Shrimp scampi, shrimp gumbo, shrimp bisque, shrimp burgers—the Galveston Island Shrimp Festival is all about shrimp: especially the Wild Texas Gulf Shrimp. For three days, festgoers sing its praises with cooking contests, kids' activities, and even a crazy 5K.

The Food You'll Eat

Along the Gumbo Stroll 80 teams vie for votes with potent shrimp gumbos and other shrimp-based delights. Both restaurant pros and "backyard roux roughnecks" duke it out for festival awards, including cash prizes.

Fun for the Little Ones

On Saturday, colorful and wacky floats cruise down the streets for the Lil' Shrimps Parade while riders toss strings of glittering beads for kids to collect, wear, or use as the basis of an elaborate bartering system. But the youngster fun doesn't stop there.

The Other Festivities

Live music gets hips shaking on each day of the fest, only breaking for the cooking awards. Festgoers can also check out sleek new water vessels or show off the power of their land legs by trotting along the Shrimp Scamper 5K Fun Run, where wildly costumed racers (and some of their dogs) loop through downtown.