Join the 69th annual Shrimporee for live entertainment, culinary events, dancing, contests, carnival rides and more all weekend long June 9-11. The event kicks off the summer season and takes place in Johnson Community Park, 200 E. Johnson Ave.
The nearly septuagenarian festival originated as The Blessing of the Fleet — a special ceremony for all of the Coastal Bend’s shrimp boats.
“When it first began, Aransas Pass was the ‘Shrimp Capital of the World,’” said Linda Cobb from member services at the Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce. “The shrimpers would cook all the shrimp and give it to the locals. It was a whole celebration with a street dance.”
Today, the event has grown into a three-day festival hosting more than 45,000 visitors in a single weekend. Two stages provide live music and feature local and nationally known musicians such as Jason Southern and Los Lonely Boys. More than 100 craft booths and an open-air farmers market join Folklorico dancers, magic shows, a shrimp-eating contest and more for a super summer festival that has something for everyone.
Visit the carnival, which opens a day early, from 6-10 p.m. Thursday, 6-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday. Carnival tickets are $25 every day except Thursday, when you can get $5 off!
Watch the crowning of King and Queen Shrimporee, Ezequiel Lozano and Lily Hansen. These two students from Aransas Pass High School were chosen and awarded scholarships for their outstanding applications, community involvement and good grades.
Catch the parade downtown at 10 a.m. Saturday. (The king and queen will have their own float in the parade.)
Then, stick around for the Men’s and Women’s Sexy Legs Contest at 3 p.m., during which competitors get on stage and show off their limber limbs.
“Let’s just say the patron with the sexiest legs wins,” Cobb laughed. “It’s been going on forever.”
Stop by the culinary tent to appreciate food from these nonprofit groups. Food vendors are cash only, by the way, so be prepared.

Rotary Club-Aransas Pass
Funnel cakes
Grilled shrimp tacos

Aransas Pass Panther Athletic Booster Club
Fried shrimp kabobs
Fried shrimp tray
Sausage on a stick

Aransas Pass Masonic Lodge #1018
Cajun grilled shrimp
Crab-stuffed shrimp
Barbecue sandwich

Reach
Hand-breaded fried shrimp
Shrimp brochette
Blackened fish tacos

San Patricio County Christmas for Kids Year Round
Shrimp and grits
Cheeseburger and fries
Coconut shrimp with hush puppies

Knights of Columbus Ingleside #11570
Shrimp gumbo with rice

Little I’s Snow Cone & Treats
Fruit cups
Tamarindo apples
Candy apples
Hot Cheetos
Tostadas
Nachos

Aransas Pass Moose Lodge #2063
Turkey legs
Chicken-fried bacon

Carrie’s Grill & Treats
Italian ice
Desert treats
Roasted corn
The preferred way to get to the event is utilizing the free park-and-ride shuttle. Pick up stations are at:

  • Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce, 130 W. Goodnight Ave.
  • Compton Hall, 704 W. Yoakum at Harrison
  • Aransas Pass Civic Center, 700 W. Wheeler Ave. (side parking lot)
  • Palm Plaza, 1901 Wheeler Ave. (Bealls parking lot)
  • Shrimporee grounds are open 6 p.m.-midnight Friday, 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday.

Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for active military, $4 for ages 7-12 and free for ages 6 and younger. Get a three-day access pass for $12. For more information, visit aransaspass.org/shrimporee.