Carol Weaver

A Festival that’s “Shrimply” Unique

Gather the family for the season’s last beach getaway and head to coastal Alabama for the 38th annual National Shrimp Festival. With picture-perfect weather and loads of well-priced food, activities, and accommodations, you can’t beat Gulf Shores and Orange Beach October 8-11 for an autumn beach celebration.

Exercise your appetite, dust off your dancing shoes, and shimmy up to your shopping bags at the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Southern Living readers rank it among the South’s top 10 festivals, and the Southeast Tourism Society calls it one of this October’s top 20 events. You should call it your perfect easing-out-of-summer, easing-into-fall family getaway.

With the kids back in school and schedules accelerating, opportunities for a final beach vacation are slipping away. Make your last trip one to remember by heading to the Alabama Gulf Coast October 8-11 for a festive weekend of surf, sun, and seafood.
 
Held each year during the second full weekend in October, the National Shrimp Festival has been a Pleasure Island fixture since 1971, when the first celebration attracted about 20 artists and 1,500 visitors to what was then a sleepy fishing village. This year, more than 300,000 locals and visitors are expected to attend this four-day food and fun fest presented by Zatarain’s Cajun-style food, devouring thousands of pounds of Alabama wild shrimp and other southern delicacies cooked up every which way. It’s heaven on earth for foodies of all stripes with fresh, local ingredients taking center stage.

After filling your stomach, you’ll want to fill your shopping bags with unique finds from the open-air marketplace featuring more than 300 fine art, retail, and arts and crafts vendors from across the United States. It’s an ideal chance to get a head start on your holiday shopping list. And don’t leave town without an official Shrimp Festival poster, a collector’s item created by a different artist each year that often sells out quickly.

But this is a family event, right? So what’s here for the kids? The coastal communities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have earned a reputation as a great vacation spot for families, and the Shrimp Festival celebrates that status with a sprawling Children’s Activity Village. Featuring free arts and crafts, a real F-4 cockpit from the National Naval Aviation Museum, touchable marine life from the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, a sand sculpture contest, face painting, a climbing wall, and more, children will have a wonderful time covering all the territory.
 
And then there’s the music – a crucial part of what makes this festival so unique. This part of the Gulf Coast is known for its local and regional musical talent, and the Shrimp Festival celebrates them all with more than 30 live acts performing throughout the weekend. From blues and acoustic performers to national showstoppers like classic rock legends Foghat and country crooner Lee Ann Womack, there’s something for everyone, and plenty of new artists to discover.

Outside the festival gates, there’s still plenty to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.  October is among the most beautiful times of year along the Gulf Coast, with clear skies and low humidity providing welcome relief from summer heat, while still allowing sunbathers to enjoy sugar-sand beaches and warm Gulf waters. From deep sea fishing and dolphin cruises to a national wildlife refuge, world-class golf, shopping, and luxury spas, you won’t have trouble passing the time.

Other worthwhile events include Saturday’s early morning 10K run/walk along the beach. Open to adults and children, it’s a great way to mingle with the locals, enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery, and counteract some of the weekend’s indulgences.
When making your travel plans, take your pick among island accommodations including full-service RV parks and campgrounds, luxe resorts, high-rise condos, hotels, motels, and private beach cottages. First-timers and returning visitors take note: book your accommodations well in advance, as the weekend is typically a complete sell-out.

For folks sticking closer to home, the Shrimp Festival makes a great day trip for those heading in from Alabama, Mississippi, or Louisiana, or from points east like the Northwest Florida towns of Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, or Destin. Wherever you’re coming from, you’ll find continuous shuttle service to the festival from spots all over the island. And at just $1 per person each way, you’ll save time and gas while avoiding parking hassles.

With free admission, magnificent weather, and unbeatable people-watching, there’s no better place to spend an early autumn beach weekend than the National Shrimp Festival.

Article Tags: National Shrimp Festival, National Shrimp, Shrimp Festival

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