Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival 2025

The Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival ranks among the most significant annual gatherings. Prepare to savor delicious cuisine, live performances, excellent shopping, handmade items, and much more!

Short version: No time to read the entire article? Here are my key highlights:

🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals

📍Tours

Gulf Shores’ 51st Annual Shrimp Festival

2025 Dates– October 9 to 12, 2025 (Thursday through Sunday)

Hours: Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location– Gulf Place Beach Path and open grassy space. 101 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores

The crossing of Hwy 59 and East Beach Boulevard

Cost – Free!

The Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival is an event organized by volunteers that is eagerly anticipated by both residents and tourists annually.

The four-day gathering is organized by the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber. There’s no better spot than being near the stunning beaches of Coastal Alabama.

Prepare for various entertainment stages, a children’s activity area, Gulf seafood, and enjoyment! Gulf Shores

Activities at the Shrimp Festival

Key attractions of the festival are local and national music performances, regional vendors, food stalls offering tasty seafood, and other activities.

Eat

Bring your appetite to the Shrimp Festival! You’ll find numerous food vendors that you’ll be eager to sample.

As I made my way through my first Shrimp Festival, I was completely amazed by the variety available, which led me to circle the food stalls several times to figure out what we needed to sample.

Dishes you should sample:

Gulf Shrimp prepared by boiling, frying, steaming, and…
Cajun pistols
Conch Fritters
Crab Cakes
Fish tacos
Shrimp Po’boys

Don’t be concerned if you don’t consume or like seafood. There are also options such as burgers, pizza, hot dogs, pasta, desserts, salads, and other items available.

Check for “Best of the Fest” indicators to find food vendors that have received recognition at past Shrimp Festivals.

2023 Best of the Fest Food Vendor Winner – Florida’s Fine Food for their shrimp etouffee.

Live Music

More than 40 performers will take the stage at the Annual National Shrimp Festival, offering numerous hours of musical enjoyment!

Musical performances feature jazz, classic rock, 80s rock, Motown, and local artists.

East Stage located near Phoenix All Suites • West Stage located near green area and sail shade

Highlights of the 2025 entertainment scene feature: Style, The Troy Laz Band, The Molly Ringwalds, The Velcro Pygmies, Doctor Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster, Crab Riot, and the Groovinators.

Thursday – October 9th

East Stage:

Lisa Christian – 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Tophat and Jackie – 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Ryan Balthrop – 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Sure, likely – 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The Wildflowers: Tom Petty Tribute – 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Time – 8:00 p.m. to 10 p.m.

West Stage

Lefty Collins – 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
The 222s – 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Group Session – 2:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.
No Simple Task – 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Eagle Sunrise: Eagles Cover Band – 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Troy Laz Band – 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Friday • October 10th

East Stage

Alan Renfroe – 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Chitlin Switch – 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Gringo Fife – 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Rockstarfish – 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Bay Bridge Band – 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
The Molly Ringwalds – 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM

West Stage

Riley Lynn – 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Kat Deal – 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Undertow Band – 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
The Elite Top Band – 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Grab Sideways – 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The Fasten-Clasp Tribes – 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Saturday • October 11th

East Stage

Miss Shrimp Festival Speech – 10:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
Brent Burns – 10:15 AM to 11:30 AM
Strict Rivers – 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Elvis Honored – 2:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.
Parris Band – 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Popular Group – 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Doctor Zarr’s Incredible Groovy Creature – 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM

West Stage

Singing for Scholarships Event – 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Sneaky Betty – 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
LA Vagabonds – 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Top British Acts: AC/DC and Def Leppard Cover Show – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Sunday • October 12th

East Stage

Church Service – 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM
Southern Magnolia Trio – 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Howlin’ Grace – 2:00 PM to 3:15 PM
Crab Uprising – 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM

West Stage

Jesse Taylor Perry – 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Chase Brown – 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
High Cotton – 2:00 PM to 3:15 PM
The Groovinators – 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM

Shopping!

During the celebration, you can explore various arts and crafts, such as fine art pieces, retail sellers, and additional offerings. Nearly 300 vendors will showcase their items throughout the event.

I recommend bringing a bag to transport your shopping items. If you own a BOGG beach bag or a comparable one, it will be ideal for carrying smaller bags.

Vendors offer jewelry, one-of-a-kind crafts, door decorations, calendars, photo art, paintings, and other items. During my first Shrimp Festival, I was amazed by the variety of things I wanted to take home with me.

Sand Sculpture Contest

On Saturday, a lively sand sculpture competition takes place at the western part of the beach. Registration and the creation of sand sculptures begin at 11 a.m. The evaluation is scheduled for 3 p.m.

Sand Castle University will be located on the beach, offering live demonstrations throughout the event. Sand Castle University will also be conducting live demonstrations on Friday at 1:00 pm, 2:30 pm, and 4:00 pm.

The content age categories for Sand Sculpture include:

5-10 years
11-15 years
16 years and older – Adult
All ages – If you want to assist your child or children, please select the “Family” category.

Prizes are available for every category!

Winner: Cash Reward, (1) Sand Art Trophy per team, (1) ribbon and (1) poster per team member (maximum 4)
Second Place: (1) Ribbon and (1) poster for each team member (maximum 4)
Third Place: (1) Ribbon and (1) poster for each team member (maximum 4)
Notable Recognition: (1) Ribbon and (1) poster for each team member (maximum 4)

Reserve a Sand Castle University Class for your Familyhere

10K and 5K Shrimp Festival Runs

10K begins at 7:30 AM, while the 5K starts at 7:45 AM.

The yearly National Shrimp Festival competitions take place along the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail.

Funds raised from the event support the Orange Beach and Gulf Shores High School Cross Country and Track teams.

Kid’s Activity Village

A large space has been set aside for children to enjoy themselves. Kids can have fun with art, crafts, games, and many other activities.

In previous years, there have been face painting activities, a bubble truck, and playground equipment.

Essential information to keep in mind while visiting the Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival

Parking

Parking at the Shrimp Festival is available on a first-come, first-served basis. I’m letting you know in advance that it can become extremely busy very quickly throughout the event.

Local enterprises and individual property owners will establish parking areas for a fee throughout the event.

ADA Accessible Parking

ADA-compliant parking permits are required to use the ADA lot located on the west side of Gulf Island Grill Restaurant (244 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores).

The parking area can be reached by heading west on Beach Boulevard. A security officer is stationed at the entrance and will verify identification for entry into the lot.

Parking and Transportation Shuttle Service

Pay $6.00 per day to access the Park and Ride Shuttle Service. Take as many trips as you want to and from the event on the day you buy it, using your wristbands.

Children younger than 5 years old are prohibited from riding the shuttle bus according to state regulations. The revenue generated from the shuttle service is directed towards the Gulf Shores City Schools Dolphin Athletic Club and Band Booster Club.

Shuttle Schedule

Thursday: 1:30 PM to 10:15 PM
Friday: 9:45 AM to 10:15 PM
Saturday: 9:45 AM to 10:15 PM
Sunday: 9:45 in the morning to 5:15 in the afternoon

Shuttle Stops/Parking Locations

Pelican Place Shopping Center, Gulf Shores (Accessible shuttle available)
Waterway Village Lot: 101 Canal Drive
Waves Grocery, Gulf Shores – 1154 West Beach Boulevard, Gulf Shores (Accessible only by walking, no parking available)
Rouses Grocery, Orange Beach – 25405 Perdido Beach Blvd (Wheelchair Accessible Shuttle)

The East shuttle will stop at the East Gulf Place Public Beach Access, while the North/West Shuttle will drop passengers off at the intersection of West 2nd Street and West Beach Boulevard.

Accessible Shuttle Stops

Pelican Place – Gulf Shores
Rouses Market – Orange Beach

Road Closures

The public will no longer be able to access the West Gulf Place parking lot starting Monday, October 7, as it will be used for setting up tents and food vendors.
Highway 59 will shut down at 1st Avenue starting Tuesday, October 8.
State Road 182 (Gulf Beach Boulevard) will be inaccessible to the public from East 1st Street to West 3rd Street, near Gulf Place Public Beach, starting Tuesday, October 8.
The East Gulf Place (Resident Parking Lot) will be inaccessible to the general public starting Thursday, October 10, and will serve as a parking area for vendors and a shuttle point.
Drivers heading east toward Orange Beach are advised to take Highway 180 East or State Park Road Highway 135 as alternative routes.

Pets

Animals are not permitted within the festival area.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Accommodations

If you’re planning a visit and require lodging, here are our suggestions. We have stayed at each of these places to stay:

The Shore Club Resort and Spa (Fort Morgan): This resort provides oceanfront condominiums featuring exceptional facilities and a wonderful spa. Don’t overlook dinner atCoast Restaurant.

Use Code – GULFJOURNEYfor a discount when making a reservation withSpectrum Resort.

Turquoise Place High-End Vacation Accommodations(Orange Beach): This is our top choice resort in the region! It provides high-end facilities, stunning oceanfront scenery, and remarkable condominiums.

Use Code – GULFJOURNEYfor a reduction when reserving withSpectrum Resort.

The Tides Hotel in Orange Beach– Stunning hotel located on the beach offering a wonderful breakfast buffet, an outdoor pool, and exceptional customer service. Reserve nowHere

Island House Hotel– Excellent hotel located in Orange Beach, situated directly on the beach with stunning views from each room. Reserve now.here.

Timberline Glamping Orange Beach– Remain in a remarkable glamping tent featuring a private bathroom just minutes away from Gulf State Park. Reserve nowhere.

Springhill Suites Orange Beach: Situated close to The Wharf, it offers a great spot near shops and restaurants. We loved their beautiful pool. Reservehere

The Cabin at Gulf State ParkSituated along the beach in Gulf State Park, this Hilton Hotel provides stunning ocean vistas, an eco-friendly stay, and excellent dining options. Reserve your roomHERE

The chart below displays the existing hotels and vacation homes in the region. You have the option to choose your visit dates to check available options.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Excursions

Here are some of our top tours offered in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.

Dolphin Tours– Reserve a dolphin tourhere

Visit our experiences onHammock Time Tiki Tours, Explorer Dolphin Cruise, Southern Rose Dolphin cruise, Cruise OB (Orange Beach), Sail Wild Hearts, Sunset Cruise and Dolphin Watching Adventure, and the Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruise.

Pontoon Boat Rentals – Experience the pleasure of sailing the waters of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach using a Pontoon. Discover pontoon boats equipped with slides for added enjoyment. Reserve your Boat RentalHere

Parasailing– Experience the breathtaking scenery while parasailing in the Gulf of Mexico. Spot animals as you glide above the water. Reserve your parasailing adventure.Here

Jet Ski Rentals– Jet Ski excursions and hire options offer an excellent method to discover the back bays of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Reserve your Jet Ski rentalHere

Click hereto view all the highly rated tours and experiences offered in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Don’t overlook our other Gulf Coast locations, such asGulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and many others!

We also have pieces about the Emerald Coast in Florida, includingDestin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, and more.

Watch for articles about the Gulf CoastAlabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!

Gulf Shores’ 51st Annual Shrimp Festival

Activities at the Shrimp Festival