Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — CoastAL Orange Beach brings the Gulf Coast's deep gumbo tradition to the beachfront for its annual Gumbo Festival. The event brings together seafood lovers, culinary competitors, and community members for an afternoon of food and live music. Louisiana developed gumbo through a blend of West African, Native American, and European cooking traditions. Over generations, the dish became a major part of Gulf Coast food culture. Gumbo remains a popular Gulf Coast dish, with recipes that feature local seafood, family traditions, and cooking methods passed down through generations.

The festival is set for Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at CoastAL Orange Beach, located at 25722 Perdido Beach Boulevard in Orange Beach. The beachfront venue offers beautiful Gulf views as the cook-off backdrop. Attendees can sample original gumbo recipes from regional teams while enjoying live music and beachside cocktails.

General admission tasting tickets are $25 per person. Children ages six and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

Each ticket includes the following:

• 10 gumbo-tasting cup tickets
• 1 People's Choice voting ticket
• 1 Best Decorated Tent voting ticket

The festival also gives back to the community. For every tasting ticket sold, $5 goes to a scholarship fund for Baldwin County students pursuing careers in the hospitality industry. In past years, the event has raised thousands of dollars for future industry leaders.

Each competing team consists of three members and pays a $150 registration fee. The fee includes three official festival T-shirts, a $100 Rouses Market gift card, and a CoastAL gift bag. Each team receives a tent, table, chairs, and serving supplies. Teams must prepare at least seven gallons of gumbo for the competition.

Competitors will have a chance at cash awards and custom Gumbo Paddle Trophies. The prize breakdown is as follows:

• 1st Place: $1,000 cash prize plus a Gumbo Paddle Trophy
• 2nd Place: $500 cash prize plus a Gumbo Paddle Trophy
• 3rd Place: $250 cash prize plus a Gumbo Paddle Trophy
• People's Choice: $500 cash prize, a Gumbo Paddle Trophy, and local bragging rights

For ticket purchases, team registration details, and additional information, visit the CoastAL Orange Beach website.