February:  Mardi Gras - most communities along the Gulf Coast celebrate the Mardi Gras season with at least one parade.  Gulf Shores and Orange Beach host a Fat Tuesday parade each year.  Be sure to bring bags to put those all important throws in and yell loud or you may end up empty handed.

March:  Elberta Sausage Festival - the biggest little festival around.  This small German community can put on a great one day festival on the last Saturday of March.  Over 7000 pounds of German smoked sausage will sell out by 3:00 PM so come early and eat a lot.

July:  4th of July Fire Works - what a beautiful site to see the fireworks as they explode over the Gulf of Mexico.  Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer an awesome display that could compare to the big cities.  Situate yourself just right and you can watch both shows at once.

September:  Shrimp Festival - Gulf Shores sure knows how through a good festival.  Four days of arts and crafts, great food, wonderful music, and just plain fun for all.  This is a national event that will only be stopped by the likes of a Class Three hurricane.  Make sure not to miss this weekend to get some great buys and all the seafood you could imagine in one place.

October:  Elberta Sausage Festival - if you missed it in March well don't worry because October offers the same great time.  This festival is also held on the last Saturday in October.  Don't go home until you said that you have been to the German Sausage Festival that only Germany themselves could compete with.