Shell-ebrate In Style at the 51st Annual Shrimp Festival

Get ready to sink your claws into one of the Gulf Coast’s most beloved traditions—the 51st Annual Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores! From October 10-13, 2024, this coastal extravaganza is set to reel in seafood lovers, music enthusiasts, and art aficionados alike. Just a short drive from Orange Beach, Turquoise Place offers the perfect luxurious escape after a day of festival fun. Whether you’re here to indulge in the finest shrimp dishes or simply soak in the festive vibes, this event is sure to leave you hooked!

What’s the 51st Annual Shrimp Festival All About?

This iconic festival has been reeling in visitors for over five decades, drawing in nearly 250,000 seafood enthusiasts from all over the country in recent years. Picture this: four days filled with live music, arts and crafts, family-friendly activities, and mouthwatering Gulf Coast cuisine. The highlight? Shrimp, shrimp, and more shrimp! From classic shrimp boils to creative culinary concoctions, this festival is a seafood lover’s paradise.

But it’s not just about the food—there’s something for everyone at the Shrimp Festival. Explore hundreds of local arts and crafts vendors showcasing everything from handmade jewelry and gifts to coastal-themed artwork in a variety of mediums. Bring the kids along to the Children’s Activity Village, where they can enjoy hands-on crafts, games, and face painting. With over 100 hours of live music playing across multiple stages, your toes will be tapping while your taste buds are tingling.

What to Expect at the Festival

Visitors can expect a fun-filled day (or four!) of festivities. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can look forward to:

• Seafood Heaven: Indulge in a smorgasbord of shrimp dishes, from grilled and fried to broiled and boiled. If you’re not feeling shellfish, savor everything from gourmet burgers and classic festival foods to frozen treats, sweets, and other seafood dishes from local and regional restaurants.
• Live Music: Enjoy a lineup of local and national acts playing everything from country and rock to blues, jazz, folk and more on two outdoor stages. There’s nothing like live music to complement your shrimp feast!
• Arts and Crafts: Stroll through the vendor booths and pick up unique souvenirs, handcrafted goods, and local art. Be sure to stop by the Merch Tent to grab a festival shirt! 
• Kids’ Fun: The Children’s Activity Village offers a safe and entertaining space for the little ones, ensuring that the whole family has a blast.
• Festival Contests: Get in on the action with a sand sculpture contest, the Miss Shrimp Festival Pageant, Singing for Scholarships and other fun activities.

Visitor Info and Pro Tips

The Shrimp Festival is held at the main public beach area in Gulf Shores, and entry is completely free! Gates open daily at 10 AM, so arrive early to beat the crowds. Parking is available on a first come, first serve basis and spots fill up fast! Guests are encouraged to use the shuttle service for $5 per day; learn more and get a map of shuttle locations here. And don’t forget your sunscreen—those October rays can still pack a punch!

Pro Tip: Turquoise Place is just a short drive away, making it the perfect home base for your festival adventures. With condos filling up months in advance, now’s the time to book your stay for next year’s festival. Imagine starting your mornings with a beachfront view and ending your days with a shrimp feast—it doesn’t get much better than that!

Wrap Up Your Festival Adventure in Luxury

After a day of shellebration at the Shrimp Festival, there’s no better place to unwind than Turquoise Place in Orange Beach. With spacious beachfront condos, private balcony hot tubs, and stunning Gulf views, you’ll be living in the lap of luxury. Don’t wait—book your stay for next year’s festival now, because these prime spots fill up fast!