Check out our musical guest Erin Kinsey at ErinKinsey.com

MISSION

Proceeds from the the Shrimp & Grits Festival benefit over 5,000 local club kids at the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast. The Boys and Girls Club’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those that need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.

IMPACT

For the last 6 years, we have packed the docks, growing from our first year of 1,000 guests to over double our second and third years. The event features creative variations of Shrimp & Grits by local restaurants, food trucks and personal chefs from Fort Walton Beach to 30A, all competing to be crowned the best on the Emerald Coast.

The six years we have raised more than $150,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, a nonprofit devoted to “enhancing the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence through its programs focused on academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles.”

$150k

Raised Over 6 years

To date, the Shrimp and Grits Festival raised over $150,000! Proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast.

35+

Participants over 6 years

Over six years, 35+ local restaurants, food trucks, and personal chefs dished up their best rendition of the beloved Southern dish, shrimp & grits.

5000

children Impacted across 8 clubs

Proceeds impact over 5000 local club kids from the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast. BGCEC enables all young people, especially those that need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.

Don’t forget to tag us in your photos and use the hashtags #shrimphappens #shrimpandgritsdestin

2️⃣ days and we get to crown a winner! Make your predictions below ⬇️⬇️ #shrimpandgrits #shrimpandgritsfestival #destin

@whiteclaw is releasing 3 new flavors soon!! Guess who gets to try them first at @shrimpandgritsfestival !?!? #exclusive #nolawswhenyouredrinkingclaws

Forecasting Sunshine ☀️ and FUN! @shrimpandgritsfestival

Have you bought your tickets yet? What are you waiting for? VIP is almost SOLD OUT! Don’t wait too long.

7️⃣ days away! We want to know...What is your favorite 🍤Shrimp & Grits topping?? Bacon? 🥓 Eggs? 🍳 Green Onions? Or Sausage? 🍴 Let ya know in the comments ⬇️⬇️

It's not too late to make your plans to join us! Secure your event tickets along with a luxurious room all in one when you book the weekend package with @thehendersonfl Even avoid Destin traffic with complimentary transportation from our resort! 🦐🍻🌞 Learn More: http://bit.ly/2PrbwoT #TheHenderson #ShrimpandGrits #DestinFWB #DestinFL #Partner #Festival

Whose ready for the awesome sounds of Cadillac Willy and the Shenanigans, while enjoying an afternoon full of delicious food,drinks and friends?!? See you all in 2 weeks!! #getyourforksready #shrimpandgrits

When you are saving all your calories for the Shrimp & Grits!!🦐😋 Enjoy only 100 calories and all natural flavors at the @whiteclaw tent

@shrimpandgritsfestival February 29th, 2020 whose ready!??!

Due to the overwhelming response and everyone trying to purchase tickets today we are experiencing some technical difficulties. Unfortunately the processor for our site has crashed but we are working diligently to get it back up and running as soon as possible. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding during this time. We will let everyone know when the site is back up and running and tickets are available again. www.Shrimpandgritsfest.com

Tickets are on sale now! Go to www.shrimpandgritsfest.com to get your tickets today! Limited quantities available so don’t delay! 🍤

Grits are only as good as the corn they came from! 🌽 That's why we have partnered with @bayoucorafarms a family owned farm specializing in Heirloom Corn dating back to 1875. Bayou Cora Farms is providing their amazing grits to all our participants for the festival!

Cannot wait for all the deliciousness coming to the harbor in February!!

We are so excited the lineup of restaurants is getting intense! Make sure to come out and support your favorite local chefs!! @sunsetbaycafe @brotulas @lulusdestin @790onthegulf @flambeafterdark @harrytslighthouse @thehendersonfl @beachwalkcafedestin @shunkgulley30a @anotherbrokenegg @halfshelldestin @knifes_edge_private_chef

2025 Winners:

Judges Choice:
Best Overall: LESGO Personal Chef Best Shrimp: Holi Indian Cuisine
Best Grits: Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill
Most Creative: LESGO Personal Chef

People’s Choice: 1st - Boathouse Oyster Bar 2nd - Knife’s Edge Private Chef and Catering. 3rd - Cinder’s & Salt

Get Involved

They say it takes a village to raise young ones, and this is no different! We need the village to help us achieve our goals. We are always looking for new participants, volunteers and sponsors to help us fulfill our mission. Click below to find out how you can help.

Become a participant

If you are a restaurant, food truck personal chef, or caterer, we want YOU to compete in the 7th Annual Shrimp & Grits Festival! Send an email to cmayes@bgcec.com and join the fun!

become a sponsor

To become part of our sponsors click the link below and our team will be in touch with you on exciting sponsorship opportunities.

Learn More

Make a Donation

Want to support the mission in other ways? Click below to make a financial donation.

Donate