Top 8 Ways to Maximize Your Fun at The Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores

If you’re coming to Gulf Shores for The Annual National Shrimp Festival, you’re in for one heck of a time. This festival is all about the best things in life: delicious seafood, good music, friendly faces, and a whole lotta beach vibes. I’m so excited you’re coming to visit, and I want to make sure you have the best time ever! So, pull up a chair, grab a sweet tea, and let me tell you the top 8 ways to make your ShrimpFest trip one to remember.

1. Get There Early and Soak It All In

Let me give you some real-deal advice: get there early. I mean it! The gates open mid-morning, and if you arrive early, you’ll get to stroll through the festival grounds while the shrimp is fresh, the crafters are setting up, and the music is just getting started. Plus, you’ll have time to pick out all the best treats before the crowd rushes in. Trust me, y’all—you don’t wanna miss a thing!

2. Eat All the Shrimp You Can

Now, let’s talk shrimp, honey! Fried shrimp, shrimp tacos, shrimp gumbo—you name it, The Annual National Shrimp Festival’s got it. My best advice? Try a little bit of everything! Find the booths where the locals are lining up, because you know they’ve got the good stuff. And remember, calories don’t count when you’re at ShrimpFest, so fill up and enjoy every single bite.

3. Don’t Miss the Music

ShrimpFest is a full-on party, y’all, and that means live music! With stages all over the grounds, you’re gonna hear everything from local bands to some bigger names, and there’s nothing like dancing to live music with sand between your toes. Or if you’d rather just sit and sway with a shrimp po’ boy in hand, well, that’s just fine too. Protip: One of my personal favorites is the Velcro Pygmies, be sure to get a a front row seat!

Check out the Lineup here: Music Lineup

4. Bring the Kids for Fun-Filled Activities

If you’ve got the whole family comin’, don’t you worry—ShrimpFest is fun for all ages. There’s face painting, games, crafts, and even some cool exhibits about our beautiful Gulf Coast marine life. The kiddos will be entertained, and you’ll have some happy memories to take home, I promise. Share your memories on social media and be sure to tag us for a chance to be featured on our pages!

5. Stroll Through the Arts & Crafts Market

The Annual National Shrimp Festival in GulfShores is more than just shrimp (though that’s a big part, don’t get me wrong). You’ll find an arts and crafts market that’s chock full of goodies—handmade jewelry, beachy decor, and one-of-a-kind art pieces you won’t find anywhere else. Take your time, walk around, and find yourself a little treasure to take home.

6. Spend Some Time on Our Gorgeous Beaches

Now, sugar, you can’t come to Gulf Shores without spending some time on our beautiful beaches. The sand is soft, the water is clear, and trust me—there’s nothing like a sunset walk along the shore after a fun day at ShrimpFest. So pack your beach towel, lather on that sunscreen, and enjoy the coast! And honey, I mean it, don’t forget the sunscreen.

7. Join the ShrimpFest 5K/10K Run

Feeling a little adventurous? Or maybe you just wanna run off all that shrimp you’ve been eating? Well, the ShrimpFest 5K/10K Run is right up your alley. It’s a fun, scenic route through Gulf Shores, and you’ll be met with a celebration at the finish line—food, drinks, and live music! Don’t worry if you’re not a pro—you can walk, jog, or just cheer on the runners.

Sign up for the Race here: Run/Walk/Dance

8. Stay Close to the Fun with Brett/Robinson

Last but certainly not least—where you stay makes all the difference! Y’all are gonna want to book your stay with Brett/Robinson. We’ve got beachfront condos and vacation rentals that make it easy to pop back and forth to the festival. And let me tell ya, there’s nothin’ like waking up to the sound of the waves and knowing you’re just minutes away from all the ShrimpFest fun. But don’t wait too long—those rooms go quick!

Time to Plan Your ShrimpFest Adventure!

There you have it—everything you need to know to have a blast at The Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores This is gonna be a trip you won’t forget, full of food, fun, and good old Southern hospitality. And remember, if you need a comfy place to stay, Brett/Robinson is here to welcome you like family. Can’t wait to see y’all at ShrimpFest!