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Orange Beach Festival of Art Ranked #25 in Nation by Artists

OBA Staff • March 2, 2023

Festival of Art provides family-friendly atmosphere with Kids Art Alley and Patron of the Arts program

OBA photo shot from ladder truck 1 in 2011, turned into art by A.I.

Orange Beach, Ala. - (OBA) - The Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach's annual fine art show, the Orange Beach Festival of Art, has received national recognition as one of the top art shows in the country, according to artists themselves. Ranked #25 in the nation, the show has also been named "Best of Bama" for three consecutive years (2019-2021) by readers of ALABAMA Magazine, further cementing its status as the premier art festival in the state.


For the past four years, the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach has also received the "Best of Baldwin" awards for Best Art Gallery and Best Event Venue, making it a favorite destination for art lovers and enthusiasts.


This year's festival will take place on March 11-12, offering 100 booths featuring local and regional fine art, live visual arts demonstrations, and exciting performances on the Music, Performing Arts, and Culinary Arts stages. Festival-goers can expect to see hot glass blowing, clay sculpting, and a range of performances, including mime, magic, bands, and ballet.


The Orange Beach Festival of Art takes place at the Coastal Art Center and Waterfront Park, situated on beautiful Wolf Bay.


In addition to the high-quality art, the festival offers a Kids Art Alley, providing craft experiences for children of all ages. Kids can enjoy sand art, bicycle spin art, and even get up close and personal with animal ambassadors at the Orange Beach Wildlife Center exhibit.


The Festival of Art is proud of the caliber of artists who participate in the show, with many receiving recognition both nationally and internationally. One such artist, Larry Allen, was recently selected to have his intricate clay vessels featured in Disney's upcoming film, "Wakanda Forever."


As a family-friendly event, the festival offers a Patron of the Arts program, allowing buyers to support the Friends of the Arts Inc. while receiving advance purchasing commitments for the festival. The program offers three levels of purchasing opportunities: Gold, Silver, and Bronze.


Admission to the festival is free, and visitors can experience the fine arts gallery on the scenic waterfront grounds of the Coastal Arts Center. For more information, visit OrangeBeachArtsFestival.com, follow the festival on Facebook at "Orange Beach Festival of Art," or call 251-981-ARTS (2787).


Orange Beach Art Festival Map

Guest Guide & Schedule

  • What to expect: A relaxed, uncomplicated layout, easy to enjoy in just a few hours on beautiful waterfront grounds. The art selection is fine-art focused.
  • Hours: The Festival is open 10-5 on Saturday and 10-4 on Sunday. The Kids Art Alley will open at noon on Sunday.
  • Fees: There is no entrance fee for this show. 


Food Vendors

  • Alabama Coastal Catering (Cosmos/Cobalt/GT's)
  • Beachin' Eats
  • Bleus Burgers
  • BuzzCatz Coffee and Sweets


Music Stage '23

Saturday

  • 10:15 am - Wylie Pete
  • 11:45 am - Groovinators
  • 1:30 pm - Steve and Joe Piano Show
  • 3:15 pm - Platinum Premier Duo


Sunday

  • 10:45 am - Barney's Bullets
  • 12:15 pm - Roman Street
  • 2:00 pm - All Star Band


Performing Arts Stage '23

Saturday

  • 10:45 am - Gulf Coast Jujutsu
  • 11:45 am - Coastal Ballet
  • 12:30 pm - Tai Chi with Rio
  • 1:15 pm - Mime & Magic Show with Riley & Drea
  • 2:00 pm - Foley HS Jazz Band
  • 3:00 pm - Expect Excellence / Princesses on Parade
  • 3:45 pm - Expect Excellence Community Theatre


Sunday

  • 12:00 pm - Los Amigos band - Foley HS
  • 1:00 pm - The Noise Band - Foley HS
  • 2:00 pm - "Singing for Scholarships" Winners
  • 3:00 pm - LA Country Kickers


PARKING

  • Off site parking from the west (Gulf Shores/Foley) is available at Island Church with shuttle service provided for a $5 daily rate. Parking is also available at Orange Beach City Hall for a $5 daily rate. 
  • Note: Island Church parking is available Saturday 9 am to 5 pm, but only 1 to 5 pm on Sunday. 
  • Parking for guests approaching from east Orange Beach (Bear Point, Caswell, etc.) is at the Orange Beach Presbyterian Church. 


Golf Cart Parking

  • There are two designated spaces for golf carts. One is adjacent to the Kids Playground. The other is on the west side of the grounds near Canal Road. Just look for signs.


Bike Village

  • The festival grounds will feature a special fenced-in area for our cycling guests. This is a moderately enclosed area, but we still encourage you to lock your bike to the provided stands.


Handicap Parking

  • There is limited handicap parking on the front grounds of the OB Community Church, located just east of the Kids Playground.


For more information, visit OrangeBeachArtsFestival.com, follow the festival on Facebook at "Orange Beach Festival of Art," or call 251-981-ARTS (2787).



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