TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — Once again, Tarpon Springs will host a deliciously shellfish and salty event with free admission.
Organizers of the event said the Tarpon Springs Seafood Festival will be back for its 37th year in Pinellas County. From Nov. 7-9, the seafood festival will take place at the Sponge Docks, located at 600 Hill Street.
“We look forward to a fun-filled event, the contests and seafood competition,” said Suzanne King, the Tarpon Springs Seafood Festival event organizer.
The festival’s schedule is:
- Friday, Nov. 7 | From 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 8 | From 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 9 | From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For seafood lovers, there will be a stone crab eating contest taking place at 3 p.m. on Nov. 9, according to a press release of the event. In order to participate, you will need to pre-register and pay a fee.
The 3rd Annual Master Chefs battle will also take place, which will grant bragging rights and 10 awards to contenders, including: “best shellfish sensation, best Florida fish dish, best “other” creation, most imaginative, most crave-able and a grand champion,” organizers said.
“Even if you’re not a seafood aficionado, there’s plenty to discover,” a spokesperson for the seafood festival noted.
Beyond the seafood, organizers said the festival will host other family-friendly activities like:
- Little buccaneers kids’ zone: “vibrant haven of bouncy castles, face painting, games”
- Live music with talented local performers
- Art and craft booths with “treasures handcrafted by local makers, each infused with the spirit of the sea.”
-
“Let’s make this the best Seafood Festival yet. The 37th annual Tarpon Springs Seafood Festival promises an unforgettable weekend of delicious food, lively entertainment and family fun,” King stated.
Complimentary parking and shuttle service are available at Splash Park and “well-behaved pets” on a leash are also welcome, according to the organizers’ press release.
Vendors interested in participating can find more information here, but organizers say the space is limited.
