Ready for the ultimate shrimp celebration? Shrimporee in Aransas Pass is Texas’ largest shrimp festival, packed with mouthwatering seafood, live entertainment, and fun for the whole family. If a weekend filled with food, fun, and mounds of shrimp sounds amazing, you don’t want to miss this event. Here is everything you need to know when planning a trip to Shrimporee.
What is Shrimporee in Aransas Pass?
If three days of everything shrimp sounds like your perfect weekend, then head on down to Shrimporee this June. This summer shrimp festival in the town of Aransas Pass, just outside of Corpus Christi, is a surefire way to satisfy your shellfish cravings.
Shrimporee celebrates shrimp, the shrimping industry, and the community that rose around it. The festival is jam-packed with fun things to do, see, and hear. Take a peek at what you can look forward to at this annual event in June.
Live Music
Live Music is a major part of the Shrimporee in Aransas Pass. Throughout the event, artists fill the venue’s two stages with country hits, rock favorites, 80s classics, and popular Tejano music. All concerts are included with your festival admission.
Shrimporee Parade
No trip to the Aransas Pass Shrimporee is complete without taking part in the Shrimporee Parade. Starting Saturday morning on Commercial Street, participants travel from the corner of E. Maddox Avenue to Magnolia Street.
This festival focal point gets the weekend started on a bright foot. Area businesses, local organizations, and community members show their festival spirit with creative floats, decorated vehicles, and displays. There is no entry fee to participate in the Shrimporee Parade, so get your group together and start planning.
Carnival
It wouldn’t be a Texas shrimp festival without a carnival. Experience rides, games of chance, and all things carnival-related at Shrimporee. Carnival tickets are not included in Shrimporee admission. You must purchase tickets separately; look for discounted days and wristband offers to save on the fun.
Vendors
Shrimporee is packed with vendors offering arts, crafts, food, and shrimp-themed wares. Whether you want a T-shirt to remember the event, a one-of-a-kind beach painting, or a nautical wind chime, you will surely find it at this festival. As you walk through the fairgrounds, check out and support these local vendors.
Food Demos
Some vendors and area eateries will be offering food demos. Learn new ways to prepare Gulf shrimp, or get tips to perfect your old favorites. This is also a great time to ask area experts questions about prepping, cooking, and serving shellfish.
Petting Zoo
The Shrimporee petting zoo is a great way for kids of all ages to enjoy hands-on time with friendly farm animals. You can visit this attraction any time during regular festival hours.
Shrimp Eating Contest
The shrimp eating contest may be the best part of the annual Aransas Pass Shrimporee. Pull up a chair and see how many shrimp you can eat. If you prefer to watch, sit back and be amazed as competitors consume copious amounts of shellfish in their quest for the title.
Parking
The Shrimporee festival takes place at the Shrimporee Festival Grounds, located at 200 E. Johnson Ave, Aransas Pass, Texas. There is very limited parking at and around the fairgrounds. When you can get one of those coveted spots, it will cost you between $5 and $7 per vehicle. All proceeds from parking go to local youth-serving nonprofits.
Event organizers encourage attendees to park in select downtown locations. You can take a free shuttle running between them and the fairgrounds. The shuttle, sponsored by the Port of Corpus Christi, operates until closing time to ensure visitors get back to their cars safely.
General Housekeeping and Rules
Like all great festivals, Shrimporee in Aransas Pass has some basic ground rules. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with these housekeeping policies before heading to the fairgrounds.
Trained service animals are the only animals allowed into Shrimporee. Pets are not allowed.
You cannot bring food, drinks, or coolers into the fairgrounds during Shrimporee. However, lawn chairs, wagons, and strollers are welcome.
If you still have questions, someone at the blue information building can help you. This is also where you will find the festival’s lost and found.
When Is the Aransas Pass Shrimporee?
The Shrimporee in Aransas Pass happens every June, with 2025’s dates yet to be announced. Event hours over the three-day weekend are:
- Friday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
You can attend one, two, or all three days. Admission prices are not set for the 2025 event, but last year’s were an affordable $10 per adult per day. Opt for a weekend pass to save on multi-day visits.
There are plenty of ways to save on your admission, including discounts for kids aged 8 to 12, adults over 60, and active military members. Kids under seven get in free.
Where Is the Best Place To Stay for Shrimporee?
RV resorts are a great way to experience Shrimporee in Aransas Pass. Sunset Ridge RV Resort is among the area’s most secure options. This gated community features 24-hour security and on-site staff for added peace of mind. Resort-style amenities include a pool jacuzzi tub, pickleball courts, a fitness room, and an on-site marina. It’s a great place to relax and unwind after the festival.
If RV camping is not your thing, you still have many great options in Aransas Pass and nearby Corpus Christi. The Omni Hotel in downtown Corpus Christi offers full-service amenities. It is highly rated and a favorite among area visitors. You might even find a rental available in Padre Island, but you better book early — rooms fill up fast for this popular seasonal event.
Experience Shrimporee in Aransas Pass for Yourself
You can’t truly understand the Shrimporee in Aransas Pass without experiencing it for yourself. Whether you’re here for the shrimp, the music, or the festivities, Sunset Ridge RV Resort is a great place to set up your Texas shrimp festival home base. With spacious sites, full hookups, and beach and marina access, you’ll enjoy a relaxing and memorable festival experience. Book your stay today.