Orange Beach, AL. — (GSN) — Get ready to experience the ultimate Gulf Coast culinary tradition! The Annual National Gumbo Festival brings together vibrant coastal culture, oceanfront relaxation, and world-class culinary talent. Set against sugar-white sands and emerald Gulf waters, CoastAL Orange Beach provides an ideal backdrop for an afternoon of incredible food, live entertainment, and friendly competition.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
• Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Location: CoastAL Orange Beach, 25722 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach, AL 36561
• Admission: $25 per person (includes 10 tasting cup tickets, 1 People's Choice voting ticket, and 1 Best Decorated Tent voting ticket; children ages 6 and under enter free). $5 from each ticket directly supports local hospitality career scholarships.

Festivalgoers can take in sweeping beachfront views while enjoying live music throughout the afternoon. Die-hard sports fans won't have to miss any action from the big game—the open-air coastal bar features TV screens tuned into game-day broadcasts so you can cheer on your team without leaving the festival atmosphere.

Top regional and national chefs and cooking teams assemble to battle for cash prizes and coveted Gumbo Paddle Trophies. As a guest, you play an active role in deciding who takes home the crown. Each ticket holder receives a People's Choice voting token to help elect the ultimate gumbo recipe of the year.

Be sure to get your tasting tickets early, as space and sample quantities are limited.History of Gumbo

Gumbo is a cornerstone of Southern culinary heritage with roots tracing back to 18th-century Louisiana. The dish emerged from a rich cultural synthesis of West African, Native American, French, Spanish, and German cooking traditions. The word "gumbo" itself originates from "ki ngombo," the West African word for okra. Traditional recipes feature a rich roux base combined with the "holy trinity" of vegetables—onions, bell peppers, and celery—alongside fresh Gulf seafood, meats like andouille sausage, and thickening agents such as okra or sassafras filé powder. Today, the dish remains an enduring symbol of community and Southern tradition.