There is so much to do while you’re vacationing with Sunset Properties in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan. The wonderful vacation homes and pristine beaches of the Alabama Gulf Coast call to your spirit all year long. Spring is an especially nice time to visit our area and enjoy the welcoming beaches and soothing waters of The Gulf of Mexico. Along with all the year-long attractions that we never seem to tire of, The Orange Beach Festival of Art, held in March, is one event you won’t want to miss.
Here are 7 things to know about The Orange Beach Festival of Art 2018 to help make your outing a fun and memorable one:
- Dates and Location
For more than 40 years, this arts festival has been an island staple and a local family favorite. Mark your calendar for March 10-11, 2018 and plan to attend the Orange Beach Festival of Art 2018.
The setting for this festival is unmatched. Held at Waterfront Park located at 26389 Canal Road and nestled among the hundred year old oaks that line Wolf Bay, this year’s event features not only the fine art mediums, but performing arts, as well. The Orange Beach Festival of Art will be open from 10-5 on Saturday and 10-4 on Sunday.
- Artists
Expect to see potters, watercolorists, glass blowers, wood carvers and textile artists, just to name a few. This is a juried show with spaces for 100 artists so you can be sure you’ll see the best of the best artists displaying and selling their wares. Musical guests including Lisa Zanghi, Roman Street, Three Bean Soup and Strickly Isbell are scheduled for Saturday. Island Youth Band, Poarch Ninjas, and All Star Band are slated to perform on Sunday.
- Admission and Parking
Admission to the festival is free, but there is no vehicle parking on site. All parking for the Art Festival will be located at the Orange Beach Sportsplex on Williams Silvers Parkway. Baldwin Regional Area Transit Service (BRATS) will provide a shuttle service and will offer rides to the festival site throughout the entire two-day event. Why walk when you can catch a ride and get dropped off right at the festival site? A daily BRATS pass can be purchased for $5. If you prefer to ride your bike to the festival, there will be an area for bicycle parking within the festival grounds. You are encouraged to bring your own bike lock.
- Family Friendly
All of us here along the Alabama Gulf Coast love family friendly events. This festival is no exception! A Kids Art Alley will open at noon on Sunday. Your little guys and girls will get the opportunity to have some hands-on fun while you all enjoy your weekend outing. The newly renovated Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach will also be open. This 10,000 square foot art gallery is definitely an island attraction worth a visit. Adjacent to the gallery, you’ll want to check out the Hot Shop and Clay Studio. Throughout the year, the Coastal Arts Center offers classes in glass blowing and pottery.
- What to Wear
The average high temperature in Orange Beach in March is 71 degrees. That’s a perfect shorts-and-flip-flop-perfect-day if there ever was one! You’ll need to bring some sunscreen, too. It’s probably a good idea to thrown on a ball cap and your shades. While it is not nearly as hot as the summer sun, the springtime sun’s rays in our area can quickly burn winter skin.
- Volunteer Opportunity
If you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity while you’re vacationing, the staff at The Orange Beach Festival of Art may be looking for you. For more information on volunteering, visit Festival Volunteers. Volunteers will receive a tee shirt and a special gift from the Clay Studio, while supplies last. Please remember to register with the festival folks if you’re planning to donate 4 or 5 hours of your time to help make this event continue to be the first class festival it is.
- Snacks, Potties, ATMs
Festival planners will have food booths on site and have sodas and snacks available. Restrooms will be conveniently located, as well. You’re should also plan to take a look at the festival merchandise stand while you’re visiting the venue. We’re sure they will have the perfect tee for each member of your family. Forgot your cash? No problem! ATMs are also scheduled to be available.
Spring is truly a magical time on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Azaleas and oleanders adorn yards and streets. Sea oats are starting to reach new leaves toward the sun. And the animals are starting to come out from their winter habitats. If you haven’t ever visited our beach neighborhood in the spring, now is the time to do it. Plan on staying with Sunset Properties in one of our stylishly decorated and fully stocked condos or beach houses located in Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. We even have pet friendly rentals available, so you can bring the whole family! With so many options available, we know we have your perfect vacation home ready.
We look forward to helping you make your March 2018 Beach Reservation and to seeing you at The Orange Beach Festival of Art 2018.
