A First-Timer’s Guide to Gulf Shore’s Shrimp Festival

If you’re considering heading to Gulf Shores, Alabama, in October, you’re in for an amazing experience—especially if you love seafood and live music!

The Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival is one of the most highly-anticipated annual celebrations that attracts thousands of visitors to the stunning Alabama coast. Whether you’ve already booked one of our Gulf Shores vacation rentals or are still in the early trip planning stages, this guide is here to help fill you in on all the festival details so that you can make the most of your vacation!

What is the Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival?

Photo Credit: tairome

• Website: myshrimpfest.com
• 2024 Dates: October 10th-13th
• Address: 101 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL (where Hwy 59 meets East Beach Blvd.)

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.

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!).

When is the Annual National Shrimp Festival?

The festival is held on the second weekend of October and is always from Thursday through Sunday.

How much does it cost to get in the shrimp festival in Gulf Shores?

Entry to the shrimp festival is free!

Why Book Your Stay for the Gulf Shore Shrimp Festival

One of the best things about the Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival is that it’s not just about the food, but about entertainment as well! From music to arts to activities, there’s a lot on the program that will make it easy for the whole family to enjoy a day out in Gulf Shores.

Food Lovers

Photo Credit: Rimma Bondarenko

If you love seafood, this’ll be heaven! Exploring the festival grounds will lead you past a seemingly-endless range of shrimp dishes, ranging from the traditional fried shrimp and shrimp po’boys to shrimp and grits or shrimp-stuffed jalapeños. And don’t let the name of the festival fool you: shrimp isn’t the only thing on the menu. There are food vendors selling classic fairground foods such as pizza, hot dogs, barbecue, and the like.

Music Fans

You’ll love the incredible live music at the festival! With two stages hosting a wonderful mix of local and regional talent, you can tap your feet to everything from country and classic rock to blues and jazz while you wander around and get your fill of shrimp.

Families

The kiddos are in for a blast, too! The Children’s Activity Village (more on that below) is enough to keep them entertained and occupied with games, crafts, and all sorts of fun activities while you enjoy delicious food.

Shoppers and Art Lovers

There are talented vendors of fine art from all over the country at the festival, showcasing everything from beautiful handmade jewelry and pottery to vibrant paintings and professional photography. If you need a break from eating, stroll through this section and snag a one-of-a-kind souvenir or a special gift for someone back home!

Annual Shrimp Festival Activities

Sand Sculpture Contest

Photo Credit: Feng Cheng

The Sand Sculpture Contest takes place on Saturday of the festival at the lovely west end of the beach, right at the public beach access. It’s a fantastic family-friendly event that gives you a chance to get creative while on vacation–or at least appreciate other people’s artistry.

Sand Castle University will also be on-site to lend a hand with sand sculpting tools and expert tips so everyone can join in the fun! If you choose to enter (teams up to four are allowed) the first place team wins a cash prize!

Children’s Activity Village

The Annual National Shrimp Festival is all about family fun, so you can bet there will be dedicated programming for the kids! The Children’s Activity Village is filled with all sorts of hands-on activities, like supervised arts, crafts, and games. Previous festivals have even included a rock climbing wall and an inflatable castle, which is perfect for burning off extra energy.

Shrimp Festival Quirks Worth Mentioning

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan your visit:

• Parking: We want you make sure you avoid any parking headaches so that you can get straight to having fun! There are parking lots close to the festival where you can pay for parking, but for the sake of sanity, we’d suggest taking advantage of the festival’s shuttle service. You can buy a shuttle armband ticket for $5, which allows unlimited rides. Note that children under 5 are not allowed on the shuttle.
• Cash is King: Although most vendors welcome credit cards, it’s a smart idea to bring some cash along, if for no other reason than avoiding long ATM lines.
• Weather: The October sun can be pretty bright, so make sure to pack your sunscreen, comfy sunglasses, and a cozy hat to stay protected.

Other Things to Do While in Town for the Festival

If you’re visiting for the festival, why not explore all the the rest of Gulf Shores while you’re there? Here are some fun suggestions for activities to add to your itinerary:

Explore the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

Photo Credit: George Dodd III

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a great family-friendly option to add to your day. Explore the animal kingdom with their special up-close animal encounters or behind-the-scenes tours.

Take a Dolphin Cruise

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are famous for their rich marine life, and a fantastic way to experience it is by hopping on a dolphin cruise! There are plenty of companies in the area that offer boat tours, allowing you to get up close and personal (or at least catch a glimpse of) playful dolphins frolicking in the surf.

Where to Get Your Fill of Shrimp if Your Vacation Doesn’t Align with the Dates

Photo Credit: Dragon Images

If your Gulf Shores vacation doesn’t fall on the same dates as the Shrimp Festival, not to worry–there are still plenty of restaurants where you can get your shrimp fix. Here are a few must-try spots for great food:

• The Shrimp Basket: They love “keeping it shrimple” at the Shrimp Basket, a classic Gulf Shores hangout. offers a wide variety of shrimp dishes, from shrimp tacos to shrimp covered in their signature boom boom sauce. It’s a great casual spot to grab a fresh and quick meal.
• King Neptune’s Seafood Restaurant: A family-owned institution that’s been serving shrimp for over 25 years, King Neptune’s serves up its food fresh, from boat to table. They also have a happy hour all day, every day.

Book Your October Stay in Gulf Shores

Whether you’re heading to beautiful Gulf Shores for the first time or are a seasoned visitor, the Shrimp Festival is an absolute must-see if your visit falls in early October. And if you’re staying with us, you’ve got the ideal spot to kick back and unwind after a day full of festival excitement.

Book your Harris Vacations stay today to make sure that you don’t miss out!