For over 50 years, the Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival has been a beloved tradition celebrating the local shrimping industry that the coastal North Carolina community was built upon. This lively event draws visitors from all over to enjoy delicious shrimp, live music, arts and crafts, and fun for all ages.
If you’re wondering when the next Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival will be taking place, you’ve come to the right guide! Below we’ll cover everything you need to know about this popular festival, including upcoming dates, event schedules, ticket information, parking tips, and more
Overview of the Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival
Held annually in the fall, the Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival is hosted by the Rotary Club of Sneads Ferry as a fundraiser supporting various community initiatives The two-day event takes place at the Sneads Ferry Community Center and surrounding park
The festival highlights fresh local shrimp through gastronomic delights like fried shrimp plates, shrimp burgers, shrimp dogs, and more. Beyond delicious shrimp-centric food, you’ll find live music across three stages, amusements rides, 200+ arts & crafts vendors, cooking demonstrations, a lively parade, and a 5k run.
With its small-town charm, beautiful waterfront setting, and bounty of mouthwatering shrimp goodness, it’s no wonder over 30,000+ visitors flock to this iconic celebration each year!
When is the Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival in 2023?
The 53rd Annual Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival will take place on September 29-30, 2023.
This two-day event runs from 10 AM to 6 PM on Friday and Saturday. The parade takes place on Saturday morning.
Upcoming Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival Dates
Here are the next few dates for future Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festivals to mark on your calendar:
- 53rd Festival: September 29-30, 2023
- 54th Festival: September 27-28, 2024
- 55th Festival: September 26-27, 2025
The festival always takes place on the last full weekend of September annually.
Event Schedule and Highlights
The Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival packs fun for all ages across two days. Here are some of the highlight events and activities to check out:
Friday September 29th
- 10 AM – Gates Open
- 10:30 AM – Cooking demonstrations begin
- 12 PM – Youth Fishing Tournament Weigh-In
- 4 PM – Youth Art Show Awards
- 6 PM – Gates Close
Saturday September 30th
- 7:30 AM – Rotary Club Pancake Breakfast
- 9:30 AM – Shrimp Festival Parade
- 10 AM – Gates Open
- 10:30 AM – Cooking demos, music, rides begin
- 12 PM – Shrimp-Eating Contests
- 3 PM – Youth Fishing Tournament Weigh-In
- 6 PM – Gates Close
Getting Tickets to the Shrimp Festival
Tickets can be purchased at the gates during the festival for $5 per person each day. Children under 8 are free.
Discounted $8 weekend passes can be purchased in advance online when available at the Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival website.
Free parking is available near the festival grounds. Golf cart shuttles help transport visitors from outer parking areas.
Ways to Enjoy the Festival
Beyond feasting on indulgent shrimp dishes, here are some top ways to make the most of the Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival:
- Browse and shop the 200+ arts & crafts vendors
- Ride carnival attractions like the Ferris wheel and carousel
- Catch live performances by local bands across 3 music stages
- Watch entertaining cooking demonstrations
- See floats and marching bands in the Saturday parade
- Experience the youth fishing tournament weigh-ins
- Walk along the harbour boardwalk and marina
- Enjoy free kids activities like bounce houses and facepainting
- Marvel at fireworks over the harbour on Saturday night
With so much to see and do, you’ll make unforgettable memories at this quintessential local celebration.
Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival Tips
Check out these handy tips for making the most of your Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival experience:
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Come early – gates open at 10 AM so arrive when it opens to beat crowds.
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Bring cash – some vendors are cash only and ATMs have long lines.
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Pack sunscreen and bring hats/umbrellas for shade.
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Wear comfy shoes for walking around the large festival grounds.
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Bring a reusable water bottle – free refill stations are available.
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Review the festival schedule ahead of time and make an itinerary.
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Allow time to walk through the arts & crafts vendor tents.
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Ask for a side of cocktail sauce with fried shrimp orders!
Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival
This beloved community tradition offers fun for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are just some of the key reasons it’s an unforgettable event worth attending:
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Indulge in mouthwatering shrimp dishes you won’t find anywhere else
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Soak in the festive atmosphere and small-town charm
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Enjoy live music by talented local bands
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Shop for arts, crafts and gifts from over 200 vendors
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Thrill rides and games offer fun for kids and kids-at-heart
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Local camaraderie and hospitality abound
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Celebrate and support the town’s historic shrimping heritage
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Create special memories with family and friends
The Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival highlights the culture of a unique coastal community. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible experience!
An Iconic North Carolina Tradition Lives On
For over five decades, the Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival has brought joy and visitors to this small coastal town annually. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of volunteers and organizers, this beloved tradition continues going strong.
53rd Shrimp Festival Dates: September 27-28, 2024
2024 APPLICATION FORMS ARE LIVE!
Links for 2024 Shrimp Festival application forms are to the right under “Links and Forms.”
SAVE THE DATE!
INTERESTED IN HELPING?
To plan the Shrimp Festival, the committee meets at the Sneads Ferry Community Center on the first Monday of every month at 7 p.m.
THANK YOU!
The Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival was a lot of fun this past weekend. A big thank you to all the volunteers who help make the event possible; the hard work that goes into it wouldn’t be possible without you all. Also, thanks to everyone who came out to keep the tradition going! See you all next year!