Community Programs

The Orange Beach Parks and Recreation department offers a wide range of community programs for both adults and families. These programs are designed to improve the well-being and quality of life for our residents. We aim to promote community connection, civic engagement, and use of local parks and other city resources.

Upcoming programs:

Summer Soiree (Cancelled) - Stars & Stripes - June 27

Coastal Table

Coastal Table is a lifestyle program that offers a wide variety of culinary, art, and DIY workshops.

Custom Hat Painting Workshop - July 21

Join Orange Beach Parks and Recreation on Tuesday, July 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Orange Beach Community Center where local artisan Mary Nielson with "Brush Buckets" will guide participants in creating a hat that's uniquely YOU!

At this fun and creative Hat Painting Workshop participants will design and hand-paint their own custom hat. Whether you're getting ready for festival season, football season, beach days, concerts, or just want a one-of-a-kind accessory, this class is the perfect way to show off your personal style.

No experience needed—we'll provide the supplies, inspiration, and guidance. Just bring your creativity and get ready to leave with a wearable work of art!

Spots are limited, so register early! Be sure to sign up for the waitlist if the class fills up in case there are cancellations or we add on a 2nd class.

Registration: https://orangebeach.activityreg.com/selectActivity?nLeaguesId=63.

America's 250 Inspired Coastal Tables!

Bow Making & Mailbox Decorating Workshop - Thursday, May 28: Get ready to add some red, white, and WOW to your curb appeal! Join us for a festive evening of creativity as we celebrate America’s 250th with a patriotic Bow Making & Mailbox Decorating Workshop.

This hands-on class is the perfect way to prepare for the Orange Beach Garden Club’s Citywide Mailbox Decorating Contest happening May 25 –June 14 — and it just might give you the edge to help you WIN!

Participants will learn how to create oversized designer bows, explore a variety of techniques for attaching decorations securely to mailboxes, and discover creative styling tips to make your mailbox stand out all summer long. From patriotic ribbons and festive accents, this workshop is packed with inspiration you can use for holidays and celebrations year-round.

All skill levels are welcome, and participants will leave with a beautiful oversized bow ready to display at home!

Location: Orange Beach Senior Center
Date: Thursday, May 28
Time: 5:30-7 p.m.
Cost: $15 residents, $30 non-residents

Light Refreshments and all project supplies are included!

Register today, limited seats. If class is full, please add your name to the waitlist so we can contact you if we add another class.

Registration: https://orangebeach.activityreg.com/selectActivity?nLeaguesId=63.

Call 251-881-2228 with questions!

All-American BBQ - Cooking Demo and Taste Testing - Thursday, June 9

We’re talking BBQ with Coastal Culinary School instructor, Matt Palamara! Join us at the OB Community Center for a flavorful evening featuring a live cooking demonstration and tasting where we will explore a variety of sauces, marinades, and the perfect sides to elevate your summer barbecues. You’ll leave with fresh ideas, simple techniques, and inspiration to take your grilling game to the next level.

Heavy samples and refreshments, water, and tea will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own adult beverages.

Location: Orange Beach Senior Center
Date: Tuesday, June 9
Time: 5:30-7 p.m.
Cost: $15 residents, $20 non-residents

Light Refreshments and all project supplies are included!

Register today, limited seats! If class is full, please add your name to the waitlist so we can contact you if we add another class.

Registration: https://orangebeach.activityreg.com/selectActivity?nLeaguesId=63

Call 251-981-2228 with questions!

Mahjong Society Open Play - First Friday of Month (except holidays)

Mahjong play and learning opportunities will be offered throughout the year through the Orange Beach Mahjong Society. There is no membership requirement- you can just sign up for the activities you are interested in attending.

All levels are welcome, as long as you know the basics. It's open play. Mahjong will be played on the First Friday of each month (with exceptions for holiday weekends) from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Orange Beach Community Center.

Upcoming dates: May 1st, June 5th , August 7th, September 4th. Registration is required to attend.

Separate tables will be offered for different levels of play or participants can bring their own team of 4 if you choose. Just make sure all 4 of the players are registered.

Light refreshments will be provided, and you’re welcome to BYOB.

Link to register: https://orangebeach.activityreg.com/selectActivity?nLeaguesId=109.

Orange Beach History Tour Part 2 Coming in Fall 2026

Participants will learn about the history of the Orange Beach community, highlighting the people and families who helped shape it and the evolution of the beautiful place that Orange Beach residents and visitors get to enjoy today!

The tour will begin and end at the Orange Beach Municipal Complex, in front of City Hall. Participants will be transported between locations in a city vehicle (14-passenger van). Please expect light walking, both indoors and outdoors, on various surfaces that may be uneven.

PAST PROGRAMS

3 Miles Strong - April 6-May 9, 2026

Five-Week Walking or Running Program

April 6 – May 9 (Begins the Monday after Easter)
Get your baseline. Choose your goal. Improve your time.

3 Miles Strong is a FREE 5-week progression program for all fitness levels, with one shared focus: getting better from where you start.

Whether your goal is to complete 3 miles at a steady walk, a walk/jog combination, or a continuous run, this program meets you where you are and helps you move forward with purpose.

How It Works

Establish Your Baseline
- Kick off the program on April 6 with a simple 3-mile effort at your current pace.
Choose Your Goal
- Stronger, faster walk
- Walk/jog progression
- Continuous 3-mile jog
Stay Consistent
- Complete a minimum of 3 three-mile workouts per week (15 total over 5 weeks) to successfully finish the program.
Train Your Way
- Join us for optional community 3-mile walk/jog meetups each week, or complete your workouts on your own — outdoors or on a treadmill.
Track Your Progress
- A program tracker will be provided to help you log workouts and monitor your improvement.
Finish Strong
1. Join us on May 9 for a final group 3-mile walk/jog to celebrate and record your progress, or be sure to submit your final time by May 9th at 5pm.

Prizes & Incentives

Participants who complete 15 (3-mile) workouts in 5 weeks & show improvement from their baseline time will:

Receive the program completion prize
Be entered to win one of the “3 Miles Strong” themed gift baskets

The Goal

By May 9, you will:
- Complete 3 miles with confidence
- Improve your time, endurance, and consistency
- Feel stronger physically and mentally
- See clear progress from your personal starting point
- Start where you are. Stay consistent. Finish strong.

Registrtion link:

https://orangebeach.activityreg.com/selectActivity?nLeaguesId=128

State Park Trail Challenge - May 1-31, 2025

4 walks, 4 trailheads, 15 miles total in May

By the end of this walking challenge you will have covered all of the major trails of the east side of the park. We will host a weekly community walk on the last four Wednesdays in May at 5:30 p.m. You are welcome to walk solo or form your own group to walk the designated routes together.

It's a free program but participants must register for prizes and to receive email updates.

For more information, to download the map, and to register: Trailhead Walking Challenge.

21-Day Core Challenge - June 10-30, 2025

A free fitness program, 21-Day Core Challenge, will be offered by Orange Beach Parks and Recreation on June 10th-30th.

A strong core is the secret to having stability and balance. It supports your spine, improves your posture, and helps you feel grounded and in control during everyday activities like lifting, bending, and reaching. A strong core can also reduce back pain and help prevent injuries. Let's strengthen our core together through this 21 Day Core Challenge!

All levels are welcome.

Level 1: Beginner (modify on knees or using wall)
Level 2: Intermediate (blend of beginner and advanced)
Level 3: Advanced (max difficulty)

Includes:

Free orientation with trainer
Set individual goals and plan
5-10 minute daily core exercises
Track progress on program form
Free core workouts (videos and live)

The program is free but registration is required.

Water Activities Challenge - August 2025

We are so fortunate to have incredible access to many water-based activities and resources here in Orange Beach! But how many of us actually take advantage of them regularly? Well, we're making it easier than ever for you to experience a wide range of water activities throughout the month of August. The Aquatics Center, Wind and Water Learning Center, and Surf Rescue programs have teamed up to offer water activities all month long. Check out all of the details and links below!

How does the Challenge Work? If you complete at least one activity each week in August (4 activities total), you'll be entered in the prize drawing on Tuesday, September 2nd. We will also award a prize to the person that completes the most activities during the challenge.

Intro to Kayaking Class (2-part series) - August 13 & 27, 2025

August 13th (9 a.m.-12 p.m.) - Part 1- Intro to Kayaking lesson and hands on workshop
August 27th (9 a.m.-12 p.m.) - Part 2- Intro to Kayaking guided group paddle

Location: Wind & Water Learning Center (near the Orange Beach Public Library on Wolf Bay) - 26233 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Cost: $25/person covers both of the classes

Register: Closed.

More information: Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet and bring a towel and refillable water bottle with you. You may bring your phone, but it should be in a waterproof case.

**Kayaks, PFDs (life jackets), paddles, and all other gear are provided.

Course Overview: The Essentials of Sit-On-Top Kayaking course emphasizes safety, enjoyment and skill acquisition for entry level individuals in a calm water setting. *This course is designed specifically for sit-on-top kayaks.

Fido Fest - Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025

Orange Beach Parks & Recreation is hosting Fido Fest at Orange Beach Waterfront Park from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 9th. The event is free to the public. It is a family-friendly event for dogs and their owners. There will be doggy-friendly activities, vendors, live music and more.

Spring Wellness challenge

This community challenge focuses on nutrition, fitness, stress management, and community connection. It takes place each spring for 14-days between Mardi Gras and Easter.

Join Orange Beach Parks & Recreation for its free 14-Day Wellness Challenge each March. Registration information is posted prior to the event. This is always an opportunity to reset, refocus, and move forward with intention for the rest of the year.

By signing up, individuals commit to two full weeks of dialing in their nutrition, elevating their physical fitness, and sharpening their mindset. Participants receive a Challenge Workbook and daily emails to guide them through the 14 days. A variety of in-person workouts and learning sessions are also offered.

If you have any questions, please call 251-981-2228