Alabama Gulf Coast Festivals Score Big in USA Today's 10Best Awards
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores land back-to-back wins in USA Today's 10Best competition
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Alabama Gulf Coast is gaining nationwide attention. Two festivals have been listed on USA Today's 10Best for 2026. The Orange Beach Festival of Art secured first place in the Best Art Festival category. The National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores ranked sixth in Best Specialty Food Festival.
The Orange Beach Festival of Art takes place each March at the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach, located at Waterfront Park. The Art Festival is happening this weekend, March 14th & 15th. The National Shrimp Festival happens every October in Gulf Shores. Both events attract visitors from across the country to the coast each year.
The Orange Beach art event is now a consecutive national winner. It secured the No. 1 spot in both 2025 and 2026. This year, it surpassed festivals in Texas, South Carolina, Florida, Colorado, and California to maintain its top position.
More than 100 fine artists showcase their work at the Orange Beach festival. Painting, pottery, glasswork, and woodcraft are among the featured media. Live music and interactive demonstrations enhance the experience. A culinary arts section connects food and creativity along the coast.
The festival also welcomes families, with activities planned for all ages. Its waterfront location distinguishes it from many events on the national list. Officials say the coastal setting attracts both artists and visitors alike.
The National Shrimp Festival has long been a Gulf Coast fall tradition. In 2025, it ranked fifth on the national list. This year, it slipped one spot to sixth but still remained among the country's top specialty food events.
Shrimp po'boys, shrimp gumbo, and other Gulf-inspired dishes fill the menu each October. Cooking demonstrations, live music, arts and crafts, and a sandcastle contest are part of the lineup. The event brings people of all ages out to the beaches of Gulf Shores.
The Shrimp Festival competes with well-known events across the country. Other events on the 2026 list include the Delta Hot Tamale Festival in Mississippi, the National Buffalo Wing Festival in New York, and the Cheese Curd Festival in Wisconsin. Landing in the top 10 places, Gulf Shores is among strong company.
Together, the two awards highlight a broader trend on the Alabama Gulf Coast. The area has gained a reputation not only for its beaches but also for community events that attract crowds from across the country. Tourism leaders say that recognition like this helps draw new visitors to the region.
For those planning a trip, the timing is ideal for a seasonal visit. March hosts the art festival in Orange Beach, while October features the shrimp celebration in Gulf Shores. Both events provide a great reason to explore what makes this stretch of coastline worth the drive.
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