Florida Keys Seafood Festival Celebrates Local Fishermen and Harvest Jan. 18-19
KEY WEST, Fla. — Florida Keys commercial fishermen and fans of fresh fish and seafood are to gather Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 18-19, to share and celebrate the island chain’s bountiful ocean harvest during the 15th annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival.
Presented by the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Association, the family-friendly feast is set for 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Key West’s Bayview Park, located at Truman Avenue and Jose Marti Drive.
The savory seafood menu features fresh grilled Florida spiny lobster, Key West pink shrimp, stone crab claws, fried local fish, smoked fish dip with crackers, lobster bisque and more. All seafood is to be prepared and served by local fishermen and their families.
Traditional regional favorites such as conch chowder and conch fritters also await attendees, as do hotdogs and hamburgers, while desserts include sweet flan and Key lime pie. Beverages ranging from soft drinks to beer and wine to island-style cocktails are to be available for purchase.
Plans also call for two days of entertainment by local musicians, celebrity chef demonstrations each hour, eco-themed activities, marine life exhibits by local conservation organizations and special attractions for kids.
Festival attendees can rock to the music of ERASMITH, the renowned Aerosmith tribute band, scheduled 6-8 p.m. Saturday. Free with admission, the performance is to feature selections from the classic era and over 40 years of fan favorites.
Vendor booths are to offer arts and crafts depicting aspects of the fishing community and marine life, as well as other items handcrafted by local artisans.
Admission is $5 per adult each day and free for children under age 12; free admission Sunday with Saturday wristband.
Proceeds from the festival benefit the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Association’s work in supporting sustainable fishing programs, marine restoration projects and scholarships for college-bound students from Key Largo to Key West.
Event information: floridakeysseafoodfestival.com
The savory seafood menu features fresh grilled Florida spiny lobster, Key West pink shrimp, and more.
Vendor booths are to offer arts and crafts depicting aspects of the fishing community and marine life, as well as other items handcrafted by local artisans.