Florida Keys Seafood Festival

The 20th Annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival in 2026 is a milestone celebration of the island’s rich commercial fishing heritage. Unlike many tourist events, this is a true “local” feast—the food is caught, cleaned, prepared, and served by Florida Keys fishermen and their families.

Festival Dates: February 14 – February 15, 2026

The festival is perfectly timed for a Valentine’s Day weekend outing, offering a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere at the waterfront.

• Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

• Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Location & Admission

The festival takes place at Truman Waterfront Park, at the end of Southard Street.

• Admission: $10 per adult (covers entry for both Saturday and Sunday).

• The Perks: Every paid admission includes a raffle ticket for a chance to win $250 worth of fresh seafood shipped directly to your home.

• Kids: Children under 12 are admitted for free.

The “Catch of the Day” Menu

The star of the show is the authentic, locally sourced menu. While prices are kept reasonable to support the community, the quality is world-class.

Main Plates: Grilled Spiny Lobster, Stone Crab Claws with key lime mustard sauce, and Fried Fish baskets (served with black beans, rice, and slaw).

Local Classics: Key West Pink Shrimp (peel-and-eat), Bahamian-style Conch Chowder, Conch Fritters, and Smoked Fish Dip.

Sweets & Drinks: Authentic Key Lime Pie, Estella’s Famous Flan, and the festival’s signature “Rumaritas” made with local Key West rum.

Festival Highlights

Live Entertainment: The stage features a non-stop lineup of local rock, country, and tropical bands throughout the weekend.

Children’s Eco Discovery Zone: An interactive area where kids can learn about the marine environment, sustainable fishing, and local wildlife through hands-on activities.

Artisan Market: Dozens of vendors sell local crafts, jewelry, and authentic nautical items like hand-painted lobster trap buoys.

Philanthropy: Proceeds from the festival benefit the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Association, supporting sustainable fisheries management and providing scholarships for local students.

Pro-Tips for 2026

Bring a Chair: Seating can fill up quickly near the music stage. Many locals bring their own folding chairs or blankets to set up on the lawn for the day.

The “Two-Day” Value: Since your $10 wristband works for both days, consider visiting Saturday for the high-energy music and returning Sunday morning for a quieter “Seafood Brunch.”

Valentine’s Day Planning: If you are attending on Saturday (Feb 14), expect larger crowds. Arrive right at 11:00 AM to beat the longest lunch lines for lobster and stone crab.

Sustainability: Look for the educational booths to learn about why “Key West Pinks” are different from other shrimp—it’s a great way to appreciate the meal you’re eating