Hey beach lovers and seafood enthusiasts! I’m super excited to share everything about one of Alabama’s biggest and most delicious events – the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores. As someone who’s been covering local events for years, lemme tell you all about this amazing festival that’s been making waves for over 50 years!
When Is It Happening? Mark Your Calendars!
The 52nd Annual National Shrimp Festival is scheduled for:
- Dates: October 9-12, 2025
- Times:
- Thursday to Saturday: 10 AM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Where’s The Party At?
You’ll find all the action at
- Gulf Shores Public Beach
- 101 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
- Right at the intersection of Highway 59 and East Beach Boulevard
What’s It Gonna Cost Me?
Here’s the best part – IT’S FREE! Yup you heard that right! The festival entry won’t cost you a dime. But don’t forget
- Shuttle service: $5/day per person
- Kids under 5 can’t ride the shuttles (sorry, parents!)
What Can You Expect? Let’s Break It Down!
1. Mouthwatering Food
We’re talking about
- 50+ food vendors
- Shrimp prepared every way imaginable
- Local seafood specialties
- Cajun delicacies
- Non-seafood options (for those weird friends who don’t like shrimp )
2. Live Entertainment
Two stages featuring:
- Country music
- Classic rock
- Jazz
- R&B
- Local talents
- National touring acts
3. Shopping Paradise ️
With over 120 vendors, you’ll find:
- Local art
- Handmade jewelry
- Beach-themed decor
- Unique crafts
- Clothing and accessories
4. Fun Activities
- Sand sculpture contests
- Children’s Activity Village
- Miss Shrimp Festival Pageant
- Golf Challenge for Education
5. Sports Events ♀️
On Saturday, October 11th:
- 5K Race
- 10K Race
- Both at Orange Beach Sportsplex
Pro Tips for Festival-Goers
-
Parking Strategy:
- Use the shuttle service
- Buy your wristband at shuttle stops
- Consider using the bike valet service
-
Best Times to Visit:
- Early mornings are less crowded
- Weekdays tend to be calmer than weekends
- Sunset hours offer perfect photo ops
-
What to Bring:
- Sunscreen (duh!)
- Cash for vendors
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water bottle
- Small cooler (check guidelines)
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It!
I gotta tell ya, this ain’t just any regular festival. We’re talking about:
- 250,000+ visitors annually
- 50+ years of tradition
- Alabama’s original beach party
- Community-driven event
- Perfect excuse for a beach vacation!
Save Some Cash!
Don’t forget to:
- Download the Alabama Beaches Savings Scorecard
- Book accommodations early
- Check myshrimpfest.com for updates
- Follow social media for special deals
Need More Info?
- Phone: (251) 974-1510
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: myshrimpfest.com
Y’all, this is gonna be epic! The National Shrimp Festival is one of those events that just keeps getting better every year. Whether you’re a foodie, music lover, art enthusiast, or just looking for a good time, this festival’s got something for everyone.
Trust me, I’ve been to my fair share of festivals, but there’s something special about enjoying fresh Gulf shrimp while listening to live music with your toes in the sand. It’s definitely worth marking your calendars for!
See ya at the festival! Don’t forget to say hi if you spot me stuffing my face with shrimp!
#GulfShores #ShrimpFest2025 #AlabamaBeaches #FoodFestival #BeachLife
You are here (25 968-6091
If 200 pounds of shrimp prepared nearly every way imaginable, every day, for four days straight, is your idea of a fun weekend, we look forward to seeing you there. The National Shrimp Festival frequently attracts over 300,000 visitors to Gulf Shores, AL from around the world to enjoy shrimp, of course, but also a wonderful celebration of food and fun.
Aside from the shrimp, the festivals incredible selection of seafood is sure to include crab cakes, conch fritters, lobster, and cajun pistols, to name a few items. The weekend features seafood sampling, cooking demonstrations, and the annual Restaurant Challenge, where the region’s best chefs compete for a coveted spot at the World Food Championship.
The festival includes over 100 hours of entertainment, almost 300 vendors, art, shopping, and even a few sporting events such as a 5K and a golf tournament. Best of all, the admission to the festival itself is FREE for everyone.
Festival location: The festival is held at the public beach access in Gulf Shores where Hwy 59 ends and intersects with Hwy 182.
Festival hours:10 AM Thursday, October 9, 2025 through 5 PM Sunday, October 12, 2025
Festival parking: Parking is first-come, first-serve in and around the area, but it is highly suggested that your groups take advantage of the B.R.A.T.S. shuttle service to get to and from the festival.
50th Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores,Alabama
FAQ
How much does it cost to get in the shrimp festival in Gulf Shores?
A: The festival is free! You pay for any food and beverage you are interested in tasting and that’s it! Q: When did the Annual National Shrimp Festival begin? A: The Annual National Shrimp Festival began in 1971 in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Where is the shrimp festival in Gulf Shores?
Festival location: The festival is held at the public beach access in Gulf Shores where Hwy 59 ends and intersects with Hwy 182.
What makes Gulf Shores shrimp Fest so popular?
Live Music and Entertainment
The beats of lively tunes and the sounds of joyous laughter fill the air at the National Shrimp Festival. With multiple stages hosting an eclectic mix of bands and musicians, you can groove to everything from country and blues to rock and jazz.
How many people attend the Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival?
101 Gulf Shores Pkwy. Savor fresh from the Gulf seafood at the Annual National Shrimp Festival during this four-day event that attracts over 300,000 people. The festival will host more than 100 hours of musical entertainment featuring a lineup of national, regional, and local acts.
What is the Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival?
A fantastic four-day event, the Gulf Shores’ Shrimp Fest takes seafood to the next level with an incredible variety of shrimp dishes, arts and crafts vendors, lively music, and activities for everyone to enjoy. The Annual National Shrimp Festival is a tradition that’s been going strong for more than 50 years!
When is the National Shrimp Festival?
According to event organizers, the 51st Annual National Shrimp Festival will be held from Thursday, Oct. 10, through Sunday, Oct. 13, at the public beach access in Gulf Shores, 101 Gulf Shores Parkway. Here’s the schedule: EVENT LOCATION:
What is shrimp Fest?
Whether you like paintings, sculpture, jewelry, or arts & crafts, Shrimp Fest is for you! The Annual National Shrimp Festival is a project of the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber. ©2023, All rights reserved. Official website of the Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama. A project of the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber.
What to do in Gulf Shores in October?
If your Gulf Shores vacation is in October, there’s a chance that you’ll catch this cherished tradition. A fantastic four-day event, the Gulf Shores’ Shrimp Fest takes seafood to the next level with an incredible variety of shrimp dishes, arts and crafts vendors, lively music, and activities for everyone to enjoy.
Is National Shrimp Festival dog friendly?
Is National Shrimp Festival dog-friendly or service-animal only? No pets are allowed at the Festival. Is National Shrimp Festival rain or shine? Is National Shrimp Festival all ages?
What is the Shrimp Festival Run?
The Shrimp Festival Run is a 5k and 10k race that is a Shrimp Fest tradition dating back to 1977. It started as a 5 mile race but has evolved over the years. The Children’s Activity Village includes face-painting, karaoke, and more to keep the little ones amused.