Experience the Little River ShrimpFest
October in the Myrtle Beach area is pure magic. Warm (but not sweltering) afternoons, crisp evenings, and a calendar brimming with outdoor festivals make it one of the most anticipated months of the year.
Along the historic Little River waterfront, one of the season’s favorite traditions returns with the 20th Annual Little River ShrimpFest, happening Saturday, Oct. 10, and Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
The annual festival celebrates Little River’s coastal character and seafood heritage with fresh local seafood, live entertainment, arts and crafts, family-friendly activities and more than 200 vendors. Compared with its springtime counterpart, the Little River Blue Crab Festival, ShrimpFest offers its own laid-back fall atmosphere along the waterfront.
Admission: $10 per person, per day at the gate. Children 12 and under are free.
Parking: Festival parking areas include complimentary shuttle service to and from the festival gates. Visitors can also arrive by water taxi from Grande Harbour Marina. Water taxi tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under and include round-trip transportation, parking and festival admission.
Plan Ahead: Visit the official Little River ShrimpFest website for current parking information, entertainment schedules and festival updates.
The Sights
ShrimpFest transforms the historic Little River waterfront into a walkable celebration filled with art, food and coastal character.
More than 200 vendors participate in the festival, including arts and crafts vendors, businesses and community organizations. Festival entertainment also includes stilt walkers, balloon artists and activities for families.
The waterfront setting is a big part of the experience. Fishing boats, marina views, waterfront restaurants and dockside patios provide a scenic backdrop as visitors browse vendors and explore the festival.
The Sounds
Two stages of live music keep the festival lively throughout the weekend.
Visitors can enjoy performances while browsing vendor booths, grabbing something to eat or simply relaxing along the waterfront. Check the official festival schedule closer to the event for the latest performers and showtimes.
The Flavors
As the name suggests, shrimp and fresh local seafood are highlights of Little River ShrimpFest.
Waterfront restaurants and festival food vendors serve a variety of seafood dishes, including shrimp and other coastal favorites, along with traditional festival foods and non-seafood options.
Visitors can also make time to explore the restaurants located along the historic Little River waterfront, turning a day at ShrimpFest into an opportunity to experience one of the Grand Strand’s longtime seafood destinations.
Whether you come for the shrimp, live music, local vendors or waterfront atmosphere, Little River ShrimpFest offers a distinctly coastal way to enjoy fall in the Myrtle Beach area.
