The 37th Annual John’s Pass Seafood Festival has it all: the flavors of fresh seafood, the sounds of live music, and the sight of hundreds of vendor tents offering custom-made jewelry, clothing, arts and crafts, and preserved treats. And it’s happening this weekend!
A tradition nearly four decades in the making, the John’s Pass Seafood Festival is one of the largest seafood festivals in the country. It draws more than 200,000 visitors to Pinellas County’s most popular tourist destination, historic John’s Pass.
What’s Happening at the John’s Pass Seafood Festival?
Thursday, Noon – 10 p.m.
The celebration starts even before the vendor walk opens, with live music on the Bamboo Stage starting at noon on Thursday. Vendors’ wares are displayed starting at 3 p.m., and the Boardwalk and Main stages kick into gear at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively.
At 6 p.m. there’s the Flavors of the Gulf, a ticketed event that allows you to taste your way around Tampa Bay. Sample 16 of the area’s best restaurants! Pair your favorite flavors with craft brew samples from 20 local breweries. Ten local bartenders will be mixing up their signature drinks using Tito’s vodka to rock your taste buds and win your vote!
Dance your way around to live music all night! There’s a Captain’s Party at 7 p.m. for anglers participating in the Battle at the Pass Fishing Tournament ($2,500 first prize!). The John’s Pass Seafood Festival continues till 10 p.m., and many revelers will continue to celebrate till well into the morning hours at the many night spots all along our beaches!
Friday, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Families will want to be up and at ‘em early on Friday. There’s a Trick or Treat trail throughout John’s Pass Village starting at 10 a.m., and it repeats on Saturday and Sunday! Live music revs up at noon on the Bamboo Stage, and at 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on the Main and Boardwalk stages. At 7 p.m., enjoy a Halloween Block Party and Costume Contest (for the grown-ups), with more than $5,000 in cash to be awarded to the best-decked revelers at the John’s Pass Seafood Festival.
Saturday, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
If you’re an early riser with a penchant for pounding the pavement, come back at 7 a.m. (yes, that early!) to register for the Fishy 5K race, starting at 9 a.m. Vendor booths, food trucks, live music, and all things Festival kick into gear starting at 10 a.m., and a (kids only!) Halloween Costume Contest sponsored by Windworks at 3 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
The festival ends on Sunday, and it goes out in style! Vendors, music, food, and fun return, and at 1 p.m. the Festival plans to reclaim its title for the World’s Record Largest Bloody Mary Toast on the Main Stage. Today’s the day to weigh in for the Battle at the Pass Fishing Tournament at 3 p.m.
PARKING
So many people, so much traffic! Where to park? There’s metered parking at lots near the Tom Stuart Causeway (150th Avenue), valet parking ($25) at John’s Pass Park, and several lots on Madeira Beach that are on the complimentary Jolly Trolley shuttle that runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Parking is also available on Treasure Island, with shuttle service.
The 37th Annual John’s Pass Seafood Festival is the biggest party of the year on Madeira Beach. You don’t want to miss it!
