Galveston Island Shrimp Festival

Two full days of shrimp, music, friends, and fun held annually in September in Historic Downtown Galveston.

Event activities include a Shrimp Gumbo Cook-Off, Gumbo Tasting, Official 5K, Lil’ Shrimps parade, live music, vendors, kids area, and a Strand Merchant Walk-About. There is plenty for the whole family to enjoy!

Date(s): September 27-28, 2024

a person wearing a pineapple shirt holding a cup that says "Galveston Island Shrimp Festival"
What To Expect
people dance and clap while others enjoy beer at the Galveston Island Shrimp Fest Kick-off Party
Galveston Island Shrimp Festival
Friday Kick-Off Party

Join us as we kick off the 14th Annual Galveston Island Shrimp Festival with a party for over 800 guests! You don’t want to miss this shrimptastic party featuring a fried shrimp dinner, an open bar, and live music! Must be 21 or older to attend. Secure your spot now, tickets will SELL OUT!

Register to attend Here

four people wearing hats shaped like shrimp run in the Galveston Island Shrimp Fest 5K Fun Run
Galveston Island Shrimp Festival
Shrimp Scamper 5K Fun Run

Perks of the 5K Fun Run include performance t-shirts, participation medals, a costume contest, one free beer at runner’s happy hour and TWO free beers after the run! The 5k Combo tickets allow runners to enjoy the best of both worlds by including the downtown activities. Choose from the 5k + Gumbo Stroll, or 5k + Shrimp Dinner Plate to truly round out your experience.

Presented by Moody National Bank

a man and woman enjoy sampling gumbo during the Gumbo Stroll at Galveston Island Shrimp Festival
Galveston Island Shrimp Festival
Gumbo Stroll

Join us as Galveston’s Historic Strand District is transformed into a melting pot of flavors! Sample gumbo from talented cook teams, award-winning cookers & backyard roux roughneck. Be sure to come early to try them all!

Get Involved
Galveston Island Shrimp Festival

Whip up a batch of your best gumbo recipe and bring it on down to the Galveston Historical Strand. Compete in the Amateur or Professional divisions for the gold and Shrimp Gumbo Champion bragging rights. Although every gumbo has its own unique taste, they can’t all be winners. Here is your chance to light up those judges’ taste buds and show ‘em what you got! There is a $1,000 cash prize. Sign up early and receive lots of perks.

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