09/04/2026
Alabama’s original beach party turns 53 in 2026—National Shrimp Festival returns to Gulf Shores October 8–11
For over 50 years, this free, waterfront celebration has transformed the public beach at Highway 59 and East Beach Boulevard into a walkable festival of Gulf Coast culture. Expect nearly 250,000 visitors across four days, live music on two main stages, hundreds of art and craft vendors, and Gulf shrimp served in dozens of styles—from classic fried to creative chef takes. Organized by the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber and powered by volunteers, it’s a true community tradition and a cornerstone of fall long-weekend trips.
Make your festival home base comfortable and convenient. Sugar Sands RV Resort offers a family-friendly, pet-friendly setting in Gulf Shores with a zero-entry pool, complimentary Wi‑Fi, playground, shuffleboard and co****le courts, fitness center, modern bathhouse and laundry, a spacious clubhouse, and 76 RV sites plus 5 tiny homes.
Shrimp by day, zero-entry pool by night—see how Sugar Sands pairs perfectly with the four-day festival lineup.