If you live anywhere near Everglades City, you know the feeling. February rolls around, season is in full swing, and suddenly the whole town starts buzzing — Seafood Festival weekend is almost here.

The 56th Annual Everglades Seafood Festival returns February 13–15, 2026, and for three days, our quiet fishing town turns into a full-on carnival for the whole family. Music drifting through the streets. Rides lighting up the night. The smell of seafood everywhere you turn. It’s busy, it’s loud, and it’s exactly what February in Everglades City is supposed to feel like.

This is the biggest event of the year around here — and one locals count down to.

The Women Behind the Weekend

Since 2022, the festival has been run by Kelly Kirk, Carrie Doxsee, and Holly Levingston-Dudley. All three have deep roots in the commercial fishing community and generations of Everglades City history behind them. All three were also instrumental in launching the Florida Stone Crabbers Association (FLSCA), and stepping in to lead the festival was a natural next step.

Under their leadership, the festival hasn’t just survived — it’s thrived, growing into a high-energy, community-first event that still feels local at its core.

More Than a Party — But Definitely a Party

Yes, it’s fun — a lot of fun. But the Everglades Seafood Festival is also about giving back in real ways. The event helps support education and student opportunities at Everglades City’s last K–12 school, local charities, hurricane disaster relief, and the commercial fishing industry that keeps this town going.

By partnering with sponsors and the community, the festival invests right back into Everglades City — and that’s a big part of why locals show up year after year.

Three Days of Music, Rides, and Everything in Between

Over the three-day weekend, the festival is nonstop — live music all day and night, carnival rides spinning, games going, arts and crafts to browse, merchandise booths to check out, and more seafood, food, and drinks than you can possibly sample in one visit. Friday night explodes out of the gate with big energy and a drone light show lighting up the sky, Saturday goes full throttle from morning to night, and Sunday eases things down just enough for families to grab one last bite and one more ride before heading home. By the time it’s over, you’ll be worn out — and already counting the days until next year.

Things to Know Before You Go

• This is a premier event, drawing 40,000–50,000+ visitors
• Expect crowds, especially on Saturday
• Please leave lawn chairs, coolers, and pets at home
• Beverage and carnival ride tickets are cash only
• ATMs will be available onsite

This Is Why We Love This Weekend

For locals, it’s bumping into everyone you know. For visitors, it’s a real taste of what makes Everglades City special. And for the people who put it together, it’s a weekend that shows just how much heart this small town has.

February is almost here. The rides are coming. The music is lined up. Let the fun begin!

For schedules and official updates, visit www.evergladesseafoodfestival.org.