10/08/2026 to 10/11/2026
If 200 pounds of shrimp prepared nearly every way imaginable, every day, for four days straight, is your idea of a fun weekend, we look forward to seeing you there. The National Shrimp Festival frequently attracts over 300,000 visitors to Gulf Shores, AL from around the world to enjoy shrimp, of course, but also a wonderful celebration of food and fun.
Aside from the shrimp, the festival's incredible selection of seafood is sure to include crab cakes, conch fritters, lobster, and cajun pistols, to name a few items. The weekend features seafood sampling, cooking demonstrations, and the annual Restaurant Challenge, where the region’s best chefs compete for a coveted spot at the World Food Championship.
The festival includes over 100 hours of entertainment, almost 300 vendors, art, shopping, and even a few sporting events such as 10K and 5K races. Best of all, the admission to the festival itself is FREE for everyone.
Festival hours:
10 AM Thursday, October 8, 2026
through 5 PM Sunday, October 11, 2026
Festival parking: Parking is first-come, first-serve in and around the area, but it is highly suggested that your groups take advantage of the B.R.A.T.S. shuttle service to get to and from the festival.