Activities & Tickets

Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival is a Free Entry event. However, guests can enhance their festival experience by participating in some of these activities below. Please note: Refunds can not be given after August 13 on any ticket sales.

Shrimp & Grits VIP Package

Presented by Beachview Event Rentals and the Jekyll Island Seafood Company.

The Shrimp & Grits VIP Package gives you exclusive access to the festival’s VIP Tent along with a complete weekend package for fun at the 2012 Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival. VIP Packages can be picked up at the Jekyll Island Visitor Information Center located on the Jekyll Island Causeway.

SHRIMP & GRITS VIP PACKAGES ARE NOW SOLD OUT.

 VIP Packages Include:

  • Exclusive up-close parking on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the festival.
  • Three passes for $3 samples at Friday night’s “$3 Sample Night”
  • Two passes for lunch or dinner from the festival’s Prime Food Vendors.
  • New in 2012. One ticket to the Shrimp & Grits Festival Craft Brew Tasting. 
  • 1 lb. bag of stone ground grits.
  • A commemorative festival poster.

  • Access to the Shrimp & Grits Festival VIP Tent all weekend including free shrimp cocktail and soft drinks along with exclusive access to the VIP cash bar.

Price: $55 per VIP Package. Purchase online or by calling the Jekyll Island Visitor Information Center at 912-635-3636.

Craft Brew Tasting – New in 2012
Presented by Southern Eagle Distributing

Tickets Available at Festival

The Shrimp & Grits Festival Craft Brew Tasting features the finest in craft brews. Tickets are $10 for 10 tastings. Breweries represented include Magic Hat, RJ Rockers, Kona Breweries, New Belgium, and Southern Tier.

Hours:
Friday 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Saturday Noon – 8 PM
Sunday 12:30 PM – 3 PM

Price: $10 for 10 tastings. Tickets for additional tastings can be purchased in sets of ten. Tickets can purchased on site. Souvenir glasses available for an additional $3.

Brew Cruise
Presented by Coastal Kitchen

Take a boat to the Shrimp & Grits Festival. This covered, air-conditioned boat departs from Morningstar Marina at the foot of the FJ Torras Causeway and docks at the Jekyll Island Historic Wharf, adjacent to the main festival grounds. Enjoy a selection of appetizers at Coastal Kitchen 45 minutes prior to departure and then delicious cold beverages on board. Space is limited and reservations must be made by September 12 by calling the Jekyll Island Visitor Information Center at 912-635-3636.

Saturday, September 15: Departs: 5:00 PM / Returns: 9:00 PM
Price: $40 per person. Purchase online or by calling the Jekyll Island Visitor Information Center at 912-635-3636.

 In case of inclement weather or rough waters, a shuttle will transport guests to and from the festival.

Shrimp & Grits Cooking Competitions
Presented by Ferrellgas and Southeast Georgia Health System

Registration for the Cooking Competitions is now closed.

Participate or judge in the annual Amateur or Professional Cooking Competition.

The Amateur Competition on Saturday, September 15 is open to anyone with less than 2 years of professional culinary training or experience with the first place winner taking home $800.

The Professional Competition on Sunday, September 16 is open to all professionally trained chefs with the first place winner taking home $2000!

Check out our Applications Page for all applications and rules.

Want to help judge? Sign up to be on the Consumer Choice Panel. The Consumer Choice Panel is open to the first 30 registrants for each competition. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by calling the Jekyll Island Visitor Information Center at 912-635-3636.

Tickets Available at Festival

Arts & Craft Vendor Village
The Shrimp & Grits Festival offers an array of talented arts & craft vendors in the Shrimp & Grits Festival Vendor Village. All vendors are selected by the committee based on the quality of their work. Only vendors selling high quality, hand-crafted items are allowed in. Items for sell include fine painting, sculpture, pottery, textiles, jewelry, wood crafts, and culinary delights. Entry to the Vendor Village is free.

Family Fun Entertainment
Flippenout Extreme Trampoline Show
presented by Nalley Automotive
Returning for the second year, the Flippenout Extreme Trampoline Show is a high-flying trampoline stunt show that kids and adults can enjoy. Be amazed by these athletes as they jump, flip, and leap in the air. The Extreme Trampoline Show is a free entry event. No ticket required.

Show Times: Saturday – Noon, 3 PM, and 5:00 PM. Sunday Noon and 3 PM.

Quite A Catch Juggling Act
presented by Peachtree Pest Control
Kids will laugh and be amazed by juggler Ron Anglin. This interactive show includes a time for kids to try their hand at juggling as well. The Quite A Catch Juggling Act is a free entry event. No ticket required.

Show Times: Saturday – 1:00, 2:00, 6:00. Sunday – 1:30, 3:00