It Is Shrimp Fest Week But Locals Can Also Attend Other Happenings
Jessica Taylor • October 6, 2025
Shrimp Fest, Oktoberfest and much more
As autumn progresses along the Alabama Gulf Coast, this week’s agenda showcases a diverse array of regional offerings that blend culinary experiences, community traditions, and seasonal festivities. From efficient local dining options that facilitate a productive start to the week to immersive dolphin-watching excursions, mindful wellness activities, and one of the area’s hallmark events—the National Shrimp Festival—there’s a daily schedule designed to stimulate both intellectual curiosity and culinary appetites. For those ready to experience the initial flavors of the season, Beach Blooms provides a taste of autumn's bounty showcasing all the perfect colors to ring in the season with their blooms and plants. The excitement of Friday Night Lights culminates in Late Night Bites at Tacky Jacks, offering a unique fusion of sports culture and local eats and Flora-Bama's Oktoberfest presents an opportunity for cultural celebration along the coast. This week features a comprehensive, day-by-day itinerary that details notable venues and activities, ensuring a rich engagement with the local economy and community life along the coastal shores and beyond.
Monday, October 6th- When time constraints prevent the preparation and enjoyment of a leisurely lunch, Gulf Shores presents an array of efficient dining options that prioritize both speed and culinary quality. The first recommended venue is Zaxby’s, known for its expedient service through both in-house ordering and drive-thru functionality. Their menu features signature dipping sauces specifically formulated for their chicken and fries, alongside homemade sweet tea and creatively labeled “Zalad” options for those seeking a healthier alternative. For a more specialized offering, Firesmoked Fish Company provides an excellent choice for pre-ordered or walk-up items, emphasizing high-quality protein selections. At this establishment protein is king, so plan ahead for sides, or go carnivore for the day. Additionally, a visit to West Beach presents an opportunity to experience local seafood specialties. S&S Seafood, operating daily from 11 AM, offers a diverse range of freshly sourced and outsourced seafood options—both raw and cooked—catering to the demands of locals and first responders, who can benefit from a 10% discount. Whether opting for a call-ahead order or sampling items on-site, customers can expect a swift and satisfying dining experience, making it an ideal solution for those in need of an expedited yet quality meal. Enjoy your Monday lunch!
Gulf Shores quick lunch stops
Tuesday, October 7th- Did you know that dolphins are one of the few cetaceans that don't travel far from where they're born? They typically live and roam within 10 to 20 miles of their birthplace, which is why we like to call them our local dolphins. The Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins that inhabit our waters are highly intelligent and display an understanding that far surpasses that of other marine creatures they share their environment with. This intelligence is evident in how they respond to our local dolphin sighting tours, which take guests out to observe them in their natural habitats. Just like our streets, our waters get crowded with traffic during the summer months, and these dolphins play a significant role in the local boating industry. We understand this dynamic, and we believe the dolphins do too. Often, at the beginning and end of the tourist season—when cruises are still running but the waters aren’t as busy—these beautiful creatures come closer to the dock departures and stay visible for longer periods. It’s as if they’re saying, "We’ve missed you; welcome back!" or perhaps they’re celebrating a successful season with us. The Fun Boats are just one of the many cruises that will take you out to explore our back bays, showcasing the beauty that lies beneath the surface, including the dolphins and sometimes take you out to the Gulf weather depending. Locally owned and operated, this crew is dedicated to helping you find the best spots and ways to explore our towns during these busy months. Don’t hesitate to call and book today! I guarantee you’ll have a blast and maybe even get a splash or two in the water cannon wars all aboard!
The Fun Boats Dolphin Cruises
3900 Bayou Rd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Wednesday, October 8th- The prominence of therapeutic interventions for personal development has significantly increased recently, evolving beyond conventional self-care practices and occasional therapy sessions. With the rapid pace of modern life, individuals often experience heightened stressors that can induce emotional dysregulation, adversely affecting their nervous systems and overall well-being. This backdrop underscores the appeal of therapeutic support, particularly with burnout and its associated complications, such as relational discord, occupational stress, and the pervasive impact of anxiety. Beyond Measure Therapy in Foley offers comprehensive mental health services tailored to the individualized needs of clients, whether they are individuals, couples, or families. The clinic is led by Jon-Elyn Murphree, LMFTA, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Addiction and Recovery and a Master’s in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Alabama, with a concentration in marriage and family therapy. In an increasingly demanding world, finding the right support is crucial, and Beyond Measure Therapy provides a valuable opportunity to refresh, reset, and cultivate resilience. For those hesitant to engage in therapeutic discourse, the clinic encourages prospective clients to complete a contact form to schedule a consultation with Jon-Elyn, who will share her therapeutic methodologies and collaborative goals for healing. Those who know they are interested can call or book an appointment today to take proactive steps towards reclaiming their lives, taking on a slower pace, and embarking on a journey of personal growth and self-actualization.
Beyond Measure Therapy
307 S McKenzie St Suite 115
Foley, AL 36535
Thursday, October 9th- For over fifty years, Gulf Shores has hosted one of the most prominent and extensive festivals along the Gulf Coast: the Annual National Shrimp Festival. Originating in the early 1970s at the terminus of Highway 59, this event has evolved into a key destination for families seeking both a day trip and an extended beach vacation over the weekend. The festival has maintained its core traditions while continually introducing new and established vendors that offer a diverse range of products, from artisanal crafts to culinary delights. This consistency allows attendees to anticipate returning favorites each year, effectively bridging the gap between summer and the holiday festivities. In addition to vendor showcases, the festival features live performances and music across two stages, running from the opening on Thursday through the disassembly of the tents on Sunday. Families will appreciate the dedicated Kids Corner, which offers purchasable items and includes experiential activities such as arts and crafts, climbing and games ensuring full engagement for families with young children. The event layout is particularly noteworthy, designed to enhance visitor experience. With the picturesque backdrop of white sandy beaches, the festival incorporates paved pathways that facilitate smooth navigation, offering open-air seating throughout the venue as well as easy beach access. Additionally, attendees can choose to access different areas of the festival without being funneled through a single entry and exit point, providing flexibility in their exploration. The festivities commence with Local’s Day on Thursday at 10 AM, allowing residents and early visitors to avoid the weekend rush, reconnect with familiar faces, and enjoy the distinct culinary offerings of their favorite vendors and artists in a more relaxed environment. Regardless of when attendees decide to visit, the Shrimp Festival promises a diverse array of entertainment options, shopping opportunities, and good eats experiences that will undoubtedly leave visitors eagerly anticipating the next installment. Happy shells to ya!
Gulf Shores Main Public Beach
101 Gulf Shores Pkwy
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
52nd Annual National Shrimp Festival
Friday, October 10th- Autumn brings a unique blend of sensory experiences, highlighted by the vibrant oranges and yellows that signal the seasonal change. This time of year often evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth, influenced by the atmospheric shifts and the hope for cooler temperatures as the foliage transforms. At Beach Blooms, they have embraced this seasonal transition by offering a wide selection of fall flowers for décor designed to enhance both residential and commercial spaces. The curated collection is available during special hours on select days, including this Friday from 12 PM to 6 PM at the Wharf, next to the Ice Rink Area. This initiative enhances aesthetics and fosters a sense of community. Take a moment to immerse yourself in the autumn vibe, where the warmth of the season is reflected not only in offerings like pumpkin spice lattes but also in the inviting ambiance created by thoughtful décor. It’s time to decorate our spaces to showcase the beauty of fall, as we all look forward to the cooling of our coastal towns.
The phrase “Friday Night Lights” has become emblematic of high school football culture, where local teams compete under extensive floodlighting that highlights their efforts on the field. These events generate significant excitement and community engagement, often culminating in large crowds of players, families, and supporters. As the games conclude, however, the challenge arises of finding dining options that accommodate the late-night appetites of these attendees, given that many restaurants typically operate on standard hours. Recognizing this gap, local business owners have instituted an “Open Late Night” initiative aligned with GSHS home football games, creating opportunities for post-game dining. For instance, Tacky Jacks, located less than a mile from the stadium, offers a strategic advantage by being easily accessible. They provide a welcoming environment for both large groups and smaller parties, with FNL service hours extending from 9 PM to midnight. This initiative ensures that patrons can indulge in satisfying dishes regardless of the game outcome, reinforcing the notion that quality food serves as a form of comfort and community bonding. Let's gather and enjoy a meal, win or loss!
Tacky Jacks
240 East 24th Ave
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Friday Night Lights-Late Night Bites
Saturday, October 11th- If you’re considering attending the Shrimp Festival this weekend and have reservations about the caloric intake from the extensive array of yummy fried foods, we recommend engaging in an early morning workout that not only promotes physical well-being but also supports the Orange Beach and Gulf Shores High School Cross Country and Track Teams with their growing programs. It's time to put on your running or walking shoes for the Annual National Shrimp Festival 5k, where participants will convene at the Orange Beach Sportsplex ahead of the scheduled 7:30 AM start time. This event is an excellent opportunity to invite friends or family to join you or to participate solo in a scenic run or walk along the acclaimed Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. The trail is equipped with bench lines for hydration breaks, as well as restroom facilities for convenience. As you traverse this picturesque route, considered one of the finest trails in the United States, you'll be able to offset the indulgence of traditional festival fare and meet up with others doing the same thing. To register for the 5k and obtain all necessary information regarding participation, please follow the link provided below. This event combines fitness with community support and enhances your Shrimp Festival experience—an endeavor well worth your time. Head over to the festival after and/or take a beat for Party in the Park at Meyers for a chance to meet the Marshals Mardi Gras Krewe starting at 4PM.
Orange Beach Sportsplex
4385 William Silvers Pkwy
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Sunday, October 12th - Gemütlichkeit is a German concept that signifies an atmosphere of warmth, coziness, and conviviality, particularly epitomized by the Oktoberfest celebrations. This festival in Germany embodies a spirit of communal gathering where participants indulge in hearty cuisine, engaging companionship, traditional Bavarian music and dances and, of course, an extensive array of brews. This month presents an opportunity to partake in various Oktoberfest events, like Flora-Bama’s highlighting the stein hoisting competition organized by Samuel Adams, scheduled for 3 PM Sunday. Culinary offerings will begin at 4 PM, featuring traditional fare such as Beer Brats, Sauerkraut, and German Potato Salad. Participants are encouraged to don authentic Tracht, with women in Dirndls and men in Lederhosen. For those lacking traditional attire, October’s costume shops provide ample options, or attendees can simply opt for costumes based on color themes or shirts in the giftshop. Moreover, patrons aged 21 and over can enjoy a complimentary first drink and a 25% discount in said gift shop. This Oktoberfest celebration promises to be an engaging blend of cultural heritage and modern festivities, inviting all to raise their glasses in a spirited toast right on the line.
Flora-Bama Lounge and Package
17401 Perdido Key Dr
Pensacola, FL 36507
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