Two seafood festivals bring fresh eats to St. Pete this weekend

If you love good seafood, this is the weekend for you in the Burg. A pair of seafood festivals will be taking over downtown and the Skyway Marina District this Friday and Saturday, respectively.

Friday Night Bites Summertime Seafood Festival takes place on Friday, May 12 from 6-10 pm in Tropicana Field Lot 5, while the Soul & Seafood Festival will be rocking on Saturday, May 13 from 2-6 pm in the Grand Villas parking lot at 3600 34th Street South.

Both festivals, hosted by local favorite Saturday Shoppes, will have some of the Bay’s best crab pots and seafood chefs in attendance dishing out hot plates of fresh goodness, alongside tons of St. Pete’s favorite food trucks and breweries. Plus, some of the area’s best bands and performers will be taking the stage throughout the day, with soul music all day Saturday, and a marquee live performance by FANTA-C on Friday.

In addition to the food, there will be a sprawling markets full of local artists, makers, boutiques and more. Attendance is free and parking in open spots in the parking lot is also free, subject to availability. The festivals will both also feature line dancing, a teen market, bounce houses, and even a kids area. There will be interactive arts and crafts stations, as well. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, relax, and enjoy the free entertainment while they eat, drink and browse.

Limited vendor spots remain for the weekend, and those interested in this event or future Saturday Shoppes can learn more here.

Saturday Shoppes provides opportunity for emerging small businesses

Renee Edwards is the brains behind the Saturday Shoppes operation. The goal of the event has always been to create economic development opportunities for emerging businesses through these fast growing monthly markets. Edwards has also founded the Saturday Morning Shoppe Academy to provide business coaching, business etiquette, resources, marketing, and licensure that would allow hobby vendors to grow their business and income.

Using her knowledge and platform, Edwards is able to assist nearly 150 businesses every month by connecting incredible makers and owners to the community they serve.

Upcoming Saturday Shoppes events after the seafood festivals include a Mother’s Day Reggae Festival on May 14, Battle of the Breweries on June 3, and a Blue Crab Cookoff on June 10.