The Flora-Bama Bushwacker turns 50 on Saturday -- that's the event to put on your radar this weekend, a birthday bash for one of the Gulf Coast's most iconic cocktails. Friday kicks things off with the Coastal County IPA Fest in Pensacola and live music up and down the coast. Weather-wise, all three days carry a similar story: highs in the mid-80s, light winds, and roughly a 45-50% chance of afternoon storms each day. Nothing that should chase you indoors all day, but have a backup plan if you're scheduling something outside.
Friday
Coastal County IPA Fest -- 3041 E Olive Rd Pensacola, Florida, 11:00 AM CT
IPA fans, this one is for you. The Coastal County IPA Fest rolls out in Pensacola starting at 11 AM -- a solid early start that gives you the whole afternoon to work through the pour list. Good excuse to get there before the heat of the day peaks.
Logan Lassiter -- Gulf Shores -- Gulf Shores, $23, 6:00 PM CT
Logan Lassiter is a Gulf Coast fixture -- singer-songwriter, guitarist, regular at beach-side venues from Destin to Gulf Shores. Tickets are $23 and the 6 PM start gives you time to grab dinner first.
Smith + Kern Live at Portside -- The stage at Portside, 6:00 PM CT
Grab a drink, claim a spot in the green space at The Wharf, and catch Smith + Kern on the outdoor stage at 6 PM. It's one of the better casual setups on the Orange Beach waterfront -- no rush, no assigned seats, just live music outside.
Live Music - Strickly Rivers -- Cosmo's Restaurant & Bar, 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM CT
Roger Strick and Flo Rivers play the covered patio at Cosmo's starting at 2 PM. Pair it with happy hour -- draft beer specials, house wine, apps, and $2 off sushi rolls run the same window. Low-key Friday afternoon done right.
Brandon Styles MAGIC SHOW -- Brandon Styles Theater is located at OWA, 7:00 PM CT
If you've got kids in tow this weekend, this is the Friday night move. Brandon Styles is a world competition award-winning magician running Alabama's only dedicated magic show, and the OWA theater keeps it comfortable and air-conditioned. Big magic, audience participation, and enough humor to keep adults from checking their phones.
Saturday
The Bushwacker's Birthday Bash -- 17401 Perdido Key Dr. Perdido Key, Florida, 12:00 PM CT
Fifty years ago, someone at the Flora-Bama invented the Bushwacker, and the Gulf Coast has never been the same. The Birthday Bash kicks off at noon on Perdido Key -- expect the kind of afternoon energy the Flora-Bama does better than almost anywhere. Get there early; this is the kind of milestone event that draws a crowd.
Hancock Whitney Movies in the Park -- 301 W Main St Pensacola, Florida, 6:00 PM CT
Movies under the stars in downtown Pensacola, with food trucks, yard games, face painting, inflatable waterslides, and crafts before the film rolls. The 6 PM start gives you time to set up while it's still light. Good family option if you want something that doesn't require a babysitter logistics puzzle.
Live Music - Chase Brown -- Cosmo's Restaurant & Bar, 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM CT
Chase Brown plays the covered patio at Cosmo's Saturday afternoon -- same happy hour deal as Friday, same relaxed setup. Draft specials, wine, apps, and $2 off sushi. If you didn't make it Friday, Saturday's a good second shot.
Sunday
Live Music - Lisa Christian -- Cosmo's Restaurant & Bar, 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM CT
Lisa Christian wraps up Cosmo's three-day live music run Sunday afternoon on the covered patio. Happy hour specials run the same window -- draft beer, house wine, apps, and $2 off sushi rolls. A low-pressure way to close out the long weekend before the drive home.
The Full Lineup
Find all 31+ events this weekend at gulfshoreslineup.com/events/.
Got a tip or event we should know about? Email [email protected]