Miami Beach, FL — Get your festival fits ready: South Florida’s premier culinary beach party is back. The 14th Annual South Beach Seafood Festival returns to the sands of Miami Beach from Wednesday, October 21, through Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Coinciding with the kickoff of Florida’s stone crab season, this four-day festival brings together the region’s best culinary talent, craft cocktails, and stunning ocean views. From intimate chef dinners to a massive four-block beachfront tasting village, here is your quick guide to the 2026 lineup.
Wed, Oct 21 (7:00 PM) | “Made in Miami” Collaboration Dinner: Kick off the week at Phuc Yea with an intimate, 4-course fusion dinner hosted by local powerhouse Chefs Cesar Zapata, Jose Mendin, and Fernando Desa. (Tickets from $235; 21+)
Thu, Oct 22 (7:00 PM) | “An Evening in Miami Beach” Series: Top local restaurants host exclusive, wine-paired dining experiences. Options include a rustic Italian feast at Macchialina ($250) or a rare 40-seat dinner at Rao’s Miami Beach ($500). (21+)
Fri, Oct 23 (7:00 PM – 11:00 PM) | VIP Chef Showdown: Head to the sands of Lummus Park to watch 18 top chefs face off in 9 culinary battles. Guests sample the dishes, enjoy an open bar, and vote to crown the winners. (Tickets from $175; 21+)
Sat, Oct 24 (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM) | The Seafood Slam: The flagship main event takes over Lummus Park. Sample unlimited fresh catches from over 40 top South Florida restaurants alongside live music and cocktail pavilions. (Tickets are $160 all-inclusive; open to all ages, kids under 10 free)
Festival Quick Tips
Footwear: Skip the heels. Friday and Saturday events are entirely on the sand, so wear flat sandals, wedges, or clean sneakers.
Weather: Events run rain or shine. The main tasting tents and bars are fully covered.
The Cause: A portion of all ticket sales benefits the CI Foundation’s EAT SMART program, funding healthy meals for Miami-Dade County public school students.