Every October, thousands of seafood lovers head to Gulf Shores for one of the South’s most beloved culinary events: the National Shrimp Festival. The annual celebration of fresh Gulf Coast shrimp and coastal culture was recently recognized as one of the top specialty food festivals in the country, coming in at No.5 on USA Today’s 10Best Specialty Food Festivals list. The publication highlighted the festival’s mix of delicious seafood, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

Shrimp takes center stage at the festival, with vendors serving up local favorites like shrimp po’boys, shrimp gumbo, and other coastal delicacies. Beyond the food, visitors can enjoy a relaxed, beachside atmosphere with live music, art exhibits, craft vendors, and shrimp cooking demonstrations.

Festival-goers of all ages can also participate in interactive activities, including a sandcastle contest right on the beach, making it a fun event for families and food lovers.

If you missed this year’s festival, don’t worry—the 52nd Annual National Shrimp Festival is already scheduled for October 9-12, 2025. The event takes place at the public beach access where Highway 59 meets Highway 182, offering the perfect setting to enjoy fresh seafood with an ocean breeze.

The National Shrimp Festival is among the best events on USA Today’s 10Best list, alongside Picklesburgh (Pittsburgh, PA), the National Buffalo Wing Festival (Buffalo, NY), and the Delta Hot Tamale Festival (Greenville, MS).

With its combination of great food, coastal charm, and community spirit, it’s easy to see why Alabama’s National Shrimp Festival continues to be a favorite year after year.

For more details, follow the festival on Facebook and Instagram or visit their official website.

Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].