The Northwest Florida Gulf coast is home to two great seafood festivals that have been local favorites for over 30 years each.

Savor the 33rd Annual Pensacola Seafood Festival

Savor delicious seafood and enjoy the surroundings of downtown Pensacola during the 33rd annual Pensacola Seafood Festival. The festival presented by the Fiesta of Five Flags Association will be held September 24, 25 and 26 in historic Seville Square, Fountain Park and Bartram Park. Admission to the festival is free.

Festival times are Friday, Sept. 24 from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 26 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Pensacola Seafood Festival will feature delicious seafood dishes and other festival fare. Treat your taste buds to a variety of dishes from 18 carefully selected food vendors bordering the park.

The Splash Dogs Competition is one of the fan favorite activities at the Annual Pensacola Seafood Festival. Enjoy favorite foods such as grilled conch, seafood gumbo, oyster croquettes, soft shell crab, coconut shrimp, Caribbean crab cakes, bang bang shrimp and much more.

The festival is also one of the largest arts and crafts fairs in Northwest Florida, with more than 160 artisans and craftsmen who travel from around the country to participate in this three day festival.

Vendors will be displaying their unique wares, and many items are reflective of the area’s unique Gulf Coast lifestyle.

The Fiesta Seafood Grille, presented by Energy Services of Pensacola, will fea- ture local chefs who share their secrets for preparing favorite mouthwatering cuisine with an emphasis in fresh seafood.

For a detailed schedule or additional information about the Pensacola Seafood Festival, contact the Fiesta of Five Flags office at (850) 433-6512 or visit www.fiestaoffiveflags. org.

The 32nd Annual Destin Seafood Festival (left) is set to take place Sept. 17-19 at an exciting new location this year – the Destin Fishing Fleet Marina, City of Destin Royal Melvin Heritage Park, and Fisherman’s Wharf! Celebrate the 32nd Annual Destin Seafood Festival

The 32nd Annual Destin Seafood Festival is set to take place Sept. 17- 19 at an exciting new location this year – the Destin Fishing Fleet Marina, City of Destin Royal Melvin Heritage Park, and Fisherman’s Wharf!

This change in location positions the festival amid Destin's fishing docks, and the change in dates makes it a true kick off to the Destin Fishing Rodeo, which takes place the entire month of October.

Starship Starring Mickey Thomas and Loverboy will headline the festival, which boasts good food, music and family fun.

One of the favorite attractions at the annual festival are the residents of Gator Beach (above)! Starship performs the multi-platinum hits of Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, and Starship.

The festival will also feature regional musical acts, delicious seafood from some of the area’s favorite restaurants, arts and crafts vendors, a kids’ play area, and more.

The festival will also host the premier golf tournament for the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast, the Seafood Festival Golf Classic, at Indian Bayou Golf Course on Sept. 10-11.

For more information about the festival, please contact the Destin Chamber’s Director of Events Risa Garner at (850) 837-2711 x2 or at rgarner@DestinChamber.com.
Local artists will also be displaying their works (bottom right) at both festivals.
The festivals have fun activities for kids, such as face painting (bottom center).
And of course, both events will feature the main attraction – seafood! From tasty crab legs (bottom left) to savory fish filets and crispy crab cakes, there is sure to be a dish that delights every visitor.