Galveston Island Shrimp Festival

Two full days of shrimp, music, friends, and fun begins on Friday, September 27th and runs through Saturday, September 28th. 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! For more info and to get tickets go to galvestonshrimpfestival.com.

Gumbo Stroll

Join in as Galveston’s Historic Downtown Strand District is transformed into a melting pot of flavors. With more than 80 teams from award-winning cookers to backyard roux roughnecks, you will want to get in early to try them all. With the purchase of a Gumbo Stroll ticket, you get the opportunity to try all the amazing gumbo the Cook Teams have to offer. Teams lining the Historical Strand District will dish out a sample to festival attendees who have purchased an official Gumbo-Tasting Cup. Walk around and try countless samples for the 4-hour span, and enjoy the live music and cold refreshments. Tickets are $12 until September 16th online, and increase to $14 after. The day of the event tickets will be $17.

Want Shrimp, But Don’t Want To Do The Gumbo Stroll?

NEW this year! Purchase the “Shrimp Dinner and Beer Combo” ticket that includes: a plate of fried shrimp, a cup of shrimp gumbo and one 16 oz beer; then redeem in Saengerfest Park at 23rd and Strand, September 28th, 12-4pm. This ticket option does not include the Gumbo Stroll. The day of the event tickets are $25.

Cook Off

Whip up a batch of your best gumbo recipe and bring it on down to the Galveston Historical Strand. Compete 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.

Gumbo Stroll & Shrimp Scamper 5K

In cooperation with the Galveston Island Shrimp Festival, this is your opportunity to scamper your way around Galveston and follow it up with a day of great eats and drinks. The race will start and end at 28th and Seawall. Perks include free libations, performance t-shirt, pre-run snacks, placing medals, costume contest, downtown activities after the run and more. 

The 5K Combo ticket includes: Gumbo Tasting Cup for entry into Galveston Island Shrimp Festival, 5K registration with chip timing, fun performance t-shirt, and one free beer at early packet pickup/runner’s happy hour at Beerfoot Brewery and another free beer after the Run. Tickets are $46 before September 11th, and $66 after.

Shrimp 5K registration only includes 5K registration with chip timing, fun performance t-shirt, and one free beer at early packet pickup/runner’s happy hour at Beerfoot Brewery and another free beer after the Run. Tickets are $46 before September 11th, and $56 after.

Register before September 19th to guarantee a shirt in your size with your registration.

Walkabout

Take a break from the September heat and stop into some of the island’s most popular Strand Merchants for a quick browse or some serious shopping. Visit all of the shops on your walk-about card, get a stamp from each one, turn in your card by 4pm and win!

All completed cards entered have a chance at winning hundreds of dollars in gift cards from participating stores. Winners will be contacted by email after the festival. All completed cards must be turned in by 4pm to the Information Booth to qualify.

Be sure to get a card from the information booths at Saengerfest Park, 23rd and Strand or 22nd and Strand.

Lil’ Shrimp’s Parade

Saturday, September 28th at 3pm, the Lil’ Shrimps Parade is something the whole family can enjoy! Catch beads from participating floats as they roll down the Strand. Interested in having your organization participate in the parade? Get more information by contacting the Parade Coordinator Jimmy Wisner at jimmz77@sbcglobal.net.