Shrimp Festival
Sat, Sep 20 , 2025
Pope County Courthouse Lawn, Golconda, IL 62938
Streets lined with vendors serving a wide variety of shrimp dishes sure to satisfy every shrimp lover’s appetite. You can also find award-winning BBQ along with corndogs, funnel cakes, and much more.
A “Shrimp Festival” may sound like a crazy celebration in a quaint river town in Southern Illinois but it is one you don't want to miss! .
While the Mississippi grass shrimp calls several rivers in southern Illinois its home, at only two inches long it’s not going to fill your belly. Topping out at only two inches long, it will take a lot of Mississippi grass shrimp to fill your plate. This is where our friends on the gulf coast step in! Image courtesy: Missouri Dept. of Conservation
Luckily more succulent and meaty shrimp from the U.S. Gulf Coast aren’t too far away! Believe it or not, the surrounding area in southern Illinois also shares a history of sustainably farmed shrimp.
The Golconda Shrimp Festival was named the #1 Food Festival in the state of Illinois by National Geographic Traveler magazine and has become the premiere event showcasing the natural beauty of rural Pope County and the vibrant history of one of Illinois’ first river towns.
Places to stay nearby...
Lock & Dam 51 Houses-Golconda
Golconda
House rental overlooking the Ohio River.
Read more about Lock & Dam 51 Houses-Golconda
Barren Creek Cottages
Golconda
Located at Bay City, at the Smithland Pool on the Ohio River. Boat launch, hook-ups and floating docks. Completely furnished.
Read more about Barren Creek Cottages
Riverview Mansion Hotel
Golconda
The Mansion boasts an eclectic variety of overnight lodging.
Read more about Riverview Mansion Hotel