CoastAL Orange Beach is home to the Gumbo Festival each year. The event features gumbo tastings, live music, and coastal views. Competitors will prepare samplings for judges and the public. Guests will sample entries and cast a vote for the People’s Choice Award. The cook-off will be held at the beachfront CoastAL Orange Beach restaurant and is sponsored by Rouses.

The 2025 Gumbo Fest is scheduled for Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for $25 per person and include eight tasting tickets and one People’s Choice vote. For the first time, tickets are available for purchase online. Organizers said space for teams is limited and early registration is encouraged.

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Teams will consist of three members and pay a $150 entry fee. The registration package includes three Gumbo Fest T-shirts, a $100 Rouses gift card, and a CoastAL gift bag. Teams will compete for cash awards and custom Gumbo Paddle Trophies. The contest will name first, second, and third place winners.

Prizes for the judge’s panel are set at $1,000 for first place, $500 for second, and $250 for third. The People’s Choice winner will receive $500 and a trophy. Each guest admission includes one vote in the People’s Choice category. The team with the most votes will be crowned the People’s Choice Champion.

A portion of every ticket will support a local scholarship. Event organizers said $5 from each ticket will fund a scholarship for a Baldwin County student. The scholarship targets a student pursuing a career in hospitality.

“Last year’s Gumbo Fest was such an incredible day of food, fun, and community,” said Tiffany Hammock, Marketing Manager at CoastAL Orange Beach. She said the team is excited to bring it back this year. Hammock added that proceeds will help support the future of hospitality in Baldwin County.

Gumbo, a stew rich in history and cultural significance, dates back to 18th century Louisiana, where it emerged as a blend of West African, Native American, French, Spanish, and German culinary traditions. Made with ingredients such as seafood, andouille sausage, the "holy trinity" of vegetables (onions, bell peppers, and celery), and often thickened with okra or roux, gumbo has long been a symbol of Southern heritage.

CoastAL Orange Beach features a family-friendly dining area and the CoastAL Beach Bar. It also includes retail shopping at the CoastAL Store. Organizers highlighted sunset views and easy beach access.

Tasting Tickets can be purchased online and at the venue. Team registration remains open until spots are filled. Guests will receive eight tasting tickets to sample different recipes. The People’s Choice vote will be collected during the tasting window.

Event details and registration links are available on the venue’s website. For information, team sign-up, or ticket purchases, visit coastalorangebeach.com. Questions can be directed to info@coastalorangebeach.com. 

Parking and arrival details will be provided with ticket confirmation. Guests are encouraged to arrive early for check-in and sampling. Teams will receive setup information after registration. Organizers said rules and guidelines will be shared with cooking teams.