Major Texas event
Galveston Island Shrimp Festival
September 25–26, 2026 · Galveston, Texas · Galveston County
Why plan around Galveston Island Shrimp Festival?
The Galveston Island Shrimp Festival turns the Historic Strand into a Gulf Coast food weekend centered on shrimp gumbo, a Friday kick-off party, a Saturday 5K, vendors, live music and the ticketed Gumbo Stroll.
Verified event details
Organizer: Yaga’s Entertainment ↗
Official-source details checked 2026-09-05. Ticket prices and lineups can change; confirm the linked official source before purchasing or traveling.
Plan the visit
Use September 25-26 as the confirmed 2026 weekend
The organizer schedules the Friday Kick-Off Party for September 25 and the main public festival, 5K and Gumbo Stroll for Saturday, September 26. The two days have different admission rules and experiences.
Buy tasting tickets before the stroll sells out
The festival grounds can be visited without a general admission ticket, but the Gumbo Stroll, shrimp dinner plate and Friday party require tickets. The organizer warns that the Gumbo Stroll and Friday party can sell out.
Plan for downtown parking and walking
The main Saturday footprint is around 23rd Street and Strand Street, with paid street and lot parking throughout downtown. The 5K starts separately near the Seawall, so runners should use the organizer's location-specific parking guidance.
Keep exploring
- Explore Galveston County — Build more island and Gulf Coast stops around the festival.
- Texas food and BBQ — Continue into Texas Defined's statewide food coverage.
- Texas events calendar — Compare other Texas food festivals.