This Week's Events Range From The Library To The Zoo And Ballyhoo
Jessica Taylor • February 24, 2025
Coastal events for every day of the week
This week the Alabama Gulf Coast offers a diverse array of events and activities that cater to all ages and interests. From engaging educational experiences at local attractions to vibrant cultural celebrations and community gatherings, there’s something for everyone. Whether you're looking to explore the wild side at the zoo, get creative at a local craft club, enjoy live music with scenic views, or join in the festive Mardi Gras spirit, the Gulf Coast has it all. As winter transitions into spring, it’s the perfect time to discover new experiences and revisit familiar favorites along the coast.
Monday, February 24th - Every day is a great day to visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, which is open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM. Enter through the gates and step into the wild world of tame zoo animals. Explore the rainforest, encounter creepy crawlers, watch monkeys swing, and see the roaring and chomping beasts. Once known as the “Little Zoo that Could,” this zoo is home to 118 species, including twenty-two critically endangered species. Each animal in this diverse community has its own unique name and backstory. Some highlights of the zoo include hands-on educational experiences called “Animal Adventures,” where guests can meet animals up close and even have the opportunity to hold and feed them, such as during the giraffe or tortoise feedings. Both kids and adults can enjoy a ride on the Kiddie Train, Safari Cars, Zip Line, or the classic Carousel. You can also bring lunch, check out the Big Cat Kitchen, or dine at the Safari Club Restaurant located at the front entrance, which is available for service without requiring zoo entry. Don’t forget to check for daily showtimes and visit the Dirk Bayer Butterfly Outpost to find some shade and enjoy the beauty in each wing. Happy exploring and supporting the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
20499 Oak Road East
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Tuesday, February 25th - On the last Tuesday of each month, the Gulf Shores Library hosts an "Adult Craft Club," welcoming everyone who wants to join. Each month features a new and creative craft, with light instruction provided by the class leaders. The group meets upstairs in the Library's Meeting Room, and all necessary supplies are included. Participants must sign up for each class to ensure that everyone has the materials needed to create their desired craft. Sign-up can be done in person or by phone before the event, which starts at 10:30 AM. This is a wonderful opportunity to bring your friends or meet new ones in a quiet and friendly environment. You'll have the chance to explore your creative side and take home a craft, as well as a book after browsing through the aisles filled with stories, both fiction and beyond.
City of Gulf Shores Public Library
221 W 19th St.
Gulf Shores, Al 36542
(251) 968-1176
Wednesday, February 26th - Zeke’s Restaurant in Orange Beach is open daily at 11 AM, providing the unique dining experience of a charming beach town seven days a week. Moe’s Bar, located on the marina grounds, offers stunning water views and a delightful fishing town atmosphere. Guests can enjoy the largest selection of bourbon on the Gulf Coast while taking in views of the marina, which hosts the largest boating fleet in the region. Whether you choose lunch or dinner, Zeke’s features a wide variety of fresh seafood along with options for land lovers. Stop by today, and don’t forget to visit the dock store for all your fishing town merchandise!
Zeke’s Restaurant
26619 Perdido Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Thursday, February 27th - Barometer Tiki & Raw Bar in Orange Beach lives up to its motto, “where it’s always sunny,” offering a welcoming atmosphere and scenic views from the east side of Safe Harbor Marina. Guests can cut loose with inviting group outdoor sand games and a menu featuring three sections: 'Ocean Fare,' 'Beach Fare,' and a 'Kids.' Signature dishes include fresh oysters, Maho Bay Island Tacos, and Nashville Hot Chicken. With live music starting at 6 PM, this is one happening spot on the Alabama Gulf Coast. The venue will also host a special Mardi Gras menu from March 1st to 4th, featuring offerings like Muffaletta Flatbread, Étouffée, Cajun Lemonade, and King Cake Shots. It’s a perfect blend of fun, food, and entertainment, so keep calm and Mardi on or pop in any day of the week for a good time, good music and food.
Barometer Tiki Raw Bar
27844 Canal Road
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Friday, February 28th - The Gulf State Park Nature Center hosts exciting events featuring various species every week on different days and times. Those interested can participate in open forums and encounters. Every Friday at 1 PM, animal lovers, visitors, locals, and homeschool groups gather for “Snake Encounters.” During this hour, experienced handlers educate attendees about the native snakes in the area and explain their importance and value to the environment. Participants will have the opportunity to view the snakes, touch them if they wish, and watch live feedings. These events are free, and while it is strongly recommended that attendees register to ensure proper seating and viewing, registration is not required. After the educational experience, be sure to check out bike or kayak rentals nearby and continue your adventure through Gulf State Park. You may even spot some wildlife in their natural habitat along the way!
Gulf State Park Nature Center
22050 Campground Road
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Gulf State Park Nature Center | Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Saturday, March 1st - Parade season is in full swing, with floats and boats parading around town from now until Fat Tuesday—Laissez les bons rouler! The Foley Mardi Gras Parade, presented by Krewe De Kaoz, begins promptly at 11 AM. Streets and byways will be closed off before the parade starts, so be sure to arrive at least an hour or two early to secure your spot before the closures. While many parades may be chaotic, with people waving their arms and front sections blocked off, this particular parade has maintained its focus on being family-friendly. It's a joyful event filled with smiles and a good Southern spirit, ensuring everyone finds their place to enjoy the festivities, making it a perfect Saturday morning out on the town. For the best experience, plan ahead by bringing chairs, blankets, wagons, scooters, or bikes. This way, the little ones can stay entertained while they wait for the fun to come through, and they can finally yell, “Throw me something, Mista!”
If you’re looking for a fantastic spot to enjoy lunch or an early dinner after the parades, come celebrate Wolf Bay's 52nd Anniversary Celebration! Enjoy unlimited fried shrimp for two for just $19.73, served with French fries and their famous hush puppies. This special offer will be available from 11 AM to 8 PM at both locations in honor of this noteworthy occasion.
Wolf Bay Lodge
20801 Miflin Road CR20
Foley, AL 36535
Wolf Bay Restaurant in Foley, AL
Sunday, March 2nd- Creating an inclusive society begins with educating ourselves about disabilities and understanding the challenges individuals face. It also involves supporting and celebrating those who embrace different ways of doing things. Join our community and show your support by participating, donating, or simply cheering on the participants at the "Inaugural Show Baldwin Mardi Gras Parade." The parade will start at 1:30 PM, featuring local children and adults with special needs. They will showcase their unique Mardi Gras spirit with strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs, all beautifully decorated and ready to toss treats and beads to onlookers as they pass by. The event will take place in the parking lot of the Orange Beach Methodist Church, where everyone is welcome to attend in support of the community, regardless of differences. Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to secure a good spot for viewing.
Finish the day off with a performance fit for the isles. After debuting Off-Broadway, "A Taste of Ireland — The Irish Music & Dance Sensation" is touring the US in 2025. This captivating show showcases Celtic culture through humor, dance, and storytelling with former World Irish Dance champions and performers from "Lord of the Dance" and "Riverdance." On the Gulf Coast, they will perform for one day only at the Performing Arts Center in Orange Beach, with a special 4 PM matinée added ahead of the original evening show. Audiences can enjoy melodic folk music, dazzling tap battles, and modern takes on classics like "Danny Boy" and "Wild Rover." Tickets are selling quickly, so don’t miss this chance to experience "A Taste of Ireland" right in your backyard!
Orange Beach Performing Art Center
23908 Canal Road
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Performing Arts Center | Orange Beach, AL
Saturday and Sunday, March 1st and 2nd- In other news, this weekend celebrates festival season with the Ballyhoo Festival, featuring 110 artists from around the world. This two-day event will honor the Poarch Creek Indians and celebrate Early Americana Appalachian music through an exciting fiddle and banjo competition and more. Attendees can enjoy live entertainment, food trucks, art displays, and cultural exhibits, all set against the stunning views of the coastal landscape and water. For more information on this festival, please click below.
Celebrate Art and Culture at the 2025 Ballyhoo Festival
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