more on this and for exact hours open to the public. 

Foley Railroad Museum and Model Train Exhibit

125 E. Laurel Ave

Foley, AL 36535

https://foleyrailroadmuseum.com 

Friday, May 17th - The 28th Annual Orange Beach Billfish Classic is back again, hopefully keeping in step with bringing a bigger and better class of show each year. Get ready to kick-start the fishing season in style with OBBC and the first billfish tournament in the Eastern Gulf Circuit as well as the beginning of the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Series as one of 10 Gulf Coast tournaments to qualify for the triple crown win. Whether you’re an angler or not, this is one event with mind-blowing potential as big game fish are lifted high in Marlin Square for all to see in the weigh-in. Last year’s OBBC tournament winner the ‘Mollie’ with Brian Stover out of Destin reeled in a Blue Marlin at a whopping 776.4 lbs, breaking all past year's records. It’s not just fun and games with the OBBC combined with a passion for fishing and a commitment to conservation, this unique billfish tournament gives 100% of the net profits to qualifying organizations such as TBF, making a real difference while enjoying the thrill of their catch and weigh-ins. Join the excitement this weekend while taking time to peruse the grounds of the Wharf for locally owned shops, restaurants, and live music. This event runs Thursday-Sunday for a daily schedule of the week's OBBC events please the link below. 

The Wharf 

23101 Canal Rd

Orange Beach, AL 36561

https://orangebeachbillfishclassic.com

Saturday, May 18th - Get to the line where world-renowned bar Flora-Bama calls their regulars the Bamily to see a one-of-a-kind, not your basic country music star Mr. Craig Gerdes. Gerdes, who refers to his regular fans as kinfolk, brings such a raw and real mix to a genre that has taken on some new beats over the years. A natural-born storyteller with a stage presence that not only engages with the crowd but ebbs and flows with the rhythm of the true beats of Country music. Gerdes brings his struggles into his songs, signaling a value of the greats as “he pays tribute to his Honky-tonk Heroes putting a spin on the original classics.” Spend the morning on the beach catching rays then step inside to catch what American Songwriters says is “...a phenomenal modern rendition of an ageless sound” from 1 to 4 PM Saturday and Sunday only with Craig Gerdes for his special solo act. Check out more about this artist by visiting the website below. 

Flora- Bama Lounge and Package

17401 Perdido Key Dr. 

Pensacola, FL 32507

https://www.craiggerdesmusic.com 

Sunday, May 19th - Experience the ultimate three-day music getaway at the Hangout Music Festival, set on the stunning white sandy beaches of Alabama's Gulf Shores. From Widespread Panic to Stevie Wonder, world-class artists have graced the stages of the HMF over the years, creating unforgettable memories for festival-goers. The HMF has transformed into a state of mind where life is always a celebration, a happy place with positive energy, and a beachside daydream designed for just the right bucket list check-off. The upcoming edition will showcase a lineup of artists from various genres, such as pop, country, electronic music, rock, alternative, rap, and others, plus rad merch sprinkled throughout the event with special treat corners like last year's large outdoor roller skate rink, games, and more. Get ready to groove with an incredible lineup of music legends, break out the glitter and gold, and party like it’s 1999. For more shenanigans offered at this year's event and the 2024 lineup, see the link below. The HMF starts Friday, 17th - Sunday, 19th. 

The Hangout - Music Fest

101 E Beach Blvd

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

https://www.hangoutmusicfest.com