BOCA RATON, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — Boca Raton’s Seafood Festival is coming back to Mizner Park, and city organizers are leaning fully into the formula that drew crowds last year: food first, music all day, and enough side attractions to keep people moving around the site from noon until dark.
As Boca Post reported several weeks ago, The City of Boca Raton will host the 2nd Annual Seafood Festival on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at the Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real. Gates open at noon. The event runs through 8 p.m. and will continue rain or shine.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. Children ages 10 and under are free. The city is also offering discounted four-packs — $32 online through Friday, Jan. 9, or $45 if purchased at the gate on the day of the event.
Food anchors the day. Local vendors will be selling seafood dishes throughout the venue, with promotional materials pointing to a wide spread that includes conch fritters, crab legs, and other seafood staples. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase, but outside alcohol and coolers are not permitted.
Live music will run throughout the day on the festival’s Seafood Stage. The announced lineup includes the Jutt Hoffman Band, Southern Blood, Leave It To Us, and Nothing Wrong with Wet Socks, rotating performances across the afternoon and early evening.
On the north end of the site, Neptune’s Marketplace will feature nautical-themed vendors offering coastal décor, gifts, and maritime-inspired goods. The city says vendor applications are still open.
One of the day’s focal points is the Chef’s Seafood Showdown, a live culinary competition spotlighting local restaurants. This year’s confirmed participants include Executive Chef Moises Hernandez of DRIFT at the Boca Raton Marriott and Executive Sous Chef Julian Bernal of Corvina Seafood Grill. A third competitor is expected to be announced. The competition will be hosted from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. by Virginia and Jason from WRMF’s KVJ Show.
Families will find programming geared toward younger attendees as well. Gumbo Limbo Nature Center will be on site from noon to 6 p.m. with hands-on activities, games, marine-themed crafts, and ocean trivia. Attendees can also meet Gumbo Limbo’s mascot, Luna, during scheduled appearances.
For those looking to compete themselves, the Crab Cake Challenge returns. Up to eight contestants will race to finish a stack of crab cakes, with sign-ups handled on site at the City of Boca Raton tent.
Video from the 2025 event:
Restrooms will be available at the Mizner Park Amphitheater. Outside chairs are not allowed, but seating will be provided. Service animals are permitted; pets are not.
Parking is available free of charge at several nearby city facilities, including City Hall at 201 W. Palmetto Park Road, the City Parking Lot at 300 NW 2nd Avenue, the Building Administration lot at 200 NW 2nd Avenue, and the Downtown Public Library at 400 NW 2nd Avenue. Limited parking is also available in the Mizner Park garages. On-street metered parking is available throughout downtown, with payment handled through the ParkMobile app.
The city is encouraging attendees to consider BocaConnect, its on-demand shuttle service serving downtown Boca Raton and surrounding areas. Bike racks are available at City Hall and the amphitheater, and electric vehicle charging stations are located at City Hall and the Downtown Library.
Police and fire officials are reminding visitors to lock their vehicles, remove valuables, and plan a family meet-up spot in case anyone gets separated during the event.
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