53rd Annual Shrimp Festival
Mark your calendars for the 53rd Annual Shrimp Fest in Gulf Shores on October 8-11. This festival features 50+ vendors serving crab cakes, conch fritters, lobster, Cajun pistols and more. You can enjoy fresh Gulf shrimp just about any way you can imagine. The highlight is, of course, the shrimp, but there is much more to enjoy!
“The Annual National Shrimp Festival has been cancelled due to Tropical Storm Isaias. Event organizers made every effort to move forward with the festival this year. However, due to the forecast of high winds, heavy surf, and rain throughout the weekend, the safety of our visitors, vendors, volunteers, and staff must remain our top priority. We appreciate everyone’s understanding as we make this difficult decision.” - Coastal Alabama Business Chamber
Celebrate the Spirit of Shrimp Fest
The Hurricane Isaias may have canceled this year’s 53rd Annual National Shrimp Festival, but it can’t wash away the Shrimp Fest spirit! You can still bring the party home with the official Shrimp Festival Merch.
Shrimp Fest Activities
Live Music
Get ready to dance in the sand to more than 100 hours of musical entertainment featuring a lineup of national, regional, and local acts. There will be musical acts to please all ears, with two stages offering non-stop music for four days. You’ll tap your feet to blues, Motown, classic rock, jazz, country, and even more styles of music. The 2026 lineup will be announced soon!
Art Booths & Children's Activities
Art lovers can peruse arts and crafts at more than 150 booths. From paintings and pottery to jewelry, you’ll discover fine art and unique crafts from local creators. It’s a great place to score a gift for that hard-to-buy-for person in your life or treat yourself to something special. Kids can participate in a myriad of activities in the Children's Activity Village, including face-painting, a bubble truck, airbrush tattoos, and much more.
Sand Sculpture Contest
Don’t forget to enter the annual sand sculpture contest with your family! On Saturday, teams will head to the sand to see who can create the best sand sculpture. The winners of each category will win cash prizes and, of course, bragging rights!
Shrimp Festival Races
Lace up your running shoes and plan on joining runners and walkers at the starting line of the two races. Participants can enter the 10K and 5K races to help work off some of the great food at the festival. All net proceeds of the Run will be donated to Coastal Baldwin Education Enrichment, benefiting the local Gulf Shores and Orange Beach public schoo
Coming for an Event? Book Your Stay!
Whatever your vacation style, Alabama’s Beaches have the perfect spot for you. Start planning by choosing your dates and group size, and explore the best vacation rentals in Gulf Shores, comfortable places to stay in Orange Beach, or the charming rentals of Fort Morgan. With verified listings, secure payments, and real support, there are plenty of reasons why you should book with us.
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Every October, Alabama’s Beaches come alive for the National Shrimp Festival, a tradition that started back in 1971 to celebrate the local seafood industry and extend the season. Here’s the story in under a minute! 🦐
Let's
Enjoy fresh seafood straight from the Gulf at the annual Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The National Shrimp Festival celebrates the very best of coastal Alabama with fresh and delicious seafood, local art, live music, and more.
SHOP OUR MERCH
