From the hundreds of things to do on US Gulf Coast in August 2023 I narrowed my suggestions down to the following eight festivals and events. Cool, happy, and fun events that you expect to find on the Gulf Coast.
August on the Gulf Coast is often the hottest month of the year and an excellent time to cool off with a Gulf Coast kayak paddle or other water adventure. Thank goodness we have those sugar sand beaches that do not scorch your feet. But when you decide to head indoors, enjoy your favorite craft brewery or museum.
August on the US Gulf Coast often means an influx of in-state visitors escaping the heat in the state’s interior. Be nice to them and show them my incredible US Gulf Coast friendly hospitality.
Enjoy Fun Things To Do on US Gulf Coast in August.
Frida and Her Garden, Naples, FL, August 1-September 10, 2023
Visit Frida Kahlo’s garden in Mexico City without leaving the US Gulf Coast. Naples Botanical Garden is showcasing a re-creation of Frida’s Blue House (La Casa Azul) along with plants that inspired her and folk art animal sculptures inspired by her monumental career.
Visit the event website for tickets and information. Also see my Places To Eat in Naples Florida
Annual Professional Rodeo, Foley, AL, August 3-5, 2023
Supporting the Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation to support teenage mental health, the Annual Professional Rodeo is only 13 miles away from Gulf State Park and the gorgeous Alabama Beaches. Check out children’s activities starting at 6pm followed by the rodeo events starting at 8pm each night.
Visit the event website for tickets and information. Also see my Restaurants in Orange Beach
National Parks Free Entrance Day, August 4, 2023
Kick off the weekend early by spending the first August Friday at your favorite US Gulf Coast National Park property. August 4 is the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act. I will have a hard time choosing between Everglades, Padre Island National Seashore, Gulf Islands National Seashore, and Dry Tortugas. Or other amazing National Park properties, including De Soto National Monument near Anna Maria Island or Jean Lafitte National Historic Park near New Orleans.
Visit the event website for information.
Pro Watercross Tour, Lake Charles, LA, August 5-6, 2023
The Liqui Moly Pro Watercross National Championships event of the Pro Watercross Tour comes to Lake Charles at North Beach. This is the last official event before the world championship in late September in Lake Havasu and participants will compete for double points.
Visit the event website for tickets and information. My favorite place to stay in Lake Charles is L’Auberge Lake Charles.
The Commodores (concert), Biloxi, MS, August 12, 2023
There is so much incredible live music to enjoy in August in Coastal Mississippi. The highlight concert is probably on August 12 at Beau Rivage featuring The Commodores. But you can also catch Ginuwine at IP Casino (Aug 26) or The Doobie Brothers at Mississippi Coast Coliseum (Aug 28), and several live performances at Ground Zero Blues Club Biloxi, 100 Men Hall in Bay St Louis, and other local venues.
Visit the event website for tickets and information. Also see Things to Do in Biloxi and Great Places to Visit for Music Lovers.
St. Pete Sunday Market, St. Pete, FL, August 20, 2023
Enjoy the St. Pete Sunday Market every third Sunday at the Arts Xchange. This free event is family and dog friendly and features live music and painting from local artists, over 80 vendors, and food trucks.
Visit the market website for tickets and information. Also see St Petersburg FL Art Museums
Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge Golf Tournament, Navarre, FL, August 26, 2023
Grab three friends and enroll your foursome for the 4th annual ECWR Golf Tournament at The Club at Hidden Creek in Navarre. All proceeds benefit the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, to to conserve and rehabilitate Florida’s Native Wildlife. Entrance fee includes lunch from Ye Olde Brothers and onsite will be craft beverages, a silent auction, and a raffle.
Visit the event website for tickets and information. Also see my favorite Things to Do in Navarre Beach.
Shoreline Food Truck Festival, Corpus Christi, TX, August 26, 2023
The last Saturday of every month (so also go on July 29!), the Shoreline Food Truck Festival will entice you with an amazing variety of incredible food at one gorgeous waterfront spot. Head to the First United Methodist Church parking lot and choose lunch, dinner, or both. The food trucks are there from noon until 7pm.
Visit the festival website for tickets and information. Also see my favorite Texas Gulf Coast Paddling Trails.
Please let me know of other happy, fun, and cool things to do on US Gulf Coast, festivals, and events in August. Or any month!
See als0 July Gulf Coast events and September Gulf Coast events.