Last Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival Before "Beach Revitalization Project"

It’s almost time for the 2016 National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama! This year, the event will run from October 13 to October 16 at the public beach access at the intersection of Highway 59 and Highway 182.  It will be the last Shrimp Festival before the Gulf Place change and over 300 vendors will line the shore serving up a variety of shrimp, as well as burgers, pizza, chicken, and other delicious fare. Live entertainment runs all day long and artists this year includes Ole River String Band, Tim Kinsey, Cary Hudson, Kristy Lee and Dirt Road Revival, and Tracy Lawrence. This event has been a favorite for both residents and visitors to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for 45 years, boasting a variety of activities that keeps the whole family happy. Originally created to lure tourists back to the area after Labor Day, the National Shrimp Festival has become one of the most successful events on the Gulf Coast. Over time, the festival started expanding and now there are several events that happen at other times during the year, such as the Shrimp Festival Restaurant Challenge and the Shrimp Festival Golf Tournament for Education at Kiva Dunes.

The National Shrimp Festival always runs from Thursday to Sunday during the second whole weekend in October and is open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm from Thursday to Saturday and then from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sunday. Security is present throughout the event to enforce the rules and keep everyone safe. A Children’s Activity Village is open from 10:00 to 5:00 every day. Children can make crafts, paint pictures, and many other fun activities while parents sample the shrimp and enjoy free live entertainment. A sand sculpture contest is held on Saturday, so be sure to stop by and admire everyone’s work! For 2016, a 10k/5k run is scheduled for October 15, so be sure to come ready to cheer on the runners. Animals and coolers are prohibited on the festival grounds. Parking is available on a first come, first serve basis, but the B.R.A.T.S. shuttle service runs throughout the festival with pick-ups and drop-offs in a number of locations.

The National Shrimp Festival has earned its place as one of the Gulf Coast’s favorite events. With an abundance of shrimp all served up in different ways, live music, numerous vendors peddling out unique gifts and food, and activities suitable for the whole family, it’s no wonder so many people get ready to flock to Gulf Shores every October to attend.  Looking for the closest condos to the Shrimp Festival, visit our Gulf Shores condos aerial images search