Southwest Florida is a hotspot for fairs and festivals, especially from November to April. While there are art and music festivals, and even craft brew and food festivals, the Naples and Marco Island area offers the best of Florida seafood festivals.
If you love fresh-caught fish, shrimp and crab and have never tried fried gator, you simply must try a Southwest Florida seafood festival. Here are some of our favorites!
Everglades Seafood Festival
An authentic trip to Florida is not complete without a visit to the Everglades, especially for seafood! After all, Everglades City is known as the “stone crab capital.”
This year marks the 48th annual Everglades Seafood Festival. More than 100 vendors are serving up fresh-from-the-Gulf shrimp, fish and stone crab. This three-day festival features arts and crafts, carnival rides, and live country and bluegrass concerts. It’s truly a family-friendly event that you will not want to miss!
Date: February 9-11, 2018
Cost:
Admission is free. Free parking is limited, but a few charitable organizations offer parking for a nominal fee. Please be prepared to walk!
Location:
Broadway on the Circle
102 Copeland Avenue
Everglades City, Florida 34139
Approximately 45 minutes from either condominium
Insider’s-in-the-Know: Getting there early can help you beat the traffic and the heat! Head out early and be mindful of early afternoon traffic leaving after lunch. Sorry, no pets or coolers will be admitted.
Goodland – Stan’s Stoned Crab Festival
Last year Stan’s Idle Hour and Kirk Fish Company teamed up to offer Goodland’s first ever (hopefully of many!) seafood festival in Southwest Florida.
As one of the only waterfront fish houses in the area, Kirk Fish will supply fresh, Gulf-caught stone crabs for this event! Check out the Facebook page for more information on the “stoned crab” costume contest!
Date: TBD
Cost:
Free admission
Location:
221 Goodland Drive West
Goodland, Florida 34140
Approximately 15 minutes from either condo
Insider’s-in-the-Know: Parking/traffic can be difficult, especially since there is only one road in and out of Goodland. A great alternative is a car transportation service.
On average, for up to four people expect to pay $12 plus gratuity; more than four people costs $4 per person plus gratuity one-way. This is a great way to attend with no designated driver needed!
Marco Island Seafood and Music Festival
One of Marco Island’s most popular events, the Marco Island Seafood and Music Festival is a family affair with a little something for everyone!
The kids fun zone has games, rock walls and bounce houses for the little ones. And for the beer lover in your family, the microbrew taste contest is perfect. Everyone will enjoy the arts and crafts vendors and live music. Just be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair.
Date: March 23-25, 2018
Cost:
Single Day Admission: $10 Per Person
Two Day Admission: $16 Per Person
VIP Admission: $60 Per Person (includes 3-day admission, 4 drink vouchers, lobster with sides and a separate tent for VIP pass holders). Tickets can be purchased at the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce.
Free admission for those under 12 years old.
Parking is free.
Location:
Veterans Community Park
901 Park Avenue
Marco Island, Florida 34145
Insider’s-in-the-Know: Take the free shuttle bus! The Les Falls Condominium at 870 Collier Boulevard bus stop is conveniently located to either condo. The frequency of bus service will vary on traffic and demand.
Naples Stone Crab Festival
Naples loves festivals and the Stone Crab Festival is no exception. Several local restaurants, business and locations in Old Naples (including Tin City, Bayfront and Port of Naples) team up to provide the ultimate seafood experience. Attendees will enjoy fresh stone crab claws, arts and crafts vendors, music and activities designed for the kids!
Date: October 2018
Cost:
Admission is free. $5.00 general parking.
Location:
1500 Fifth Avenue South
Naples, Florida 34102
Approximately 35 minutes from either condo
Insider’s-in-the-Know: Many of the vendors offer special discounts all weekend long. Visit the festival’s website for more information on discounted sightseeing cruises, jet ski and boat rentals, and more.
Check out our Marco Island beachfront Vacation Rentals
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