In a sea of white tents, local chefs sell everything from crab claws to seafood paella at the Englewood Seafood & Music Festival. The point of this festival is meandering from booth to booth, sipping chilled drinks, and eating as much food — predominantly seafood and seafood-adjacent food — as you possibly can.
One of the many events now put on by Paragon Festivals, the Englewood Seafood & Music Festival also promotes small and local artists. A big attraction is the marketplace of arts and crafts produced and sold by local artists, which you can browse in between snacks and musical acts. It’s a great place to take your mom who’s still looking for the perfect piece for her obligatory sea-themed bathroom.
As for the musical half of the Englewood Seafood & Music Festival , the lineup and schedule for 2024 have yet to be announced, but past years have generally hosted tribute bands and local musicians who play country, folk, blues, and rock. In case you’re familiar with the Englewood circuit, past performers include Free Fallin’ (a Tom Petty tribute band), Caribbean Chillers (a Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band), southern rock group Soul Circus Cowboys and funk group Have Gun, Will Travel, which is coincidentally also Florida’s state motto.
The Specs
- Hundreds of Floridians attend the festival every year.
- Tickets are free and do not need to be reserved in advance. The festival dates and hours are listed below.
- Check out Fifty Grande’s guide to Florida here.
FAQs
Where is the nearest airport?
Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) is the nearest airport to the festival, located a 45-minute drive from the festival.
Are other transportation options available?
Transportation to and from the festival is not available. This is a self-parking event.
I’ll be in the area, do I need to buy tickets in advance?
No, tickets to the festival are free and do not need to be reserved.
My dog loves seafood, can he come?
Yes, this is a pet-friendly festival.
I’m interested but don’t want to go for the full weekend, can I go for one day?
Yes, all three days are free and open to all ages.
Who’s playing Englewood Seafood & Music Festival this year?
The 2024 lineup has yet to be announced. Musical acts who performed in 2023 include Gary Memphis Rub, Crystal Shawanda, 22N, YaYa Diamond, Sean Chambers, Billy Rice Band, Kettle of Fish, Memphis Lighting, Jacked Up, Dr. Dave, and Gas House Gorilla.