Pinellas County continues to shine in the aftermath of hurricanes Helene and Milton. From the sponge docks to historic 8th Avenue in Pass-A-Grille, local businesses are reopening their doors and celebrating the Sunshine State. In the heart of this recovery, Tarpon Springs has announced the return of its beloved Seafood Festival, set for November 8-10.

Held at the historic Sponge Docks, located at 735 Dodecanese Boulevard, the Tarpon Springs Seafood Festival is a three-day celebration of the best in local seafood. Visitors can savor the aroma of saltwater mingling with fresh seafood and spices as a curated selection of local and regional vendors showcase their offerings. From handmade nautical arts to maritime crafts, there’s plenty to discover.

Best of all, admission is free. The event hours are Friday, November 8, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, November 9, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, November 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

New oyster and stone crab eating contests headline this year

New to the festival this year is the Oyster Eating Contest on Saturday, November 9, at 1 p.m., sponsored by Local Seas Fisheries, and the Stone Crab Eating Contest on Sunday, November 10, at 1 p.m., sponsored by Lockhart’s Seafood. Entry fees apply, and pre-registration is required for both competitions.

The culinary excitement continues with the 2nd annual Master Chefs of the Sea Competition. Tampa Bay’s top chefs will compete for bragging rights and 10 prestigious awards, including Best Shellfish Sensation, Best Florida Fish Dish, Most Imaginative, and Grand Champion. A panel of local food bloggers and community influencers will judge the entries based on appearance, flavor, and creativity. The winners, announced on Friday, will have their award-winning dishes available throughout the weekend.

What to expect at the Tarpon Springs Seafood Festival

In addition to the seafood extravaganza, the festival offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including:

• A Little Buccaneers Kid’s Zone: Featuring bouncy castles, face painting, and games, this area provides plenty of pirate-worthy fun for the little ones.
• A Sea of Live Music: Enjoy performances from local musicians playing everything from island beats to soulful blues, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
• Art and Craft Booths: For those less interested in seafood, explore booths filled with handcrafted treasures from local makers, each piece inspired by the sea.

Explore the historic Sponge Docks

Set along Tarpon Springs’ historic Sponge Docks, this vibrant waterfront area celebrates the town’s rich Greek heritage and sponge-diving traditions. Visitors can immerse themselves in the culture while enjoying the festival’s offerings.

“The Tarpon Springs community is weathering the storm like a sturdy ship. Hurricanes Helene and Milton tried to knock us down, but we’re back on our feet and ready to eat. Our local businesses need our support now more than ever,” said event organizer Suzanne King. “The 36th annual Tarpon Springs Seafood Festival promises an unforgettable weekend of food, fun, and family entertainment. We can’t wait to see everyone!”

Complimentary parking and shuttle service will be available at the Splash Park. Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome to join the fun.

Vendor space is limited, and applications can be submitted online.