Join us on the coast this fall and every fall to celebrate the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores! With something to offer everyone, the Shrimp Festival is not only a foodie haven, there are plenty of activities to partake in and vendors to peruse. See below for more details on all the fun you’ll miss if you stay at home.
Did we mention that all of this takes place right beside the sugar-white sands and emerald green waters of our public beach in Gulf Shores? What more could you ask for, delicious food and a view! Maybe an amazing rental to call home while you are here?
We’ve got you covered, Young’s Suncoast offers prime lodging options for vacationing guests. Our Orange Beach and Gulf Shores condo & beach house rentals are just what you need; many or which are within walking distance of the National Shrimp Festival site. However if you prefer to stay further away, most other properties are only a short shuttle ride away!
Browse available rentals today to find the perfect vacation oasis on your next trip to the Gulf Coast!
FESTIVAL LOCATION
Gulf Shores Public Beach Area at the end of Hwy 59, around The Hangout & Pink Pony Pub
ART
Arts and crafts lovers will have about 200 fine art and arts and crafts vendors to admire. From jewelry makers to sculptors the artistry is endless! Stock up on unique birthday presents for family & friends, start Christmas shopping early, buy some art for the house or condo or spend a little money on yourself.
FESTIVAL FESTIVITIES
The Sand Sculpture Contest is usually held on the Saturday during Shrimp Festival, at the west end of the public beach access. Sand Castle University makes their sand sculpting tools available to contest entrants. They even offer their professional advice, if needed!
The Shrimp Festival Run is a Shrimp Fest tradition dating back to 1977. It started as a 5 mile race but has now evolved into a 5k and 10k race over the years.
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY VILLAGE
An area just for the kids to make FREE arts & crafts, play and have fun being a kid! The Children’s Activity Village includes face-painting, karaoke and more to keep the little ones amused.
FOOD
Shrimp, shrimp and more shrimp!!! This festival is perfect for those who love shrimp cooked just about any way you can imagine. Not a shrimp lover? No worries, there are plenty of non-shrimp dishes. You’ll find many different varieties of festivalfood and you’ll be in food heaven for 4 days we promise!
Many of your favorite area restaurants will have booths onsite and plenty of additional food vendors come into town to show off their culinary talents. Plus, while you are down visiting you can stop by your favorite restaurants to get your fill of the special dishes they serve that you love so much!
2026 Shrimp Fest Music Line-Up
Bands, Show Times, and Locations Subject to Change
Thursday • October 8th
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Friday • October 9th
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Saturday • October 10th
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Sunday • October 11th
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Shrimp Fest Shuttle Stops Information
Parking
Parking is a first come, first serve basis at and around the shrimp festival site.
The festival site is surrounded by privately owned businesses and private residential houses/condos. The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, the Annual National Shrimp Festival, and the City of Gulf Shores DO NOT control the parking and parking fees on privately owned businesses or houses/condos.
The festival is working on a parking lot for those with handicap permits. This is still being decided on and will be published on the Annual National Shrimp Festival’s website when it becomes available.
We strongly recommend festival attendees take advantage of the shuttle service.
Shuttle Passes and Tickets
The National Shrimp Festival shuttle buses are operated by the City of Gulf Shores School System.
Wristbands can usually be purchased online before the festival. Wristbands will entitle the holder to unlimited shuttle rides to and from the festival grounds on the day of purchase.
To pre-purchase shuttle wristbands, click here.
Shuttle Stop Map
2025 Shrimp Festival Shuttle Stop Map (2026 stops may differ. Map will be updated if anything changes.)
