Savor Southern flavors at the 2025 Gumbo & Alabama Slammer Festival in Foley

GCM Staff Report
Posted 1/14/25

Heritage Park in downtown Foley is set to transform into a Southern culinary paradise as the Gumbo & Alabama Slammer Festival returns on Jan. 25.

Organized by Beach Life Events, the festival …

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Savor Southern flavors at the 2025 Gumbo & Alabama Slammer Festival in Foley

Posted

NOTE: This event has been changed from Saturday, Jan. 25, to Sunday, Jan. 26. The hours and schedule have not been changed.

Heritage Park in downtown Foley is set to transform into a Southern culinary paradise as the Gumbo & Alabama Slammer Festival returns on Jan. 26.

Organized by Beach Life Events, the festival promises a flavorful celebration of the South, complete with vibrant food, live music and family-friendly entertainment, according to a news release.

From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., attendees can savor a variety of gumbo recipes crafted by local chefs and vendors, ranging from traditional Creole and Cajun styles to innovative modern twists. Each dish will highlight the rich spices and ingredients that have made gumbo a hallmark of Southern cuisine.

But the festival isn't just about food. Live music will keep spirits high throughout the day, with performances by national tribute artists, including Mandy as Miranda Lambert, Keith as Kenny Chesney and High Cotton. Dance performances by the South Baldwin Dance Center and Flip City Dance Company will also add flair to the festivities.

"We loved how fun last year's event was, and we are building on its success to make this one even better," Lisa Yeater, president of the festival, said in the release.

Festival-goers can enjoy more than music and food. A fine arts and crafts market will showcase local talent, while a kids' zone, complete with free face painting and a petting zoo, ensures fun for the whole family. For those feeling competitive, lighthearted contests like "Catch the Gumbo" and "Don't Spill the Roux" will offer cash prizes of $50 for first-place winners.

The schedule of events kicks off at 10 a.m., with dance performances, live music and contests scattered throughout the day. Sponsor giveaway winners will be announced at 3:30 p.m., leading into the final live performance by High Cotton at 4 p.m.

Admission is $5, and children 12 and under enter free, making it an affordable day of entertainment for all.
For more information, visit www.beachlifeevents.com or find the festival on Facebook at "Gumbo & Alabama Slammer Festival."

Full schedule of activities:

10 a.m. – Festivities begin: Vendors, kids' zone and petting zoo open

10:10 a.m. – South Baldwin Dance Center performance

10:30 a.m. – Mandy as Miranda Lambert

Noon-"Catch the Gumbo" contest

12:30 p.m. – "Don't Spill the Roux" contest

1 p.m. – Keith as Kenny Chesney

3 p.m. – Flip City Dance Company performance

3:30 p.m. – Sponsor giveaway announcements

4 p.m. – High Cotton performance

6 p.m. – Festival ends