Elberta German Sausage Festival Spices Up Gulf Shores, Orange Beach

Leave early and bring your appetite. That’s the advice long-time fans of the original Elberta German Sausage Festival have for folks vacationing in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The popular one-day festival welcomes some 20,000 visitors every year who enjoy hearty sausage — all 6,000 pounds.

Get the Scoop: Elberta German Sausage Festival in Alabama

The Elberta German Sausage Festival has become so popular, it occurs in March and October. Just a quick 30-minute cruise north up the Foley Beach Expressway, Elberta is an easy drive from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach along Alabama’s sunny Gulf Coast. The festival is located in Elberta’s town park, at the intersection of Main Street and State Street.

Held to benefit the Elberta Alabama volunteer fire department, the German Sausage Festival draws more than 30,000 wurst-lovers who love authentic, homemade German sausage with kraut and all the fixings. Made from the secret family recipe of one of the town’s prominent citizens, Elberta’s famous German sausage has been tantalizing Gulf Coast palates since its start in 1978. But world-class sausage isn’t the only German delicacy at the Elberta German Sausage Festival. Visitors also sample German stuffed cabbage rolls, German potato salad, sauerkraut and goulash, along with burgers and hot dogs.

In addition, stroll 200-plus booths offering arts and crafts, baked goods and local souvenirs. Take a spin on a carnival ride and tap your toes to lively polka and country music when bands take the stage.

Pack your appetite and book your Alabama beaches vacation rental.