For the first time in its 50+ year history, the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores will feature locally brewed craft beer on site. Big Beach Brewing Company, a well-known stop for locals and tourists here on the Gulf Coast is partnering with the festival to bring its award-winning beers to event attendees. Organizers say the addition reflects both the popularity of craft beer and the festival’s effort to showcase more homegrown flavors. Festival-goers will find the brewery set up in the middle of the festival’s grounds.

The 52nd Annual National Shrimp Festival runs from October 9 through October 12, 2025, along the public beach in Gulf Shores. Big Beach Brewing’s station will be located near the bath house, serving four different draft beers. The lineup includes Rod's Reel Cream Ale, Dixie's Heart Irish Red Ale, Yacht Rocker German-Style Gose, and Kajun Pistol Double Hazy IPA, the latter named after a longtime festival favorite dish.

Founded in 2016 by Jim and Julie Shamburger, Big Beach Brewing quickly earned a reputation for quality, picking up multiple World Beer Cup medals. In April of this year, ownership shifted when Kevin and Domini Corcoran, along with Doug and Tammy Warren, purchased the brewery. Day-to-day operations are now managed by Amber Dion, who continues to guide the brand under its new leadership.

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Kevin Corcoran said his connection to the festival goes back decades. Over the years he has sold Dairy Queen Dilly Bars on site, emceed the Singing for Scholarships competition, and supported events as a sponsor. “I’ve been a patron of Big Beach since day one,” Corcoran said. “We share the same passion that the Shamburgers had and we’re having a blast so far.”

Along with cold beer, visitors will have the chance to meet the people behind the taps. The brewery will host interactive “Meet the Brewer” sessions at its festival location with Chris Gadd, Derrick Wheeler, and Rod Murray answering questions and talking about their brewing process. Sessions are set for Thursday, October 9, from 2 to 4 p.m.; Friday, October 10, from 6 to 8 p.m.; and Saturday, October 11, from 12 to 2 p.m.

The Shrimp Festival, organized each year by the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, has been a Gulf Shores tradition since 1971. The four-day event mixes food, art, and live music, drawing thousands of visitors and supported by a dedicated group of community volunteers. Organizers see the addition of a local brewery as one more way to keep the event fresh while staying connected to its coastal roots.

As the festival reaches its 52nd year, the partnership with Big Beach Brewing may mark the start of more local collaborations in years to come.