JEKYLL ISLAND, Ga. (AP) — Lovers of shrimp and grits are heading to the Georgia coast this weekend for a three-day celebration of the Southern seafood dish.

The annual event known as Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival kicks off Friday on Jekyll Island and runs through Sunday.

The opening night features vendors serving up samples of their signature shrimp and grits recipes to festival-goers. Later in the weekend, amateur cooks and professional chefs will go head-to-head in separate contests to see who puts the best culinary spin on the festival's namesake dish.

Meanwhile visitors can take part in craft beer tastings each day, as well as drop in on cooking demonstrations and listen to live music.

General admission is free, though guests must pay a $6-per-vehicle fee to park on Jekyll Island.