The Florida Keys Seafood Festival: A Feast for Fish Lovers and a Boon for Local Fishermen

The Florida Keys Seafood Festival: A Feast for Fish Lovers and a Boon for Local Fishermen

Get ready to crack some claws and peel some shrimp! The annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival is gearing up to celebrate the local ocean bounty on Jan. 13-14. Presented by the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Association, this family-friendly smorgasbord is more than just a feast; it’s a nod to the island chain’s maritime heritage.

Set in Key West’s picturesque Bayview Park, the event will serve up grilled Florida spiny lobster, peel-and-eat Key West pink shrimp, and stone crab claws with a zesty Key lime mustard sauce. For those who prefer their seafood fried, there’s plenty of local fish in baskets, accompanied by smoked fish dip and stone crab chowder. And let's not forget the regional stars: conch chowder and fritters. But it’s not all about seafood; hotdogs, hamburgers, sweet flan, and the obligatory Key lime pie round out the menu.

Wash it down with anything from soft drinks to island-style cocktails, as you enjoy tunes from local musicians like the Adrienne Z Band and the Shane Duncan Band. There’s even a bit of education and fun for the kids in the Eco-Discovery Zone, while local artisans showcase crafts that reflect the fishing community.

An entry fee of $10 (kids under 12 free) gets you a raffle ticket for a $250 seafood bounty, with proceeds supporting sustainable fisheries and scholarships. So, mark your calendars for a weekend of seafood and celebration at floridakeysseafoodfestival.com.