The Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival is one of the biggest events of the year. Get ready to enjoy amazing food, live music, great shopping, crafts, and more!
Gulf Shores 51st Annual Shrimp Festival
2024 Dates - October 10 - 13th, 2024 (Thursday to Sunday)
Hours - Thursday - Saturday 10 am - 10 pm, Sunday 10 am - 5 pm
Location - Gulf Place Beach Walkway and grassy area. 101 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores
The intersection of Hwy 59 and East Beach Blvd.
Cost - Free!
The Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival is a volunteer-driven event that locals and visitors look forward to every year.
The four-day event is a project of the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber. You can't get a better location next to the beautiful beaches of Coastal Alabama.
Get ready for multiple entertainment stages, a children's activity village, Gulf seafood, and fun! Gulf Shores
Things to do at the Shrimp Festival
Festival highlights include regional vendors, local and national musical acts, food vendors with delicious seafood, and more.
Eat
Please come hungry to the Shrimp Festival! There are so many food vendors you are going to want to try.
When I walked through my first Shrimp Festival, I was so in awe of the options that I ended up walking up and down the food booths a few times to decide what we had to try.
Food you need to try:
- Gulf Shrimp boiled, fried, steamed, and...
- Cajun pistols
- Conch Fritters
- Crab Cakes
- Fish tacos
- Shrimp Po'boys
Don't worry if you don't eat or enjoy seafood. You can also find burgers, pizza, hot dogs, pasta, desserts, salads, and more.
Look for "Best of the Fest" signs to see food vendors that have won awards at previous Shrimp Festivals.
2023 Best of the Fest Food vendor winner - Florida's Fine Food for their shrimp etouffee.
Live Music
Over 40 acts will play during the Annual National Shrimp Festival, providing hours of musical entertainment!
Musical acts include jazz, classic rock, 80s rock, Motown, and local acts.
East Stage near Phoenix All Suites • West Stage near green area & sail shade
2024 Entertainment highlights include:
Saturday, October 12, 8 pm - 10 pm, West State - The Velcro Pygmies
Saturday, October 12th, 8 pm - 10 pm, East Stage - Karen Waldrup, The Voice season 25 finalist
Thursday, October 10th
East Stage
- Lisa Christian - 10:00 am to 11:30 am
- Strickly Chandler - 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
- Wolfy Grin - 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
- High Cotton - 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
- Multi N Funk - 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
- Troy Laz Band - 8:00 pm - 10 pm
West Stage
- Lefty Collins - 10:00 am to 11:30 am
- Chase Brown - 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
- Blue Plate Mayo Best of Fest Award - 1:30 pm to 1:40 pm
- The Defrosters - 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
- Elvis Remembered - 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
- Style - 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 pm
- Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster - 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Friday, October 11th
East Stage
- Ashley Raines - 10:00 am to 11:30 am
- Gringo Fife - 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
- Boukou Groove - 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
- The Platinum Premier Band - 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
- Disco Kiss - 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
- Slippery When Wet: Bon Jovi Tribute - 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
West Stage
- Jesse Taylor Perry - 10 am to 11:30 am
- Group Therapy - 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
- High Octane Band - 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
- Jenna McClelland - 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
- Best of British: Queen & AC/DC Tribute - 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Saturday, October 12th
East Stage
- Miss Shrimp Festival Presentation - 10:00 am to 10:15 am
- Brent Burns - 10:15 am to 11:30 am
- First Rodeo - 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- MidLife Crisis LA - 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
- Journey2Mars - 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
- Still Standing: A Tribute to Elton John - 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
- Karen Waldrup - 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
West Stage
- Singing for Scholarships Competition - 10:00 am to 1 pm
- Miles Flatt Band - 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
- Grits & Greens - 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
- Almost Skynard - 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
- The Velcro Pygmies - 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Sunday, October 13th
East Stage
- Summit Church Service - 10:00 am to 11:30 am
- Mel Knapp - 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
- Undertow Band - 2:00 pm to 3:15 pm
- NoonDay Drivers - 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
West Stage
- Logan Lassiter - 10:00 am to 11:30 am
- Jayson Harper - 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
- Strutt Douglas - 2:00 pm to 3:15 pm
- The Groovinators - 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Shopping!
During the festival, you can enjoy arts & crafts, including fine arts, retail vendors, and more. There are close to 300 vendors that will have displays during the event.
I would suggest bringing a bag to carry any purchases home with you. If you have a BOGG beach bag or something similar, it would work great for holding small bags.
Vendors sell jewelry, unique crafts, door hangers, calendars, photo art, paintings, and more. At my first Shrimp Festival, I was shocked at how many things I wanted to bring home with me.
Sand Sculpture Contest
On Saturday, there is a fun sand sculpture contest held at the west end of the beach. Registration and sand sculpture building starts at 11 am. Judging will be at 3 pm.
Sand Castle University will be on the beach, providing live demonstrations during the content. Sand Castle University is also doing live demonstrations on Friday at 1 pm, 2:30 pm and 4 pm.
The Sand Sculpture content age categories include:
- 5-10 years
- 11-15 years
- 16 years & up – Adult
- Family (all ages) - If you wish to help your child/children, please enter the “Family” category.
There are prizes for each category!
- Winner: Cash Prize, (1) Sand Sculpture Trophy per team, (1) ribbon & (1) poster per team member (limit 4)
- 2nd Place: (1) Ribbon & (1) poster per team member (limit 4)
- 3rd Place: (1) Ribbon & (1) poster per team member (limit 4)
- Honorable Mention: (1) Ribbon & (1) poster per team member (limit 4)
10K and 5K Shrimp Festival Races
10K starts at 7:30 am, 5k starts at 7:45 am
The Annual National Shrimp Festival races make their way around the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Orange Beach and Gulf Shores High School Cross Country and Track teams.
Kid's Activity Village
There is a great area designated for kids to have fun. Kids can enjoy arts, crafts, games, and so much more.
In past years, there has been face painting, the bubble truck, and play equipment.
Things to know when attending the Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival
Parking
Parking for the Shrimp Festival is first come, first served. I will warn you now that it can get very crowded quickly during the festival.
Local businesses and private homeowners will set up parking spaces for a parking fee during the festival.
ADA Accessible Parking
ADA Accessible parking credentials are needed to utilize the ADA lot on the west side of Gulf Island Grill Restaurant (244 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores).
The lot can be accessed by traveling west on Beach Blvd. There is a security guard at the entrance who will check credentials for access to the lot.
Park and Ride Shuttle Service
For $5.00 a day, you can use the Park and Ride Shuttle Service. Enjoy unlimited rides to and from the festival on the day of the purchase with your wristbands.
Children under the age of 5 are not allowed on the shuttle bus due to state law. Proceeds from the shuttle service go to the Gulf Shores City Schools Dolphin Athletic Club and Band Booster Club.
Shuttle Schedule
- Thursday, October 10: 1:30 pm - 10:15 pm
- Friday, October 11: 9:45 am - 10:15 pm
- Saturday, October 12: 9:45 am - 10:15 pm
- Sunday, October 13: 9:45 am - 5:15 pm
Shuttle Stops/Parking Locations
- Pelican Place Shopping Center, Gulf Shores
- Erie H. Meyer Civic Center, Gulf Shores – 1930 W 2nd Street
- Waves Grocery, Gulf Shores – 1154 West Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores
- Rouses Grocery, Orange Beach - 25405 Perdido Beach Blvd
- Lake Shelby, Gulf State Park
The East shuttle will drop off at the East Gulf Place Public Beach Access, The North/West Shuttle will drop off at the corner of West 2nd St and West Beach BLVD.
Accessible Shuttle Stops
- Pelican Place - Gulf Shores
- Rouses Market - Orange Beach
Road Closures
- The West Gulf Place parking lot will close to the public beginning Monday, October 7, to be utilized for tent and food vendor setup.
- Highway 59 will be closed at 1st Avenue beginning Tuesday, October 8.
- Highway 182 (Gulf Beach Boulevard) will be closed to the public between East 1st Street and West 3rd Street, in front of Gulf Place Public Beach, beginning Tuesday, October 8.
- East Gulf Place (Resident Parking Lot) will be closed to the public beginning Thursday, October 10, and will be utilized as vendor parking and shuttle location.
- Eastbound traffic toward Orange Beach should consider using Highway 180 East or State Park Road Highway 135 as alternate routes.
Pets
Pets are not allowed on the festival grounds.
Where to stay during the Shrimp Festival
If you are visiting from out of town and need to book accommodations here are our recommendations based on staying at these locations.
The Beach Club Resort and Spa (Fort Morgan) - This resort offers beachfront condos, tons of amazing amenities, and a great spa.
Turquoise Place Luxury Vacation Rentals (Orange Beach) - This is our favorite resort in the area! Luxury amenities, epic beachfront views, and the condos are unbelievable.
Springhill Suites Orange Beach - Located next to The Wharf it is a great location off of the beach. We enjoyed their gorgeous pool.
The Lodge at Gulf State Park - Located on the beach in Gulf State Park, this Hilton Hotel offers epic beach views, a sustainable hotel experience, and great restaurants.
This map will show you the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area.
Additional Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Articles
New Restaurants Gulf Shores - Check out all of the new restaurants and fun things happening in town.
Best couples thing to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - The perfect activities and things to do for couples enjoying a getaway.
Fine dining in Gulf Shores - Where to go for a great date night or celebration in Gulf Shores.
Best Breakfast and Brunch in Gulf Shores - One of the best things about Gulf Shores Restaurants is all of the local diners and breakfast spots. From local coffee shops to breakfast diners, there is something for everyone.
Family-friendly restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - Great kid friendly restaurants the entire family will love.
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!
Check out our January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December Event Guides to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach!
We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Perdido Key, and more.
Watch for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!
Check out our Facebook and Instagram and TikTok pages for more great ideas for the Gulf Coast.
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