Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — After drawing a crowd in 2024, Gumbo Fest is returning to Orange Beach for a second year. The cook off, hosted by CoastAL Orange Beach, promises a mix of competition, music, and coastal scenery. Organizers say the event is not only about food but also about celebrating community. Guests will be able to sample recipes from local chefs while casting a vote for their favorite.

Gumbo Fest will take place on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at CoastAL Orange Beach. Tickets are priced at $25 per person and include eight tasting tickets along with one People’s Choice vote. For the first time, tickets can be purchased online, which organizers hope will make access easier. A portion of every ticket, $5, will go toward a scholarship for a Baldwin County student pursuing a hospitality career.

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Cooks who want to compete are asked to form a team of three and register for $150. Each registration includes three event T-shirts, a $100 Rouses gift card, and a CoastAL gift bag. Because space is limited, organizers recommend signing up early to guarantee a spot.

Teams will face off for cash prizes and custom Gumbo Paddle trophies. The first-place team will take home $1,000 and a trophy, while second place earns $500 and third place $250. The People’s Choice award, decided by attendees, also carries $500, a trophy, and what many consider the real prize—bragging rights.

Guests will be part of the judging through People’s Choice voting, giving the public an active role in deciding who takes home honors. Each admission ticket provides one vote, encouraging attendees to sample widely before choosing a favorite.

“Last year’s Gumbo Fest was such an incredible day of food, fun, and community,” said Tiffany Hammock, Marketing Manager at CoastAL Orange Beach. “We’re thrilled to bring it back this year and proud that proceeds will help support the future of hospitality in Baldwin County.”

Organizers hope the Gumbo Fest Cook Off will continue to grow into a fall tradition that blends local flavor with community spirit.

For more information visit the official Gumbo Fest website.