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22 Feb 2024    Attractions    Emma Adamson

The Marathon Seafood Festival is the second largest Florida Keys event that welcomes over 20,000 people that keeps growing every year. The Marathon Seafood Festival has a rich history that dates back to several decades. It began as a small event during the 1970s, organized by the local fishermen and seafood enthusiasts in Marathon, Florida. Originally, it was a small gathering that’s main goal was to celebrate the area’s seafood harvest.

Over the years, the Marathon Seafood Festival grew in popularity and started attracting more and more visitors from across the Florida Keys and beyond. This became an annual celebration that visitors stay excited for. As this festival expanded, it started showcasing a lot more than just delicious seafood delicacies. The Marathon Seafood Festival included amazing things such as live music, arts and crafts vendors, family-friendly activities, and educational exhibits about the marine life. This is one of the most sought-after festivals and rightfully so! They have all the fun things to offer alongside with mouth-watering food.

Marathon Seafood Festival: What's there to Eat?!

marathon seafood festival

Marathon Florida is widely known for its delicious seafood. People from all over Florida and beyond visit Marathon to enjoy the beautiful beach, the local seafood, and the many other things this beautiful city has to offer. Marathon Seafood Festival is one of the most popular events that takes place in the Keys.

Here are some of the mouth-watering seafood that you can try on your visit to Marathon, especially if you are visiting during the Marathon Seafood Festival:

 

1. Stone Crab

marathon seafood festival

 

This is a local specialty; stone crab claws are often served chilled with a side of tangy mustard sauce. And it is also known as a Florida stone crab.

2. Lobster

marathon seafood festival

 Whether steamed, grilled, or served in a roll, lobster is a popular choice at the festival certainly compliments the beachy vibes!

3. Key West Pink Shrimp

marathon seafood festival

These sweet and juicy shrimps are often served in dishes like shrimp cocktails, shrimp scampi, or as part of seafood boils.

4. Conch Fritters

marathon seafood festival

Made from tender conch meat mixed with spices and deep-fried to perfection, conch fritters are a beloved appetizer crafted by some of the best local chefs.

5. Mahi-Mahi

marathon seafood festival

This flavourful fish is commonly grilled or blackened and served as a sandwich or as part of a seafood platter.

6. Grouper

marathon seafood festival

Whether fried, grilled, or in tacos, grouper is a versatile and delicious option for seafood lovers. Make the most out of this in the Marathon Seafood Festival.

7. Crab Cakes

marathon seafood festival

These savory cakes made from lump crab meat are a popular choice, often served with remoulade sauce or aioli. This is a popular cuisine. Pair it with the perfect tropical drink and enjoy you crab cakes with a view!

8. Ceviche

marathon seafood festival

A refreshing and zesty dish made from fresh fish marinated in citrus juices, mixed with onions, peppers, and cilantro. What a wonderful pick for your visit to Marathon Seafood Festival!

9. Oysters

marathon seafood festival

Whether raw on the half shell or cooked in various preparations such as Rockefeller or fried, oysters are a classic seafood favorite, and surely one of the most popular choices in the Marathon Seafood Festival.

10. Fish Tacos

marathon seafood festival

Made with freshly caught fish, cabbage slaw, and flavourful sauces, fish tacos are a crowd-pleaser at the Marathon Seafood Festival.

Marathon Seafood Festival Activities 

Marathon Seafood Festival is one of the most popular annual events to take place in the Florida Keys. Not only does it have amazing seafood cuisines to try, but also lets you and your loved ones experience many other activities that take place. Here are some of the activities that take place in the Marathon Seafood Festival

1. Live Music and Entertainment

marathon seafood festival

The Marathon Seafood Festival typically features live performances by local musicians and bands, providing a lively atmosphere for both locals and visitors to enjoy while sampling seafood and socializing with friends and family. It is a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoor entertainment with your loved ones.

2. Arts and Crafts Vendors

marathon seafood festival

Numerous arts and crafts vendors set up booths at the Marathon Seafood Festival, offering a diverse selection of handmade goods, artwork, jewellery, and other unique items for sale. Many visitors frequently opt for home décor items from the diverse selection of arts and crafts available at the festival.

3. Educational Exhibits

marathon seafood festival

4. Children's Activities

marathon seafood festival

Family-friendly activities are often available, including face painting, carnival games, bounce houses, and other kid-friendly entertainment options to keep the little ones entertained.

5. Beer and Beverage Gardens

marathon seafood festival

Beer and beverage gardens are typically set up throughout the Marathon Seafood Festival grounds, offering a selection of cold beverages to accompany the delicious seafood delicacies!

6. Boat Shows

marathon seafood festival

There are boat shows that provide you details about the different kinds of boat engines and designs. Not only can you learn about the many kinds of boats, but you can also purchase them! If you are someone who enjoys boat riding, this is one of the most fun activities you can do in the Marathon Seafood Festival.

7. Military Tribute

marathon seafood festival

On Sunday, March 10th at 1 PM, the Marathon Seafood Festival holds a military tribute to honour the brave soldiers who have served or are currently serving in the military. The local color guard get along as everyone sings the National Anthem in their honour.

The Marathon Seafood Festival offers a delightful celebration of community, cuisine, and coastal culture. With its richness of fresh seafood, lively entertainment, and family-friendly activities, the festival helps create cherished memories for locals and visitors alike, expressing the vibrant spirit of the Florida Keys. So, pack your bags and plan your trip to this tropical paradise with your loved ones.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs

The Marathon Seafood Festival is an annual event held in Marathon, Florida, celebrating the region's abundance of fresh seafood and vibrant community spirit. People from around Florida come and visit Marathon especially during this time.

The festival typically takes place on a weekend in late February or early March. However, it's always a good idea to check the official event website for the most up-to-date information on dates and times.

The festival is held at Marathon Community Park, located at 200 36th Street, Marathon, FL 33050.

Visitors can expect to find a wide variety of freshly prepared seafood dishes, including lobster, shrimp, crab, conch, ceviche, and more.

While seafood is the main attraction, the festival typically offers some vegetarian and non-seafood options as well, such as salads, grilled vegetables, and desserts.

Yes, there is usually an admission fee to enter the festival grounds. However, children under a certain age (often 12 years old and under) may be admitted for free.

Unfortunately, pets are generally not allowed at the festival, with the exception of service animals.

Absolutely! The festival usually hosts numerous arts and crafts vendors selling handmade goods, artwork, jewellery, and other unique items.
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