If ever Florida demarcated a seafood hometown, it would be Everglades City, and every February, the Everglades Seafood Festival proves it. This three-day gathering has thrived for more than 55 years, and draws 40,000–50,000 attendees to savor Gulf flavors, local stories, and the charm of a historic fishing village.
Founded in 1970 to support the town and honor its fishing heritage, the festival is now hosted by the Florida Stone Crabbers Association (FLSCA), a nonprofit that unites commercial stone crab fishermen and advocates for the industry. Beyond seafood, it funds school programs, youth initiatives, hurricane relief, and local charities, preserving Everglades City’s culture and traditions.
The seafood itself is legendary. Chefs and fishermen serve mouth-watering options like soft shell crab sandwiches, stone crab chowder, gumbo, jambalaya and more. Each dish carries decades of local expertise and emphasizes sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients.
The festival also features a full schedule of live music, artisan booths, interactive exhibits, and carnival rides. Kids can explore the rides, adults can relax and listen to music, and everyone leaves with their seafood appetite sated.
Entry is simple: Friday evening via canned food donation; Saturday and Sunday require a $10 minimum. Carnival rides and beverages are cash-only (ATMs on site) and for safety, no chairs, coolers, or pets are permitted.
This festival showcases the best of Florida, celebrating the bounty of the waters, bringing people together over food and fun, and supporting the community that makes it all possible. For more information, including this year’s schedule and hours, visit evergladesseafoodfestival.org
Originally published in
The Naples Florida Review.
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