Nothing says Florida like a seafood festival. They are fun, they are authentic, and the seafood is fresh from local waters.
Our annual guide to Florida’s seafood festivals will help you:
- Find a seafood festival
- Mark your calendar
- Find a campground
- Find a hotel room
- Read related Florida Rambler articles about things to do
Coordinate your seafood festival road trip with baseball in February and March by referencing our Spring Training Guide. Pitchers and catchers report to most camps in mid-February and the full schedule is underway in March.
For your convenience, we have included links to ReserveAmerica (camping reservations) and Hotels.com (for room reservations) near each festival site. (Florida Rambler may receive a modest commission if you book your campsite or hotel room through our links. We appreciate your support.)
Seafood Festivals in February
Everglades City Seafood Festival, February 8, 9, 10, 2013
Everglades City — Florida’s “stone crab capital” — is an off-the-beaten-track pocket of Old Florida with many original buildings and a rich history steeped in the lore of pirates and smugglers, murder and mayhem, and some of the best fishing and freshest seafood anywhere. A full schedule of musical entertainment is on tap, opening Friday night with Frankie Valli tribute band “Let’s Hang On.”
Where: Historic Everglades City, Florida, southeast of Naples
For more information, visit www.evergladesseafoodfestival.com/
Related Florida Rambler article:
2013 Everglades City Seafood Festival
Everglades City: Kayak historic city, sample Ten Thousand Islands
Beach camping in the wild Ten Thousand Islands
Collier Seminole State Park: Camping, kayaking, hiking and biking
Tiger Tail Beach, a Marco Island adventure
Camping:
Find A Room:
Hotels.com: Everglades City Hotels
Cortez Commercial Fishing Fest, February 16-17, 2013
Celebrate a long tradition of commercial fishing in this small village west of Bradenton. Two stages with continuous live music both days, nautical arts and crafts, children’s activities, environmental exhibits, more seafood than imaginable and, of course, beer. 25,000 people are expected to attend. Parking with $2 shuttle available from G. T. Bray Park, 5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W., Bradenton) and from Coquina Beach on Anna Maria Island.
Where: Cortez Fishing Village, west of Bradenton
For more information, visit cortez-fish.org/fishing-festival
Related Florida Rambler articles:
Scenic roads: A drive through Old Florida cow country
Spring Training Guide: Camping, things to do
Myakka River State Park: Playland on the Prairie
Best camping near Tampa Bay: 9 choice campgrounds
Find a campsite:
Terra Ceia Village RV Resort (10 miles)
Manatee RV Resort (13 miles)
Lake Manatee State Park (20 miles)
Little Manatee River State Park (23 miles)
Oscar Scherer State Park (24 miles)
Myakka River State Park (27 miles)
Find a room:
Hotels.com: Bradenton Beach Hotels
Hotels.com: Anna Maria Island Hotels
Hotels.com: Sarasota Hotels
Seafood Festivals in March
St. Augustine Seafood and Music Festival, March 1, 2, 3, 2013
Family event to eat great seafood, tap your toes to the music, and stroll through more than 100 arts and crafts exhibitors. Where else can you get a heavy dose of folk music, bluegrass and blues, and see a band named “Lonesome Burt and the Skinny Lizards.” A Kids Zone makes this fun for all ages. Admission is $2 per adult; kids 12 and under, free admission.
Where: Francis Field, 29 West Castillo Drive, Saint Augustine, Florida
For more information, visit www.lionsfestival.com
Related Florida Rambler articles:
RV Camping in North Florida’s State Parks
Whale watching on Florida’s northeast coast
Washington Oaks Gardens: Beach sculptures
Castillo de San Marcos: Historic fort in the oldest city
Magical Princess Place beckons
Find a campsite:
Anastasia State Park (3 miles)
St. Augustine Beach KOA (3 miles)
Favor-Dykes State Park (16 miles)
Bulow RV Resort (30 miles)
Gamble Rogers State Recreation Area (34 miles)
Find a room:
Hotels.com: St. Augustine (and vicinity) Hotels
Grant Seafood Festival, March 2-3, 2013
Eat delicious seafood freshly prepared by the local community. Over 100 crafters from across the country will be exhibiting their crafts during the two-day festival. The Grant Library will be holding their annual book sale. Hundreds of used hard cover as well as paperback will be on sale. Plan on visiting the community service area located on the west end of the community center. Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Grant, Florida, south of Melbourne and north of Sebastian
For more information, visit www.grantseafoodfestival.com
Related Florida Rambler articles:
Surf, fish, camp and paddle Sebastian Inlet
Kayaking the Indian River Lagoon (video)
Pelican Island: Oldest bird sanctuary in the US
Roughing it: St. Sebastian River Preserve
Mets Spring Training: Camping, things to do
Find a campsite:
Sebastian Inlet State Park (7 miles)
Sunshine Travel RV Resort (11 miles)
Long Point County Park (11 miles)
Wickham Park Campground (20 miles)
Find a room:
Hotels.com: Sebastian area Hotels
Marathon Seafood Festival, March 9-10, 2013
The second largest event held in the Florida Keys and growing every year. The festival is the premier seafood festival in the Florida Keys, and they know their seafood, with two days exciting food, entertainment, and fun.
Marathon Community Park, 200 36th Street, Marathon in the Middle Keys
For more information, visit marathonseafoodfestival.com
Related Florida Rambler article:
Marathon Seafood Festival: The original
Road trip: Florida Keys Mile Marker Guide
Camping in the Middle Keys: Curry Hammock State Park
Pigeon Key: Historic Keys island
Find a campsite
Curry Hammock State Park (1 mile)
Long Key State Park (11 miles)
Sunshine Key RV Resort and Marina (18 miles)
Bahia Honda State Park (19 miles)
Find a room:
Hotels.com: Marathon Hotels
Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival, March 9-10, 2013
Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival,
What began as a blessing of the shrimp boats 50 years ago has grown to a major beachfront celebration of shrimp in this quaint Old Florida beach town. The main attraction at the the 2013 Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival, as it has been since 1959, are huge boiling pots of Gulf pink shrimp, which members of the Lions Club cook and serve. The festival kicks off on Saturday with a two-mile-long parade, leading to festivities on the beach. The Lions Club will serve its “world famous” shrimp dinners beginning at 10 am both days.
Where: Lynn Hall Memorial Park, near the fishing pier
For more information, visit their web site: fortmyersbeachshrimpfestival.com
For more on the festival and hot tips about parking, see this Florida Rambler article.
Related Florida Rambler articles:
Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival
Seaside getaway: Fort Myers Beach and Lovers Key
Paddle Calusa Blueway to Mound Key archaeological island
Lovers Key: Great beach, paddling and manatees
Calusa Blueway: Free trail maps are an inspiration
Explore Sanibel Island by bike
Red Sox, Twins Spring Training Guide
Find a campground:
Red Coconut RV Resort (2 miles) (Web site down; Call 239 463-7200)
Gulf Air RV Resort (3 miles)
Fort Myers Beach RV Resort (4 miles)
Koreshan State Historic Site (8 miles)
Fort Myers/Pine Island KOA (10 miles)
Find a room:
Hotels.com: Hotels in Fort Myers Beach
Shrimpa-Palooza Festival, March 23, 2013
This annual event will encompass most of Old Homosassa with local merchants participating by hosting their festivities in cooperation with the main event. It will all be kicked off at 10:30 with the Homosassa Shrimpa-Palooza Mardi Gras Parade, and you better be ready for the Gumbo Contest. “Pinch a tail” with these good folks who support local nonprofits with this event.
Downtown Homosassa, north of Tampa on the Gulf Coast
For more information, visit www.shrimpapalooza.com/
Related Florida Rambler articles:
Weeki Wachee: Kayaking, manatees and mermaids
The Withlacoochee: One of Florida’s most scenic kayak trails
Van Fleet Bike Trail: 29 miles of rural solitude
Yankees Spring Training: Camping, things to do
Find a campsite:
Crystal Isles Campground (8 miles)
Topics RV Resort (24 miles)
Rainbow Springs State Park (24 miles)
Find a room:
Hotels.com: Homosassa Hotels
Taste of the Sea Seafood Festival, March 23, 2013
This is the third year for Taste of the Sea, sponsored by the Southern Shrimp Alliance. Enjoy fresh seafood and live entertainment, a free kids zone and other activities from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Arts, crafts, historical displays, the Little Miss and Mr. Taste of the Sea, and the Miss Taste of the Sea Pageant. Admission is free, so come and enjoy the shrimp, crab cakes, clams, oysters, fish and chips and more. Free parking is available.
Where: Veteran’s Memorial Park, Fort Pierce
For more information, visit www.wix.com/tasteofthesea2012/seafood-festival
Related Florida Rambler articles:
Navy Seal Museum: Long history of heroics
Archie’s: No shirt, no shoes, no problem
McKee Botanical Garden: Water lilies and old Florida
Mets, Nationals Spring Training: Camping, things to do
Find a campsite:
Fort Pierce/Port St. Lucie KOA (2 miles)
Road Runner Travel Resort (6 miles)
Treasure Coast RV Park and Campground (6 miles)
St. Lucie South, Corp of Engineers (23 miles)
Sunshine Travel RV Resort (26 miles)
Sebastian Inlet State Park (30 miles)
Find a room:
Hotels.com: Fort Pierce Hotels
Marco Island Seafood Festival, March 23-24, 2013
Seafood vendors offer fresh fish, stone crab, shrimp, blue crab, fish chowder, and more with continuous live musical entertainment throughout the two days. Entertainment for the whole family with a huge tent providing shade and seating for listening to music and eating great food. A large Kids Zone is available. Free shuttle buses provide transportation to the festival from many areas on the island.
Veterans Park, 403 Elkcam Circle, Marco Island, Florida
For more information, visit www.marcoislandseafoodfestival.com
Related Florida Rambler articles:
Tigertail Beach: A Marco Island adventure
Naples: Discover hidden beach at Clam Pass
Collier-Seminole State Park: Kayak and bike trails, camping near Naples
Koreshan: Park preserves wacky Florida history
Spring Training Guide: Camping, things to do
Find a campsite:
Naples/Marco Island KOA (8 miles)
Collier-Seminole State Park (8 miles)
Koreshan State Historic Site (34 miles)
Find a room:
Hotels.com: Marco Island Hotels
Deering Seafood Festival, March 24, 2013
Focus: Family event to eat great seafood, tap your toes to the music, and stroll through over 100 arts and crafts exhibitors. A Kids Zone makes this fun for all ages. Admission is $2 per adult; kids 12 and under free admission.
Where: 16701 S.W. 72 Avenue, Miami
For more information, visit www.deeringestate.com
Related Florida Rambler articles:
Where to take South Florida visitors
Deering Estate: Stunning beauty
Snorkel a shipwreck in Biscayne National Park
Miami’s picturesque Crandon Park Beach
Find a campground:
Larry and Penny Thompson Park (7 miles). 240 shady RV sites with full hookups. Daily rate $33.90. For reservations, call 305-232-1049
Find a room:
Hotels.com: Cutler Bay area hotels
Seafood Festivals in April
Desoto Heritage Seafood Festival, April 5, 6, 7, 2013
The 73rd Annual Desoto Heritage Seafood Festival is a major attraction off the Manatee River with fresh seafood, artisans, live entertainment, and arts and crafts.
Where: Old Main Street, downtown Bradenton
For more information, visit their web site at desotohq.com
Related Florida Rambler articles:
Scenic roads: A drive through Old Florida cow country
Spring Training Guide: Camping, things to do
Myakka River State Park: Playland on the Prairie
Best camping near Tampa Bay: 9 choice campgrounds
Find a campsite:
Teria Ceia Village RV Resort (4 miles)
Manatee RV Resort (6 miles)
Lake Manatee State Park (14 miles)
Little Manatee River State Park (17 miles)
Oscar Scherer State Park (24 miles)
Myakka River State Park (24 miles)
Find a room:
Hotels.com: Hotels in Bradenton
Dania Beach Seafood Festival, April 6-7, 2013
Arts and seafood celebration sponsored by Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency.
Frost Park, Dania Beach, south of Fort LauderdaleDania Beach, Florida
Find a campsite:
TY Park (3 miles). 61 RV sites with hookups. $41/night. (County Park)
Yacht Haven Park and Marina. (4.5 miles)
Seminole Park RV Resort (6 miles)
Sunshine Holiday MHCC RV Resort (8 miles)
Easterlin Park. (11 miles) 55 sites (45 with hookups). $40/night. (County park)
For more information on campgrounds near Dania Beach and Fort Lauderdale, see the FloridaRambler.com article: Best Camping Near Fort Lauderdale
Find a room:
Hotels.com: Dania Beach Hotels
Jupiter Seafood Festival, April 6-7, 2013
Enjoy local fresh seafood, live entertainment, nautical vendors, kids activities and more. The headliner act on Saturday night, April 6, is the Marshall Tucker Band. And climb aboard Blackbeard’s Pirate Ship! Aaarrgh! Adults, $7; children free.
Abacoa Town Center, 1200 University Boulevard, Jupiter, north of West Palm Beach
For more information, visit jupiterseafoodfestival.net
Related Florida Rambler articles:
MacAthur State Park for beach walks and snorkeling
Jonathan Dickinson State Park: Big, wild and full of fun
Kennedy Bunker on Peanut Island
New cabins open at Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Discover secret beach in Hobe Sound
Find a campsite:
Jonathan Dickinson State Park (5 miles)
St. Lucie South (17 miles)
Phipps Park (20 miles) Tents and RVs with hookups. $18-$23/night. Martin County park
John Prince Park (25 miles) Palm Beach County park.
Find a room:
Hotels.com: Jupiter Hotels
Pompano Beach Seafood Festival, April 19-21, 2013
The Pompano Beach Seafood Festival is a not-for-profit corporation. Admission is free. Revenues benefit a variety of charities and civic organizations. While seafood is the main attraction, there is plenty of other food as well. Another of our most popular features is our Boardwalk Bazaar, a mix of arts and crafts, clothing, and displays by local businesses. The main area is on the beach. The festival’s kid’s area fun zone will feature games, bungee jumps, rock climbing wall, bounce houses, face painters and more. Live entertainment daily.
Corner of Atlantic Boulevard and SR A1A, Pompano Beach, Florida
For more information, visit pompanobeachseafoodfestival.com
Related Florida Rambler articles:
Hillsboro Lighthouse: A slice of history
Cap’s Place: Step back in time on Al Capone’s island
Find a campsite:
Breezy Hill RV Resort (4 miles) Private campground
Highlands Woods RV Resort (4 miles) Private campground
Easterlin Park (7 miles) 55 sites (45 with hookups). $40/night. (Broward County Park)
Yacht Haven Park and Marina (12 miles) Private
Find a room:
Hotels.com: Pompano Beach Hotels
Seafood Festivals in May
Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, May 3-5, 2013
This is the 50th annual Shrimp Festival in Fernandina Beach, so you know they’ve got it down pat by now. Pirate Parade, exhibits, arts and crafts, antiques, games, contests, shrimp and other seafood for the whole family. Live music at the waterfront and Blessing of the Fleet. Free admission for all events.
Where: 102 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach, Florida, north of Jacksonville
For more information, visit www.shrimpfestival.com
Related Florida Rambler articles:
RV Camping in North Florida’s State Parks
Beach camping near Jacksonville
Whale watching along the northeast coast of Florida
Find a campsite:
Fort Clinch State Park (2 miles)
Jacksonville North/St. Mary’s KOA (13 miles)
Crooked River (Ga.) State Park (13 miles)
Talbot Island State Park (15 miles)
Find a room:
Hotels.com: Fernandina Beach Hotels
Panacea Blue Crab Festival, May 4, 2013
As a part of local history, the festival originated in 1975 to promote the crab industry in Wakulla County. The festival is kicked off by a parade down U.S. Highway 98. After the parade, the gates open to Woolley Park for a day of waterfront fun. There will be live music, dance performances and historic presentations. Other activities include a crab picking contest, mullet toss, arts and crafts and delicious seafood.
Where: Woolley Park on Dickerson Bay, Panacea, Florida
For more information, visit www.bluecrabfest.com
Related Florida Rambler articles:
RV Camping in North Florida’s State Parks
RV Camping in Florida State Parks in the Panhandle
Find a campsite:
Holiday Campground (4 miles) $30-$40/night. 75 RV sites. Private
Ochlocknee River State Park (6 miles)
St. George Island State Park (34 miles)
Find a room:
Wakulla Springs Lodge (Wakulla Springs State Park) 35 rooms. $95-$150/night.
Hotels.com: Crawfordville Hotels
Hotels.com: Apalachicola Hotels
Hotels.com: Perry Hotels
Palatka Blue Crab Festival, May 24, 25, 26, 27, 2013
This is the 25th anniversary of this popular Memorial Day Weekend festival, featuring arts and crafts, beauty pageant, seafood cook-off, parade, kids rides, a spectacular carnival ride and entertainment for the entire family in downtown Palatka. Admission and parking is free. Although the entertainment line-up hasn’t been announced, you can bet it will include plenty of good ol’ North Florida bluegrass!
Where: Downtown Palatka
For more information, visit their web site: www.bluecrabfestival.com
Related Florida Rambler articles:
RV Camping in North Florida’s State Parks
Castillo de San Marcos: Historic fort in the oldest city
Magical Princess Place beckons
Find a campsite:
Rodman Campground (13 miles) Ocala National Forest
Salt Springs Recreation Area (21 miles) Ocala National Forest
Faver-Dykes State Park (22 miles)
Gold Head Branch State Park (24 miles)
St. Augustine KOA (26 miles)
Anastasia State Park (27 miles)
Find a room:
Hotels.com: Palatka Hotels
Sources: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs; Florida State Parks; ReserveAmerica; Various festival web sites.
