Everglades City
by Denise Wauters
The 55th Annual Everglades Seafood Festival is right around the corner, and I can’t wait! Running from February 7th through 9th, this iconic event promises to be a spectacular celebration of our local heritage, bringing the heart and soul of Everglades City to life for an unforgettable weekend.
This year’s festival is set to light up Everglades City with the sweet scent of fresh seafood and the infectious rhythms of live country music. It’s a feast for the senses, with carnival rides that will have everyone laughing and smiling, delicious stone crab claws, and, of course, incredible live performances from some big names in music. Whey Jennings kicks things off on Friday night, and on Saturday, Confederate Railroad will have the crowd rocking until the end of the night. Sunday will feature the Jack Shealy Band, ensuring the festival ends on a high note!



The festival schedule is packed with exciting performances, starting at 4 pm on Friday and continuing until 6 pm on Sunday. With performers like Charlie Pace, Sam Lowe, and Pure Country, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s a true showcase of local talent.
Best of all, the festival is about giving back to our community. Admission is simple and reflects the spirit of Everglades City—on Friday night, bring a canned food donation to enter, and for the rest of the weekend, just a $10 minimum donation for adults gets you in, while children and residents of Everglades City, Chokoloskee, and Copeland are welcome free of charge. Proceeds from the festival continue to support vital community initiatives like the Mobile Food Pantry and Everglades City School, among many others, making this a chance to have fun while supporting the heart of our community.
So, mark your calendars and get ready to join us for an unforgettable weekend of music, food, and fun!
With tens of thousands of visitors expected to fill the streets, you won’t want to miss it.
For more details and the full lineup, visit the official festival website at evergladesseafoodfestival.org.