Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) –   The Orange Beach Festival of Art returns for its 51st year on March 8-9, 2025, transforming the Coastal Arts Center grounds at Waterfront Park into a vibrant hub of creativity. This beloved annual festival – always held the second weekend of March – has become a cornerstone of the Gulf Coast art scene, renowned for showcasing a rich blend of visual, performing, musical, literary, and even culinary arts. Thousands of visitors are expected to stroll through rows of white-tented booths, where artists display paintings, pottery, jewelry, and more against the backdrop of Wolf Bay. The two-day event is open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free, inviting art lovers of all ages to celebrate this “first rite of spring” on Alabama’s Pleasure Island.

Half a Century of Art on the Island

For over fifty years, the Orange Beach Festival of Art has grown from a small local gathering into a nationally recognized event. What began in the early 1970s as a modest showcase of island artists has blossomed into a juried fine arts festival attracting more than 100 artists from across the region. Festival Director Desiree Hodge notes that maintaining high artistic standards is key to its longevity and acclaim. “Our focus is to find and showcase the best fine artists in America,” Hodge says, emphasizing that whether attendees are serious buyers or casual browsers, they’ll find “quality, fun, and affordable original art” at every turn. This commitment to excellence has earned the festival numerous honors – it’s been named Best Art Show in Alabama three times in five years and currently ranks among the Top 100 fine art shows nationwide. In 2025, USA Today highlighted Orange Beach’s event as one of the country’s top 20 art festivals, shining a national spotlight on its impact in the arts community. The festival’s success has in turn nurtured the local art scene, bolstering the careers of Gulf Coast artists and drawing art enthusiasts to Orange Beach year after year.

Visual Arts Galore and Live Demonstrations

At the heart of the festival is a dazzling array of visual arts. Fine artists working in diverse media – from oil painting and photography to metal sculpture and glassblowing – line the Waterfront Park pathways with their best works. Each artist is juried into the show, ensuring visitors encounter only high-quality, original art pieces. Festival-goers can chat with painters about their inspiration, feel the textures of handcrafted pottery, or marvel at the detail in wood carvings. Live art demonstrations are a major draw: crowds gather to watch molten glass blown into artwork and clay spun into pottery in real time. This behind-the-scenes look at artistic creation brings added excitement and education to the experience. The setting itself enhances the art – booths are nestled under towering pines by the bay, creating an open-air gallery with natural light and coastal breezes. It’s not only an art sale but a chance to immerse oneself in creativity. Many attendees make a point of purchasing a special piece each year, contributing to the local arts economy and taking home a tangible memory of the festival.

Performances, Music, and New Literary Arts Tent: The festival celebrates art in all forms, extending beyond paintings and sculptures. Two stages on the grounds will host a dynamic lineup of live performances, ensuring continuous entertainment. On the Music Stage, visitors can relax on the lawn and enjoy genres from folk to jazz. The 2025 lineup features local and regional talent including singer-songwriter Wiley Pete, country duo Doug Drake & Tennessee Tim, rock-and-soul band The Groovinators, and T. Holloway & Company on Saturday, followed by artists like Ben Lake, instrumental guitar ensemble Roman Street, and the swampy blues of Swamp Water Symphony on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Performing Arts Stage will showcase everything from aerial acrobatics and dance troupes to quirky acts like jugglers and fire dancers. Audiences can catch ballet students, belly dancers, and even an educational wildlife show (“Radical Raptors” by the Gulf State Park Nature Center) as part of the eclectic schedule.

One of the most anticipated new additions for 2025 is the Literary Arts Tent, expanding the festival’s creative reach into the written word. This dedicated tent – a first in the festival’s history – will host talks and book signings by notable authors and poets throughout the weekend. On Saturday, festival-goers can hear historian Mike Bunn share local lore, enjoy a fiction reading by Carolyn Haines, and delve into storytelling with author Joe Cuhaj. Sunday’s lineup brings Patricia Black-Gould discussing her latest fiction, poet Jessica Jones sharing powerful verses, and a highlight: Charlotte Pence, the Poet Laureate of Mobile, delivering a special poetry session. “This exciting addition will bring an inspiring lineup of talented authors, poets, and storytellers to the festival,” notes an announcement by the Coastal Arts Center. Literature lovers are thrilled to have a space where the art of words is celebrated alongside visual and performing arts – adding a thoughtful new dimension to the festival atmosphere.

Family Fun and Culinary Delights

A hallmark of the Orange Beach Festival of Art is its family-friendly atmosphere. The popular Kids’ Art Alley returns, offering hands-on art activities for children in a safe, creative space. Here, kids can paint, make crafts, and even contribute to collaborative art projects, all under the guidance of volunteers and local artists. Face-painting and interactive stations ensure young attendees stay engaged and inspired. “It’s important to nurture a love for art early on, and our Kids Art Alley is designed to spark that excitement,” says Hodge, emphasizing the festival’s educational mission for the next generation. Parents often cite Kids’ Art Alley as a highlight, as children leave not only with smiles and painted faces but also with a newfound appreciation for the arts.

Of course, no festival is complete without great food. The Culinary Arts Court at Orange Beach’s festival gives visitors a chance to sample various local flavors between art browsing. An array of food trucks and gourmet vendors will be on-site, serving everything from fresh seafood and Cajun delights to kids favorites and sweet treats.  Vendors this year include Sugarlove, TinTin's Rock n Roll, and Will Yums food trucks, as well as several specialty vendors offering such things as gelato ice cream, kettle corn, baked goods and honeys. These and other vendors ensure that whether you’re craving classic coastal fare or just a cold beverage, you won’t have to leave the festival grounds to stay refreshed. With picnic tables scattered around and live music in earshot, attendees often turn their meal breaks into another enjoyable facet of the event. The festival encourages local culinary artists to shine, making the food as much a part of the experience as the fine art.

When, Where, and How to Attend

The 51st Annual Orange Beach Festival of Art takes place March 8-9, 2025 on the campus of the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach, at Waterfront Park, located at 26389 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL. The picturesque waterfront location provides ample space for art tents, stages, and activities. Admission is free to all visitors. If you’re planning to attend, here are some practical tips:

• Parking: Festival organizers have arranged convenient off-site parking with shuttles to the art center. Attendees can park at the nearby Orange Beach City Hall complex or Island Church, where shuttles will run regularly to drop off at the festival entrance. Shuttle rides cost a nominal $5 per day, and the drop-off point puts you just steps away from the action. Those coming from East Orange Beach areas (like Bear Point) are directed to park at Orange Beach Presbyterian Church, which also connects to the shuttle route. Bicycle riders are welcome – a free “Bicycle Village” on the Arts Center grounds offers a place to lock bikes for those who prefer to pedal over. On-site parking is very limited and reserved for handicapped access, so using the shuttle or biking is highly recommended.
  
  
• What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen will make your visit more enjoyable as you explore the outdoor exhibits. Many artists accept credit cards, but having a bit of cash on hand is useful for quicker purchases or small donations. If you have kids, be prepared for them to possibly get a little messy in the art alley (smocks or play clothes are a good idea). Well-behaved pets on leashes are welcome at the festival, so feel free to bring your furry friends – just be mindful of keeping them hydrated and picking up after them (pet waste stations are available on site).
  
  
• Extras: The Coastal Arts Center’s gallery will be open during the festival, allowing attendees to step inside and view the center’s art exhibits or use the facilities. There’s also a “Patron of the Arts” program for those who want to support the festival and artists by committing to art purchases – patrons get special perks like access to a preview event. If you're inspired to get involved, follow the festival social media or check the website for links to volunteer.  All volunteer spots are filled for this year, but be sure to sign up for 2026 when the portal opens.