Your Weekly Guide to Events in Baldwin County, AL | Santa Rosa County, FL | Escambia County, FL
November is kicking off with one of the busiest weekends of the fall season along the Gulf Coast! From the Blue Angels soaring over Pensacola to incredible local art, live music, and food festivals, there's no shortage of things to see and do.
This week is especially exciting because several of the area's biggest annual events are happening at the same time. Pensacola will welcome visitors for the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show, Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival, and Pensacola Greek Festival, while Gulf Shores and Orange Beach celebrate everything from fresh seafood to local music.
Whether you're looking for a family-friendly outing, a weekend date idea, or an excuse to explore somewhere new, here's what's happening across our beautiful Gulf Coast communities November 2–8, 2026.
Baldwin County, Alabama
8th Annual Plein Air Fairhope
November 2–7 | Fairhope, AL
Fairhope's charming downtown and beautiful waterfront will become an outdoor art studio during the 8th Annual Plein Air Fairhope event.
Hosted by the Eastern Shore Art Center, the festival brings together 60 artists who will spend the week capturing Fairhope's scenery on canvas. Visitors can watch artists working throughout town, from the Fairhope Pier to the streets of downtown.
Two highlights include a gallery talk on Wednesday, November 4, from 1–2 p.m., and the community Quick Draw event on Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Even if you're not an artist, it's a wonderful opportunity to enjoy Fairhope's creative atmosphere while exploring its shops, restaurants, and scenic surroundings.
Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival
November 5–15 | Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Perdido Key & Pensacola
Music lovers won't want to miss the return of the 42nd Annual Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival.
Featuring more than 200 talented songwriters, this 11-day celebration brings intimate performances to venues throughout the Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast.
What makes this festival unique is the opportunity to hear the stories behind the music. Songwriters share the inspiration for their songs and perform in smaller, more personal settings.
From nationally recognized performers to emerging musicians, there's something for nearly every musical taste.
Many performances are free, although some venues require tickets or cover charges.
Festival information: https://www.frankbrownsongwriters.com/
Experience the Oyster
November 6–7 | The Hangout, Gulf Shores
Seafood lovers have another reason to visit Gulf Shores this weekend!
Experience the Oyster returns to The Hangout for a celebration of one of the Gulf Coast's favorite coastal delicacies. Presented by Murder Point Oysters, this event highlights oysters, culinary creativity, and the area's seafood culture.
It's a great opportunity to enjoy fresh coastal flavors while spending time near the beach.
Annual Gumbo Festival
November 7 | COASTAL, Orange Beach
Few dishes represent Gulf Coast cooking quite like a delicious bowl of gumbo!
The Annual Gumbo Festival returns to COASTAL in Orange Beach, bringing together chefs and food enthusiasts for a beachfront celebration of this Southern favorite.
Guests can sample different gumbo recipes, enjoy live music, and take in views of the Gulf while helping select their favorite creations.
If you enjoy local seafood, Southern cooking, and an afternoon by the water, this is an event worth adding to your weekend plans.
Coastal Alabama Food Truck & Craft Beverage Festival
November 7–8 | Gulf Shores Town Green | 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Come hungry! The Coastal Alabama Food Truck & Craft Beverage Festival returns to Gulf Shores with a weekend filled with delicious food, refreshing beverages, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
Visitors can explore a variety of food trucks serving everything from savory comfort food to sweet treats. The festival also features craft beverages, lawn games, and an artisan market.
General admission is free, with food and beverages available for purchase.
Bring a few friends, grab a lawn chair, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon near the beach.
More Baldwin County Events
Fairhope Farmers Market — November 5: Visit the market behind the Fairhope Public Library from 2–6 p.m. to shop for fresh produce and local goods.
Tacos & Tequila Festival — November 7–8: Head to Foley Heritage Park for a weekend celebrating tacos, tequila, and festive flavors.
Coastal Alabama Farmers & Fishermens Market — November 7: Stop by 781 Farmers Market Lane in Foley from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. for locally grown produce and other regional favorites.
Santa Rosa County, Florida
While Santa Rosa County has a quieter calendar this week, there are still a few opportunities to shop local and enjoy the beautiful fall weather.
The Market of Milton
November 5 | Downtown Milton | 5–8 p.m.
Enjoy an evening in historic downtown Milton while exploring The Market of Milton.
It's a great excuse to stroll through downtown, discover local vendors, and support small businesses. Consider making an evening of it by stopping at one of Milton's local restaurants.
Hwy 87 Market at Sand Dollar Plaza
November 7 | Navarre | 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
The Hwy 87 Market returns to Sand Dollar Plaza at 1900 Highway 87 in Navarre.
Browse local vendors, discover handmade items, and enjoy a laid-back Saturday supporting businesses in the Navarre community.
Looking for something bigger this weekend? Residents of Navarre, Gulf Breeze, Pace, and Milton are within reach of several major Pensacola events, including the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show and Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival. Just remember that the increased crowds will likely mean heavier traffic, especially on Friday and Saturday.
Escambia County, Florida
Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show
November 6–7 | NAS Pensacola | Gates Open at 8 a.m.
One of Pensacola's most anticipated annual traditions is back!
The Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show returns to Naval Air Station Pensacola for two days of thrilling aerial performances, military aviation displays, and incredible flying demonstrations.
The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels are expected to perform at approximately 2 p.m. each day, closing out the show with their signature precision flying.
General admission and parking are free, making this one of the biggest free family-friendly events of the season.
A few important things to know before attending:
- Gates open at 8 a.m., so plan to arrive early.
- A REAL ID-compliant form of identification or another accepted ID is required for base access.
- Bring sunscreen, hats, hearing protection, and lawn chairs.
- Coolers, outside food and beverages, backpacks, drones, and weapons are prohibited.
- Expect significant traffic around NAS Pensacola and surrounding roads.
With large crowds expected throughout the weekend, allow plenty of extra travel time.
It's an exciting opportunity to experience one of Pensacola's most recognizable traditions right where the Blue Angels call home.
Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival
November 6–8 | Seville Square, Downtown Pensacola
Downtown Pensacola will transform into a colorful outdoor gallery during the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival.
This nationally recognized event brings more than 200 talented artists to historic Seville Square, showcasing paintings, pottery, sculpture, jewelry, photography, and handcrafted artwork.
In addition to the art exhibits, visitors can enjoy live music, cultural performances, food vendors, and traditional craft demonstrations.
Families will especially enjoy the Children's Arts Festival, featuring hands-on creative activities and opportunities for kids to explore their artistic sides.
Festival hours:
- Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Sunday: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Admission is free.
Whether you're shopping for a one-of-a-kind piece of art or simply enjoying a fall afternoon downtown, this is one of Pensacola's most enjoyable annual festivals.
Pensacola Greek Festival
November 6–8 | Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Pensacola
Experience a taste of Greece without leaving the Gulf Coast!
The Pensacola Greek Festival returns with a weekend of traditional Greek food, lively music, dancing, and cultural celebrations.
Visitors can enjoy authentic Greek dishes, delicious pastries, traditional performances, and an inviting atmosphere that celebrates Greek heritage.
The festival runs from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m.–3 p.m. on Sunday.
Admission is free, making it another fantastic option for families and visitors exploring Pensacola this weekend.
Foo Foo Festival
Continuing Through November 9 | Various Pensacola Locations
Pensacola's annual Foo Foo Festival continues this week with arts, performances, music, and cultural experiences happening throughout the city.
This multi-day celebration brings together local and visiting artists for events ranging from live theater and ballet to concerts, exhibitions, and interactive installations.
With a combination of free activities and ticketed performances, there are plenty of ways to participate.
Check out the event calendar at https://www.foofoofest.com/ to find something that interests you.
Palafox Market
November 7 | Downtown Pensacola
Looking for a more relaxed Saturday outing?
Palafox Market is a favorite among locals and visitors, offering fresh produce, handmade goods, baked treats, plants, and unique creations from regional artisans.
It's a wonderful way to start your weekend, especially if you're planning to explore downtown Pensacola's other festivals afterward.
Important Reminder: Election Day Is November 3
Tuesday, November 3, is Election Day in both Alabama and Florida, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.
Residents of Baldwin County, Santa Rosa County, and Escambia County are encouraged to review their ballots, confirm their polling locations, and make a plan to vote.
Local elections can have a direct impact on our communities, including decisions involving development, infrastructure, property taxes, and land-use regulations.
For official election information, visit your county election office or state election website.
What This Busy Weekend Means for the Gulf Coast Real Estate Market
Beyond the festivals and entertainment, November is an interesting time for our local real estate market.
With thousands of visitors expected along the coast, this weekend highlights what makes Baldwin County and the Pensacola area such appealing places to live.
Our communities offer much more than beautiful beaches. From nationally recognized festivals to waterfront dining, local markets, and year-round entertainment, there's always something happening close to home.
For homeowners and sellers, the arrival of November means the market is transitioning toward the holiday season. Buyers are still searching, but schedules often become more complicated with travel, family gatherings, and seasonal commitments. If you're planning to sell before the end of the year, thoughtful pricing and preparation are especially important.
For buyers, the quieter late-fall market may provide opportunities to explore available homes with less competition than during busier seasons. Every property and neighborhood is different, though, so understanding local inventory and seller expectations can make a significant difference.
For vacation rental owners, major event weekends like this can create opportunities for additional bookings. It's also a good time to review winter rental plans as seasonal visitors begin making their way to the Gulf Coast.
And if you have property showings or appointments scheduled in Pensacola for November 6–7, remember to account for air show traffic and downtown festival crowds.
Make the Most of November on the Gulf Coast
From watching the Blue Angels fly over Pensacola to sampling fresh Gulf Coast seafood in Orange Beach, November 2–8 offers an incredible mix of experiences for residents and visitors alike.
It's weekends like these that remind us why so many people love calling the Gulf Coast home. Every community has its own character, traditions, and local favorites, and there's always something new to discover.
Whether you're spending the weekend exploring Baldwin County, visiting local markets in Santa Rosa County, or enjoying the festivities in Pensacola, there's no shortage of ways to make memories this week.
Thinking about making the Gulf Coast your home?
The Coate Connection Team at RE/MAX Gulf Properties is here to help you explore the communities, neighborhoods, and real estate opportunities that make this area special.
David Coate: 251-213-8811
Virginia Coate: 251-752-1231
Website: https://coateconnection.com/
Event dates, schedules, and admission details are subject to change. Check with event organizers before attending.
