The Ultimate Guide to Seafood Festivals in North Florida

Seafood lovers in North Florida have plenty to be excited about this year. From shrimp festivals in historic towns to crawfish boils in Jacksonville, this guide covers the best seafood festivals and seafood events happening across the region. Whether you’re craving fresh gulf-caught seafood, live music, or local arts and crafts, these celebrations offer something for the whole family. These festivals are the perfect way to enjoy delicious food, experience local culture, and support community traditions that highlight North Florida’s seafood heritage.

Gainesville Seafood Festival

The Gainesville Seafood Festival is a highlight of the fall season in North Florida, held in October at the Alachua County Fairgrounds. This outdoor event features a variety of fresh seafood dishes from fried shrimp baskets, grilled lobster platters, crab boils, and more by local vendors. It’s also a family-friendly festival with live music, arts and crafts booths, a children’s zone, marine exhibits, a swamp show, boat show displays, and even a seafood market where you can bring home fresh seafood.

Tickets are budget-friendly, starting at $10 for adults and $5 for children. With thousands of attendees each year, it’s a festive way to celebrate seafood in North Florida, support local businesses, and enjoy the local community.

Stone Crab Jam Music Festival

In November, Crystal River comes alive for the Stone Crab Jam Music Festival, an afternoon bash that’s part seafood feast, part street party. Hosted by the Kings Bay Rotary Club, this event supports local charities while delivering fresh stone crab claws, craft beer and wine, food trucks, and arts & crafts vendors along Citrus Avenue. Offering 6 live bands, you won't find yourself getting bored here. The all‑ages festival draws around 10,000 people to downtown Crystal River. Admission is affordable (around $15 for adults, kids under 12 are free), and most proceeds support local nonprofits. Whether you're looking to eat some crab, browse the vendors, or hear some local music, this event delivers a laid-back experience worth traveling for.

Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival

Fernandina Beach’s iconic Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival will take place in May along Front Street by the historic marina. This jam packed celebration includes shrimp dishes, arts and crafts, a lively parade, live music, and even a Miss Shrimp Festival pageant. At this festival, there is something for everyone, from antique vendors and contests to the annual Shrimp Run. Since 1964, it's been a popular way to welcome spring with some of the tastiest wild-caught shrimp in the area. Visitors can also enjoy family-friendly activities like kids games and cooking demonstrations that showcase local seafood traditions. Plus, the festival supports community causes and draws thousands of attendees, making it a vibrant social event for the region.

St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival

If you're looking for something a little south of Jacksonville, you won't want to miss St. Augustine’s Lions Seafood Festival each March at Francis Field. This two-day family event complete with crawfish, lobster, scallops, shrimp, crafts, and live music also includes a pirate-themed stage show, kids obstacle courses, and axe throwing. The festival features a lineup of live music, ranging from jazz, country, to southern rock. Past notable performances include the Eagles Revival and Brothers Futch. Additionally, the Pirate Landing area offers interactive entertainment with Captain Mayhem, featuring juggling, storytelling, and dance performances. For those more active, activities like axe throwing, a Ninja Nation obstacle course, and various carnival rides are available. The Arts & Crafts Village showcases over 100 exhibitors offering local handmade goods. Parking is available at nearby garages and the city provides free park-and-ride shuttles on Saturdays. Admission is just $10 (kids under 12 free). All proceeds benefit the St. Augustine Lions Club, supporting local charities, youth programs, and vision and hearing assistance services.

Yankeetown Arts, Crafts & Seafood Festival

Located along the Suwannee River, the Yankeetown Arts, Crafts & Seafood Festival takes place each November from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm This two-day event offers fresh-caught seafood, local arts and crafts, live entertainment, and waterfront views perfect for a coastal weekend getaway. The festival draws about 10,000 visitors over the two days and offers a lively mix of entertainment. Attendees can stroll through the vendors of handmade goods, artwork, and crafts, while sampling gulf‑fresh seafood like fish plates, crab dishes, and shrimp tacos. The musical lineup usually includes country and bluegrass bands, adding to the small town Florida vibe. All festival proceeds support the Lions Club’s charitable projects, including local eyesight and community programs. Plus, admission and parking are free, making it a budget‑friendly way to kick off the holiday season.

Florida Seafood Festival in Apalachicola

The 62nd Annual Florida Seafood Festival is a must-see fall festival held under the oak trees of Battery Park in Apalachicola, taking place each year in late October. It's known as Florida's longest-running maritime event and attracts around 25,000 visitors annually, making it a major destination for seafood lovers. This two-day festival is jam-packed with lively entertainment and community events. Kick things off on Friday afternoon with the Blessing of the Fleet, accompanied by Christian musical performances and the crowning of King Retsyo and Miss Florida Seafood. Saturday’s jam-packed lineup features the Redfish Run 5K followed by a colorful parade up Highway 98, blue crab races, and the oyster shucking and oyster-eating contests. With activities for all ages and a laid-back setting, this festival is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in North Florida seafood culture.

Plan Your Seafood Stop at Timoti’s

Love seafood festivals but craving something a little more low-key? Stop by Timoti’s Seafood Shak in Fernandina Beach or Nocatee any time to enjoy locally sourced seafood. Perfect before or after a day at a festival. Whether you're grabbing food to-go or dining with family and friends, our menu has something to satisfy your seafood cravings.

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Top Seafood Festivals in North Florida You Won't Want to Miss