October on the Gulf Coast is about to be A LOT. We're talking alligators and craft beer festivals, Three different Oktoberfest parties, major concerts, beach camping with Halloween costumes, and enough live music to soundtrack your entire autumn. Cancel your other plans now.
Alligators And Craft Beer
The 11th Annual Alligators & Ale Music Fest on October 4 is peak Alabama energy. Watch Wes Moore showcase live alligators at 11 a.m., sample championship BBQ by noon and dance to Thompson Square (ACMA Vocal Duo of the Year) by 2:30. Only at Alligator Alley in Summerdale. General admission is $65, kids 6 and under get in free and proceeds support disadvantaged children and military veterans.
Your Weekly Dose of Lunchtime Jams
Midday Melodies turns Heritage Park into your personal outdoor concert venue every Wednesday in October. Pack your lunch, spread out a blanket by the fountain and let these artists soundtrack your afternoon:
October 1: This Side of 49 kicks things off
October 8: Strickly Rivers brings the Wednesday energy
October 15: Tennessee Tim & Doug Drake serve up duo magic
October 22: Jesse Taylor Perry delivers mid-week musical therapy
October 29: Dan Lee closes out the month strong
Free parking, Masonic Lodge concessions available and honestly? This might be the most civilized way to spend your lunch break.
Oktoberfest Madness
Apparently October means everyone's channeling their inner German and we're absolutely here for it.
Luna's 9th Annual Oktoberfest (October 5, 1-5 p.m.) features The Brats playing modern polka, stein-hoisting competitions and German food. $15 includes your first drink, glass, koozie and entertainment.
Flora-Bama Oktoberfest (October 12, 3-6 p.m.) brings free drinks on entry, 25% off gift shop, complimentary German buffet and The Brats live in the Bama Dome. Stein hoisting spots are limited, so don't sleep on this.
Plus there's the Foley Sister Cities Oktoberfest 5K (October 4, 8 a.m. at OWA) with beer and brats at the finish line. Bonus points for lederhosen.
Concerts
Twenty One Pilots hits The Wharf Amphitheater October 14 at 8 p.m. with special guest Dayglow for The Clancy Tour. This is the kind of show that becomes everyone's "remember when" story.
The Coral Reefer Band brings "Keep the Party Going: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett" to The Wharf October 24 at 8 p.m. because we're all permanently in vacation mode here.
National Shrimp Festival
The Annual National Shrimp Festival brings 300,000+ people for four days of 100+ hours of musical entertainment spanning every genre you love. Fifty vendors serve Gulf-fresh seafood that'll ruin every other shrimp dish forever, plus fine art and crafts vendors. This festival is why October exists.
Halloween
Haunted Hustle (October 18) takes over Gulf Place Town Green with Witches on Wheels bike parade at 6 p.m., Fun Run at 6:30 and Haunted Hustle 5K at 7:10. Costume contests, live DJ and goodie bags because we don't do Halloween halfway.
Ghouls on the Gulf Beach Campout (October 25) means literally camping on the beach in Halloween costumes. Tent decorating contests, costume competitions and sleeping under stars while waves crash nearby. Most Alabama way to spend Halloween weekend.
Trunk or Treat at The Wharf (October 30) closes out the month with free admission, rock wall, bounce house, face painting and SPECTRA Laser Light Show at 8 p.m. We're ending October with literal fireworks in the sky.
For even more events happening this month, check out our complete events calendar!