Jump To: Friday Kick-Off Party | Gumbo Stroll | 5k Fun Run | Strand Merchant Walkabout | Ron Hoover Boat Show | The Cook Off | About
Get ready to peel, savor, and celebrate! Galveston Shrimp Festival is back, bringing the ultimate seafood-filled weekend to the Gulf Coast.
For two days, from September 26 – 27, 2025, Historic Downtown Galveston will be a paradise for shrimp lovers. Shrimps, big and small, fresh off the boat, will be cooked and served in so many ways and flavors that you’ll surely be in a daze about where to start tasting. Beyond the tasty food, there will also be tons of festive activities for all ages to enjoy, from parades to gumbo tastings.
In this guide, Ill walk you through all the can’t-miss events, tasty bites, and entertainment highlights that make the Galveston Shrimp Festival a must-visit. Plan your weekend like a pro, discover hidden gems, and don’t miss the best of the Galveston Shrimp Festival 2025.
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, all information is subject to change! As always, please verify with the organizer before making plans.
Galveston Shrimp Festival 2025: Friday Kick-Off Party
Image credit: Galveston Island Wild Texas Shrimp Festival
The Galveston Shrimp Festival kicks off with a splash at the Friday Night Party, welcoming over 800 guests for an unforgettable evening! Start your shrimp-filled feast here and complement your delectable food with sips from the open bar.
Coleton Black will be providing live music, so also get ready to groove and maybe even dance around with your friends and family in between bites. Tickets run out fast, though, so I’m grabbing mine now!
NOTE: This event is 21+ only.
When: Friday, September 26, 2025 | 7:30 pm – 10 pm
How much: $83.69
Galveston Shrimp Festival 2025: Gumbo Stroll
Image credit: Galveston Island Wild Texas Shrimp Festival
Stroll around Galveston’s Historic Strand District as it comes alive with the irresistible aroma of bubbling gumbo! Prepare your tummies for an amazing cacophony of various gumbos from talented cook teams, award-winning chefs, and backyard roux masters. There’s sure to be a gumbo recipe here that you have never tasted before.
Tap your feet to live tunes from Dustin Perkins and the Brandon McDermott Band as you savor every bite.
When: Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 12 pm – 4 pm
How much: $16.57 | Day-of tickets can be purchased on-site from 12 pm onwards while supplies last. No online day-of tickets.
Galveston Shrimp Festival: Shrimp Scamper 5k Fun Run
Image credit: Galveston Island Wild Texas Shrimp Festival
Ready, set, scuttle! The Shrimp Scamper 5K Fun Run is your chance to dash and dash to the shrimpy finish line, where yummy food and prizes await.
Earn your performance t-shirt and shiny participation medal, strut your stuff in the costume contest, and celebrate at the runner’s happy hour with three free beers (plus TWO more after the finish line—cheers!).
Want to make it a full-on festival adventure? Grab a 5K Combo ticket and pair your sprint with a taste of the downtown fun. You can choose between the flavorful Gumbo Stroll or a hearty Shrimp Dinner Plate.
NOTE: The famous Gumbo Stroll is not included in the fun run ticket.
When: Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 9 am
How much: 64.20
Galveston Shrimp Festival 2025 – Strand Merchant Walkabout
Take a break from all the shrimp munchies and madness and take a stroll through Galveston’s beloved Strand District and discover local shops, unique souvenirs, and a chance to win big!
Collect your walkabout card from the Saengerfest Park info booth, visit each participating store to get your stamps, and turn in your completed card by 4:00 pm at any beer booth for a shot at over $1,000 in gift cards.
As a bonus, enjoy a FREE ice-cold beer when you hand in your card. I know that’s something I’m not going to forget!
When: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Galveston Shrimp Festival 2025 – Ron Hoover Boat Show
For the boat and sailing enthusiasts, don’t miss the Ron Hoover Boat Show. Explore an incredible lineup of boats for every type of adventure, including bay boats, cruisers, offshore boats, pontoons, deck boats, runabouts, bass boats, and more.
Take advantage of exclusive deals, including outboard repower specials, and discover the perfect vessel for your next family getaway.
When: Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 7:30 pm – 10 pm
Galveston Shrimp Festival 2025 – The Cook Off
Image credit: Galveston Island Wild Texas Shrimp Festival
If you think you have a one-of-a-kind gumbo recipe that Galveston has never tasted before, show it off by joining the famous Galveston Shrimp Festival Cook Off! Each team will be required to whip up their version of a shrimp gumbo. In addition to that, you can also opt to cook for any of these categories: Shrimp burger, Chef’s open shrimp, and Jackpot Rum Punch Contest.
Cooking starts at 9 am on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
Win or lose, participating teams will still get some awesome items, including:
- 5 Friday Kick-Off Party tickets per space
- 1 Chief Cook apron (first 40 teams)
- 1 festival t-shirt per space
- Discounted parking
About the Galveston Shrimp Festival
The Galveston Shrimp Festival is a cherished annual tradition that celebrates the island’s rich maritime heritage and vibrant Gulf Coast culture. Held every September in the Historic Strand District and organized by Yaga’s Entertainment, this festival transforms the area into a lively hub of seafood, music, and community spirit. The event also showcases Galveston’s deep-rooted connection to the shrimping industry and its status as a premier seafood destination.
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Also, check out our article on September 2025 Events in Houston for Adults and Best Kids Events in Houston in September 2025.
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