Hey beach lovers! I’m super excited to share everything you need to know about the upcoming National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama. As someone who’s been covering Gulf Coast events for years, this is definitely one of my favorite festivals to write about!
️ 2025 Festival Dates and Times
Mark your calendars for these important dates
- When: October 9-12, 2025
- Hours:
- Thursday – Saturday: 10 AM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Where: 101 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 (at Hwy 59 and East Beach Blvd)
- Cost: FREE admission! (Yep, you read that right!)
What Makes This Festival Special?
Y’all. this ain’t just any regular festival – it’s been running for over 50 years! The Annual National Shrimp Festival brings together nearly 250000 people for four amazing days of
- Delicious seafood (obviously!)
- Live music on multiple stages
- Local art exhibits
- Fun family activities
- Beautiful beach views
Food You Can’t Miss
Listen up foodies! Here’s what you absolutely gotta try:
- Gulf Shrimp (prepared every way imaginable!)
- Cajun pistols
- Conch fritters
- Crab cakes
- Fish tacos
- Shrimp Po’boys
Not a seafood fan? No worries! They’ve got:
- Burgers
- Pizza
- Hot dogs
- Pasta
- Salads
- Various desserts
Entertainment & Activities
Music Stages
- Two entertainment stages running all 4 days
- Over 40 musical acts performing
- Variety of genres:
- Country
- Classic rock
- Jazz
- Motown
- Local acts
Family Fun
- Children’s Activity Village
- Face painting
- Bubble truck
- Play equipment
- Sand Sculpture Contest (Saturday)
- Age categories: 5-10, 11-15, 16+, Family
- Cash prizes and trophies!
Sports Events
- 10K Race (7:30 AM start)
- 5K Race (7:45 AM start)
Parking & Transportation Tips
Here’s what ya need to know about getting there:
Shuttle Service ($5/day)
- Unlimited rides with wristband
- Multiple pickup locations:
- Pelican Place Shopping Center
- Erie H. Meyer Civic Center
- Waves Grocery
- Rouses Grocery
- Lake Shelby
Road Closures
- West Gulf Place parking lot closes October 7
- Highway 59 closes at 1st Avenue October 8
- Highway 182 closes between East 1st and West 3rd Streets October 8
Pro Tips From a Local
- Come hungry! The food options are endless
- Bring a shopping bag for purchases
- Arrive early for better parking
- Use the shuttle service to avoid parking hassles
- Bring cash for vendors
- Pack sunscreen and water
- Leave pets at home (they’re not allowed on festival grounds)
Where to Stay
Book your accommodations early! The festival brings huge crowds to Gulf Shores, Some popular options include
- Beach condos
- Hotels
- Vacation rentals
- RV parks
Wrapping Up
The Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival is hands down one of the best events on the Alabama coast! With free admission, amazing food, and tons of entertainment, it’s perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking for a fun beach weekend.
Got questions about the festival? Drop ’em in the comments below! And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more Gulf Coast event updates and travel tips!
P.S. – Y’all better come hungry, cause there’s gonna be some seriously good eatin’!
Savor the best fresh-caught shrimp in the world during the 31st Annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival, featuring unique shrimp dishes from the region’s foremost restaurants and chefs.
FREE ADMISSION!
HENRY C. CHAMBERS WATERFRONT PARK • DOWNTOWN BEAUFORT, SOUTH CAROLINA
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Please click the button below to download the Craft Vendor Application. Email your completed application to [email protected]
Little River Shrimp Festival – Local News
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.
What is the shrimp festival in Gulf Shores?
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Mark your calendars for the 52nd Annual Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores on October 9-12. This food-focused festival features 50 local and regional vendors serving crab cakes, conch fritters, lobster, Cajun pistols and many other types of delicious food.
How much does it cost to go to the Little River Shrimp Festival?
Admission is $10 per person (per day) at the gate. Children 12 & Under are free. There are no discount tickets. The festival is proud to support these community efforts.
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.
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:
When is the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores Alabama?
GULF SHORES, Ala. (WKRG) — South Alabama’s celebration of the seafood industry is scheduled to return to Gulf Shores. 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:
When is the National Shrimp Festival 2025?
Recurring daily Mark your calendars for Oct. 9-12, 2025, and join us in Gulf Shores, Alabama, for the 52nd Annual National Shrimp Festival! Shrimp: Boiled, fried, steamed—served just about any way you can imagine! Seafood Favorites: Crab cakes, conch fritters, lobster, and more.
What’s happening at Shrimp Festival?
Four days of music on two stages will fill the air of the Shrimp Festival grounds. Our schedule features a variety of local talent and nationwide touring acts ready to play new hits and old favorites. Whether you like country, rock, blues, jazz, r&b, etc – we’ll have something for ya at the Fest! The best part?
Why should you visit the National Shrimp Festival?
The Annual National Shrimp Festival is a tradition that’s been going strong for more than 50 years! So if your vacation dates have some flexibility, we’d recommend swinging by to get a taste of history, culture, and of course, some of the freshest seafood you can imagine (over 200lbs of shrimp, to be exact!).
What is a shrimp fest food vendor?
A shrimp fest food vendor hands a plate to a customer. Lawrence Specker | [email protected] Mid-October is a great time to be in Gulf Shores. Unless you’re a shrimp.