Experience Gulf Shores and Our Vibrant Fall Festivals

If you're looking for the perfect time to visit Alabama's Gulf Coast, fall should be at the top of your list. October in Gulf Shores brings cooler temperatures, warm Gulf waters, exciting festivals, and fewer crowds, making it one of the best seasons to experience everything the area has to offer.

Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a weekend with friends, you'll find plenty of reasons to fall in love with Gulf Shores this season.

In this blog:

• Gulf Shores Fall
• Flora-Bama Bulls on the Beach
• Annual National Shrimp Festival
• Flora-Bama Oktoberfest
• Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival
• Outdoor Activities
• Fall Getaways

Gulf Shores Fall Weather & Water Temperatures

October offers a refreshing break from the summer heat while still providing plenty of sunshine for beach days.

• Average Temperature: 71°F
• Average High: 77°F
• Average Low: 65°F
• Average Gulf Water Temperature: 74°F

The comfortable weather makes it easy to spend your days on the beach, exploring local attractions, or enjoying outdoor festivals without the intense summer humidity. Best of all, the Gulf remains warm enough for swimming well into the fall.

Fall Events & Festivals

Flora-Bama Bulls on the Beach

September 10–12, 2026

Kick off the fall season with one of the Gulf Coast's most exciting traditions at Flora-Bama!

Bulls on the Beach features three action-packed nights of Professional Bull Riding as top riders from across the country compete against some of the toughest bulls around. A portion of the event proceeds benefits St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, making it an exciting event that also gives back.

Thursday is Kids' Night, where families can enjoy a coloring contest, bike giveaways, and plenty of rodeo excitement. On Friday and Saturday, the competition shifts into high gear as professional riders battle for top honors.

Annual National Shrimp Festival

October 8–11, 2026

Alabama's Original Beach Party returns to the sugar-white beaches of Gulf Shores for four unforgettable days of food, music, art, and family fun.

The Annual National Shrimp Festival attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year and features:

• FREE admission
• 300+ food and art vendors
• Fresh Gulf seafood
• Two stages of live entertainment
• Arts, crafts, shopping, and family activities

Whether you're sampling local seafood, browsing handcrafted artwork, or enjoying live music with your toes in the sand, this beloved festival is a must-see fall tradition.

Flora-Bama Oktoberfest

October 11, 2026

Break out your lederhosen and dirndls—Oktoberfest returns to Flora-Bama!

Celebrate with:

• A free drink with admission for guests 21+
• 25% off gift shop purchases
• A complimentary German buffet featuring beer brats, sauerkraut, and German potato salad (while supplies last)
• The Samuel Adams Stein Hoisting Competition at 3 PM
• A free commemorative stein for participants
• Live polka music by The Brats beginning at 4 PM in the Bama Dome

It's a lively afternoon of food, music, games, and festive fun that's become a favorite Gulf Coast tradition.

Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival

November 5–15, 2026

Music lovers won't want to miss one of the country's premier songwriter festivals.

The Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival celebrates the incredible artists behind some of your favorite songs, offering intimate performances where songwriters share both their music and the stories that inspired it.

With award-winning talent performing throughout the Gulf Coast, it's a unique opportunity to experience live music in an unforgettable setting.

Outdoor Activities to Enjoy This Fall

Beyond the festivals, fall is one of the best times to explore the natural beauty of Gulf Shores.

Spend the day:

• Hiking or biking through the scenic trails of Gulf State Park
• Fishing for redfish and speckled trout
• Taking a sunset cruise on the Gulf
• Watching dolphins play offshore
• Spotting migrating birds along the coast
• Shopping, dining, and enjoying entertainment at The Wharf
• Relaxing on the beach with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures

Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure or simply soaking up the coastal scenery, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy the season.

Plan Your Fall Getaway

After a day of festivals, beach adventures, and coastal exploration, there's nothing better than relaxing in the perfect vacation rental.

Coastal View Vacations offers a wide selection of premium properties to fit every type of getaway—from beachfront homes and dog-friendly rentals to spacious houses with private pools.

Reserve your favorite property directly through our website or give us a call. Our team is happy to help you plan the perfect Gulf Shores fall vacation.

P.S. Want to stay up to date on the latest Coastal View Vacations news, special offers, and local events? Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to know about everything happening on Alabama's beautiful Gulf Coast!