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Shrimp, Sand, and Southern Vibes
Forget pumpkin spice. This October it’s all about butter, garlic, and Gulf fresh shrimp! Around here, fall doesn’t mean cozy sweaters and hayrides, it means sunshine on the sand, live music drifting down the beach, and streets lined with art, eats, and energy. The 52nd Annual National Shrimp Festival is making its tasty comeback to Gulf Shores from Thursday, October 9 through Sunday, October 12, 2025. For four days, the coast transforms into a beachside block party piled high with shrimp, packed with art and music, and bursting with fun for the whole family. Trust me, Beachballers, this one’s worth the countdown.
Why It’s a Must-Experience
- Free Admission, Full Belly
No ticket, no trouble. Entry is completely free so you can focus on food and fun instead of fees. Just bring your excitement and your appetite. - Shrimp Galore + More
Think you’ve seen shrimp? Not quite. From fried shrimp, shrimp po’boys, shrimp and grits, to shrimp-stuffed jalapeños (not to mention crab cakes, conch fritters, lobster, and Cajun pistols) you’ll be swimming in flavor. Bring a friend and share plates so you can taste even more. - Live Tunes for Every Taste
Two stages, dozens of bands, and genres galore from country and rock to blues, jazz, funk, and R&B. Expect crowd favorites like The Molly Ringwalds, Doctor Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster, and plenty of local Gulf Coast talent to keep the music rolling all weekend long. Nothing beats dancing barefoot in the sand with the Gulf breeze carrying the beat. - Arts, Contests, Family Flair
Nearly 300 vendors sell everything from jewelry to paintings. It is the perfect place to score a special keepsake or start your holiday shopping early. Visitors can enjoy the Sand Sculpture Contest, the Miss Shrimp Festival Pageant, the Children’s Activity Village, and the annual 5K and 10K run, so there is plenty to keep every age entertained. - Rooted in Southern Hospitality
Created back in 1971 to draw beach lovers after summer, the Shrimp Festival now draws upwards of 250,000 to 300,000 folks each year, making it one of the Southeast’s biggest outdoor gatherings and a tradition locals hold dear.
What to Bring (Besides Bottomless Enthusiasm and an Appetite)
- Comfy kicks, because you will be wandering from shrimp stands to stages all day long
- Sun smarts (that October sunshine shines brighter than you’d expect)
- A stash of cash and your trusty card, so you can grab treats without missing a beat
- Shuttle savviness, because parking fills up fast and hopping on the provided buses can save you stress
Festival Like a Local: Insider Tips
With more than a quarter million people heading to Gulf Shores, a little inside knowledge goes a long way. Arrive early if you want first dibs on the hottest shrimp creations since lines move fastest before lunch. If you are driving in, keep an eye out for the shuttle pick up spots because they can save you the stress of circling for parking. Wear light layers because October on the coast can swing from breezy mornings to toasty afternoons. And when you need a breather from the crowds, slip over to the shoreline for a quick walk along the water. Shrimp always seems to taste even better after a Gulf Coast stroll.
Beyond the Festival: Explore the Gulf Coast
If you are already vacationing in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, or Fort Morgan, you are just a short drive from all the action. Pair your festival days with a little extra Gulf Coast fun and make it a trip to remember. Take a dolphin cruise and watch the waves come alive, rent a bike and explore the scenic trails, or slow things down with an evening on the sugar-white sands. Families can sneak in a zoo visit or hit an arcade, while couples might enjoy a sunset dinner or a moonlit stroll along the shore. Even a simple ice cream stop or souvenir hunt can turn into a sweet memory when you are soaking up coastal charm. The Shrimp Festival may be the star of the weekend, but the coast itself is the encore you will not want to miss.
Making Memories, Beachballer Style
Seafood heaven, lively tunes, local art, and family fun all come together under blue skies and ocean breezes to make the Annual Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival more than just an event. It is a celebration of coastal charm that will linger long after the sand has washed off your toes.
And what better way to enjoy it all than with cozy BEACHBALL PROPERTIES as your home base? Whether you choose a spot in Orange Beach, Fort Morgan, or Gulf Shores, you will have the perfect place to kick back after a full day of festival fun. Think of it as your shrimp-filled retreat, where you can rest those festival feet, swap stories about your favorite eats and beats, and drift off to sleep with the sound of Gulf waves in the background. Add in a morning coffee on your balcony or a lazy afternoon nap between adventures, and you have the recipe for a fall getaway that feels just right.
So pack your flip-flops and your appetite, Beachballers, because this October promises memories worth savoring.
Come Have A Ball At The Beach!
– Ginger & Hunter Harrelson