Events • Gulf Shores, Alabama
The Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores is a full-day (and multi-day) beachside experience—live music, races, arts, family activities, contests, and Gulf seafood. Staying nearby keeps your day flexible: walk to the festival, take breaks when you want, and come back for evening performances without over-planning.
The Shrimp Festival is more than seafood. You’ll find music stages, art booths, family activity areas, and a steady rotation of events throughout the day. It’s the kind of festival where a nearby Gulf Shores condo (or an Orange Beach rental a short drive away) makes the entire experience smoother—especially for families and multi-generation groups.
The festival is known for a mix of local, regional, and nationally recognized performers. Past lineups have included artists such as Miranda Lambert, LeAnn Womack, Eddie Money, Everclear, The Molly Ringwalds, and Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster. Music is a core part of the experience—and staying close makes it easier to catch daytime sets and return for evening shows.
5K + 10K: The festival hosts both a 5K and 10K race. Net proceeds benefit the Coastal Baldwin Education Enrichment Foundation, supporting public schools in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
If your group includes runners, race morning can be a great way to start the weekend—then you’ve “earned” the seafood and music later in the day.
The festival’s art and craft section is a major draw. Artists and craftsmen travel from across the country to exhibit work that ranges from coastal-inspired pieces and handmade crafts to juried fine art. It’s an easy “pace reset” between food stops and music sets—and a practical way to take home something that feels specific to the Gulf Coast.
The fine arts section is curated to feel more like a gallery walk—ideal when you want a quieter stretch of the festival day. Many guests enjoy speaking directly with artists about process and inspiration.
This festival is built for families. Supervised areas often include arts and crafts, games, and interactive activities designed for kids—helpful when your group needs something beyond food lines and stage crowds. If you’re traveling with children, staying close makes the day easier: you can step out for a break without “ending” the festival experience.
A favorite for groups and families—whether you’re competing or just watching the creativity unfold. It’s a fun way to spend a beachside block of time without committing to a full “show schedule.”
The festival also features scholarship-focused competitions, including the Brett/Robinson-sponsored Singing for Scholarships Contest—an event that spotlights talent while supporting the local community.
Fried shrimp, boiled shrimp, shrimp po’boys, and chef-inspired specialty dishes—this is Gulf seafood at full volume. Many guests return for the “classic favorites,” then make a point to try something new each year. Beyond shrimp, you’ll also find other seafood, non-seafood options, and desserts throughout the festival grounds.
Pro tip: Save time by setting a simple “food plan”—one shrimp dish you know you want, one chef-style specialty dish, and one dessert. Then explore everything else around that structure.
The National Shrimp Festival takes place along the public beach area in Gulf Shores. Staying nearby gives you practical advantages: walk access, quick breaks, and an easy return for evening concerts. If your group prefers more space or a different pace, Orange Beach can also work well as a home base while still keeping the festival within reach.
Tip: Choose a rental with flexible living space—ideal for groups that want mid-day breaks and quick resets.
Quick answers to help you plan your festival days.