May is upon us and the dog days of summer are not far behind. There are still plenty of exciting outdoor events to take advantage of the weather throughout the Scenic 98 Coastal area and across the Gulf Coast. If you fancy a road trip, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival cranks up again Thursday for the 2^nd weekend of festivities.

As always, in addition to the Top 5 Events below, a breakdown of the upcoming weekend’s events is below in Tidbits and Best Bets and the Scenic98Coastal.com homepage.

Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival: May 1 – 3

Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, OWA Parks & Resort, Foley, AL

Named the 2021 Event of the Year by the Alabama Department of tourism, the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is the spot for high-flying adventure and family fun at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival. Enjoy the entertainment, arts and crafts displays and more at the festival site daily. Balloon flights, glows and tethered rides (weather permitting) add to the fun at dawn and dusk. Admission is FREE!

Gulf Coast Classic Fly Fishing Festival: May 2 - 3

Gulf Coast Classic Fly Fishing Festival, Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores, AL

The 3^rd Annual Gulf Coast Classic fly-fishing festival at the Learning Campus of Gulf State Park will feature seminars on locations, tactics, species, conservation programs, fly tying as well as the Mixed Bag Challenge, which is free with Classic registration. Guide services, fly tackle suppliers, two fly fishing publications, local & regional artists as well as several fly fishing & conservation organizations from across the region will feature exhibits. Many of the region’s top fly tiers will also be on hand demonstrating their favourite patterns.

Registration is ongoing, Click Here to find out more.

Fairhope Rotary Steak Cookoff: May 10

Fairhope Rotary Steak Cookoff, Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope, AL

The 2025 Fairhope Rotary Steak Cookoff, also knows as “Fairhope’s Premier Street Party!”, will see 40 Cook Teams compete for a variety of awards including the People’s Choice Awards selected by the annual 3,000+ in attendance. Booth by booth, teams will be grilling up Piggly Wiggly steaks for you to sample and enjoy along with live music and a fantastic family atmosphere. Kids 12 and under get in free!

Passes are still available, Click Here to find out more.‍‍

Sand In My Boots Music Festival: May 16 - 18

Sand In My Boots Music Festival, Gulf Shores, AL

Three days, two stages and only one place to be May 16 - 18, 2025: Gulf Shores, Alabama for the inaugural Sand In My Boots Music Festival, presented by Morgan Wallen. Taking the place of Hangout Fest, Sand In My Boots is more than a festival, it’s an invitation to live the Wallen way for a weekend. The event reimagines what a music festival experience can be by handing the reins over to Wallen to curate the line-up, adding his personal touch to every element of programming. Each artist, activity, and experience is driven by his excitement to share great music and create memories with fans, friends, and family. The Sand In My Boots lineup is an eclectic mix of Wallen’s favorite artists and inspirations, led by key crossover collaborators like Post Malone and Diplo, and a deep pool of country powerhouses

Ticket packages have sold out; however, waitlist and AXS Office Resale tickets are still being offered Click Here to find out more.

Gulf Coast Caribbean Carnival 2025: May 24

Gulf Coast Caribbean Carnival, Mardi Gras Park, Mobile, AL

The Caribbean Culture on the Gulf Coast will be celebrated. With the backing of the backing of Mobile Parks and Recreation, Level Up Entertainment, and the Gulf Coast Caribbean Carnival Association, the streets of Downtown Mobile will be the scene of beautiful Caribbean costumes, music, and good clean family fun.

A parade through downtown will end at Mardi Gras Park, where the Mobile County Parks and Recreation Department has approved the FIRST EVER Gulf Coast Caribbean Carnival Festival. It’s a festival celebrating the culture near and dear to our hearts. 

Attendance at the parade / festival on May 24^th is FREE. VIP weekend passes granting access to additional events are available for purchase. Click Here for more information.