The 49th annual National Shrimp Festival will return this fall after a two-year hiatus due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Organizers announced an entertainment lineup that is sure to keep the festival rocking for four straight days. This year's headliner is Trent Tomlinson, co-writer of "Damn Strait," the No.1 song on Billboard's Country Airplay chart since July 18. This will be Tomlinson's second performance at the festival. He is set to take the festival's West Stage, Saturday, Oct. 8, at 8:15 p.m.

"Trent performed with us back in 2007 and his show really drew a great crowd, he fits the vibe we try to set each year," said Michael Broussard, of Shrimp Festival entertainment committee. "We're thrilled about his recent success on the Billboard charts and hope that news will help draw even more attention toward his performance on the Saturday evening of the festival."

The entertainment line-up also includes Bay Minette local and "The Voice" final four contestant Kirk Jay, longtime festival favorites like The Velcro Pygmies and Dr. Zarr's Amazing Funk Monster. There will also be tribute bands performing the hits of Queen, AC/DC, Bon Jovi and Journey.

The 49th annual National Shrimp Festival takes over Gulf Place in Gulf Shores Oct. 6-9. Concerts will run throughout the four days of the festival on two stages located at each end of the grounds.

5 Annual Shrimp Festival Events you shouldn't miss:

1. 29th-annual Golf Challenge for Education
   What: The kickoff of the Shrimp Festival begins in September with the 29th annual Golf Challenge for Education presented by Precision Payment Systems and Columbia Southern University. Along with a fun round of golf, attendees will be treated to activities, raffle prices, lunch and more.
   When: Friday, Sept. 9. Check-in begins at 7 a.m.
   Where: Kiva Dunes
2.  Sand Sculpture Demonstration and Training
   What: Want to join the Sand Sculpture contest Saturday, Oct. 8, but don't know how to build one? Local sand sculptor Janel Hawkins of Sand Castle University will be on tap for a live demonstration/training session to get you ready.
   When: Friday, Oct. 7, at noon
   Where: Gulf Place in the beach area toward the back of the festival grounds.
3. Annual National Shrimp Festival 5K & 10K
   
   What: A tradition as old as the Shrimp Festival itself, going back to 1977. Runners start the morning at the Orange Beach Sportsplex and make their way around the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail.
   When: Saturday, Oct. 8. 5K begins at 7:30 a.m. and 10K begins at 7:50 a.m.
4. Singing for Scholarship Competition
   What: Students from across Baldwin County will take the stage to compete for scholarships in a live singing competition. The top three students will receive cash prizes for themselves and their school's music program.
   When: Saturday, Oct. 8, at 10 a.m.
   
   Where: West Stage
5. Sand Sculpture Contest presented by Ike's Beach Service
   What: Teams will compete for prizes and bragging rights by creating the best sand sculpture design. Children, teens, adults and families are welcome to participate as four different age categories will be judged.
   When: Saturday, Oct. 8, at 11 a.m.
   Where: Gulf Place in the beach area toward the back of the festival grounds.

Those interested in attending the festival are asked to visit myshrimpfest.com or the Annual Shrimp Festival's social media channels for the most up-to-date information and a full schedule of events.