Ring in the new year with a full calendar of celebrations, outdoor adventures and community traditions across the area.
From elegant New Year’s Eve galas and polar plunges to live music, …
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Ring in the new year with a full calendar of celebrations, outdoor adventures and community traditions across the area.
From elegant New Year’s Eve galas and polar plunges to live music, markets and family-friendly activities, there are plenty of ways to start the year on a festive note. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away, enjoy the outdoors or find something fun for all ages, these upcoming events offer something for everyone as the new year begins.
If you know of an event coming up that deserves a spot here, send it my way. I'll do my best to share it on these pages. Email me at whisper@gulfcoastmedia.com. You can also add it to our online calendar at www.GulfCoastMedia.com/calendar.
What: Donatello Capodanno New Year’s Eve Charity Event will be held at One Club to benefit the Blue Zone Walk and Ride Dolphin Foundation. The evening includes a welcome from the chairman, ribbon cutting ceremony, dinner with Venetian dolce decadence, DJ-led dancing, casino night, cigar lounge and pyrotechnics. Black tie attire is encouraged. Checks and PayPal are accepted payable to ONE Foundation. RSVP is requested by emailing eplunkett@ONEClubGulfShores.com or calling (617) 233-9880.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 7 p.m.
Where: One Club, Gulf Shores
Price: $125 per person
What: Alabama State Parks will host its Annual First Day Hike, a guided nature walk designed to help participants welcome the new year outdoors while connecting with others. The hike is open to all ages and experience levels and encourages participants to enjoy fresh air, movement and community. Attendees are advised to dress for the weather and bring water. Registration is available online at https://reserve.alapark.com/register/annual-first-day-hike-2026.
When: Thursday, Jan. 1, 9-11 a.m.
Where: Orange Beach Sportsplex, Orange Beach
Price: Free
What: The Wharf will host a seasonal ice skating rink presented by Pepsi, offering real ice skating along the Gulf Coast. Skaters are required to complete a waiver prior to skating and are encouraged to sign the e-waiver before arrival. The rink is located across from Portside at the corner of Main Street and Wharf Lane. Major credit cards are accepted. Bring a 20-ounce Pepsi product bottle to receive $2 off admission.
When: Thursday, Jan. 1, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Where: The Wharf, 23108 Wharf Lane, Orange Beach
Price: General admission $15 including skate rental; combo pass with Ferris wheel $20; frequent skater pass $100; socks $3 per pair
What: The annual Flora-Bama Polar Bear Dip invites thousands of participants to ring in the new year with a plunge into the Gulf. Groups and families often attend in costumes, swimsuits or wetsuits to brave the brisk water at noon. Participants who fully submerge receive a free draft beer and a complimentary New Year’s lunch featuring ham, black-eyed peas, greens and cornbread.
When: Thursday, Jan. 1, noon
Where: Flora-Bama Lounge and Package, Perdido Key
Price: Free
What: Alabama State Parks will host a First Day Hike at Meaher State Park featuring a guided sunset walk through the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. The hike invites participants to welcome the new year outdoors while enjoying scenic views and learning about the unique delta ecosystem. The event is open to all ages and experience levels and offers a relaxed pace suitable for families. Registration is required and available online at https://reserve.alapark.com/register/first-day-hike--sunset-on-the-delta.
When: Thursday, Jan. 1, 4:30-7 p.m.
Where: Meaher State Park, Spanish Fort
Price: Free for campground guests and children 12 and under; $3 for adults who are not campground guests
What: Tacky Jacks Grill and Tavern hosts all-ages karaoke every Thursday evening, inviting guests to take the stage and sing their favorite songs. Singing begins at 5 p.m. and continues throughout the evening in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
When: Thursday, Jan. 1, 5-8 p.m.
Where: Tacky Jacks Grill and Tavern, 27206 Safe Harbor Drive, Orange Beach
Price: Free
What: Bee Gees Now! The Premier Bee Gees Tribute returns to the OWA Theater with a high-energy celebration of the iconic disco-era band. The performance features beloved hits including How Deep Is Your Love, Stayin’ Alive and Night Fever, transporting audiences back to the golden age of the 1970s. Doors open at 6 p.m. for drinks and concessions. Tickets are available at https://visitowa.com/bee-gees-now-a-tribute-to-the-bee-gees/.
When: Friday-Saturday, Jan. 2-3, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: OWA Theater, Foley
Price: $42.13-$62.13
What: The VFW Post 5658 Auxiliary will host the Elberta Outdoor Market, featuring vendors, community shopping and local offerings. The market will take place the first Saturday of every month beginning in January. Vendors interested in participating may message on Facebook or contact event coordinator Kim Kirkwood at (251) 213-5465 for vendor packages and space rentals.
When: Saturday, Jan. 3, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: VFW Post 5658, 24230 U.S. Highway 98, Elberta
Price: Free admission
What: Market Day at the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market offers a wide selection of Gulf Coast seafood, farm-fresh produce, baked goods and artisan-crafted items. The market is held every Saturday and welcomes shoppers looking to support local farmers, fishers and makers. Those interested in becoming a vendor may contact Alescia at (251) 709-4469.
When: Saturday, Jan. 3, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market, Foley
Price: Free admission
What: The Pensacola Mardi Gras Kick Off Celebration, also known as the 12th Night celebration, marks the official start of the Mardi Gras season. Hosted by Pensacola Mardi Gras Inc., the event features King Cake, second line dancing, blessings of the krewes and floats and the launch of the year’s Mardi Gras royalty. Downtown streets are closed for the festivities, creating a lively community celebration steeped in tradition.
When: Saturday, Jan. 3, 5 p.m.
Where: Downtown Pensacola, 2 E. Government St., Pensacola
Price: Free admission
What: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will debut its newly installed Noack Organ Opus 170 with a free public concert featuring Grammy-winning organist Dr. Isabelle Demers. Demers, an internationally recognized performer and Juilliard School doctoral graduate, will showcase the rare pipe organ, a significant cultural addition to Baldwin County. The concert marks the church’s expanded commitment to regional arts and cultural programming.
When: Sunday, Jan. 4, 3 p.m.
Where: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 506 N. Pine St., Foley
Price: Free admission
