Seafood. Easily sourced in Miami, thanks to the swathes of ocean accompanying the 305.
But, if you’re like us, you’ll never tire of what’s on offer. And, if you want more than just a sit-down lunch of prawns or crab, there’s plenty of ways to enjoy days on end of this gorgeous cuisine. [Main Image: @sobeseafoodfeast, Instagram].Seafood festivals in Miami are growing in popularity. Here are the best events that combine all-day fish with music, drinks, art, crafts and more.
1. Seafood Fest, Miami Gardens, February 8 and February 15.
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Hosted by Island Boyz Conch Shack, a traveling food truck that specializes in all things shellfish. These free events will last from 5-9pm at Miami Gardens, as they open up their mobile shack and invite the public down for some music, drinks, laughs and their famous conch among much more. They are even debuting a new collection of drinks on their current run around the US to go alongside their shelly collection.
While the event costs nothing for admission, you will need a ticket to reserve your place, which can be found here.
2. Homestead Stone Crab and Seafood Festival, February 29 – March 1.
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Two full days of activities are on offer at the third annual Homestead Seafood Festival. As the name may reveal, flocks pour in for the fresh Homestead stone crab doused in lemon and lime juice. But, there’s also a colorful paella on offer as well as literal prawn cocktail drinks, a full bar, live music and games for children to play. For a family-friendly event with the freshest fish Homestead can offer, these two days should scratch a crab-shaped itch.
General admission is $10 per day. (Saturday 29 Feb, 11am-8pm. Sunday 1 Mar 11am-5pm). Kids under-12 go free. Tickets for both days can be found here.
3. Deering Estate Seafood Festival, March 29
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Returning for its 16th year, this is the mammoth of all Miami seafood events. Its main draw is the setting: the stunning home and gardens of the late art collector Charles Deering. The 450-acre Deering Estate is one of Miami’s great historic landmarks. And, each year, over 8,000 hungry attendees descend upon the gardens to sit by the lake, watch chef demonstrations and hoover up fish by the bucketload. This festival has been named “Best event of the year” by Greater Miami Events And Festival Association for the last two years, so it’s not one to be missed.
Admission is free for Deering Estate Members, $7 for children ($10 at the gate) and $20 for adults ($25 at the gate). Advance tickets can be purchased here.
4. Coral Gables Hukilau Seafood Festival, April 18-19
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Located at the picturesque Coral Cables, a debut year for Hukilau has curated two days of Hawaiin music and divine seafood. Equipped with over 10 hours of Latin, Rock, and Reggae music to enjoy whilst guzzling down portions of Octopus and Lobster. Most importantly, pets are invited to their own play area, and there are plenty of craft workshops for children. In addition, the best 50 outfits will be invited to free Full VIP tickets (worth $99). And, best of all, there will be a heated karaoke competition.
Tickets range from free-$99 and can be purchased here.
5. South Beach Seafood Week, October 20-24
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Back for its eighth edition, the annual seafood festival has the sand and sea to its advantage. Taking place on Miami’s most popular spot, it’s guaranteed to be packed out by ticket sales and passers-by. With some of the best local seafood chefs headhunted for the occasion; over 30 pop up seafood cafés; open bars; and DJs packing out the beach; it’s simply four days of sunshine and well-fed fish bellies.
A full schedule of events and prices can be found here.