The festivals and events you will attend during your visit to Gulf Shores will bring you a better understanding of our culture. From art shows to holiday festivals, there is always something going on in our coastal town, but none equal the deliciousness of the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores. Today, we at Poole and Associates will shine the spotlight on what is inarguably the most tasty party in town!
What to Expect at the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores
For four days every October, the beaches of Gulf Shores ring with music, and the scent of shrimp cooking in every possible way wafts through the air. Of all the Gulf Shores events, this one perhaps best represents our coastal lifestyle, offering music, art, and all the shrimp you can eat!
Festival Dates, Daily Schedule, and How Long to Plan Your Visit
The National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores is held every October. On Thursday through Saturday, the “gates” open at 10 AM and close at 10 PM. On Sunday, they close at 5 PM, so be sure to arrive early to ensure you get your fill of shrimp, music, and fun. With over 100 hours of music, visitors may want to set aside at least one full day to experience it all. And although this is a shrimp festival, this is also a great place to devour all kinds of seafood, including crab cakes and fish tacos, so bring your appetite.
Where the Event Takes Place Along the Gulf Shores Beachfront
Gulf Shores Main Public Beach at 101 Gulf Shores Parkway is the location of this incredible Gulf Shores event. White sands, blue waters, and cooler October weather ensure this event will be comfortable as well as delicious and exciting.
Admission Details and Getting Into the Festival Grounds
Now it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, peeking into prices and the best way of getting into the festival grounds. Choosing Poole & Associates for your vacation rental gets you all the details; we don’t just rent you a space and leave you hanging.
Ticket Information, Entry Points, and Bag Policies
One of the best parts of this wonderful festival is knowing that admission is free. It doesn’t cost you a thing to stroll, peruse, and enjoy the roar of the Gulf as you explore all the wonderful dishes being prepared. There are multiple entry points, including the main Highway 59 entrance and beach access boardwalks that lead from East Beach Boulevard to the festival grounds. There isn’t a strict bag policy for attending the festival, but coolers are NOT allowed. You can bring chairs, blankets, and even reusable bags to carry your art purchases.
Food Highlights and Signature Shrimp Dishes
We’ve taken a lot of time to get to the important stuff, the tasty food, but we promise it will be worth the wait. The fresh seafood, delicious shrimp, and other non-seafood items ensure that everyone will find something to their liking.
Popular Seafood Vendors, Shrimp Specialties, and Local Favorites
As we dive deeper into this wonderful event at Gulf Shores, we find ourselves exploring the popular seafood vendors who will keep us fed. Seafood boils are a popular food option at this festival, and Rouse’s is known for serving the best. For our friends who prefer a taste of Cajun flair, you will be happy to devour the specialties of Reel Eatz. Our regional vendors will be serving up our favorite dishes, including conch fritters, coconut shrimp, and alligator on a stick, so don’t fill up at one booth.
Non-Seafood Options, Desserts, and Drinks for all Tastes
And because not everyone is a fan of seafood, the gourmet craft smash burgers from Bleus Burger Restaurant will be a great change of pace. Eating something sweet signals to your stomach that the meal is over, and vendors will be on hand selling key lime pie, homemade bread pie, and shaved ice. Finally, the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores will be serving alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, including cocktails, craft beers, and lemonade.
Live Music, Entertainment, and Festival Activities
The food is certainly going to be the star of the show during this wonderful Gulf Shores event, but you won’t be able to ignore the live music and other festival activities that enhance the show.
Main Stage Performers, Music Genres, and Performance Times
At past events, Molly Hatchett, the Molly Ringwalds, and Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster were popular performers. The music playing will cover many genres, including rock, country, Motown, and jazz. Performances are held all day long, starting at 10 AM and ending at closing time.
Parking, Shuttles, and Transportation Tips
Traffic can be crazy during this event at Gulf Shores, and parking may be limited, so your best bet may be to use the free event shuttles. There will be free parking at the shuttle stops, so you can drive your car to any of the places listed below and leave your car before being shuttled to the festival.
- Pelican Place Shopping Center,
- Rouse’s Market
- Waterway Village Lot
- Lake Shelby
- Waves Grocery
Tips for Attending with Kids or Large Groups
The National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores is a fantastic activity for large groups traveling together and for families with children. The music, the food, and the overall vibe will ensure that everyone has a great time, and the children’s activities will hold your kids’ interest even more than the food. Face painting, games, arts and crafts, and exhibits about marine life are just some of the activities designed to please the kids.
Book a Gulf Shores Vacation Rental for National Shrimp Festival Weekend
Every Alabama vacationer deserves comfortable, relaxing accommodations. Choose Poole & Associates for your weekend of fun in the sun during the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores! Reach out today to book one of our vacation rentals in Gulf Shores.
