Festival Season in the BER Months: What’s Happening in Orange Beach & Gulf Shores, Alabama in 2025


When the calendar flips to the “BER” months—September, October, November, and December—the Alabama Gulf Coast transforms into one big celebration. Cooler breezes meet warm sands, the sunsets seem to glow a little brighter, and Orange Beach and Gulf Shores roll out a lineup of events that capture the true spirit of coastal living.

From seafood feasts and triathlons to family festivals and holiday traditions, there’s something for everyone during this magical time of year. Whether you’re planning a quick Gulf Shores and Orange Beach vacation or exploring what it might be like to live in paradise full-time, here’s your insider’s guide to festival season on the Alabama Gulf Coast in 2025.

Why Fall & Winter Shine on the Alabama Gulf Coast

Locals will tell you—there’s no better time to be here. The summer crowds thin out, but the beaches stay gorgeous, the water is still inviting, and the community calendar is full of events. It’s when the coastal lifestyle slows just enough to savor sunsets, yet stays exciting with festivals nearly every weekend.

So let’s break down the highlights of this year’s can’t-miss BER month events.

September 2025: Festivals, Fitness & Freedom

• Flora-Bama Bulls on the Beach – September 4–6, 2025
  Start September with adrenaline as professional bull riders take over the sand at the legendary Flora-Bama. It’s a one-of-a-kind mix of rodeo energy and beach vibes—something you won’t see anywhere else on the Gulf Coast.

• Brett Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon – September 6, 2025
  Kick off September with action! Athletes dive into a 1.5K swim in the Gulf, ride 40K through Gulf State Park, and finish with a scenic 10K run. For beginners, the “Tri-it-On” event offers a shorter course. Stick around for the post-race party at The Hangout—a local favorite.
  
  

• Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup – September 20, 2025
  Join locals and visitors in Alabama’s largest volunteer event to “get the trash out of the splash.” From beaches to back bays, volunteers clean up coastlines to keep the Gulf beautiful. It’s family-friendly, free, and a great way to give back.
  
  

• Orange Beach Freedom Fest – September 20–21, 2025
   Arts and crafts vendors, patriotic exhibits, food trucks, and classic cars line The Wharf. Add in live music from Flora-Bama, a Jeep and motorcycle rally, and a Kids’ Zone near the Ferris wheel, and you’ve got one of the most diverse festivals of the season.
  
  

• Bama Coast Cruisin’ Car Show – September 19–21, 2025
   Car lovers, rejoice! Classic and custom rides shine on Main Street at The Wharf. It’s part festival, part car show, and all Gulf Coast fun.

October 2025: Food, Music & Fall Fun

October on the Gulf Coast means cooler weather + hotter festivals.

• Oktoberfest 5K & Fun Run – October 4, 2025 (OWA)
   Run (or stroll) into fall with a festive race, then celebrate with brews, brats, and Bavarian vibes.
  
  

• 11th Annual Alligators & Ale Music Fest & BBQ Cookoff – October 4, 2025
   Head to Alligator Alley for live music, craft beer, and BBQ smoke filling the air.
  
  

• Luna’s Eat & Drink Oktoberfest Celebrations – October 5
  Join the 9th Oktoberfest at Luna's Eat & Drink. Enjoy great German food, modern polka music by The Brats, Stein hoisting, games, and tons of Oktoberfest-style beers and German wines.
  

• Annual National Shrimp Festival – October 9–12, 2025
  The ultimate fall tradition in Gulf Shores. Picture streets lined with local art, live music stages, and every kind of shrimp dish imaginable. From fried to boiled to Cajun-spiced, it’s foodie heaven. Families love it too, with kid zones and beachside activities. This is easily one of the best things to do in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores in October.
  
  

• Flora-Bama Oktoberfest – October 12, 2025
  Break out your lederhosen for the Flora-Bama’s Annual Oktoberfest! Raise a stein to good times with authentic German flair.
  
  

• Gulf Coast Fungi Festival – October 17–19, 2025
   A unique, earthy celebration at Weeks Bay Plantation featuring mushrooms, local art, and live music.
  
  

• Annual Jubilee Festival of Arts – October 18–19, 2025
   In nearby Daphne, this arts and crafts festival has been a fall tradition for decades.
  
  

• Boo at the Zoo – October 18, 2025
   Perfect for families! The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo turns spooky with trick-or-treating and costumes among the animals.
  
  

• Meeting of the Minds – October 22–26, 2025
   Parrot Heads unite! This Jimmy Buffett-inspired celebration brings tropical vibes, live music, and beachside fun to The Hangout.
  
  

• German Sausage Festival – October 25, 2025 (Elberta)
   Over 40,000 links of German sausage get grilled up in one day—enough said!
  
  

• Flora-Bama Annual Halloween Costume Contest – October 31, 2025
  End October with a bang (and a laugh) at one of the wildest Halloween parties on the Gulf Coast.

November 2025: Foodie Heaven & Holiday Kickoff

• Annual Gumbo Festival – November 1, 2025
   COASTAL Orange Beach hosts a battle of the bowls. Taste gumbo varieties from chefs and locals, then vote for your favorite.
  

• Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival – November 6–15, 2025
  November turns soulful as more than 200 songwriters gather across Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Perdido Key. You’ll hear stories behind hit songs in cozy venues and marina-side bars. It’s intimate, authentic, and one of the Gulf Coast’s hidden gems.
  
  

• Experience the Oyster – November 7–8, 2025
   The Hangout presents its 4th annual oyster fest, complete with raw oysters, chef demos, and live music. A VIP kickoff at Zeke’s makes this foodie event even more special.
  
  

• Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show – November 7–8, 2025
   Watch the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels perform jaw-dropping maneuvers over the Gulf—it’s a patriotic spectacle and family favorite.
  
  

• Tacos & Tequila Festival – November 8–9, 2025
   Because tacos + tequila = happiness. Hosted at Foley Heritage Park with live music and vendors.
  
  

• Coastal Alabama Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival – November 8–9, 2025
   Sample street food and craft beer with the Gulf Shores beach as your backdrop.
  
  

• Annual Trim-a-Tree – November 14–December 23, 2025
   The Foley Art Center transforms into a holiday wonderland with handmade ornaments, crafts, and gifts.
  
  

• Flora-Bama Thanksgiving Potluck – November 27, 2025
   Locals and visitors gather for a coastal-style Thanksgiving feast—bring a dish, share a story, and make new friends.
  
  

• Magic Christmas in Lights – November 27–January 5, 2026 (Bellingrath Gardens)
   Stroll through over 3 million twinkling lights at one of the South’s most beloved holiday displays.
  
  

• Coastal Half Marathon, 5K & 1-Mile Run – November 29, 2025
   Burn off your turkey dinner while taking in Gulf views on this scenic race through Orange Beach.
  

 December 2025: Holiday Magic on the Gulf

• Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens & Home - December 1, 2025
  Wander through a dazzling 65-acre Garden estate adorned with thousands of lights. The Bellingrath Home adds to the ambiance with holiday finery and poinsettias.

• Flora-Bama Santa Drop – December 6, 2025
   Santa doesn’t arrive by sleigh—he skydives onto the beach! A must-see event for families.
  
  

• Flora-Bama New Year’s Eve Bash – December 31, 2025
   Ring in 2026 with live music, champagne toasts, and one of the wildest parties on the coast.

Living the Coastal Lifestyle

Festivals are just part of what makes life here unforgettable. Imagine walking from your front porch to the beach, grabbing oysters at The Hangout, or biking through Gulf State Park any day of the week. If you’ve ever thought about making the Alabama Gulf Coast your home—or your getaway spot—now’s the time.

Featured Properties:

• 771 Surfside Drive, Gulf Shores, AL – A dream spot steps from the beach. Perfect for vacations or forever.
  
  

• 24520 Broken Sound Loop –This spacious home is just minutes from the beach and loaded with features you’ll love.
  
  

• 400 Plantation Road 4205, Gulf Shores, AL – Resort living at its best, with direct beach access.
  
  

• 28548 Lee Avenue, Orange Beach, AL – A buildable lot ready for your dream home.
  
  

These listings give you front-row seats to sunsets, festivals, and everything that makes this area the ultimate Gulf Shores vacation lifestyle.

From Visitors to Locals

For many, visiting during festival season sparks something more: a desire to call this place home. With vibrant communities, stunning real estate options, and year-round activities, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores aren’t just vacation spots—they’re places to build a life you love.

Plan Your Festival Season Getaway

From September’s triathlons and shrimp feasts to December’s holiday magic, the BER months on the Alabama Gulf Coast are filled with experiences you’ll never forget.

Whether you’re planning your next Gulf Shores vacation or exploring real estate opportunities in Orange Beach, festival season is the perfect time to discover why this slice of Alabama is one of the best places to visit—and live—on the Gulf Coast.