If you're visiting the Gulf Coast in mid-April, there's one event you absolutely shouldn't skip: the **Baldwin County Strawberry Festival** in Loxley, Alabama. What started as a small local gathering has grown into one of the region's most beloved springtime traditions.
The 2026 festival takes place on **April 11–12** at the Loxley Municipal Park. Whether you're staying in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, it's roughly a 30 to 45-minute drive north—the perfect distance for a half-day family excursion away from the sand.
Here is everything you need to know about attending the festival, indulging in the legendary strawberry shortcake, and finding the perfect place to stay nearby.
What to Expect at the Strawberry Festival
Loxley, Alabama sits right in the heart of Baldwin County's agricultural region, making it the perfect setting to celebrate the spring strawberry harvest. Admission to the festival is entirely free, though you'll want to bring cash for food, vendor purchases, and carnival rides.
The main attractions include:
- **The Strawberries:** You can buy flats of locally grown, incredibly fresh strawberries straight from the farmers. But the real star of the show is the festival's famous **strawberry shortcake**, which usually has a line (it moves fast and is 100% worth the wait).
- **Over 160 Arts & Crafts Booths:** Local and regional artisans fill the park, selling everything from handmade jewelry and coastal decor to boutique clothing.
- **Classic Car & Antique Tractor Shows:** Browse hundreds of beautifully restored vintage vehicles and tractors, a nod to the area's deep farming roots.
- **Carnival & Kids' Activities:** A full-scale carnival runs throughout the weekend featuring rides, games, and festival food (think funnel cakes and smoked turkey legs).
- **Live Music:** Local bands and performers play continuously from the main stage, keeping the energy lively all day.
Best of all, this festival is deeply tied to the community: all proceeds benefit the ARC of Baldwin County and Loxley Elementary School, so every shortcake you buy supports a fantastic local cause.
Getting There & Parking
Loxley Municipal Park is located at **4198 Municipal Park Drive, Loxley, AL**.
If you're traveling from Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, simply head north on Highway 59. You'll drive through Foley and Robertsdale before hitting Loxley. It's a straightforward route, though traffic can back up slightly as you get close to the park on festival weekend.
Parking is available in designated lots around the park and at nearby Loxley Elementary. They generally run a shuttle service from the overflow lots, making it easy to get to the gates even if you arrive during peak hours.
Where to Stay for the Festival
Because Loxley is situated inland along the primary highway heading to the beaches (Highway 59), the absolute best way to experience the festival is to book a vacation rental in **Gulf Shores or Orange Beach**. This allows you to spend your mornings at the festival and your afternoons relaxing by the Gulf of Mexico.
### Gulf Shores — The Straight Shot
Gulf Shores is a straight drive south of Loxley down Highway 59. Booking a beachfront condo or a family-friendly house here gives you the easiest commute to the festival while keeping you right on the water.
[Browse Gulf Shores VRBO vacation rentals](https://www.vrbo.com/search?affiliateid=1100l395625&destination=Gulf+Shores) early in the season to secure options with private pools, which are perfect for April weather.
### Orange Beach — Slightly Quieter Coastline
If you prefer to be slightly removed from the Highway 59 traffic, Orange Beach is an outstanding option. Just take the Foley Beach Express south from Loxley directly into Orange Beach.
[Explore Orange Beach rentals on VRBO](https://www.vrbo.com/search?affiliateid=1100l395625&destination=Orange+Beach) to find larger properties that are excellent for groups or multi-family trips. If you prefer the amenities of a resort, [Expedia offers great rates on Gulf Coast hotels](https://www.expedia.com/Hotel-Search?affcid=1100l395625&destination=Gulf+Shores).
Quick Tips for Attending
- **Arrive Early:** The festival runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM both days. The lines for fresh strawberries and shortcake are shortest right when the gates open.
- **Bring Sunscreen & Water:** April weather in South Alabama is typically sunny and warm, hitting the mid-70s. The park has shade, but you'll be walking in the sun quite a bit.
- **Bring Cash:** While many craft vendors accept cards via Square or Venmo, cash is still the best option for parking donations, food stalls, and carnival games.
- **Pace Yourself:** Grab a flat of strawberries on your way *out* to your car so you don't have to carry it around the festival all day!
The Baldwin County Strawberry Festival captures the quintessential Southern charm of the Alabama Gulf Coast area. If you're planning a beach trip in April, make sure to add it to your itinerary—you won't regret it!