CoastFest
This Event Happens: March 21, 2026
Location: Mary Ross Waterfront Park Gloucester and Bay Streets Brunswick, GA 31520
This free event, now in its 29th year, features exhibitors, live entertainment, marine-life touch tanks, historical demonstrations, games, and much more!
Please check this website for updates and new information as it becomes available.
Exhibitors
CoastFest features a variety of environmental, research, and educational exhibitors from across Georgia and the Southeast. These exhibitors provide attendees with free opportunities to learn about natural resources, wildlife, climate science, litter prevention, and dozens of other topics.
Click here for a full list of CoastFest 2026 exhibitors.
Art Contest
The 2026 CoastFest Art Show Theme will be "Stars, Stripes, and Sea Life - Celebrating Our Coast and Country." In 2026, our nation will celebrate its 250th anniversary. Georgia DNR will offer a series of patriotic themed events and programs statewide throughout the year, and we're excited about the opportunity to incorporate that into our 2026 CoastFest event. We encourage you and your students to feature what you love and enjoy about Georgia's coastal habitats and wildlife in your artwork. From our marshes, maritime forest, beach, and Atlantic coastline to local fishes, birds, mammals, reptiles, and more... there's so much to celebrate!
Wild Georgia Shrimp Eating Contest
To support Georgia’s Wild Shrimp industry, DNR is holding its 2nd annual Wild Georgia Shrimp Eating Contest. Representatives from each Division of DNR will compete to see who can peel and eat the most shrimp in two minutes.
Entertainment
See live birds of prey from Georgia Southern’s Center for Wildlife Education, plus other wildlife displays. Don’t miss cannon firings and black powder demonstrations from Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites.
Food, T-Shirts & More
Click here for a full list of 2026 Food Trucks.
T-shirt prices: $15 for all sizes (youth and adult).
The 2025 CoastFest shirt featured the artwork of Madalyn Dixon of Camden County — her “Lemon Shark” watercolor painting was selected during the 2024 CoastFest.
Click here for T-Shirt information.
Parking and Accessibility
Parking locations will be announced in the weeks before CoastFest. Signs will direct attendees to the designated parking area. Parking for individuals with handicap permits will be provided at Mary Ross Waterfront Park.