Marathon FL Seafood Festival Guide (2026) | Dates & Tips
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What Is the Marathon FL Seafood Festival And Why Should You Plan Around It?
The Original Marathon Seafood Festival is a two-day celebration held every March at Marathon Community Park, where local fishermen serve over 2,000 pounds of Florida spiny lobster alongside stone crab, ceviche, mahi-mahi, conch fritters, and more, all pulled straight from the surrounding waters. In 2026, the festival marked its 50th anniversary, making it the second-largest event in the entire Florida Keys with more than 15,000 attendees.
Quick answer: The 50th Annual Marathon Seafood Festival takes place March 14–15, 2026, at Marathon Community Park (200 36th Street, Marathon, FL 33050). Admission is $5 per person, and kids 12 and under get in free.
The Marathon Seafood Festival draws over 15,000 people each March. Get there before noon Saturday for the shortest lines and freshest lobster.
When Is the Marathon Seafood Festival in 2026?
The 50th Annual Original Marathon Seafood Festival runs March 14–15, 2026. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival takes place at Marathon Community Park at Mile Marker 49, right on 36th Street.
March in the Keys is peak season, which means warm weather (highs around 80°F), low rainfall, and heavy demand for accommodations. If you’re planning to attend, book your stay well in advance. Properties in Marathon fill up fast during festival weekend, especially waterfront rentals with docks and pools.
A brief history
The festival started in 1976 as a local community fundraiser. Fifty years later, it has grown into one of the Florida Keys’ signature events. The format hasn’t changed much as local commercial fishermen still cook and serve the seafood themselves, which is part of what makes it feel different from a typical food festival. The lobster, stone crab, and fish come off boats docked minutes away.
Fresh seafood being prepared and served at Marathon Community Park seafood festival.
What Food Can You Get at the Marathon Seafood Festival?
The menu reads like a tour of what commercial fishermen pull from the water around the Middle Keys. Here’s what to expect:
Seafood highlights: Florida spiny lobster dinners (the festival’s most popular item with over 2,000 pounds served), stone crab claws, ceviche, mahi-mahi plates, grilled shrimp, oysters, conch fritters, fish tacos, lobster and crab bisque, crab cakes, and Cuban croquetas.
Non-seafood options: Hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, and a variety of desserts including Key lime pie.
Drinks: Cold Bud and Bud Light, Islamorada Beer Company ales and IPAs, frozen margaritas and daiquiris, wines, mimosas, water, and Powerade.
One thing worth knowing: stone crab season ends on March 31, so the festival falls right at the tail end of harvest. If you’ve been meaning to try fresh stone crab this winter, this is a good excuse to stop procrastinating.
How Much Does the Marathon Seafood Festival Cost?
| Item | Cost |
| General admission | $5 per person |
| Kids 12 and under | Free |
| Parking | Free (limited, arrive early) |
Food is purchased separately from admission. Bring cash as some vendors accept cards, but cash lines tend to move faster. Festival organizers have not published specific food prices for 2026 yet, but historically, full lobster dinner plates run in the $20–$30 range.
Lobster dinner plates are the top seller with over 2,000 pounds of Florida spiny lobster get served in two days.
What Else Is There Besides Food?
The festival isn’t just about eating (though that’s the main draw). Here’s what rounds out the weekend:
Live music runs all day both Saturday and Sunday. The 2026 lineup includes John Bartus & Adrienne Z (Saturday morning), Jade Storm, Silver Spine, and Monster (Saturday evening), plus Bill Todd, Airplane Mode, and the Marshall Morlock Band on Sunday.
Arts and crafts vendors fill Marathon Community Park with over 200 vendors selling jewelry, clothing, art, handmade crafts, and Florida Keys souvenirs.
Boat show features local marine dealers and charter operators.
Kids’ area includes games and rides, making it one of the more family-friendly events on the Keys calendar.
The music starts when the gates open and runs through close each day. Saturday evening tends to get louder and more energetic. Monster’s set, which closes out Saturday night, is the kind of classic rock that gets people out of their chairs.
What Other Seafood Festivals Happen in the Florida Keys?
Marathon’s festival is the biggest in the Middle Keys, but it’s not the only seafood event worth knowing about. Here’s the full picture for 2026:
| Festival | Dates | Location | Admission |
| Florida Keys Seafood Festival | February 14–15 | Truman Waterfront Park, Key West | $10 |
| Original Marathon Seafood Festival | March 14–15 | Marathon Community Park | $5 |
| Key Lime Festival | July 1–5 | Key West | Varies by event |
| Key West Lobsterfest | August 5–9 | Various Key West venues | Varies by event |
The Florida Keys Seafood Festival in Key West (February) is organized by the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Association and has a similar vibe like local fishermen cooking their catch. It’s smaller and more intimate than Marathon’s version.
Key West Lobsterfest in August celebrates the opening of Florida’s spiny lobster season with five days of events including a lobster boil, Duval Street fair, and live music.
If you’re flexible on timing, pairing a week-long stay in Marathon with one of these festivals gives you a reason to explore both the Middle and Lower Keys.
The Keys host seafood events nearly year-round but February and March are the busiest months.
What Are the Best Seafood Restaurants in Marathon FL?
The festival runs two days, but Marathon’s seafood scene is a year-round operation. If you’re staying for the week (and you should), these spots are worth visiting outside the festival gates.
Keys Fisheries
The anchor of Marathon’s seafood scene. Keys Fisheries sits on the edge of Florida Bay with sunset views and a menu built around whatever the boats brought in that morning. The lobster Reuben composed of lobster meat, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Islands dressing on rye is the signature dish, and the stone crab claws during season are cooked and served straight off the boat. The upstairs raw bar has happy hour specials worth timing your afternoon around.
Address: 3502 Gulfview Ave, Marathon, FL 33050
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m
Website: keysfisheries.com
Brutus Land & Sea
A local favorite at Mile Marker 51 bayside, Brutus operates as both a restaurant and a retail seafood market. The fish tacos and shrimp tacos are consistently popular, and their daily specials rotate based on whatever’s fresh. The outdoor tiki bar area got rebuilt recently and is a solid spot for a casual lunch. They also ship seafood anywhere in the continental U.S. if you want to bring the Keys home with you.
Address: 6950 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
Hours: Mon–Sat, 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Website: brutuslandandsea.shop
Island Fish Company
Waterfront dining with a Caribbean-influenced menu, located right on the harbor. The outdoor seating here gives you a front-row seat to boats coming and going. Good for a slightly more relaxed, sit-down dinner after a day at the festival.
Pro Tips for the Marathon Seafood Festival (From Locals)
After years of hosting guests who attend the festival, here’s what we’ve learned works:
Arrive early on Saturday. The gates open at 10 a.m. and the first hour is your best window for short food lines and open seating. By noon, the park is packed.
Bring cash. Some vendors take cards, but cash lines are faster, and a few smaller vendors are cash-only.
Wear comfortable shoes. Marathon Community Park is mostly grass and pavement, and you’ll be on your feet for hours.
Plan your parking. The park lot fills up quickly. Side streets around 36th Street fill next. Consider getting dropped off or using a rideshare if you’re staying nearby.
Pace yourself. With lobster, stone crab, ceviche, fish tacos, and Key lime pie all calling your name, it’s tempting to hit everything at once. Share plates with your group and graze through the afternoon.
Stay for the music. Saturday evening acts tend to be the most energetic. If you’re choosing one day, Saturday gives you the longest window (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and the better nighttime lineup.
Book your stay months ahead. March is peak season in the Keys. Festival weekend specifically is one of the hardest weekends to find a rental. We see properties for that week book up three to four months in advance.
Saturday evening draws the biggest crowds with Silver Spine and Monster closing out the night with classic rock and heavy metal.
Where to Stay in Marathon for the Seafood Festival
Festival weekend falls in the heart of peak season, so finding the right place to stay takes some planning. A vacation rental in Marathon gives your group a full kitchen (for cooking your own fresh catch from the market), a private pool to cool off after a day at the festival, and a dock if you’re bringing or renting a boat.
Here are a few properties that work well for festival-goers:
Blue Pearl : A waterfront property with a 70-foot dock, pool, and direct access to the water. If your group wants to combine fishing with festival-going, this is the setup. Marathon Community Park is a short drive away.
Ocean Muse : Four bedrooms, a heated pool and jacuzzi, rooftop deck with panoramic ocean views, and a 40-foot dock. The rooftop is a great spot for watching the sunset after a day of eating your way through the festival.
Saltwater Social : A brand-new 4-bedroom waterfront retreat with a heated pool, game room, putting green, outdoor kitchen, and a 75-foot dock. The outdoor kitchen means you can grill up any fish you buy from the Brutus or Keys Fisheries markets.
Emerald Oasis : Comes with kayaks, a heated pool, and waterfront access. Good for active groups who want to explore the water between festival days.
All of our Marathon properties are within a short drive of Marathon Community Park. Browse the full property list or contact our team at (786) 348-1396 to find the right fit for your group and dates.
Ocean Muse’s dock and private pool make it a natural base camp for festival weekend with just 10 minutes from Marathon Community Park.
Beyond the Festival: A Full Week in Marathon
If you’re traveling to Marathon for the Seafood Festival, it’s worth building a longer trip around it. The Middle Keys have more than enough to fill a week.
Visit the Turtle Hospital for a guided tour of their rescue and rehabilitation facility. Take a boat to Pigeon Key and walk through the historic buildings from the Flagler railroad era. Spend a morning snorkeling at Sombrero Reef, one of the best reef systems in the Middle Keys. Kayak through the mangroves at Curry Hammock State Park. Or just park yourself at Sombrero Beach with a cooler and a book.
For more ideas, check out our guide to hidden gems in Marathon and our full list of things to do in Marathon, Florida.
When is the Marathon Seafood Festival in 2026?
The 50th Annual Original Marathon Seafood Festival takes place March 14–15, 2026, at Marathon Community Park. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 per person, with free entry for kids 12 and under.
How much does it cost to attend the Marathon Seafood Festival?
General admission to the Marathon Seafood Festival is $5 per person, and children 12 and under get in free. Food and drinks are purchased separately inside the festival. Parking at Marathon Community Park is free but limited. It is best to arrive early for the closest spots.
What food is served at the Marathon Seafood Festival?
The festival serves fresh Florida spiny lobster, stone crab claws, mahi-mahi, ceviche, conch fritters, fish tacos, grilled shrimp, oysters, crab cakes, lobster bisque, and Cuban croquetas. Non-seafood options include burgers, hot dogs, and Key lime pie. Beer, wine, frozen cocktails, and soft drinks are also available.
Where is the Marathon Seafood Festival held?
The festival is held at Marathon Community Park, located at 200 36th Street, Marathon, FL 33050 (Mile Marker 49). The park is in the center of Marathon on Key Vaca island, with free parking available on-site and on nearby side streets.
What other seafood festivals are in the Florida Keys?
The Florida Keys hosts several seafood events throughout the year. The Florida Keys Seafood Festival in Key West takes place in February. The Marathon Seafood Festival is in March. The Key Lime Festival runs in early July, and Key West Lobsterfest kicks off lobster season in August.
Where should I stay for the Marathon Seafood Festival?
Vacation rentals in Marathon are the most popular option, offering full kitchens, private pools, and boat docks that hotels can’t match. Book early since March is peak season in the Florida Keys and festival weekend properties fill up three to four months in advance. Villa Paraiso manages several waterfront properties within a short drive of Marathon Community Park.
What is the best seafood restaurant in Marathon, FL?
Keys Fisheries and Brutus Land & Sea are two of the most popular seafood spots in Marathon. Keys Fisheries is known for its lobster Reuben sandwich and bayfront sunset views, while Brutus is a local favorite for fish tacos and fresh market seafood. Both are open year-round and serve locally caught fish.
