National Shrimp Festival
Join the Annual National Shrimp Festival, Alabama's original beach party, for a four-day celebration of food, music, and art. For over 50 years, this volunteer-driven event has brought together hundreds of thousands of people on the beautiful beaches of Coastal Alabama. Enjoy diverse musical acts, explore unique art and crafts, and savor shrimp prepared in countless ways, alongside a wide variety of other culinary options.
What to Expect
Alabama's original beach party with over 50 years of tradition.
Event Details
Duration
4 days
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Gulf Shores
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Coastal Alabama Business Chamber
Food & Drink
Shrimp prepared in numerous ways, a great variety of seafood and non-seafood favorites including chicken, burgers, pizza, hot dogs, and pasta. Full bar and restaurant options are not explicitly mentioned, but food vendors offer a wide range.
Local Insight & Ratings
Scare Factor
Family Friendly
Best For
Foodies, families, music lovers, art enthusiasts
Vibe
Festive, lively, beachy, community-oriented
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
FREE
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: FREE
- Parking: Parking is first come, first serve at and around the festival site, managed by private owners. Shuttle services are highly recommended. ADA accessible parking is available at East Gulf Place Gulf Shores Resident Parking Lot. Shuttle wristbands are $6 per day (cards only, no cash) and offer unlimited rides.
- Accessibility: ADA Accessible parking is available at the East Gulf Place Gulf Shores Resident Parking Lot (201 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542). Two shuttle stops, Pelican Place and Rouses Market in Orange Beach, also feature ADA accessible shuttles. Children under 5 are not allowed on shuttle buses.
- Pets: No pets allowed
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early or utilize the recommended shuttle services to navigate parking, as it is first-come, first-served and managed by private owners.
- Bring a credit card for shuttle wristbands, as cash is not accepted for transportation to and from the festival.
- Check the shuttle schedule in advance, noting that Thursday's service begins later due to student dismissal.
- While shrimp is the star, explore the wide variety of other food options available from nearly 300 vendors.
- Leave pets at home, as they are strictly prohibited from the festival grounds and all Gulf Shores beaches.
Special Events & Promotions
- Over 50 years of tradition
- Volunteer-driven event
- Nearly 250,000 attendees
- Two entertainment stages
- Almost 300 vendors
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost to attend the festival?
Admission to the Annual National Shrimp Festival is free for everyone.
When is the festival held?
The festival is always held the second full weekend in October, from Thursday through Sunday.
Can I bring a cooler or pets to the festival?
No coolers are allowed inside the festival grounds, and pets are strictly prohibited from the festival area and all Gulf Shores beaches.
What kind of food is available?
While shrimp is the main attraction, food vendors offer a wide variety of options including chicken, burgers, pizza, hot dogs, and pasta.
How does the shuttle service work?
Shuttle wristbands are $6 per day (card only) and provide unlimited rides to and from the festival. Several stops are available, with two offering ADA accessible shuttles. Note that children under 5 are not permitted on the buses.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.