Up and down the coast
Gulf Coast food and music festivals, month by month
Boils, oyster roasts, fishing rodeos, cook-offs and the big music festivals, from South Padre Island to Key West. Twelve months out, each with a link to the people running it.
Pack the cooler
Coming up next
The next six to kick off, anywhere on the coast.
29Oct to Nov 1Food and drinkTaste of the BeachNavarre Beach, Pensacola Beach, FLA chamber festival where sixteen restaurants from the neighboring beach show off their best plates, plus music and kid activities.ConfirmedOfficial site: Taste of the Beach (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Taste of the Beach, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)
30Oct to Nov 1Food and drinkC'est Bon Seasoning FestCarencro, LAA Seasoning Showdown where makers go head to head on taste, an Anything Goes cook-off, hot air balloons on Friday night, a carnival and a Cajun music jam.ConfirmedOfficial site: C'est Bon Seasoning Fest (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: C'est Bon Seasoning Fest, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)
30Oct to 31Food and drinkBlackpot Festival and CookoffLafayette, LAA cast iron cooking competition with music and camping.ConfirmedOfficial site: Blackpot Festival and Cookoff (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Blackpot Festival and Cookoff, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)
30OctMusic and streetCorey Avenue Sip and StrollSt. Pete Beach, FLAn evening walk along Corey Avenue with drinks, live music and the reopened shops and restaurants.ExpectedOfficial site: Corey Avenue Sip and Stroll (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Corey Avenue Sip and Stroll, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)
31OctArt and marketIsland MarketMatlacha, FLAn outdoor market of growers, artisans, clubs and island businesses in the Fishers of Men Lutheran Church lot.ExpectedOfficial site: Island Market (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Island Market, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)
31Oct to Nov 1Music and streetNOLA Zydeco FestSlidell, LAZydeco bands from Southwest Louisiana with dance lessons between sets, and Creole and Cajun food from gumbo to jambalaya.ConfirmedOfficial site: NOLA Zydeco Fest (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: NOLA Zydeco Fest, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)
On right now
- Destin Fishing RodeoDestin, Navarre Beach, to Oct 31
- Edison and Ford Winter Estates garden talksFort Myers, to Dec 31
- Stone crab season opensLongboat Key, to May 1
- Chief Fandal's Wild Game, Seafood and BBQ Cook-OffSlidell, to Oct 31
Mark the calendar
The big ones this year
The headline dates on the coast, the weekends people plan a whole trip around. Book the room early.
- Jan 6
Epiphany Celebration and Cross Dive
FestivalTarpon Springs, FLConfirmed - Jan 22to Feb 9
Mobile Mardi Gras
Music and streetMobile, ALConfirmed - Apr 8to 11
French Quarter Festival
Music and streetNew Orleans, LAConfirmed - Apr 22to 25
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
Music and streetNew Orleans, LAConfirmed - Aprildates to come
Buc Days
Music and streetCorpus Christi, TXMonth to come - Maydates to come
Sand In My Boots Music Festival
Music and streetGulf Shores, ALMonth to come - Jun 3to 6
Gulf Coast Jam
Music and streetPanama City Beach, FLConfirmed - Jul 2to 4
ESSENCE Festival of Culture
Music and streetNew Orleans, LAExpected - Julydates to come
Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo
On the waterGulfport, MSMonth to come
The calendar
The next twelve months
181 dates in 102 towns. Tall bars are the busy months; tap one to jump. Tap any event for the details and the organizer's link.
- Oct10October 2026, 10 events
- Nov24November 2026, 24 events
- Dec10December 2026, 10 events
- Jan14January 2027, 14 events
- Feb11February 2027, 11 events
- Mar19March 2027, 19 events
- Apr31April 2027, 31 events
- May15May 2027, 15 events
- Jun6June 2027, 6 events
- Jul21July 2027, 21 events
- Aug5August 2027, 5 events
- Sep15September 2027, 15 events
181 showing
October 202610 events
NowDestin Fishing Rodeo
October 1 to 31 every year, with daily weigh ins on the harbor
An October long tournament for saltwater anglers of every age, with registrations for charter boats, private boats, kayaks, piers and the shore, plus a king mackerel jackpot.
Running nowOfficial site: Destin Fishing Rodeo (opens in a new tab)Destin guideNavarre Beach guide
NowEdison and Ford Winter Estates garden talks
Monthly, at the Garden Shoppe on the estate grounds
Talks from the estate horticulturists, with fruit trees, herbs and butterfly plants for sale. Garden Shoppe entry and parking are free.
Running nowOfficial site: Edison and Ford Winter Estates garden talks (opens in a new tab)Fort Myers guide
NowStone crab season opens
October 15 each year in Florida waters, through May 1
Traps may be set ten days early but cannot be worked until opening day. Only claws are kept, never from a female carrying eggs, and the crab is returned to the water alive.
Running nowOfficial site: Stone crab season opens (opens in a new tab)Longboat Key guide
NowChief Fandal's Wild Game, Seafood and BBQ Cook-Off
Late September or early October, a Saturday in Olde Towne
More than 20 cook teams and one ticket to taste them all, with music, an artisan alley and a live auction. It is the main fundraiser for Community Christian Concern.
Running nowOfficial site: Chief Fandal's Wild Game, Seafood and BBQ Cook-Off (opens in a new tab)Slidell guide
29OctTaste of the Beach
The last days of October, west of Navarre Beach at Casino Beach
A chamber festival where sixteen restaurants from the neighboring beach show off their best plates, plus music and kid activities.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Taste of the Beach (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Taste of the Beach, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Navarre Beach guidePensacola Beach guide
30OctC'est Bon Seasoning Fest
A weekend in late October or early November, Pelican Park
A Seasoning Showdown where makers go head to head on taste, an Anything Goes cook-off, hot air balloons on Friday night, a carnival and a Cajun music jam.
ConfirmedOfficial site: C'est Bon Seasoning Fest (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: C'est Bon Seasoning Fest, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Carencro guide
30OctBlackpot Festival and Cookoff
Late October, Vermilionville, 300 Fisher Road
A cast iron cooking competition with music and camping.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Blackpot Festival and Cookoff (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Blackpot Festival and Cookoff, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Lafayette guide
30OctCorey Avenue Sip and Stroll
Last Friday of each month, 5 to 8 p.m.
An evening walk along Corey Avenue with drinks, live music and the reopened shops and restaurants.
ExpectedOfficial site: Corey Avenue Sip and Stroll (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Corey Avenue Sip and Stroll, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)St. Pete Beach guide
31OctIsland Market
Last Saturday of each month, October to April, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 10360 Stringfellow Road
An outdoor market of growers, artisans, clubs and island businesses in the Fishers of Men Lutheran Church lot.
ExpectedOfficial site: Island Market (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Island Market, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Matlacha guide
31OctNOLA Zydeco Fest
Halloween weekend, on the banks of Bayou Bonfouca
Zydeco bands from Southwest Louisiana with dance lessons between sets, and Creole and Cajun food from gumbo to jambalaya.
ConfirmedOfficial site: NOLA Zydeco Fest (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: NOLA Zydeco Fest, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Slidell guide
November 202624 events
5NovSeeing Red Wine Festival
Four days in early November, in and around Seaside's Central Square
A vintners dinner at Bud and Alley's, an outdoor reserve tasting, a sommelier contest, a Grand Tasting with food from local chefs and a Sunday bubbles brunch. It tends to sell out.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Seeing Red Wine Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Seeing Red Wine Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)30A guide
5NovFrank Brown International Songwriters' Festival
November, over about ten days
More than 200 songwriters playing venues along the Florida and Alabama coast. Not a food event, but the liveliest week of the off season.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Perdido Key guide
5NovCajun and Creole Acoustic Jam Session
Monthly, on a Thursday
Local musicians playing Cajun and Creole tunes. Not a food event, but the right soundtrack for a plate of crawfish afterward.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Cajun and Creole Acoustic Jam Session (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Cajun and Creole Acoustic Jam Session, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Port Arthur guide
6NovFlorida Seafood Festival
First weekend in November, Friday and Saturday, under the oaks at Battery Park
Oyster eating and oyster shucking contests, blue crab races, a parade, the Blessing of the Fleet and a game called Tonging for Treasure.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Florida Seafood Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Florida Seafood Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Apalachicola guide
6NovVillage of the Arts Art Walk
First Friday evening and the following Saturday, every month
Open studios, galleries, food and music across a neighborhood of restored early 1900s cottages near downtown.
ExpectedOfficial site: Village of the Arts Art Walk (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Village of the Arts Art Walk, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Bradenton guide
6NovHoly Ghost Creole Festival
First full weekend of November, Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 788 North Union Street
Fried fish dinners Friday, pork steak and barbecue chicken dinners Saturday, and a Creole festival parade Sunday.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Holy Ghost Creole Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Holy Ghost Creole Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Opelousas guide
7NovGiant Omelette Celebration
First full weekend of November, in historic downtown Abbeville. The omelette is cooked Sunday afternoon on Concord Street
Arts and crafts in Magdalen Square, live music, an egg cracking contest on antique farm equipment on Saturday, and on Sunday a procession of chefs, eggs and bread to the 12-foot skillet. Junior members cook their own 600 egg omelette alongside.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Giant Omelette Celebration (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Giant Omelette Celebration, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Abbeville guide
7NovCountry Farmer's Market at Crooked River Lighthouse
The first Saturday of the month, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A small morning market at the foot of the Crooked River Lighthouse. The lighthouse museum and gift shop stay open longer on market days.
ExpectedOfficial site: Country Farmer's Market at Crooked River Lighthouse (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Country Farmer's Market at Crooked River Lighthouse, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Carrabelle guide
7NovStone Crab Jam
First Saturday in November, noon to 9 p.m., North Citrus Avenue
An open air street party with stone crab, beer and wine and live bands on several stages. The Kings Bay Rotary Club's charitable foundation runs it, and proceeds go to local charities.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Stone Crab Jam (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Stone Crab Jam, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Crystal River guide
7NovTaste of Palacios Seafood Festival
Early November, one Saturday, on South Bay Boulevard in Palacios
A fundraiser for the Palacios Beautification Committee built around local seafood. A tasting tent armband covers unlimited samples of farm raised oysters and chef prepared seafood dishes.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Taste of Palacios Seafood Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Taste of Palacios Seafood Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Matagorda guide
7NovPeter Anderson Arts and Crafts Festival
The first weekend in November, Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. downtown
More than 400 artists, crafters and food vendors alongside the downtown shops and restaurants. In 2026 a temporary Amtrak stop serves festival goers from Mobile and New Orleans.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Peter Anderson Arts and Crafts Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Peter Anderson Arts and Crafts Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Ocean Springs guide
7NovPort Mansfield Harbor Market
First Saturday of every month, 4 to 7 p.m., 600 Mansfield Drive
A small evening market on the harbor, posted on the chamber's community calendar.
ExpectedOfficial site: Port Mansfield Harbor Market (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Port Mansfield Harbor Market, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Port Mansfield guide
8NovLCEC Stone Crab Music Fest
A Sunday in early November, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Winn Dixie Plaza, 9940 Stringfellow Road
Stone crab, local seafood and food vendors, island crafters and live music all afternoon. Proceeds go to Pine Island businesses and nonprofits.
ConfirmedOfficial site: LCEC Stone Crab Music Fest (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: LCEC Stone Crab Music Fest, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Matlacha guide
8NovOak Street Po-Boy Festival
A Sunday in November on Oak Street
The city's po-boy festival, in its 18th year.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Oak Street Po-Boy Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Oak Street Po-Boy Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)New Orleans guide
13NovSiesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival
Four days in mid November on Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Road
Twenty master sculptors compete on the sand while a community carve goes up beside them. On Saturday the ticketed area stays open until 9 p.m. to show the work under colored lights, and winners are announced Sunday afternoon. Vendor Village outside the gate runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Siesta Key guide
14NovAtchafalaya Basin Festival
One Saturday in November at Henry Guidry Memorial Park, Henderson
Free since it began in 2007. Teams compete in fish courtbouillon, chicken and sausage gumbo, seafood gumbo and side dishes, and Geno Delafose, Chubby Carrier and the Pine Leaf Boys play in 2026. Proceeds help the Henderson and Butte La Rose churches.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Atchafalaya Basin Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Atchafalaya Basin Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Atchafalaya Basin guide
14NovSecond Saturday in Old Town
The second Saturday of every month, in the evening
Old Town businesses throw a street party with live music, shopping and dinner specials. A good night to eat your way down Main Street.
ExpectedOfficial site: Second Saturday in Old Town (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Second Saturday in Old Town, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Bay St. Louis guide
14NovDunedin Wines the Blues
A Saturday in November, Pioneer Park and Main Street
The Dunedin Chamber of Commerce's street festival, with live bands, a long list of wines, beer from Dunedin breweries and food from local restaurants.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Dunedin Wines the Blues (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Dunedin Wines the Blues, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Dunedin guide
14NovHomosassa Arts, Crafts and Seafood Festival
A weekend in November, Homosassa Civic Club grounds on South Mason Creek Road
A juried fine art show, crafts, live music and a seafood court with local catch. Admission is a small donation, and the Civic Club volunteers still run the show.
ExpectedOfficial site: Homosassa Arts, Crafts and Seafood Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Homosassa Arts, Crafts and Seafood Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Homosassa guide
14NovMexico Beach Farmers and Craft Market
Second and fourth Saturdays, from 9 in the morning until 1, at Parker Park on Highway 98
Produce, baked goods and crafts from local vendors.
ExpectedOfficial site: Mexico Beach Farmers and Craft Market (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Mexico Beach Farmers and Craft Market, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Mexico Beach guide
19NovSmoke and Barrel
November, on the Calcasieu Parish Courthouse lawn
Fine bourbon and whiskey with barbecue from the region's pitmasters.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Smoke and Barrel (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Smoke and Barrel, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Lake Charles guide
21NovDunedin Celtic Festival
November, Highlander Park
Celtic music, crafts, dancing, food and drinks, run by the Dunedin Scottish Arts Foundation.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Dunedin Celtic Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Dunedin Celtic Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Dunedin guide
27NovCorey Avenue Sip and Stroll
Last Friday of each month, 5 to 8 p.m.
An evening walk along Corey Avenue with drinks, live music and the reopened shops and restaurants.
ExpectedOfficial site: Corey Avenue Sip and Stroll (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Corey Avenue Sip and Stroll, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)St. Pete Beach guide
28NovIsland Market
Last Saturday of each month, October to April, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 10360 Stringfellow Road
An outdoor market of growers, artisans, clubs and island businesses in the Fishers of Men Lutheran Church lot.
ExpectedOfficial site: Island Market (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Island Market, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Matlacha guide
December 202610 events
3DecCajun and Creole Acoustic Jam Session
Monthly, on a Thursday
Local musicians playing Cajun and Creole tunes. Not a food event, but the right soundtrack for a plate of crawfish afterward.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Cajun and Creole Acoustic Jam Session (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Cajun and Creole Acoustic Jam Session, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Port Arthur guide
4DecVillage of the Arts Art Walk
First Friday evening and the following Saturday, every month
Open studios, galleries, food and music across a neighborhood of restored early 1900s cottages near downtown.
ExpectedOfficial site: Village of the Arts Art Walk (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Village of the Arts Art Walk, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Bradenton guide
4DecPlaquemines Parish Fair and Orange Festival
First weekend of December, three days, at Fort Jackson off Highway 23
Citrus contests from kumquat stuffing to orange peeling, plus duck calling, shrimp de-heading, oyster shucking, music and rides.
ExpectedOfficial site: Plaquemines Parish Fair and Orange Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Plaquemines Parish Fair and Orange Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Buras guide
4DecIslamorada Sailfish Tournament
Early December, Friday to Sunday
An all release event with pro and non pro divisions, the first leg of the Gold Cup series.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Islamorada Sailfish Tournament (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Islamorada Sailfish Tournament, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Islamorada guide
4DecChristmas in the Pass
The first Friday in December, downtown
Hosted by the Pass Christian Firefighters Association, with vendor booths and a parade through downtown.
ExpectedOfficial site: Christmas in the Pass (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Christmas in the Pass, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Pass Christian guide
5DecCountry Farmer's Market at Crooked River Lighthouse
The first Saturday of the month, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A small morning market at the foot of the Crooked River Lighthouse. The lighthouse museum and gift shop stay open longer on market days.
ExpectedOfficial site: Country Farmer's Market at Crooked River Lighthouse (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Country Farmer's Market at Crooked River Lighthouse, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Carrabelle guide
5DecPort Mansfield Harbor Market
First Saturday of every month, 4 to 7 p.m., 600 Mansfield Drive
A small evening market on the harbor, posted on the chamber's community calendar.
ExpectedOfficial site: Port Mansfield Harbor Market (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Port Mansfield Harbor Market, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Port Mansfield guide
5DecLighted Boat Parade
Early December, on the Intracoastal canal
Locals, visitors and boats from the Freeport to Port O'Connor Toy Run light up and parade down the canal to start the Christmas season.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Lighted Boat Parade (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Lighted Boat Parade, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Port O'Connor guide
12DecSecond Saturday in Old Town
The second Saturday of every month, in the evening
Old Town businesses throw a street party with live music, shopping and dinner specials. A good night to eat your way down Main Street.
ExpectedOfficial site: Second Saturday in Old Town (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Second Saturday in Old Town, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Bay St. Louis guide
12DecMexico Beach Farmers and Craft Market
Second and fourth Saturdays, from 9 in the morning until 1, at Parker Park on Highway 98
Produce, baked goods and crafts from local vendors.
ExpectedOfficial site: Mexico Beach Farmers and Craft Market (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Mexico Beach Farmers and Craft Market, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Mexico Beach guide
January 202714 events
TBAJanEdison and Ford Winter Estates garden talks
Monthly, at the Garden Shoppe on the estate grounds
Talks from the estate horticulturists, with fruit trees, herbs and butterfly plants for sale. Garden Shoppe entry and parking are free.
Month to comeOfficial site: Edison and Ford Winter Estates garden talks (opens in a new tab)Fort Myers guide
1JanFirst Day Hike at Mustang Island State Park
January 1, at sunrise
Texas Parks and Wildlife runs guided and self guided walks across the state parks on New Year's Day.
ExpectedOfficial site: First Day Hike at Mustang Island State Park (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: First Day Hike at Mustang Island State Park, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Mustang Island guide
TBAJanPort Aransas Restaurant Week
Every January
Island restaurants roll out special set menus built around local seafood in the quietest month of the year.
Month to comeOfficial site: Port Aransas Restaurant Week (opens in a new tab)Port Aransas guide
6JanEpiphany Celebration and Cross Dive
January 6 every year, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral and Spring Bayou
Liturgy, a procession to Spring Bayou, the blessing of the waters and the dive for the cross by young men aged 16 to 18.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Epiphany Celebration and Cross Dive (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Epiphany Celebration and Cross Dive, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Tarpon Springs guide
8JanLouisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival
Second weekend of January, at the festival grounds, 122 Recreation Center Drive, Cameron
First held in December 1955 to honor the parish's trappers, hunters and fishermen. Each year spotlights a different local industry. Expect a gumbo cook-off, oyster shucking, duck and goose calling, trap shooting, a nutria skinning demonstration and a parade through Cameron.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Holly Beach guide
9JanWeenie Spaghetti Festival
January, Courthouse Square
A $10 ticket buys a taste from every team, and the bureau calls the dish a Houma original.
ExpectedOfficial site: Weenie Spaghetti Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Weenie Spaghetti Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Houma guide
15Jan30A Songwriters Festival
Four days over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend in January at about 30 venues along Scenic Highway 30A, with main stages at Grand Boulevard and the Seaside Amphitheater
More than 160 songwriters play over 300 shows, from solo and in-the-round sets in small rooms to full bands on outdoor stages; 2027 headliners include Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, St. Paul and The Broken Bones and Larkin Poe. Weekend passes are sold in advance.
ConfirmedOfficial site: 30A Songwriters Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: 30A Songwriters Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)30A guide
15JanPunta Gorda Crab and Music Festival
Friday to Sunday in January, Laishley Park on the harbor
Fresh seafood, live music and a market of arts, crafts and specialty foods, produced by Paragon Festivals. Friday runs into the evening and Sunday closes at 6 p.m.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Punta Gorda Crab and Music Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Punta Gorda Crab and Music Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Punta Gorda guide
16JanApalachicola Oyster Cook-Off
January, downtown at Riverfront Park on Water Street
Home cooks enter their best oyster recipe, with local beer, music and a 5K. Proceeds go to the Apalachicola Volunteer Fire Department.
ExpectedOfficial site: Apalachicola Oyster Cook-Off (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Apalachicola Oyster Cook-Off, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Apalachicola guide
16JanFlorida Manatee Festival
A weekend in mid January, downtown Crystal River
Built around the sea cow, with artists, crafters, food vendors and music filling the downtown streets during peak manatee season.
ExpectedOfficial site: Florida Manatee Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Florida Manatee Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Crystal River guide
19JanIslamorada Fishing Club Captain's Cup Sailfish Tournament
January
The second leg of the Gold Cup, run by the club local guides founded in 1950.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Islamorada Fishing Club Captain's Cup Sailfish Tournament (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Islamorada Fishing Club Captain's Cup Sailfish Tournament, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Islamorada guide
22JanCheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament
Late January
The final leg, where the overall Gold Cup champion is crowned.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Islamorada guide
22JanMobile Mardi Gras
About two and a half weeks of parades ending on Fat Tuesday, mostly downtown
More than 40 parades, mystic society floats, marching bands, MoonPies and king cake.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Mobile Mardi Gras (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Mobile Mardi Gras, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Mobile guide
26JanMile 0 Fest
Five days, Tuesday to Saturday, in late January, with main shows at the Truman Waterfront Amphitheater and sets in bars and theaters around Old Town
Red Dirt, Texas country and Americana festival with more than 70 acts. Sold as multi-day badges, which have sold out before.
ExpectedOfficial site: Mile 0 Fest (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Mile 0 Fest, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Key West guide
February 202711 events
TBAFebCortez Commercial Fishing Festival
A weekend in February on the Cortez waterfront, at the end of 123rd Street
A celebration of the fishing village since 1981, with live music, crafts, environmental exhibits and local seafood. Kids under 12 get in free.
Month to comeOfficial site: Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival (opens in a new tab)Anna Maria Island guide
TBAFebCorpus Christi Songwriters Festival
Friday to Sunday in mid February at bars and venues in downtown Corpus Christi
Nearly 40 international, national and regional songwriters play showcases, song swaps and workshops. Workshops and afternoon swaps are free; night showcases need a ticket or pass.
Month to comeOfficial site: Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival (opens in a new tab)Corpus Christi guide
TBAFebLemon Bay Historical Society Cracker Fair
Once a year in winter, hosted by the Lemon Bay Historical Society
A pioneer heritage fair with about 30 vendors, food stands, local music, a cast net demonstration and the Lemon Dessert Baking Contest, a nod to the town's lemon growing beginnings.
Month to comeOfficial site: Lemon Bay Historical Society Cracker Fair (opens in a new tab)Englewood guide
5FebMardi Gras Port Arthur
Three days in the run up to Lent, in downtown Port Arthur
The city and the visitors bureau are reviving a decades old tradition with parades, family activities, vendor areas, food and beads in purple, gold and green.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Mardi Gras Port Arthur (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Mardi Gras Port Arthur, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Port Arthur guide
6FebPanama City Beach Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival
February, Saturday and Sunday afternoons
Roughly 30 trucks, seasonal brews, lawn games and live music, aimed at families.
ExpectedOfficial site: Panama City Beach Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Panama City Beach Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Panama City Beach guide
7FebSaddle Tramp Riders Club Courir de Mardi Gras
The Sunday before Mardi Gras, with the children's courir on the Saturday
Riders go farm to farm for gumbo ingredients, then parade back into town for a shared pot of gumbo.
ExpectedOfficial site: Saddle Tramp Riders Club Courir de Mardi Gras (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Saddle Tramp Riders Club Courir de Mardi Gras, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Church Point guide
7FebJoe Cain Day
The Sunday before Fat Tuesday
The Merry Widows at Church Street Graveyard, a street party at Joe Cain's home and the people's parade.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Joe Cain Day (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Joe Cain Day, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Mobile guide
12FebSteinhatchee Fiddler Crab Festival
A long weekend in mid February, Friday to Sunday
Two and a half days of food and live music, fireworks on Friday and Saturday nights, and a beer and wine garden. WCTV reported organizers expected 10,000 to 15,000 people in 2026, with the money staying in a town still rebuilding.
ExpectedOfficial site: Steinhatchee Fiddler Crab Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Steinhatchee Fiddler Crab Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Steinhatchee guide
13FebMexico Beach Gumbo Cook-Off
A Saturday in February at the Mexico Beach Boat Ramp, from 10 a.m. until the pots run dry
Home and business teams compete for cash prizes and a People's Choice vote. Every dollar goes to the town's Fourth of July fireworks, which the city itself does not pay for.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Mexico Beach Gumbo Cook-Off (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Mexico Beach Gumbo Cook-Off, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Mexico Beach guide
19FebEverglades Seafood Festival
Three days in February, Friday to Sunday, at 102 Copeland Ave N.
Presented by the Florida Stone Crabbers Association, with seafood from local fishermen and restaurants, country music, carnival rides and arts and crafts. Friday entry is a canned food donation. The first one, in 1970, raised money for playground equipment, and proceeds still go to the school, local charities, hurricane relief and the fishing industry.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Everglades Seafood Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Everglades Seafood Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Everglades City guideMarco Island guide
20FebEdison Festival of Light Grand Parade
A Saturday night in February, 7 p.m., from Fort Myers High School toward downtown
A night parade of floats and bands in honor of Thomas Edison, one of the biggest community events in Lee County.
ExpectedOfficial site: Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Fort Myers guide
March 202719 events
TBAMarCrawfish Cookin' for a Cause
Spring, 11am to 5pm, Mandeville Lakefront Splash Park
A crawfish boil fundraiser on the lakefront for local families affected by catastrophic illness. Kids ten and under get in free.
Month to comeOfficial site: Crawfish Cookin' for a Cause (opens in a new tab)Mandeville guide
TBAMarHogs for the Cause
Spring, at the UNO Lakefront Arena grounds
Around 90 barbecue teams, raising money for families of children with brain cancer.
Month to comeOfficial site: Hogs for the Cause (opens in a new tab)New Orleans guide
TBAMarCongo Square Rhythms Festival
A Saturday and Sunday in late March in Congo Square in Louis Armstrong Park
Free festival on two stages with brass bands, Mardi Gras Indian groups, African drum and dance ensembles and local acts, produced by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation.
Month to comeOfficial site: Congo Square Rhythms Festival (opens in a new tab)New Orleans guide
TBAMarTexas SandFest
Three days each spring, on the beach
Not a food festival, but food trucks line the sand lanes between master sculptures, and the chamber counts more than 100,000 visitors a year.
Month to comeOfficial site: Texas SandFest (opens in a new tab)Port Aransas guide
TBAMarSt. George Island Charity Chili Cookoff and Chili Crawl
Early March, on the lighthouse grounds in the center of the island and at homes across it
Competition chili judged for a world championship berth, a People's Choice award, a silent auction and a crawl of open houses with music. Money raised goes to the St. George Island Volunteer Fire Department.
Month to comeOfficial site: St. George Island Charity Chili Cookoff and Chili Crawl (opens in a new tab)St. George Island guide
4MarFulton Oysterfest
Early March, Thursday to Sunday, at the Fulton Convention Center on Fulton Beach Road
A fundraiser for the Fulton Volunteer Fire Department with fresh oysters, live music, a decorated oyster contest, a Saturday parade and men's and women's raw oyster eating contests.
ExpectedOfficial site: Fulton Oysterfest (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Fulton Oysterfest, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Rockport guide
6MarRoux for a Reason
March
A gumbo cook-off for the Golden Ladle, raising money for cancer screening and treatment.
ExpectedOfficial site: Roux for a Reason (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Roux for a Reason, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Houma guide
6MarIslandFest Mullet Toss
A Saturday in March, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Winn Dixie Plaza
Mullet toss contests by age group, a King and Queen Mullet, a best mullet dip competition, fishing seminars and island food.
ConfirmedOfficial site: IslandFest Mullet Toss (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: IslandFest Mullet Toss, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Matlacha guide
6MarPort Lavaca Art Walk
Early March, one Saturday
Not a food event, but a good afternoon downtown before dinner on the water.
ExpectedOfficial site: Port Lavaca Art Walk (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Port Lavaca Art Walk, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Port Lavaca guide
11MarLouisiana Food and Wine Festival
March, at L'Auberge and Bord du Lac Park
Louisiana's Best Taste Awards, a Fire on the Lake live fire night with a Best BBQ award, and a Grand Tasting.
ExpectedOfficial site: Louisiana Food and Wine Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Louisiana Food and Wine Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Lake Charles guide
13MarFort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival
A Saturday and Sunday in March, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Old San Carlos Boulevard between First and Third Streets
The Lions Club celebrates the local shrimp industry with plenty of pink Gulf shrimp, vendors, a parade, a Queens Pageant and a shrimp eating contest.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Fort Myers Beach guide
13MarOriginal Marathon Seafood Festival
A Saturday and Sunday in March, at Marathon Community Park, mile marker 49
Running since 1976 and put on by the Organized Fishermen of Florida with the Greater Marathon Chamber. Local lobster, stone crab, fish and shrimp, live music and a boat show. Organizers call it the second largest event in the Keys, with more than 15,000 people.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Original Marathon Seafood Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Original Marathon Seafood Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Marathon guide
14MarSarasota Jazz Festival
About a week of evening concerts in March at venues around Sarasota, presented by the Jazz Club of Sarasota
Jazz concerts at theaters and pubs around town, including Florida Studio Theatre and the Municipal Auditorium in 2026. Ticketed.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Sarasota Jazz Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Sarasota Jazz Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Sarasota guide
19MarLouisiana Red Beans and Rice Heritage and Music Festival
March, downtown at Rhorer Plaza
A red beans and rice cook-off with live music.
ExpectedOfficial site: Louisiana Red Beans and Rice Heritage and Music Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Louisiana Red Beans and Rice Heritage and Music Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Baton Rouge guide
19MarFairhope Arts and Crafts Festival
The third weekend in March, Friday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, on the downtown streets
More than 200 artists from across the country, live entertainment and food vendors. The organizers say the town of about 25,000 swells to nearly 300,000.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Fairhope and Point Clear guide
20MarKey Largo Seafood Festival
March, Saturday and Sunday
Two days of local seafood with live music, a kids zone, boat displays and more than 150 exhibitors.
ExpectedOfficial site: Key Largo Seafood Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Key Largo Seafood Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Key Largo guide
27MarBradenton Arts and Music Festival
Spring, on the Riverwalk between the Green and DeSoto bridges
A daylong arts and music festival along the Manatee River downtown.
ExpectedOfficial site: Bradenton Arts and Music Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Bradenton Arts and Music Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Bradenton guide
28MarCrawfête
A Sunday afternoon in March
Run by the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society, the city's chefs' group.
ExpectedOfficial site: Crawfête (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Crawfête, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Baton Rouge guide
28MarCuban Sandwich Festival
A Sunday in late March, Centennial Park, Ybor City
A free community festival with a Cuban sandwich contest, art, live music and dance, plus a ticketed VIP tasting area.
ExpectedOfficial site: Cuban Sandwich Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Cuban Sandwich Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Tampa guide
April 202731 events
TBAAprBaton Rouge Blues Festival
A weekend in April on stages around Third Street in downtown Baton Rouge
Free festival celebrating Baton Rouge swamp blues, with a Friday kickoff and a full Saturday of music on several stages.
Month to comeOfficial site: Baton Rouge Blues Festival (opens in a new tab)Baton Rouge guide
TBAAprCrawfish Music Festival
Several days in April on the grounds of the Mississippi Coast Coliseum on the beach in Biloxi
Country and rock concerts with national and regional acts, plus a carnival midway and boiled crawfish. Now past its 30th year.
Month to comeOfficial site: Crawfish Music Festival (opens in a new tab)Biloxi guide
TBAAprChauvin Blessing of the Fleet
April, starting in the morning on Bayou Petit Caillou
A procession of working boats down the bayou, a community Mass and time with friends and family, open to everyone.
Month to comeOfficial site: Chauvin Blessing of the Fleet (opens in a new tab)Cocodrie and Chauvin guide
TBAAprBuc Days
Late April into mid May, downtown around the American Bank Center
Staged by the nonprofit Buccaneer Commission since 1938, with proceeds going to college scholarships. It opens with the Dunking of the Mayor, a tradition since 1965, and includes a carnival, parades and Rodeo Corpus Christi.
Month to comeOfficial site: Buc Days (opens in a new tab)Corpus Christi guide
TBAAprAdopt-A-Beach Spring Coastwide Cleanup
A Saturday in April, coastwide
The spring half of the same program. The Land Office counted 4,659 volunteers and 48,952 pounds of trash in 2026.
Month to comeOfficial site: Adopt-A-Beach Spring Coastwide Cleanup (opens in a new tab)Mustang Island guide
2AprUNwineD
Spring, Friday and Saturday at Aaron Bessant Park
Beer, wine and spirits tastings paired with plates from area chefs and local kitchens, plus cooking demos. Ticket proceeds partly support Make-A-Wish, Heartland Animal Rescue and Beach Care Services.
ConfirmedOfficial site: UNwineD (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: UNwineD, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Panama City Beach guide
3AprOld Florida Celebration of the Arts
A weekend in early April, on historic 2nd Street and in City Park
A juried fine art fair founded in 1964, with about 100 artists. Food is made and sold by local nonprofits such as the Lions Club, the Woman's Club and Future Farmers of America students.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Old Florida Celebration of the Arts (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Old Florida Celebration of the Arts, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Cedar Key guide
3AprDunedin Highland Games
Early April, Highlander Park
Scottish athletics, piping and drumming, Highland dancing and clan tents, with Irish and Welsh culture alongside. Proceeds support the city's Scottish arts programs.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Dunedin Highland Games (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Dunedin Highland Games, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Dunedin guide
3AprBayou Terrebonne Boucherie
Spring
Free. Whole hog cooking, cracklins, a smoked white bean cook-off, duck calling and a pirogue race.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Bayou Terrebonne Boucherie (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Bayou Terrebonne Boucherie, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Houma guide
8AprFrench Quarter Festival
April
Free, with food from more than 60 Louisiana restaurants.
ConfirmedOfficial site: French Quarter Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: French Quarter Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)New Orleans guide
8AprTexas Mid Coast Birding Festival
Early to mid April, four days
Four days built around spring migration on the middle Texas coast, hosted in Port Lavaca.
ExpectedOfficial site: Texas Mid Coast Birding Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Texas Mid Coast Birding Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Port Lavaca guide
9AprSandestin Wine Festival
Every April, Thursday to Sunday, at the Village of Baytowne Wharf
Grand Wine Tastings on Friday and Saturday, chef dinners, culinary tents and live music. The village stays open to the public throughout.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Sandestin Wine Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Sandestin Wine Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Miramar Beach guide
9AprScott Boudin Festival
April, Friday to Sunday, on the grounds at 125 Lions Club Road by City Hall
Boudin as links, balls and tots from about 50 vendors, a boudin eating contest, music all weekend and Sunday Mass on the grounds.
ExpectedOfficial site: Scott Boudin Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Scott Boudin Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Scott guide
9AprTampa Bay Blues Festival
Friday to Sunday on the second weekend of April at Vinoy Park on the St. Petersburg waterfront
One of the largest blues festivals in the country, running more than 30 years; the 2027 lineup includes Trombone Shorty, Tab Benoit, Shemekia Copeland and St. Paul and The Broken Bones. Ticketed, with a VIP option.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Tampa Bay Blues Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Tampa Bay Blues Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)St. Petersburg guide
10AprVenice Sharks Tooth Festival
A Saturday and Sunday in April at Centennial Park, 200 West Venice Avenue
Free admission, more than 25 fossil vendors, food trucks serving barbecue and international dishes, live bands on the main stage and a shark themed kids' zone with tooth hunting activities. Hosted by the nonprofit Venice MainStreet.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Venice Sharks Tooth Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Venice Sharks Tooth Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Venice guide
16AprGrand Isle Migratory Bird Celebration
April
Not a food event, but the best weekend to see the chenier forest full of migrating birds.
ExpectedOfficial site: Grand Isle Migratory Bird Celebration (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Grand Isle Migratory Bird Celebration, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Grand Isle guide
16AprPensacola Beach Crawfish Festival
April, over three days, at Bamboo Willie's and the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk
Spicy boiled crawfish on Quietwater Beach, two stages of live bands and fireworks on the Saturday night.
ExpectedOfficial site: Pensacola Beach Crawfish Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Pensacola Beach Crawfish Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Pensacola Beach guide
21AprFestival International de Louisiane
Late April, five days downtown, free
An international music festival with more than 300,000 visitors and a food lineup that runs from Cajun to Asian and Greek.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Festival International de Louisiane (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Festival International de Louisiane, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Lafayette guide
21AprSeabreeze Jazz Festival
Five days, Wednesday to Sunday, in late April at Aaron Bessant Park at Pier Park in Panama City Beach
Smooth jazz festival with national headliners that draws more than 20,000 fans; 2027 is the 28th edition. Ticketed.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Seabreeze Jazz Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Seabreeze Jazz Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Panama City Beach guide
22AprÉtouffée Festival
Late April, Thursday to Saturday, Little Flower Auditorium, 370 Main Street. Free admission and parking.
An étouffée cook-off with crawfish, seafood, vegetable and wild game categories, judged on Saturday, plus a Mayor's Cook-off, music and a carnival.
ExpectedOfficial site: Étouffée Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Étouffée Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Arnaudville guide
22AprNew Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
Late April into early May
Two weekends of music with a famously serious food lineup.
ConfirmedOfficial site: New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)New Orleans guide
23AprFlora-Bama Interstate Mullet Toss and Gulf Coast's Greatest Beach Party
The last full weekend of April, Friday to Sunday
Kids toss in the morning, adults from noon, and every tosser gets a shirt. Proceeds go to local charities, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of Escambia and Baldwin counties.
ExpectedOfficial site: Flora-Bama Interstate Mullet Toss and Gulf Coast's Greatest Beach Party (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Flora-Bama Interstate Mullet Toss and Gulf Coast's Greatest Beach Party, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Perdido Key guide
23AprPlaquemines Parish Seafood Festival
Spring, at the festival grounds in Belle Chasse
The parish seafood weekend, known for the Croatian American Society's chargrilled oysters, plus live music and rides.
ExpectedOfficial site: Plaquemines Parish Seafood Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Plaquemines Parish Seafood Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Venice guide
24Aprde Soto Heritage Festival Grand Parade
A Saturday night in late April, 7:30 p.m., downtown and down Manatee Avenue
One of the oldest night parades in the Southeast, with lighted floats, the conquistador crews and a de Soto Ball the night before.
ExpectedOfficial site: de Soto Heritage Festival Grand Parade (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: de Soto Heritage Festival Grand Parade, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Bradenton guide
24AprCarrabelle Riverfront Festival
A Saturday in late April, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., along the harbor on Marine Street
Free and pet friendly, with live music, a car show at Sands Park, an airing of quilts, and food stalls selling grouper, mullet, snapper and shrimp. The Camp Gordon Johnston museum and Crooked River Lighthouse set up displays.
ExpectedOfficial site: Carrabelle Riverfront Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Carrabelle Riverfront Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Carrabelle guide
24AprBlessing of the Fleet
Spring, a Saturday at Our Lady of Prompt Succor on North Bayou Drive
Food and music from late morning, the blessing of the boats and parade in the afternoon, then the Fisherman's Mass.
ExpectedOfficial site: Blessing of the Fleet (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Blessing of the Fleet, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Golden Meadow guide
24AprPort O'Connor Crawfish Fest and Cookoff
Late April, a Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm at King Fisher Park
A crawfish cook-off with a People's Choice tasting, a crawfish eating contest, crawfish plates, food trucks, vendors, music and horseshoes.
ExpectedOfficial site: Port O'Connor Crawfish Fest and Cookoff (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Port O'Connor Crawfish Fest and Cookoff, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Port O'Connor guide
25AprBlessing of the Fleet Boat Parade
A Sunday in late April. Boats line up in Clear Lake around 12:30 p.m. and pass the Boardwalk between about 2 and 3 p.m.
Decorated boats, a blessing from the Boardwalk, beads thrown to the crowd and judges scoring each boat as it passes.
ExpectedOfficial site: Blessing of the Fleet Boat Parade (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Blessing of the Fleet Boat Parade, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Kemah guide
28AprKey West Songwriters Festival
Five days, Wednesday to Sunday, ending the first weekend of May, in bars, theaters and on sunset sails around Old Town Key West
More than 200 songwriters, mostly from Nashville, play over 60 shows presented by BMI. Most bar and street shows are free; headliner shows and sails are ticketed.
ExpectedOfficial site: Key West Songwriters Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Key West Songwriters Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Key West guide
29AprNew Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
Late April into early May
Two weekends of music with a famously serious food lineup.
ConfirmedOfficial site: New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)New Orleans guide
30AprBreaux Bridge Crawfish Festival
The last days of April or the first weekend of May, at Parc Hardy, 1290 Rees Street
Crawfish every way you can think of, an étouffée cook-off, a crawfish eating contest and crawfish races. In 2026 admission was $10 Friday, $15 Saturday, $5 Sunday or $25 for the weekend.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Breaux Bridge guide
May 202715 events
1MayBlessing of the Fleet
Usually the first weekend in May, Saturday and Sunday, at St. Margaret Catholic Church on the bayou
Held since 1949: a Saturday gumbo cook off, Vietnamese food, crafts and boat rides, then the Archbishop's blessing and the decorated boat parade on Sunday.
ExpectedOfficial site: Blessing of the Fleet (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Blessing of the Fleet, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Bayou La Batre guide
TBAMayBBQ on the Bay
One Saturday afternoon during Buc Days, at the Watergarden
Samples from barbecue cooks across the Coastal Bend with live music, sold as a separate ticket from the festival.
Month to comeOfficial site: BBQ on the Bay (opens in a new tab)Corpus Christi guide
TBAMaySand In My Boots Music Festival
Three days in May on the public beach in Gulf Shores, on the site that hosted Hangout Music Fest from 2010 to 2024
Country-led beach festival presented by Morgan Wallen that replaced Hangout Fest in 2025, with acts such as Post Malone, Brooks and Dunn and Riley Green on the first bill. Ticketed.
Month to comeOfficial site: Sand In My Boots Music Festival (opens in a new tab)Gulf Shores guide
TBAMayAlabama red snapper season
Opens in late spring for private anglers; set each year by the Marine Resources Division
Two fish per person per day at 16 inches. Anglers 16 and older need a saltwater license and a Gulf Reef Fish Endorsement, and every landing goes through Snapper Check.
Month to comeOfficial site: Alabama red snapper season (opens in a new tab)Orange Beach guide
TBAMayFree Flowin' Fest
A Saturday in May, at Beach Park
Free live music with art, craft and food vendors, 45 of them in 2025. Main Street Pascagoula has helped run it for several years, and the festival itself goes back at least a decade.
Month to comeOfficial site: Free Flowin' Fest (opens in a new tab)Pascagoula guide
TBAMayMemorial Day Kids Fishing Tourney
Memorial Day weekend, at King Fisher Pier
Three age brackets from 3 to 12, awards for the biggest, littlest and most fish, and bait and snacks provided.
Month to comeOfficial site: Memorial Day Kids Fishing Tourney (opens in a new tab)Port O'Connor guide
TBAMayLouisiana Gulf Coast Billfish Classic
End of May, Cypress Cove Marina
The parish calls it Louisiana's top marlin tournament, with boats leaving from Venice and from Grand Isle.
Month to comeOfficial site: Louisiana Gulf Coast Billfish Classic (opens in a new tab)Venice guide
6MayTexas Crab Festival
Mother's Day weekend in May, Thursday to Saturday, at Swedes Park in Crystal Beach
A crab gumbo cookoff, a crab boudin ball eating contest, crab races, a crab legs contest, a 5K and 1K run, wiener dog races and two days of live music. Proceeds fund scholarships and community programs.
ExpectedOfficial site: Texas Crab Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Texas Crab Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Bolivar Peninsula guide
13MayBilly Bowlegs Pirate Festival
Mid May, Thursday through the following Monday, at the Landing and downtown
Put on by the William Augustus Bowles Museum and Historical Foundation with the city, the Krewe of Bowlegs and the chamber. Pirate landings, fireworks, bands, a crafts fair and local food trucks.
ExpectedOfficial site: Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Fort Walton Beach guide
14MayLadies Day Tarpon Tournament
One day in early May, at the start of the tarpon season
Started by island women who wanted to fish before their captains got too busy. Janet Gillespie handed it to the chamber in 1991 on one condition: it stays a release tournament.
ExpectedOfficial site: Ladies Day Tarpon Tournament (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Ladies Day Tarpon Tournament, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Boca Grande guide
20MayWorld's Richest Tarpon Tournament
Two days in late May in Boca Grande Pass
A traditional live bait, all release tournament that grew out of the Boca Grande Club Invitational in the 1980s and now focuses on conservation, sportsmanship and education.
ConfirmedOfficial site: World's Richest Tarpon Tournament (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: World's Richest Tarpon Tournament, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Boca Grande guide
21MayDing Darling Go Wild Tarpon Tournament
One day in mid May, fished from Sanibel
A catch and release tarpon tournament run by the Ding Darling Wildlife Society to honor Darling's fishing legacy and raise money for research, conservation and education at the refuge.
ExpectedOfficial site: Ding Darling Go Wild Tarpon Tournament (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Ding Darling Go Wild Tarpon Tournament, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Sanibel guide
22MayBaton Rouge Soul Food Festival
Late May, at the Main Library at Goodwood
Soul food vendors and music over a weekend.
ExpectedOfficial site: Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Baton Rouge guide
27MayBlessing of the Fleet and Shrimp Festival
Late spring, Thursday to Sunday, with the festival and boat parade on Sunday
A Mass for deceased fishermen, the Shrimp King and Queen coronation, then a festival on the Great Lawn at Harrah's and the boat parade past the blessing.
ExpectedOfficial site: Blessing of the Fleet and Shrimp Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Blessing of the Fleet and Shrimp Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Biloxi guide
28MayJean Lafitte Seafood Festival
Late May, Friday to Sunday, at the Jean Lafitte Auditorium and Grounds
Boiled and fried seafood and classic Louisiana dishes, live music all weekend, carnival rides, kayaking and a nature trail beside the Wetland Trace. Tickets at the gate only.
ExpectedOfficial site: Jean Lafitte Seafood Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Jean Lafitte Seafood Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Lafitte guide
June 20276 events
1JunSavor Sarasota
The first two weeks of June, at restaurants across Sarasota County
A restaurant fortnight with prix fixe lunches and dinners at dozens of local kitchens, many adding signature dishes and wine pairings.
ExpectedOfficial site: Savor Sarasota (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Savor Sarasota, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Sarasota guide
3JunGulf Coast Jam
Four days, Thursday to Sunday, in late May or early June after Memorial Day at Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach
Large country music festival; the 2027 bill is led by Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Bailey Zimmerman and Zach Top. Ticketed.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Gulf Coast Jam (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Gulf Coast Jam, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Panama City Beach guide
5JunCreole Tomato Festival
Early June, French Market District, free
Tomato eating contests and Creole tomato dishes.
ExpectedOfficial site: Creole Tomato Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Creole Tomato Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)New Orleans guide
9JunHolly Beach Crab Festival
June, on the Creole Nature Trail in Cameron Parish
Crab cook-offs and crab calling contests on the coast south of the city.
ExpectedOfficial site: Holly Beach Crab Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Holly Beach Crab Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Lake Charles guide
15JunKemp's ridley hatchling releases
Mid June through August, most public releases at 6:45 a.m. on Malaquite Beach in front of the visitor center
The park runs the nation's longest running Kemp's ridley recovery effort. Texas documented more than 650 nests in 2026, beating the previous year's record of 449, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
ExpectedOfficial site: Kemp's ridley hatchling releases (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Kemp's ridley hatchling releases, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)North Padre Island guide
16JunEmerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic
Mid June, over five days, with weigh-ins at Baytowne Marina
An offshore billfish tournament for big sportfishing boats. The scales draw a crowd to the marina each evening, and you can watch without fishing.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Miramar Beach guide
July 202721 events
TBAJulOur Lady of the Gulf Crab Fest
Three days over the Fourth of July, Thursday through Saturday, on the church grounds in Old Town
Free to get in, with food bought by token, carnival rides, local bands and a fireworks finish. Bring lawn chairs and leave the ice chest at home.
Month to comeOfficial site: Our Lady of the Gulf Crab Fest (opens in a new tab)Bay St. Louis guide
TBAJulGolden Meadow-Fourchon Tarpon Rodeo
Early July, Independence Day weekend, Fourchon Pavilion
Fishing contests, food and live music, and a scholarship fund for local seniors.
Month to comeOfficial site: Golden Meadow-Fourchon Tarpon Rodeo (opens in a new tab)Golden Meadow guide
TBAJulMississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo
The week of July 4, at Jones Park beside Gulfport Harbor
Inshore and offshore categories, a speckled trout shootout in past years, vendors, carnival rides and live performances. Registration has been free, and organizers call it a family event first.
Month to comeOfficial site: Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo (opens in a new tab)Gulfport guide
TBAJulKey Lime Festival
Fourth of July week
Pie tastings, key lime cocktail strolls and the no hands pie eating championship at Southernmost Beach Cafe on July 4.
Month to comeOfficial site: Key Lime Festival (opens in a new tab)Key West guide
TBAJulMarshland Festival
Friday and Saturday in late July, indoors at the air conditioned Lake Charles Event Center
Zydeco, Cajun, swamp pop and country festival that began in Hackberry in 1989; 2026 was headlined by Keith Frank and Gyth Rigdon. Tickets sold at the door.
Month to comeOfficial site: Marshland Festival (opens in a new tab)Lake Charles guide
TBAJulTexas International Fishing Tournament
Around the turn of July into August, with two days of fishing
Doc J.A. Hockaday started it in 1933 to show off Rio Grande Valley fishing, and Port Isabel hosted the first annual event in 1934. Lawmakers in Austin have called it the oldest angling competition in Texas. Divisions cover bay fish, offshore billfish and tuna, and catch and release tarpon.
Month to comeOfficial site: Texas International Fishing Tournament (opens in a new tab)Port Isabel guide
TBAJulFishin' Fiesta
Four days around the Fourth of July, at Freeport Municipal Park
Run by the Freeport Host Lions Club, with inshore and offshore categories, junior and adult divisions, and proceeds that go to more than 30 Brazoria County charities and scholarships.
Month to comeOfficial site: Fishin' Fiesta (opens in a new tab)Surfside Beach guide
2JulESSENCE Festival of Culture
Friday to Sunday over the Fourth of July weekend, with night concerts in the Caesars Superdome and daytime events at the convention center
Large RandB, hip hop and soul festival centered on Black culture, with arena concerts at night and free daytime panels and expo. Night concerts are ticketed.
ExpectedOfficial site: ESSENCE Festival of Culture (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: ESSENCE Festival of Culture, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)New Orleans guide
8JulDeep Sea Roundup
July, Thursday to Sunday, at the Port Aransas Civic Center and harbor
Started in 1932 as the Tarpon Rodeo among island guides and still run by the Port Aransas Boatmen. Offshore, bay, surf, fly and junior divisions, plus the Piggy Perch contest for young anglers.
ExpectedOfficial site: Deep Sea Roundup (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Deep Sea Roundup, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Port Aransas guide
9JulLower Keys Underwater Music Festival
A Friday and Saturday in July, with the reef broadcast on Saturday
Speakers under boats at Looe Key Reef play a playlist to divers and snorkelers, simulcast on US 1 Radio. Running since 1985 and free, though you need a boat to reach the reef.
ExpectedOfficial site: Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Big Pine Key guide
9JulMOB Music Fest
Friday to Sunday on the second weekend of July in Cathedral Square in downtown Mobile
Free festival of country, rock, hip hop, RandB, Southern soul and EDM with regional headliners and local artists.
ExpectedOfficial site: MOB Music Fest (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: MOB Music Fest, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Mobile guide
10JulMangoMania
A Saturday in July, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Winn Dixie Plaza
Pine Island's tropical fruit fair, with local growers, mango trees and fruit for sale, growing seminars and mango food contests.
ExpectedOfficial site: MangoMania (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: MangoMania, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Matlacha guide
15JulIsland Strong Music Fest
Thursday to Saturday in mid July at the Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion on Grand Isle
Three days of south Louisiana bands playing Cajun, swamp pop, country and cover sets, started after Hurricane Ida to fund island recovery. Small daily admission, kids 12 and under free.
ExpectedOfficial site: Island Strong Music Fest (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Island Strong Music Fest, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Grand Isle guide
16JulAlabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo
Three days in mid July, Friday dawn to Sunday afternoon, at the rodeo site on LeMoyne Drive
A Mobile Jaycees project since 1948: 33 categories, a Master Angler award, kingfish jackpots and a crowd on the docks for every weigh in.
ExpectedOfficial site: Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Dauphin Island guide
17JulCajun Music and Food Festival
July, at the Burton Complex
Étouffée, jambalaya and gumbo with Cajun bands all day.
ExpectedOfficial site: Cajun Music and Food Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Cajun Music and Food Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Lake Charles guide
22JulInternational Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo
Late July, Thursday to Saturday
A $10,000 grand prize, children's crab races each day and a welcome party with free boiled shrimp plates.
ExpectedOfficial site: International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Grand Isle guide
22JulPort Mansfield Fishing Tournament
Late July
The chamber's annual tournament and the community event it names first among its initiatives. The 2026 winners were published in a full awards program.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Port Mansfield Fishing Tournament (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Port Mansfield Fishing Tournament, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Port Mansfield guide
23JulMBARA Kingfish Tournament
Late July: a Friday captains' party, then one day of fishing and a Saturday weigh-in at the public boat ramp
The reef association's biggest fundraiser. In 2025, 122 boats fished it.
ExpectedOfficial site: MBARA Kingfish Tournament (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: MBARA Kingfish Tournament, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Mexico Beach guide
24JulFaux Pas Lodge Invitational
Last weekend in July, Venice Marina
Inshore, rig and offshore divisions, with prizes for redfish and trout stringers and blue marlin tag and release.
ExpectedOfficial site: Faux Pas Lodge Invitational (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Faux Pas Lodge Invitational, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Venice guide
28JulSpiny lobster sport season
Last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July
Two days of recreational lobstering ahead of the August 6 opener. Six per person in Monroe County, and no diving after dark.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Spiny lobster sport season (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Spiny lobster sport season, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Big Pine Key guideKey Largo guide
28JulTexas International Fishing Tournament
Late July into early August, with the captains' meeting at the SPI Convention Center
Founded in 1933 by Doc J.A. Hockaday. Bay anglers chase trout, redfish and flounder; offshore crews chase marlin, sailfish and tuna; the tarpon division is catch and release.
ExpectedOfficial site: Texas International Fishing Tournament (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Texas International Fishing Tournament, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)South Padre Island guide
August 20275 events
TBAAugEmpire South Pass Tarpon Rodeo
August, Empire Boat Harbor
More than 70 years old, with inshore, offshore and tarpon divisions, nightly live music and plenty of food.
Month to comeOfficial site: Empire South Pass Tarpon Rodeo (opens in a new tab)Buras guide
TBAAugEnglewood Pioneer Days
About two weeks from late August into early September, ending with the parade on Dearborn Street
Started in 1956 by Jo Cortes. Expect the Dearborn Street parade, cardboard boat races, a kids' fishing contest, historical tours and community events across town.
Month to comeOfficial site: Englewood Pioneer Days (opens in a new tab)Englewood guide
7AugSatchmo SummerFest
Saturday and Sunday on the first weekend of August at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint
Free festival honoring Louis Armstrong with traditional jazz and brass bands on outdoor stages, talks and local food.
ExpectedOfficial site: Satchmo SummerFest (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Satchmo SummerFest, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)New Orleans guide
11AugKey West Lobsterfest
August, Wednesday to Sunday, around the lobster season opener
A kickoff on Duval, a lobster boil, pool parties, a pub crawl that helps the Key West High School Scholarship Fund, and a free Saturday street fair with lobster from local restaurants.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Key West Lobsterfest (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Key West Lobsterfest, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Key West guide
18AugDelcambre Shrimp Festival
Wednesday to Sunday in the third full week of August, on the festival grounds in town
Boiled shrimp, fried shrimp, shrimp sauce piquante and shrimp salad, all cooked by volunteer members of the festival association. Also a shrimp cook-off, queens pageants, a street fair, fire department water fights, a Fisherman's Mass and the blessing of the shrimp fleet.
ExpectedOfficial site: Delcambre Shrimp Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Delcambre Shrimp Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Delcambre guide
September 202715 events
TBASepChief Fandal's Wild Game, Seafood and BBQ Cook-Off
Late September or early October, a Saturday in Olde Towne
More than 20 cook teams and one ticket to taste them all, with music, an artisan alley and a live auction. It is the main fundraiser for Community Christian Concern.
Month to comeOfficial site: Chief Fandal's Wild Game, Seafood and BBQ Cook-Off (opens in a new tab)Slidell guide
2SepLouisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival
Labor Day weekend, Thursday to Monday, in the historic district of downtown Morgan City
Gulf seafood booths, live music, an arts and crafts market, a carnival, a downtown parade, Mass in the Park, the Blessing of the Fleet on Berwick Bay and fireworks over the Atchafalaya to close it out.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Morgan City guide
3SepOriginal Grand Isle Redfish Rodeo
September
One of the two redfish rodeos in the island's fall season.
ExpectedOfficial site: Original Grand Isle Redfish Rodeo (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Original Grand Isle Redfish Rodeo, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Grand Isle guide
4SepHorseshoe Beach Labor Day parade and party
Labor Day weekend, with face painting, a parade, then a party at Sam's Plaza
A community parade followed by food, live music and games such as Name That Tune and Wheel of Fortune, organized by local residents.
ExpectedOfficial site: Horseshoe Beach Labor Day parade and party (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Horseshoe Beach Labor Day parade and party, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Horseshoe Beach guide
4SepOriginal Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival
The Saturday before Labor Day, Yambilee Festival Grounds
The festival that started in a Plaisance bean field in 1982.
ExpectedOfficial site: Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Opelousas guide
4SepFlorida Scallop, Music and Arts Festival
Labor Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday
Gulf County's late summer party for the scallop, with live music, arts and crafts vendors, local food and plenty of talk about when the bay will reopen.
ExpectedOfficial site: Florida Scallop, Music and Arts Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Florida Scallop, Music and Arts Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Port St. Joe guide
11SepBiloxi Seafood Festival
A Saturday in September, on the Great Lawn at Harrah's
More than 100 vendors with Gulf seafood, arts and crafts and live music all day. Organizers say it usually draws 8,000 to 10,000 people.
ExpectedOfficial site: Biloxi Seafood Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Biloxi Seafood Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Biloxi guide
16SepMississippi Songwriters Festival
Thursday to Sunday on the third weekend of September at venues in Ocean Springs and Gautier, with some shows in Gulfport
More than 100 songwriters play bars, restaurants and the Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Arts Center, opening with the Mississippi Songwriters Hall of Fame induction.
ExpectedOfficial site: Mississippi Songwriters Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Mississippi Songwriters Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Ocean Springs guide
17SepIsland Hopper Songwriter Fest
Ten days in mid to late September, starting the third Friday, moving between Captiva Island, downtown Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach and Cape Coral
BMI songwriters play more than 60 shows in bars, hotels and outdoor stages. Most performances are free, with some ticketed shows.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Island Hopper Songwriter Fest (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Fort Myers guide
18SepGalveston Sandcastle Festival
September, on East Beach
Not a food event, but a big one: more than 80 teams of Houston architects and builders compete, with a Bloody Mary contest on the Sunday.
ExpectedOfficial site: Galveston Sandcastle Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Galveston Sandcastle Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Galveston guide
18SepAdopt-A-Beach Fall Coastwide Cleanup
The third Saturday of September, coastwide
A morning of bag work on the sand, run by the Texas General Land Office. 2026 was the program's 40th year.
ExpectedOfficial site: Adopt-A-Beach Fall Coastwide Cleanup (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Adopt-A-Beach Fall Coastwide Cleanup, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Mustang Island guide
23SepLouisiana Sugar Cane Festival and Fair
Late September, Bouligny Plaza, 102 W. Main Street
A celebration of the cane harvest with a tractor parade, the crowning of King Sucrose and Queen Sugar, a fais do do, a 5K and a flower, art and photography show.
ConfirmedOfficial site: Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival and Fair (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival and Fair, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)New Iberia guide
24SepDestin Seafood Festival
The last weekend of September, on the Destin Harbor Boardwalk
The Destin Charter Boat Association Women's Auxiliary started it in 1978, and it remains the association's main fundraiser. Free to attend, with more than 75 vendors and a ticketed VIP tasting from local chefs on the weekend.
ExpectedOfficial site: Destin Seafood Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Destin Seafood Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Destin guide
24SepGalveston Island Shrimp Festival
Late September, Friday evening and Saturday, at Saengerfest Park, 2302 Strand
A Friday kickoff party with live music, then the Shrimp Scamper 5K, the Lil' Shrimps Parade, a boat show, a Strand merchant walkabout and a Gumbo Stroll.
ExpectedOfficial site: Galveston Island Shrimp Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Galveston Island Shrimp Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Galveston guide
24SepPensacola Seafood Festival
Late September, three days running, across Seville Square, Fountain Park and Bartram Park
Fiesta Pensacola hosts it and admission is free. Expect Flavors of Fiesta, where local restaurants serve small plates of their signature dishes, plus arts and crafts, a kids area and live music.
ExpectedOfficial site: Pensacola Seafood Festival (opens in a new tab)Add to calendar: Pensacola Seafood Festival, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab)Pensacola guide
Nothing on the calendar for that pick in the next twelve months. Try another kind of event, or every state.
Every week
Markets and regular nights
The ones that run all season rather than once a year.
- Seaside Farmers Market30A, FLSaturdays, 9 AM to 1 PM, at the Seaside Amphitheater, rain or shine
- Sunsets at Pier 60Clearwater Beach, FLEvery evening, weather permitting, from about two hours before sunset to two hours after, Pier 60 Park
- Trailhead Community MarketMandeville, LASaturdays from 9am at the Mandeville Trailhead
- Third Street South Farmers MarketNaples, FLEvery Saturday, 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.
- Downtown Punta Gorda Farmers MarketPunta Gorda, FLEvery Saturday at 227 Taylor Street, between West Olympia Avenue and Herald Court
- Sarasota Farmers MarketSarasota, FLEvery Saturday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Main Street and Lemon Avenue
- Siesta Key Drum CircleSiesta Key, FLSunday evenings at sunset on Siesta Beach
- Corey Avenue Sunday MarketSt. Pete Beach, FLSundays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., along Corey Avenue
- Saturday Morning MarketSt. Petersburg, FLEvery Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., October to May, Al Lang Stadium
- Ybor City Saturday MarketTampa, FLEvery Saturday from 9 a.m., Centennial Park
About this calendar
We keep this from the town guides behind it, and it rebuilds every month, so the next twelve months are always the ones you see. Dates marked Confirmed come from the organizers. Dates marked Expected follow the festival's usual pattern and are our best guess until the organizers post, so check before you book a room. Found one we have missed, or a date that has moved? Tell us and we will add it.
Town guides by state: Texas Louisiana Mississippi Alabama Florida
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