Get Ready for the 62nd Annual Florida Seafood Festival in Apalachicola

Mark your calendar for October 31–November 1, 2025, and make plans to attend the 62nd Annual Florida Seafood Festival in Apalachicola, Florida: the Forgotten Coast’s biggest event of the year!

Held every year during the first weekend of November, this two-day celebration honors the area’s rich maritime heritage and world-famous seafood with great food, live music, fun competitions, and family-friendly entertainment.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit:

Location:📍 Battery Park Marina, Apalachicola, FL
Right on the waterfront in historic downtown Apalachicola.

Festival Highlights

Seafood Row 🦐🦪
Get ready to feast! Local vendors, churches, schools, and restaurants serve up fresh Gulf seafood including fried shrimp, scallops, oysters, smoked mullet dip, and more. You’ll also find burgers, pizza, ice cream, and other festival favorites.

Arts, Crafts & Rides 🎨🎟️
Stroll through rows of artisan booths featuring handmade goods, coastal art, jewelry, and local treasures. The park is also filled with carnival rides and games for kids and kids-at-heart.

Live Music All Weekend 🎶
Enjoy back-to-back performances from local musicians and headliners. From gospel on Friday to high-energy bands on Saturday night, the stage stays busy all weekend.

Fun Contests & Family Events

• 🦀 Blue Crab Races (for kids under 12)
• 🦪 Oyster Shucking & Eating Contests
• 🎉 Saturday Morning Parade down Hwy 98
• 👑 Arrival of King Retsyo & Miss Florida Seafood

Full Schedule

Friday, October 31, 2025

• 10:00 am – Park Opens (No Admission Charge), Booths & Rides Open
• 4:45 pm – 7:00 pm – Christian Musical Entertainment
• 4:00 pm – Blessing of the Fleet
• 4:30 pm – Arrival of King Retsyo & Miss Florida Seafood
• 4:45 pm – Opening Ceremonies (Information Booth)
• 7:30 pm – Live Christian Music Headliner
• 10:30 pm – Park Closes

Saturday, November 1, 2025

• 7:00 am – Registration for Redfish Run (Front Steps of Gibson Inn)
• 8:00 am – Start of Redfish Run
• 10:00 am – Gates Open ($10.00 admission, children under 12 free)
• 10:00 am – Parade Starts (Hwy 98)
• 1:00 – 5:00 pm – Blue Crab Races (at the top of each hour, children under 12)
• 1:00 pm – Oyster Shucking Contest
• 1:15 pm – Oyster Eating Contest
• 4:00 pm – 7:15 pm Live Music-Hot Mess, Ashley Morgan, Hunter Wall Band
• 8:30 pm – Live Music Headliner – Donavan Chapman
• 10:30 pm – Park Closes

Why You Should Go & How to Plan Your Visit

For 62 years, the Florida Seafood Festival has brought people together to celebrate the region’s culture, seafood industry, and small-town charm. It’s a can’t-miss event whether you’re a longtime local or first-time visitor. Come for the seafood, stay for the music, and leave with memories you’ll cherish! 💛

Need help planning your trip to Apalachicola? Download your FREE Florida’s Forgotten Coast Visitor Guide to find the best local places to eat, stay, and explore while you’re here.