Orange Beach Festival of Art Named Best in the Nation

OBA Staff • March 12, 2025

USA Today readers choose Orange Beach as best art fest

Coastal Art Center

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Orange Beach Festival of Art took top honors in as the nation's Best Art Festival in USA Today's 10Best readers' choice awards. Celebrating its 51st annual event this past weekend, the festival drew thousands of residents and visitors.


For over five decades, the Orange Beach Festival of Art has been a part of the Alabama Gulf Coast’s cultural scene, showcasing fine art, crafts, and musical performances. The waterfront festival on Wolf Bay features both local and regional artists, highlighting diverse media such as painting, pottery, glasswork, and woodcraft.

 

Attendees enjoy live music, interactive demonstrations, and a culinary arts section that blends creativity with coastal flavors. The festival also offers family-friendly activities, making it a perfect outing for all ages. ​


The festival's recognition by USA Today places it at the pinnacle of art festivals nationwide. The top 10 art festivals, as voted by readers, include:​


  1. Orange Beach Festival of Art – Orange Beach, Alabama​
  2. La Quinta Arts Festival – La Quinta, California
  3. Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original – Ann Arbor, Michigan​
  4. Coconut Grove Arts Festival – Miami, Florida
  5. Cherry Creek Arts Festival – Denver, Colorado
  6. Old Town Art Fair – Chicago, Illinois 
  7. Park City Kimball Arts Festival – Park City, Utah​
  8. Saint Louis Art Fair – Clayton, Missouri​
  9. Plaza Art Fair – Kansas City, Missouri​
  10. Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival – Winter Park, Florida


This accolade not only highlights the festival's excellence but also underscores the vibrant arts community in Orange Beach, attracting art enthusiasts from across the country.

Share this article w/ Friends...

Perdido Beach Resort Backs Orange Beach Schools with Major Gift
By OBA Staff April 24, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach City Schools and the Mako Academics, Arts, and Athletics Club have announced a major new sponsor. Perdido Beach Resort pledged to be a Diamond Level Sponsor for the 2025-2026 school year.
Cyclists Gear Up for 2025 Good Life Ride at Gulf State Park
By R. Ken Cooper April 24, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The popular Good Life Ride cycling event is set to return to Gulf State Park on May 10, 2025. The annual event, which attracts cycling enthusiasts from across the Southeast, will feature multiple route options designed to showcase the natural beauty of Alabama's coastal region.
Major Drainage Overhaul Taking Place on West Peachtree Avenue
By Guy Busby April 24, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Travel on West Peachtree Avenue will soon be smoother after the Foley City Council approved road repairs. The council voted to fix the road near Foley Airport last week. Jeff Phillips, the city construction projects manager, explained that collapsed metal storm drainage pipes buried alongside the road had damaged the street.
Orange Beach Schools Names Laatsch as Assistant Athletic Director
By OBA Staff April 23, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach City Schools has appointed Chris Laatsch as their new Assistant Athletic Director. The announcement came Wednesday as school officials welcomed the veteran coach to his expanded role within the athletics program.
Mystery Urn Washes Ashore in Gulf Shores
By OBA Staff April 23, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – An unusual discovery was made on the beaches of Gulf Shores last week. A funeral urn containing human ashes washed ashore after apparently being released into the Gulf of Mexico.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Hosts Summer Zoo Camp for Kids
By OBA Staff April 23, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is inviting kids to experience a summer of adventure through its 2025 Zoo Camp program. The camp will give young animal lovers a hands-on opportunity to learn about wildlife and conservation.
Orange Beach Powerboat Week Returns for the Sixth Year
By OBA Staff April 23, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The 6th Annual Orange Beach Powerboat Week is coming to Alabama’s Gulf Coast. The three-day event brings fast boats, fun runs, and parties to the area.
Foley Sanitation Department Faces Spring Cleanup Delays
By Guy Busby April 23, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – The City of Foley is asking residents to be patient as spring-cleaning and yard work increase the need for limb collection services, according to the City of Foley website. The Foley Sanitation Department collects tree limbs weekly from homes across the city. However, officials said temporary high demand may delay collections on some routes by about one day.
2025 National Shrimp Festival Poster Winner
By OBA Staff April 22, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Shores-based artist Michael Swiger has been selected as the winner of the 52nd Annual National Shrimp Festival poster contest, festival organizers announced Monday.
Gulf Shores Planning Commission Meeting to Discuss Bar Permit and Water Tower
By John Mullen April 22, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The Gulf Shores Planning Commission will hear a request from the owners of Hibas Karaoke and Arcade Bar for a conditional use permit to allow for a lounge/bar usage at the bar in Pelican Place.
Show More