One of the best parts about living by the shore is the abundance of fresh, delicious seafood available straight from the Gulf. Take advantage of all of the fun, food, and music that the Pensacola Seafood Festival has to offer this year, all FREE of charge.
Pensacola Seafood Festival
The festival takes place Friday–Sunday, Sept. 29–Oct.1 in Downtown Pensacola. The festivities will span the Historic Seville Square, Fountain Park, and Bartram Park on Pensacola Bay. You can probably spot the festival from the crowds of seafood enthusiasts, but in case you need some help, look for Lee House, the Fish House, or Hub Stacey’s. These all indicate the festival vicinity.
Below is the schedule for the Pensacola Seafood Festival.
Friday – 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
Saturday – 10 a.m.–11 p.m.
Sunday – 11 a.m. –5 p.m.
Food & Cooking Demos
Seafood is naturally the pièce de résistance for this festival. Taste options from different vendors made fresh and on site. You can choose from low country boils to sampler platters. Enjoy all your favorites like shrimp, crawfish mac ‘n cheese, scallops, crab cakes, grouper, alligator, jambalaya, and so much more.
If sea fare isn’t your thing, don’t worry – you’ll find plenty of traditional festival food here. There will be burgers, hot dogs, nachos, and funnel cakes, just to name a few.
You can also catch cooking demos at the Fiesta Seafood Grille, presented by Pensacola Energy. Each day, watch some of the city’s best chefs in action while they share their recipes at this outdoor demonstration. You’ll even get a chance to taste!
Music Lineup
Next to the food, the free music show this weekend makes the festival a can’t-miss. Check out the lineup below, and plan to be there for your favorite artists.
Friday
5:30 p.m. – Troy Cartwright
7:30 p.m. – Trea Landon
9:30 p.m. – Brooke Eden
Saturday
5 p.m. – Blues Old Stand
7:30 p.m. – Jordan Davis
9 p.m. – The London Souls
Sunday
1:30 p.m. – Tyler Livingston & The Absolutes
3:30 p.m. – Leah Seawright
For the Kids
Even if your kids aren’t big on seafood, there’s still plenty for them to do at the Pensacola Seafood Festival. They can get up close and personal with sea creatures at SeaMobile Touch Pools, cheer on their favorite in the Hermit Crab Races, and test their agility in the Obstacle Course. There will also be arts and crafts activities, games, and a kids’ entertainment stage.
The kids’ activities take place during the day Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m. In addition to all the free activities, you can also check the nearby children’s vendors for toys, clothes, and accessories.
Pro Tips
- Festival parking is available at various lots downtown, with a free trolley running between lots.
- Pets aren’t allowed on festival grounds. We love them too, but it’s city code.
- Coolers aren’t allowed. Check out the many vendors instead.
- This is a free event, so no tickets or wristbands are needed.
Seafood celebrations like the Pensacola Seafood Festival are some of the joys of living on the Emerald Coast. Lee Nissan of Fort Walton Beach invites you to visit another local staple and view our selection of Nissans that fit any style.
Disclaimer: The stock image is being used for illustrative purposes only, and it is not a direct representation of the business, recipe, or activity listed. Any person depicted in the stock image is a model.