Being situated along the Gulf makes Tampa a seafood lover’s paradise. While we’re home to some incredible seafood restaurants, there are also several fun and unique ways to get your seafood fix throughout the year without sitting at a table or making a reservation.
Tampa has some amazing festivals throughout the year, from art fests to music and food fests. A few times a year, locals and visitors can also catch several seafood festivals around town. Here are the annual ones that you’ll definitely want to add to your calendar starting with summer and going into 2024. Make sure to keep checking back for updates and new dates.
Keep in Mind: Stone Crab season runs October 15 – May 1, and lobster season in the Florida Keys runs August 6 through March 31 every year. Key West’s famous Lobsterfest is August 10 – 13th this year.
Updated September 2023 by Brie Gorecki.
2023 FESTIVALS
39th Annual Frenchy’s Stone Crab Weekend
When: October 27 – 29th, 2023
Where: Frenchy’s Original Cafe, 41 Baymont St. & Frenchy’s Stone Crab & Seafood Market, 501 Causeway Blvd.
For one weekend only in October every year, Frenchy’s celebrates the opening of Stone Crab season with two party locations. Catch the annual Clearwater Beach Block Party at Frenchy’s Original Cafe from October 27-28 and the Backlot Bash at Frenchy’s Stone Crab in Dunedin from October 28-29. Times are artists are TBD.
Cost: Free. Food, drinks and merchandise will be for sale.
16th Annual Crystal River Stone Crab Jam
When: Saturday, November 4th, 2023
Where: 560 North Citrus Avenue, Crystal River, FL 34428
For one day only, Historic Downtown Crystal River is closed down for this fun festival hosting craft vendors, artists and food trucks. From noon – 10pm come and dine on fresh stone crab, enjoy cold beer (or wine) and listen to up to 6 live bands on three stages. Nearly 10 thousand attendees support this 100% non-profit event presented by the Kings Bay Rotary Club Charitable Foundation.
Cost: admission is $15 cash, with children 12 and under free.
31st Annual Brandon Seafood Festival
When: Saturday, November 4th, 2023
Where: Rotary’s Camp Florida, 1915 Camp Florida Rd, Brandon, FL 33510
The Annual Brandon Seafood Festival, hosted by the Brandon ’86 Rotary Club, is expected to have it’s best year ever raising money for charity causes.
The price includes all-you-can-eat seafood and drinks featuring Southern fried fish, shrimp, hush puppies, coleslaw, hamburgers, hot dogs and more. There will be water, Gatorade and beer on hand to drink. In addition to the all-you-can-eat buffet, families can enjoy live music, games, bounce houses, musical chairs for the kids and more.
All proceeds from the event benefit international and local charities, including the Outreach Clinic, ECHO, Everyday Blessings and Rotary’s Camp Florida.
Cost: admission is $25 prepaid, or $30 at the door, with children 12 and under free with a paid adult + can of food for the food drive.
Homosassa Arts, Crafts and Seafood Festival
When: November 11 – 12th, 2023
Where: Homosassa Civic Club’s Festival Grounds, 5530 S. Mason Creek Road, Homosassa, FL
One of west Central Florida’s most beloved Fall Festivals in Historic Old Homosassa featuring arts, crafts, entertainment and SEAFOOD! Slow down and enjoy the Old Florida feel of Homosassa, just over an hour north of Tampa where the catch is fresh from the Gulf, just minutes away.
Cost: Not specified.
5th Annual Siesta Beach Seafood and Music Festival
When: December 1st – 3rd, 2023
Where: Siesta Key Pavilion, 948 Beach Road, Siesta Key, FL
Bring family and friends to enjoy fresh seafood and outstanding live musical performances beginning Friday, December 1st from noon until 9pm, and continues Saturday 11am – 9pm, and Sunday 11am – 6pm.
This event will offer a variety of seafood, cooked fresh on site. Seafood dishes are prepared using fresh, local and sustainable ocean resources from the Florida Gulf Coast. Select from meat and vegetarian offerings and a diverse menu of side dishes and desserts. Alcoholic, non-alcoholic and fruit drinks are available.
On the breaks between performances, enjoy shopping in a marketplace of fine arts, crafts, and select fine products and food items.
Cost: TBD
2024 FESTIVALS
42nd Annual John’s Pass Seafood Festival
When: January 19 – 21st, 2024
Where: 12902 Village Blvd, Madeira Beach, FL
The historic John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk in Madeira Beach will once again become a venue for a large celebration of fresh gulf seafood. The three-day outdoor event features hundreds of local vendors offering a plethora of seafood, an arts and crafts show, live music, and various family and friends activities.
Cost: Free admission. Food prices vary.
8th Annual Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival
When: January 26 – 28, 2024
Where: JD Hamel Park – 199 Bayfront Dr., Sarasota, FL
Get outdoors and enjoy a weekend full of pure relaxation, great food, and wonderful live music. The festivities and relaxation begin Friday evening from 4pm-10pm, continuing Saturday 11-10 and Sunday 11-6.  The event is produced by Paragon Festivals, hosted by the Downtown Sarasota Enrichment Association with the Humane Society of Sarasota County the event’s Special Guest.
Choose entrees (seafood, meat and vegetarian) cooked fresh onsite. Select from a diversity of side dishes, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and of course – scrumptious desserts!
Relax to live musical performances by some of Florida’s top musical talents in such genres as R&B, blues, jazz, rock, soul and more. Scheduled performances last year were from Christal Shawanda, Dirty Byrd, Kara Nally, Randy Stephens & the Grove Makers, Kettle of fish, Twinkle, K-Luv and United Funk Foundation, One Night Radio, Sarasota Steel Pan Band, JP Soars & The Red Hots, and Gas House Gorilla.
There will also be a marketplace of arts and crafts along with gourmet food items and specialty products. Enjoy shopping during the breaks between band performances!
Cost:Â Admission is free. Food prices vary.
5th Annual Englewood Seafood & Music Festival
When: February 2 – 4th, 2024
Where: Pioneer Park, 348 W Green St, Englewood, FL
The fun and relaxation starts Friday evening 4pm-10pm and continues Saturday 11am-10pm and Sunday 11am-6pm.
Choose foods from a diverse menu of seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes all cooked fresh on site by local restaurants and food purveyors. Seafood dishes are prepared using only the freshest local and sustainable ocean resources from the Florida Gulf Coast.
While immersed in great food, listen to some of Florida’s top musical groups from genres such as R&B, blues, jazz, rock and Caribbean sounds. During breaks between performances, enjoy time shopping a marketplace of fine arts, crafts, and select fine products and food items.
Cost:Â Admission is free. Food prices vary.
Annual St. Petersburg Seafood & Music Festival
When: February 23 – 25th, 2024
Where: Vinoy Park, Bayshore Drive Northeast, St. Petersburg, FL
Festivities begin Friday evening from 4pm-10pm and continue Saturday 11am-10pm and Sunday 11am-6pm.
Select from delectable foods cooked on site incorporating the freshest ingredients by local restaurants and food purveyors. A variety of seafood entrees and vegetarian dishes will be available, along with a diversity of side dishes and desserts, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
While enjoying your meal, sit back and relax to musical entertainment consisting of live on-stage performances by some of the most creative and talented musicians from both the local and regional circuit.
Bring your friends and family to enjoy the food, music, and beautiful views of downtown St. Pete. As an added bonus, there will also be a marketplace of arts, crafts, and other fine products.
Cost: $5 admission
2024 Dates TBD:
Safety Harbor Art & Seafood on the Waterfront
When: TBD 2024 (February 25 – 26, 2023)
Where: Safety Harbor Waterfront Park
Art & Seafood on the Waterfront has quickly become the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce’s signature event. Featuring the area’s best seafood, over 50 national artists, entertainment, music, and art activities there is something for everyone.
Juried fine art, crab cake competition, delicious local seafood, interactive art activities, entertainment for all ages and a full music stage will also be featured.
Cost: Free
Sun West Crab & Shrimp Festival
When: TBD 2024 (March 3 – 5th, 2023)
Where: Sun West Park, 17362 Old Dixie Hwy, Hudson, FLÂ
Admission includes entertainment, shows, live bands, and access to even more seafood options than ever before. Included this year, visit our rum sampling stations and participate in our Hermit Crab Races. Take pictures with Capt. Seb Sparrow, Florida’s #1 pirate Impersonator, as well as a full line-up of live bands and tribute performances.
Food & Beverages are for sale all weekend with 15 seafood vendors and other local food trucks.Â
Pasco county charges a $5 parking fee at SunWest Park. There is a free parking lot just south of the park. It’s a 5-minute walk.
Cost: admission $10 online or $15 at the gate. Children 12 & under get in free.
ShrimpaPalooza
When: TBD 2024 (March 18th, 2023)
Where: Homosassa Civic Center at Yulee and Mason Creek, Homosassa, FLÂ
The annual festival hosted by The Rotary Club of Homosassa Charitiable Foundation takes place at the Homosassa Civic Center. Thousands of party goers from all over the state attend every year emphasizing the fun in fundraising. With an awesome Parade, Live Music, Tons of Great Food, there is guaranteed fun for all ages.
Cost: Not specified
If you’re willing to drive a little farther…
53rd Annual Cedar Key Seafood Festival
When: October 21, 2023
Where: Cedar Key City Park, 188 2nd St., Cedar Key, FLÂ
When you’re ready to slow down to island time to bond with your fellow foodie, spend a few romantic days in Cedar Key to enjoy the Annual Cedar Key Seafood Festival. This charming, sleepy village town — which has just about 800 full-time residents — comes to life when its historic 2nd Street boasts over 100 arts and crafts exhibitors, live music by local musicians and, of course, plenty of seafood and downhome fare.
Pro tip: get the clam chowder! Because, surprisingly, this little gem of a place shines in the commercial clamming market. Who knew, right?
Cost: Free
Discover –Â The BEST Restaurants in Cedar Key
