Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival

The beloved Shrimp & Grits Festival returns to Jekyll Island, Georgia, for the 19th year on October 23-24. The festival is a jam-packed celebration of one of the South’s most iconic dishes. 

Set against the backdrop of moss-draped oaks and ocean breezes, the free family-friendly event features fresh seafood, live music, and artisan vendors, surrounded by coastal charm. Guests can taste creative takes on shrimp and grits from local restaurants while exploring the island’s Historic District, miles of bike trails, and uncrowded beaches. Featuring a blend of low country flavors and set near the maritime forests and salt marshes, the Shrimp & Grits Festival is the perfect fall activity for culinary enthusiasts.

Stay:

After enjoying the festival, visitors can stay at the legendary Jekyll Island Club Resort. With its Gilded Age roots, the resort takes guests back in time to when some of the country’s most prominent families would escape to Jekyll Island’s beauty amid Georgia’s storied Golden Isles. Between the iconic Clubhouse croquet field, pristine beach access, expansive grounds, six dining outposts, and two pools, a stay at this Historic Hotel of America amplifies the festival’s Southern spirit and coastal lifestyle.

Explore:

Fall is a glorious time for this balmy island with tropical breezes and lower humidity, and the best weather for beach walks. Jekyll Island has 10 miles of grand, unspoiled shoreline, and each beach’s natural beauty is completely different than the other, from bird watching on St. Andrews to photo ops on the iconic Driftwood Beach.