There’s a little something for all tastes at October food and drink festivals in Alabama’s coastal counties.

Many of the gatherings also symbolize how the port at Mobile was the entry point for immigrants who would find the American Dream here. Festivals set for October celebrate cultural and culinary contributions from Alabamians with roots in Germany, Greece, Mexico, and countries across both Central and South America. 

Peel-and-eat delicacies freshly pulled from the Gulf of Mexico also get their due at the National Shrimp Festival. And Mobile’s own October fall classic, the Dauphin Street Beer Festival, returns for a 24th year. 

Here are October festivals built around food and drink in Mobile and Baldwin counties.

Dauphin Street Beer Festival (October 1)

Location: Mobile

This festival is the ultimate pub crawl. More than a dozen bars and restaurants in Mobile’s LoDa entertainment district each serve samples of three special beers or ciders made in Alabama, other U.S. states, Canada, Germany, England, and Iceland. A $35 ticket buys a commemorative mug, temporary membership card, and wristband for a sample of each beer. 

National Shrimp Festival (October 6–9)

Location: Gulf Shores

More than four dozen vendors will serve fresh saltwater shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico—boiled, fried, steamed, stewed, and otherwise. Between shrimp courses, you can sample crab cakes, conch fritters, and other preparations made with shellfish. Music, children’s activities, arts and crafts, 5k and 10k races, and sand sculpture contests round out the fun.

Greek Fest (October 13–16)

Location: Mobile

The pappous (granddaddy) of Alabama Greek festivals turns 60 this year. Held at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, the fest menu includes rolled grape leaves, chicken skewers, savory spanakopita, gyros, creamy pasta-and-meat pastichio, and lots of handmade sweets. Entertainment includes traditional music and dancing. 

Mobile Latin Fest (October 14)

Location: Mobile

In its second year, Mobile’s Latin Fest observes National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15). Food, music, traditional dance, and crafts showcase the diversity and commonalities among the Spanish-speaking cultures of the Americas. The family-friendly gathering will be at Cathedral Square downtown. Admission is free.   

Fallapalooza (October 15)

Location: Gulf Shores

The menu at this spooky event for students at Coastal Alabama Community College’s Gulf Shores campus includes a nacho bar, Halloween-themed dessert buffet, s’mores, and apple cider. Fallapalooza also features a costume contest, pumpkin-carving contest, games, and a photo booth.

German Sausage Festival (October 29)

Location: Elberta 

Thousands are expected to sample the garlicky, beef-and-pork German-style sausage made exclusively for the festival by Farm Fresh Meats of Robertsdale. Elberta was founded in 1904 by German immigrants (the city’s motto: Fur das gute leben – For the good life). The fest, held in October and April, is a fundraiser for the Elbert Fire Department. Accompanying the grilled sausage is German-style cabbage and potato salad, goulash, red beans and rice, plus typical fall fair fare. Other attractions include some 200 arts and crafts vendors, carnival rides, polka dancing, and music ranging from traditional German to modern country.