This weekend, the coastal community of Orange Beach, Alabama, is set to host the 33rd Annual Orange Beach Seafood Festival and MAAAC Car Show at The Wharf. Scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., this event promises a delightful blend of culinary delights, artistic expressions, live music, and classic automobiles.
Seafood!
For seafood enthusiasts, the festival offers an array of mouthwatering dishes. Attendees can savor oysters, fried shrimp, crawfish, fish, shrimp gumbo, shrimp po’boys, crawfish egg rolls, boudin egg rolls, jambalaya, crawfish shrimp creole, Cajun sausage, Mardi Gras beignets, and bread pudding. Additionally, snack items like kettle corn, cotton candy, old-fashioned sodas, fresh-squeezed lemonade, smoothies, milkshakes, and loaded teas will be available.
Art
The festival also features over 100 arts and crafts booths, showcasing handmade jewelry, metalwork, mixed media, painting, photography, leather goods, pottery, sculpture, specialty items, and woodwork. These booths are located in the west parking lot behind the movie theater, offering a diverse range of artistic creations for attendees to explore and purchase.
Live Music
Music lovers will appreciate the live performances scheduled throughout the day. The Arts & Crafts Music Stage will feature:
- 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Strick & Nixx
- 11:45 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.: Shea & Brandon White
- 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.: Funky Lampshades
Additionally, the Portside on Main stage will host The Destinations from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., providing a variety of musical genres to enhance the festival atmosphere.
Classic Cars
Car enthusiasts can look forward to the MAAAC Car Show, featuring antique, classic, and hot rod vehicles displayed along Main Street. This car show serves as the major fundraising event for the Makos Academics Arts & Athletics Club (MAAAC), directly benefiting Orange Beach schools. Trophies will be awarded in various categories, and all funds raised from the car show will support MAAAC. Registration for the car show is available on the MAAAC website, with a fee of $75. Day-of registration will be $100 at the Main Street entrance, beginning at 9 a.m.
Families can enjoy the Kids’ Zone, offering a variety of activities designed to entertain children throughout the day. This area provides a safe and fun environment for kids to engage in games and crafts, ensuring that attendees of all ages have a memorable experience.
Free Admission
Admission to the festival is free, with ample parking available. Volunteers from Orange Beach schools will assist with parking, and donations are welcomed to support local educational initiatives. Complimentary shuttles will operate from Orange Beach Middle/High School starting at approximately 9:45 a.m. until 4:15 p.m., depending on demand. Shuttle pickup will be at the school bell tower, with drop-off at the front circle on Main Street at The Wharf.
A Community Celebration
The Orange Beach Seafood Festival is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of the community’s rich culture and coastal heritage. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor from nearby neighborhoods like Waterways of Gulf Shores, this festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of what the Gulf Coast has to offer. From delectable seafood and artistic creations to live music and classic cars, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So, gather your family and friends, and make plans to attend the 33rd Annual Orange Beach Seafood Festival and MAAAC Car Show this Saturday. It’s an event you won’t want to miss!
