Florida Keys Seafood Festival to Celebrate Local Fishermen and Harvest Jan. 13-14

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Florida Keys commercial fishermen and fans of fresh fish and seafood are to gather Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 13-14, to share and celebrate the island chain’s bountiful ocean harvest during the 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 7 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 platters, peel-and-eat Key West pink shrimp, stone crab claws with Key lime mustard sauce, fried local fish baskets, smoked fish dip with crackers, stone crab chowder and more — all caught, prepared and served by Keys commercial 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 including the Adrienne Z Band, Monster, the Marshall Morlock Band, Southern Stampede, the Shane Duncan Band, Southern Blood and talented students from Key West’s Bahama Village Music Program. 

Other attractions include an Eco-Discovery Zone with activities for kids and marine life exhibits by local conservation organizations. Vendor booths are to showcase art and crafts depicting aspects of the fishing community and marine life, as well as other items handcrafted by local artisans. 

Admission is $10 per adult, good for both days, and includes entry in a raffle for $250 worth of seafood. Children under age 12 are admitted free.

Festival proceeds benefit the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Association’s sustainable fisheries management programs and its youth scholarships. 

Event information: floridakeysseafoodfestival.com