The Ultimate Family Guide to 2026 Memorial Day Events on the North Gulf Coast
Kid-Friendly Festivals, Patriotic Tributes, and Fireworks
from Gulf Shores to Panama City Beach
From patriotic water balloon games and interactive resort activities to waterfront musical tributes and jaw-dropping fireworks displays, we have rounded up the very best kid-approved itineraries. Explore the top family-friendly spots across Gulf Shores AL, Pensacola FL, Destin FL, and Panama City Beach FL to make this holiday weekend unforgettable!
Gulf Shores & Foley, AL Family Events
Just a short drive north of the Gulf Shores beaches, Foley is the epicenter of family entertainment this weekend, hosting massive theme park celebrations and kid-focused interactive games.
- OWA Parks & Resort Family Celebrations: OWA is officially kicking off the sunny season with a massive three-day celebration perfect for children of all ages. Drop by Downtown OWA from May 22 to May 24 for a Patriotic Paint Party to design red, white, and blue t-shirts, festive windsock-making, a scavenger hunt, and interactive family games.
- Tropic Falls & Saturday Fireworks: Families looking to beat the heat can check out OWA's Tropic Falls, featuring 23 theme park rides and the region's largest indoor water park. Stick around Saturday evening, May 23, at 8:50 PM for a spectacular Patriotic Fireworks Show perfectly synchronized to music over OWA Lake.
Pensacola & Pensacola Beach, FL Family Events
Pensacola provides an incredible blend of beautiful beaches and rich history, offering a wonderful opportunity to teach kids the true meaning of Memorial Day through music and community spirit.
- 11th Annual Pensacola Memorial Day Concert: Gather the whole family, grab your favorite lawn chairs or blankets, and head to the beautiful waterfront Hunter Amphitheater right behind the Blue Wahoos Stadium. On Monday, May 25 at 1:00 PM, the Pensacola Civic Band will play a powerful, family-friendly program of classic patriotic music.
- Food Trucks & Fun: To make the afternoon even sweeter for the little ones, local food trucks and refreshments will be parked on-site, offering plenty of cool treats while you enjoy the breeze off the bay.
Destin & Miramar Beach, FL Family Events
Destin's Miramar Beach area shines with pedestrian-friendly shopping and entertainment villages where kids can enjoy safe, open-air holiday activities.
- Memorial Day Celebration at The Village of Baytowne Wharf: Located inside Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, this free weekend event features incredible live music from Six Piece Suits on Saturday and Saltwater Revival on Sunday.
- Sunday Kids' Activities & Fireworks: Sunday, May 24 is the ultimate night for families. The lawn fills with face painting, children's crafts, and interactive games, culminating in a jaw-dropping fireworks extravaganza over the lagoon at 9:00 PM.
Panama City Beach, FL Family Events
For families who love athletic excitement and active outdoor adventures, the eastern stretch of the coast features competitive regional sports action alongside pristine state parks.
- YBOA Memorial Day Classic Basketball Tournaments: If you have young athletes in the family or just love high-energy competitive sports, the Youth Basketball of America (YBOA) circuit hits the coast this weekend. Catch the tournament action in Panama City Beach on May 23 and 24 to cheer on elite youth divisions from across the Southeast.
- St. Andrews State Park Outings: Pair the tournament action with a family picnic, a ride on the Shell Island Shuttle, or a calm swim in the protected wading "kiddie pool" area located right by the park's main jetty.
Family Event Schedule & Official Links
| Date(s) | Family Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| May 22 – May 24, 2026 | Memorial Day Weekend Family Celebrations & Live Music | Downtown OWA, Foley, AL (Gulf Shores Area) |
| May 23, 2026 (8:50 PM) | Patriotic Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks Display | Downtown OWA, Foley, AL (Gulf Shores Area) |
| May 23 – May 24, 2026 | Memorial Day Celebration & Live Music Lineup | The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin / Destin, FL |
| May 23 – May 24, 2026 | YBOA Memorial Day Classic Basketball Tournament | Various Gymnasiums, Panama City Beach, FL |
| May 24, 2026 (9:00 PM) | Holiday Kids Activities & Sunday Fireworks Show | The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin / Destin, FL |
| May 25, 2026 (1:00 PM) | 11th Annual Pensacola Memorial Day Concert (Free) | Hunter Amphitheater, Downtown Pensacola, FL |