14 Best Seafood Festivals in the USA in 2024
Planning to embark on a tour of the nation's top seafood festivals? Or want to make sure you’ve got your next local seafood festival in your diary? If you're craving the flavors of the sea without venturing too far from home, you're in luck. We’ve gathered a list of the most exciting festivals where you can enjoy quality time with friends and family at scenic coastal spots across the country.
From the shores of Maine to the vibrant food scene in Portland, explore seafood festivals for a delicious, fun-filled day out. Whether you’re all about rich lobster and crab dishes or prefer to snack on shrimps with a glass of wine, these festivals offer something for every seafood lover.
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The 14 Best Seafood Festivals in the USA
1. Florida Keys Seafood Festival, Key West, FL
Start the new year with an event like no other at the Florida Keys Seafood Festival. Dive into fresh fish delights like stone crab claws, conch fritters and spiny lobster dishes. Attendees can also enjoy cooking demos, enjoy live music and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
At this seaside celebration, you can immerse yourself in the local character of Key West food and find out what brings so many visitors to its stunning shores. The festival’s waterfront location adds to the magic, with scenic views of the clear blue waters surrounding the park.
Festival Location: 1320 Truman Ave., Key West, FL 33040
Month of Festival: January
2. Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival, Hilton Head Island, SC
Take a stop at the idyllic Lowcountry of South Carolina for the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival, an annual seafood festival celebrating coastal cuisine! This festival is a must-visit for anyone craving a taste of the coast, with a smorgasbord of seafood dishes like crab, shrimp and oysters.
Beyond the incredible food, the seafood festival offers entertainment and live music that sets the perfect mood, cooking demos from local chefs who’ll share their seafood secrets and an action-packed fishing tournament. Don’t miss the Seafood & Brew tasting event, where you can savor fantastic seafood and craft beer pairings.
Festival Location: 39 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Month of Festival: February
3: South Florida Seafood & Music Festival, Boca Raton, FL
For Sunshine State seafood lovers, the South Florida Seafood & Music Festival is held annually at Mizner Park, promising a festival experience to remember. This festival has it all: a diverse range of delectable seafood dishes, fantastic live music and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for unwinding.
You'll find a selection of fresh, locally caught Florida fish along with sustainable seafood options. But it's not just about seafood — there are also meat and vegetarian choices to cater to all tastes. Plus, don't miss out on the unique fruit drinks and sodas available.
Festival Location: 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432
Month of Festival: February
4. Portland Seafood and Wine Festival, Portland, OR
Craving a springtime event that’s all about seafood, wine and fun? The Portland Seafood and Wine Festival is the place to be! Held in Portland every year, this seafood festival is a unique delight for locals and visitors. With fresh Dungeness crab, wild-caught salmon and over 60 Oregon wineries offering the best wines, spirits and ciders, it’s a festival you won’t want to miss.
The festival brings live chef demos, face painting and balloon artists for the kids and tons of local exhibitors. And don’t let the March chill get in the way of attendance — it’s all indoors so you can stay warm while enjoying everything this festival has to offer. Pro tip: arrive early, because the wine tastings sell out fast!
Festival Location: 2060 Marine Drive W., Portland, OR 97217
Month of Festival: March
5: Astoria Warrenton Crab, Seafood and Wine Festival, Astoria, OR
Head over to the Astoria Seafood and Wine Festival for the ultimate culinary experience. This seafood festival features 12 amazing food vendors serving up everything from corn dogs and cocktails to smoked brisket and crab melts.
But that's just the start — this festival also highlights Oregon’s best wines with nearly 40 local wineries pouring the finest varieties. If you’re into beer, local craft breweries are on hand with the top brews, and there’s even a selection of distilled spirits for those who prefer stronger stuff.
With live music on two stages all weekend, the Astoria Warrenton Crab, Seafood and Wine Festival is the place to be for a culinary adventure.
Festival Location: 92937 Walluski Loop, Astoria, OR 97103
Month of Festival: April
6. New Jersey Seafood Festival, Belmar, NJ
Ready for a culinary feast on the Jersey Shore? The New Jersey Seafood Festival is the ultimate family-friendly event where you can feast on crowd-pleasing seafood dishes like lobster rolls, scallop kabobs, coconut shrimp and crab legs. With so many options, you’ll have a blast deciding what to try first before diving into this festival's incredible selection of New Jersey food.
Festival Location: Silver Lake (5th and Ocean Ave), Belmar, NJ 07719
Month of Festival: May
7. Maine Lobster Festival, Rockland, ME
Held on the scenic coast of Rockland, Maine, the Maine Lobster Festival is a nationally recognized seafood festival celebrating all things lobster. This five-day extravaganza offers visitors the chance to taste a variety of lobster-centric dishes, from classic lobster rolls to other unique creations, featuring over 20,000 tons of fresh lobster.
It's a haven for seafood lovers while offering plenty of other treats like funnel cakes, fries, doughnuts and more. No matter what your foodie passions, you’re sure to find it here.
Beyond the food, this festival promises a packed schedule of entertainment and activities. Highlights include the Great Lobster Crate Race, where contestants dash across floating lobster crates, and the Sea Goddess Coronation.
Festival Location: 1 Park Drive, Rockland, ME 04841
Month of Festival: August
8. Pensacola Seafood Festival, Pensacola, FL
Get ready for some yummy deep-sea cuisine at the Pensacola Seafood Festival. This festival is your ultimate destination for tasting the best seafood the Gulf Coast has to offer. Join over 150 artisans and craftspeople showcasing their creations, all while you enjoy a variety of fresh and mouth-watering seafood dishes.
This festival is also packed with activities, from live music performances that set the perfect mood to exploring the charming historic downtown Pensacola. Whether you're a seafood aficionado or just looking for a fun outing, this festival has something for everyone.
Festival Location: Multiple Locations | 311 East Government St., Pensacola, FL
Month of Festival: September
9. Boston Seafood Festival, Boston, MA
Looking to eat some delicious seafood while enjoying a splash of history? The Boston Seafood Festival is a one-day event dedicated to all things seafood, drawing locals and visitors to the historic Boston Fish Pier.
This popular festival showcases a wide variety of fresh seafood from clam chowder to exciting new dishes served up by some of the region’s top chefs. Clambakes and seafood tastings make this festival a must-attend event for lovers of coastal food.
On top of the best seafood in Boston, visitors can enjoy live chef demos, family-friendly activities and entertainment. A fan favorite is the "Battle of the Shuckers" where oyster shuckers compete for a $500 cash prize.
Festival Location: 15 Boston Fish Pier, Boston, MA 02210
Month of Festival: September
10. Maryland Seafood Festival, Annapolis, MD
The Maryland Seafood Festival, held annually in Annapolis, is a vibrant celebration of the Chesapeake Bay's seafood heritage. This epic festival is your go-to for everything from fresh oysters to juicy crab and grilled rockfish.
And don't forget the craft beer pavilion, where you can sip on local brews that pair perfectly with all that seafood goodness.
Festival Location: 1100 E. College Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21409
Month of Festival: September
11. National Shrimp Festival, Gulf Shores, AL
As the weather up north gets chilly, head on south in the fall for the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama. This seafood festival offers an authentic taste of the Gulf of Mexico’s ocean bounty. Set against the picturesque backdrop of stunning beaches, this annual festival brings together local vendors who serve up dishes like shrimp po'boys, crawfish boils and blackened fish tacos.
On top of the mouthwatering seafood, the festival features arts and crafts, music and a family-friendly atmosphere that is perfect for a day out with loved ones. Experience scrumptious seafood while also exploring the rich culture and charm of Alabama’s Gulf Coast.
Festival Location: Multiple Locations
Month of Festival: October
12. Dungeness Crab Festival, Port Angeles, WA
The Dungeness Crab Festival is all about celebrating the Olympic Coast's vibrant culture and unique cuisine in Washington state. With free admission, this Crab Fest unites the community in a joyful celebration of traditions.
Visitors can dive into fresh local seafood, explore educational exhibits on marine life, enjoy live music and shop for artisan crafts. It's a weekend full of delicious food, fun activities and a strong sense of community at one of the best seafood festivals in the USA.
Festival Location: 121 E. Railroad Ave., Port Angeles, WA
Month of Festival: October
13. North Carolina Seafood Festival, Morehead City, NC
With its beautiful coastal views, it’s not surprising that North Carolina hosts one of the best seafood festivals in the USA. This famous event has been held every October since 1987 on the Morehead City waterfront.
Often called the North Carolina Seafood Festival, it’s North Carolina’s largest three-day celebration. This festival is packed with everything from mouth-watering local seafood to non-stop fun. With over 200 vendors and artisans, kids’ games, cooking demos and live music on two stages, it's a seafood celebration you won’t want to miss.
Festival Location: 412 Evans St., Morehead City, NC 28557
Month of Festival: October
14. Florida Seafood Festival City, Apalachicola, FL
Grab your seafood tools and get ready for a fun seafood affair at the Florida Seafood Festival in Apalachicola. Since 1963, this epic festival has been serving up the freshest Gulf of Mexico seafood you can imagine.
But that’s not all — the festival also features a parade brimming with seafood-themed flair, a blessing of the fleet and a 5K run that gets everyone moving. It’s no wonder this festival has become a must-attend tradition in the Florida Panhandle.
Festival Location: 1 Bay Ave., Apalachicola, FL 32320
Month of Festival: November
Discover the Best Seafood Near You
While attending these amazing seafood festivals will be a dream for many gourmands, exploring your local culinary scene can be equally as rewarding. Check out food tours near you to explore your nearby seafood scene, including the best seafood restaurants and markets. Savor the flavors of the shore and discover notable spots alongside hidden culinary treasures with ocean-fresh delights on the menu.
There you have it! Whether you love seafood or not, the United States' best seafood festivals have something for everybody. From live music and cooking demos, to traditional events and even mini-marathons, the events in this guide are packed with exciting happenings that are sure to keep everybody entertained, all with exceptional food (from land and sea alike) to keep you full and feeling festive.
For even more tips on finding the best seafood, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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