A Delicious Guide to the 51st Annual Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores

Do you live and breathe fresh Gulf seafood? Then mark your calendars because the Gulf Shores Annual Shrimp Festival is back and better than ever! From October 10-13, 2024, the white sandy beaches of Gulf Shores will transform into a shell-abration of coastal cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a first-time attendee, this year’s event promises to be the shrimply the best, with plenty to see, do, and—of course—taste!

What’s the 51st Annual Shrimp Festival All About?

This iconic festival has been reeling in visitors for over five decades, drawing in nearly 250,000 seafood enthusiasts from all over the country in recent years. Picture this: four days filled with live music, arts and crafts, family-friendly activities, and mouthwatering Gulf Coast cuisine. The highlight? Shrimp, shrimp, and more shrimp! From classic shrimp boils to creative culinary concoctions, this festival is a seafood lover’s paradise.

But it’s not just about the food—there’s something for everyone at the Shrimp Festival. Explore hundreds of local arts and crafts vendors showcasing everything from handmade jewelry and gifts to coastal-themed artwork in a variety of mediums. Bring the kids along to the Children’s Activity Village, where they can enjoy hands-on crafts, games, and face painting. With over 100 hours of live music playing across multiple stages, your toes will be tapping while your taste buds are tingling.

What to Expect at the Festival

Visitors can expect a fun-filled day (or four!) of festivities. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can look forward to:

• Seafood Heaven: Indulge in a smorgasbord of shrimp dishes, from grilled and fried to broiled and boiled. If you’re not feeling shellfish, savor everything from gourmet burgers and classic festival foods to frozen treats, sweets, and other seafood dishes from local and regional restaurants.
• Live Music: Enjoy a lineup of local and national acts playing everything from country and rock to blues, jazz, folk and more on two outdoor stages. There’s nothing like live music to complement your shrimp feast!
• Arts and Crafts: Stroll through the vendor booths and pick up unique souvenirs, handcrafted goods, and local art. Be sure to stop by the Merch Tent to grab a festival shirt! 
• Kids’ Fun: The Children’s Activity Village offers a safe and entertaining space for the little ones, ensuring that the whole family has a blast.
• Festival Contests: Get in on the action with a sand sculpture contest, the Miss Shrimp Festival Pageant, Singing for Scholarships and other fun activities.

Visitor Info and Pro Tips

The Shrimp Festival is held at the main public beach area in Gulf Shores, and entry is completely free! Gates open daily at 10 AM, so arrive early to beat the crowds. Parking is available on a first come, first serve basis and spots fill up fast! Guests are encouraged to use the shuttle service for $5 per day; learn more and get a map of shuttle locations here. And don’t forget your sunscreen—those October rays can still pack a punch!

Pro Tip: The Beach Club Resort & Spa is just a short drive away, making it the perfect home base for your festival adventures. With condos filling up months in advance, now’s the time to book your stay for next year’s festival. Imagine starting your mornings with a beachfront view and ending your days with a shrimp feast—it doesn’t get much better than that!

Ready to Dive In?

Whether you’re here for the food, the fun, or a little bit of both, the 51st Annual Shrimp Festival is an event you won’t want to miss. So grab your family, your appetite, and your sense of adventure, and get ready to make some shell-tastic memories in Gulf Shores. And remember, The Beach Club Resort & Spa is your go-to spot for the ultimate festival getaway. Book your stay ASAP before the best condos are snapped up—this event is sure to be a shell-out!