Fort Lauderdale, FL – December 23, 2025 – Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is thrilled to host the 16th Annual Riverwalk Stone Crab & Seafood Festival, returning to Esplanade Park on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This flagship event celebrates South Florida’s most iconic seafood—and its dynamic culinary scene—with free admission, tantalizing seafood bites and fun for all families!
This signature Riverwalk event kicks off the 2026 event year featuring free admission events and programming for residents and future residents alike! As one of the lead organization’s promoting Fort Lauderdale’s downtown Riverwalk District as a preeminent place to Live, Work and Play, Riverwalk strives to maintain accessibility to events for all, while encouraging a wide-range of unique events that cater to our vibrant community.
What to Expect at Seafood Festival:
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- Fresh Stone Crabs and more presented by sponsor Vinny’s Stone Crabs & Seafood
- A diverse lineup of local restaurants and gourmet food trucks with each seafood vendor offering a $5 item
- The beloved Hermit Crab Races sponsored by Finnster Murphy’s Fresh Seafood
- NEW IN 2026: The Grove Lounge at Seafood Festival – A premium experience for attendees 21 and over with open bar and small bites. Bar sponsored by Swiggle, and supported by Tierra de Ensueño Tequila, J Street Imports (Wines), Bella Principessa Prosecco and Papa’s Grappa, with more to come. Food from Chimney House and Red Door Asian Bistro (while available) with additional food offerings in the works. All food and drink are available while supplies last. Lounge area opens at 11:30 am with last admission at 3:15 pm.
More information about the event including registration is available at www.GoRiverwalk.com/seafood with updates through Riverwalk’s social media accounts, @RvierwalkFTL on Facebook and Instagram.
The generous support of event sponsors and Riverwalk partners ensures that attendance at the Stone Crab & Seafood Festival remains free and open to the public. We thank our event sponsors: Toothaker.org, Bloom Sparkling Energy, Original Fat Cats, Vinny’s Stone Crabs & Seafood, Finster Murphy’s Fresh Seafood, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Morningstar Storage – Fat Village, GoRiverwalk Magazine and S. Mark Graphics.
“We’re honored to present the 16th Annual Stone Crab & Seafood Festival,” said Eugenia Duncan Ellis, President/CEO of Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale. “It’s a signature Riverwalk event that brings together communities, supports local businesses and highlights the vibrant culinary scene that the Riverwalk District and Greater Fort Lauderdale are home to.”
For more information and sponsor and vendor inquiries contact events@GoRiverwalk.com or call 954‑468‑1541.
Events currently scheduled through July 2026 include:
- 10th Annual Riverwalk Chili Cook-off – Saturday, February 21 from 12 pm – 4 pm at Esplanade Park
- 19th Annual Riverwalk Mutts and Martinis – Saturday, March 21 from 2 pm – 5 pm at Esplanade Park
- Smoke on the Water – Saturday, May 16 from 12 pm to 4 pm at Esplanade Park
- 4th Annual Riverwalk Tacos & Tequila Festival – Saturday, July 19 from 2 to 6 pm at Esplanade Park
Details about these and additional Riverwalk Signature events, including the Tunes on Top Series and the 26th Annual Riverwalk Tribute which are still being finalized, are available at www.GoRiverwalk.com/signature.
