Presented by Dharma Blue, Pensacola, and Chuck’s Fish, Mobile

It’s always fun exploring all the entertaining events happening throughout the Scenic 98 Coastal communities. Now that spring is arriving this month, there are many great options to keep your social calendar full of fun! Check out more things to do each week in Tidbits and Best Bets. Thanks to Dharma Blue and Chuck’s Fish! Two of the best dining experiences along our Gulf Coast!

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

March 3

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Saenger Theatre, Pensacola, FL

New Orleans icon Trombone Shorty turns every concert into a full-throttle celebration of sound and spirit. Fresh off acclaimed performances from the White House to NPR’s Tiny Desk and backed by the powerhouse grooves of Lifted, Shorty fuses funk, hip-hop, rock, and brass into one unforgettable live experience. See why he’s one of the most dynamic showmen in music today when he stops at the Saenger Theatre in Pensacola.

Tickets are still available. Click Here for more information

37^th Annual Mobile Chili Cookoff

March 7

American Cancer Society, Chili-Cook Off, Mobile, AL - March 9

Don’t miss a full day of fun and food at the American Cancer Society's 2026 Chili Cook-Off, proudly sponsored by Infirmary Cancer Care! The event returns to Canal Street in downtown Mobile, celebrating 37 years of spicy competition and a celebration of community. This is not just about great chili-it's about coming together to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients, survivors, and their families. Every donation helps fuel the fight against cancer. Let's continue to spice up the fight against cancer!

Click Here for ticketing information!

Ballyhoo Festival

March 7-8

Ballyhoo Festival, Gulf State Park Lake Shelby Picnic Area, Gulf Shores, AL

This exciting festival event is unique in its focus on fine art, combined with cultural charm, and the fun-loving spirit of residents of Coastal Alabama! Enjoy vendors offering fine art from across the southeast and various local seafood options. Live music will be running all day long on both days of the festival, and don’t miss the Banjo and Fiddle Competition on Sunday, where the top 3 scores in each age bracket win a cash prize!

74^th Annual Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival

March 20 - 22

Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival, Downtown Fairhope, AL

For over 70 years, the Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival has grown and evolved while remaining a familiar family tradition for so many.  During this three-day event, the population swells with nearly 300,000 visitors as downtown streets come alive with creativity, showcasing the best in art, food, and entertainment in our charming community.

8^th Annual Orange Beach Invasion

March 26 - 29

Orange Beach Invasion, The Wharf, Orange Beach, AL

The Orange Beach Invasion, one of the largest events held in Orange Beach with over 78,000 spectators in 2024, returns to The Wharf for its 9^th year.  Hot rods, lowered trucks, and more from all over the U.S. and Canada will make their way to Orange Beach for the three-day affair. The event will feature over 40 vendors and food vendors, and attendees will also enjoy the shopping, restaurants, bars, and entertainment options available at The Wharf. 

Spectator entry is Free!