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Florida Seafood Festival
Florida's oldest maritime festival celebrates Apalachicola Bay seafood with oyster shucking and eating contests.
About the Florida Seafood Festival
Billed as Florida’s oldest maritime event, the Florida Seafood Festival celebrates Apalachicola’s seafood heritage each November at Battery Park. Expect oyster shucking contests, a blue crab race, a parade and plenty of Gulf seafood.
Apalachicola is a small town, so lodging books up quickly for festival weekend. Consider staying in nearby Eastpoint, St. George Island or Port St. Joe.
Festival highlights
Oyster shucking & eating contests
Fast hands and big appetites compete for titles.
Blessing of the Fleet
A historic tradition for the local seafood workers.
King Retsyo
'Oyster' spelled backward: the festival's royal court and parade.
What to eat
- Oysters raw, steamed and fried
- Fried mullet and grouper
- Shrimp and blue crab
- Gumbo and seafood boil
Tips for visiting
- Book lodging months ahead; Apalachicola has limited rooms.
- Catch the oyster eating contest on Saturday afternoon.
- Explore the historic downtown shops between meals.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2026 Florida Seafood Festival?
The next edition is scheduled for November 6, 2026 to November 7, 2026, per the organizer. Typical timing: First weekend in November.
Where is the Florida Seafood Festival held?
Battery Park in Apalachicola, FL (Franklin County, Panhandle).
Is the Florida Seafood Festival free?
No, it is a ticketed event. Low-cost gate admission.
What food is served at the Florida Seafood Festival?
Popular items include oysters raw, steamed and fried; fried mullet and grouper; shrimp and blue crab.
More festivals in Panhandle
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Pensacola Seafood Festival
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Gulf Coast seafood, live music and art fill historic Seville Square every fall.
Major
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Destin Seafood Festival
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Pensacola Crawfish Festival
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Regional
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Panacea Blue Crab Festival
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Blue crab, mullet and Forgotten Coast charm on Wakulla County's waterfront.
Hometown
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A gloriously quirky Panhandle tradition honoring the humble possum.
Florida Food Festival is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Florida Seafood Festival or its organizers. Event details change; please verify dates, hours and prices with the official organizer before you go. Photos are illustrative.