Alabama's original beach party fills Gulf Shores for four days with shrimp and other seafood, two entertainment stages, art and shopping, a sand sculpture contest and a Children's Activity Village. The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber and hundreds of volunteers put it on, and nearly 250,000 people come. Entry to the festival grounds is free.
Before you go
- Plan ahead for parking, shuttles and road closures listed on the festival's site.
- Arrive at the intersection of Highway 59 and East Beach Blvd at 101 Gulf Shores Pkwy.
- Walk the food, art and music areas, and take the children to the Activity Village.
What we checked, and when
Read off the venue's own page on 2026-10-28.
The festival's own site says entry into the festival grounds is free.
Not confirmed: A military rate. We searched and the venue publishes none. That is not the same as there being none, so it is worth asking.
Food, drinks and some activities are paid, and the festival draws very large crowds.