GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, AL - No matter the time of year, there’s always something happening on the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Festivals and events of all kinds will fill the calendar in 2016, including events for foodies, music lovers and art enthusiasts. If you’re planning a winter orearly spring beach vacation, mark your calendar for these fun events that are suitable for the entire family.

Mardi Gras is an entire season of fun on the Alabama Gulf Coast. With the birthplace of Carnival just a short drive away in Mobile, Alabama, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have their share of festivities, including parades and balls. Parades begin as early as Jan. 9 and end on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 9.

There will be parades in Orange Beach on Feb. 5 and Feb. 6 and on Fat Tuesday parades will roll in Gulf Shores at 10 a.m. and in Orange Beach at 2 p.m.

The 22nd Annual Super Chili Bowl Cook Off is slated for Feb. 6 at Flora-Bama. Teams dress up to show their team spirit for their favorite Super Bowl team. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life. The event begins at 10 a.m. on Super Bowl Saturday.

Come tie the knot, again, at the Eighth Annual Tropical Re-Union Wedding Vow Renewal Ceremony on Feb. 13 at 11 a.m. at LuLu’s in Gulf Shores. Participants are treated to a complimentary champagne toast, wedding cake and flowers for the brides.

Seafood lovers and car enthusiasts alike will feel at home at the 24th Annual Orange Beach Seafood Festival and Car Show on Feb. 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Main Street at The Wharf. The annual event is spearheaded by the Orange Beach Sports Association and proceeds are used to purchase uniforms, equipment, insurance and other sports-related activities in the Orange Beach community.

The festival is a full day of food, arts and crafts, and live music. The car show features antique, classic and muscle cars. The festival’s Kids Zone features a climbing wall, inflatables and a children’s performance pavilion.

The Gulf Coast Arts Alliance will host the Waterway Village Festival of Art on March 5 and 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. With a scenic backdrop of the Intracoastal Canal, festival-goers will enjoy fine art, live music, performing arts and local cuisine.