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:

• 10^th Annual Riverwalk Chili Cook-off – Saturday, February 21 from 12 pm – 4 pm at Esplanade Park
• 19^th 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
• 4^th 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.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – December 5, 2025 – Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale and Damn Good Hospitality welcomed the community to the inaugural Downtown Day of the Dead celebration on Saturday, November 1^st in downtown Fort Lauderdale. This vibrant, family-friendly tribute to the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos featured a cultural festival, the iconic Skeleton Stroll featuring traditional, larger-than-life puppets and a lively Block Party in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale.

This new Day of the Dead celebration was a festive day embracing Mexican heritage and culture. With audience participation through costuming, face painting and mask making, South Florida demonstrated it’s continued appreciation of this vibrant cultural experience. Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, Mexican Consul General Eliel Campuzano Mendiola and event co-producers Genia Duncan Ellis of Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale and Jarred John of Damn Good Hospitality welcomed attendees to the event and shared a proclamation from the City of Fort Lauderdale proclaiming Downtown Day of the Dead a new Fort Lauderdale tradition!

The Skeleton Stroll, lead by traditional Day of the Dead puppets and a mariachi band, started at Esplanade Park and proceeded down SW 2^nd St to packed crowds before continuing along the scenic Riverwalk and culminating at Revolution Live and Backyard, where attendees enjoyed the Downtown Day of the Dead Block Party featuring food trucks, the Craft Crypt and the Muertos Block Party.

“With the help of our great friends at Las Olas Capital Arts and artists Heather Neiman and Stephanie Leyden, we were able to welcome a few new puppets for this years festival,” said Genia Duncan Ellis, president and CEO of Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale. “Downtown Day of the Dead will continue the traditions honoring Mexican heritage, building community and sparking joy and wonder in attendees that the community has grown to love.”

The Downtown Day of the Dead Celebration was produced by Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale and Damn Good Hospitality (Revolution Live, Backyard FTL, Stache), with major support from the City of Fort Lauderdale and in partnership with the Mexican American Council, General Consulate of Mexico in Miami and Las Olas Capital Arts. Additional support comes from Rick and Flo Celender, Florida Blue, Morningstar Storage – FAT Village, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Kamora, Swiggle, Tequila Supremacía, Broken Tree Vodka, Producer Mezcal, S. Mark Graphics and Go Riverwalk Magazine.

For information about upcoming Riverwalk events visit GoRiverwalk.com/signature.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – October 3, 2025 – Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is pleased to announce the appointment of its incoming Board of Directors and Officers for the 2025–2026 term. As a nonprofit organization committed to promoting the Riverwalk and enriching downtown Fort Lauderdale, Riverwalk is most excited to welcome new leadership that will help continue to advance its mission. To mark the occasion, Riverwalk staff hosted a welcome reception for the incoming board members on Wednesday, October 1, 2026 at Boathouse at the Riverside, offering an opportunity for new and returning board members to connect and collaborate. The Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale Executive Committee for 2025-2026 will be comprised of:

• Chair, Howard Elfman – The Agency
• Vice Chair, Jack Seiler – Seiler, Sautter, Zaden, Rimes & Wahlbrink
• Treasurer, Jacqui Hartnett – Starmark
• Assistant Treasurer, Lacey Brisson – Truist
• Secretary, Alexa Lanier – TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
• Immediate Past Chair, *Richard Rodriguez, Centuric
• At Large, Ann Marie Fox – Richard J. Fox Foundation
• At Large, Jim Farrick – Kunin Associates
• At Large, Melissa Fitzgerald – War Memorial – Florida Panthers
• At Large, Nadia Locke – RES
• At Large, Bill Walker – Water Taxi of Fort Lauderdale, LLC

Board Members for 2025-2026 are:

Riverwalk extends its sincere appreciation to the outgoing board members and officers for their dedicated service and impactful contributions, particularly to outgoing Board Chair Richard Rodriguez (Centuric), who has served in a leadership capacity on the Board for the past fifteen years. These volunteer leaders exemplify the qualities that make the Riverwalk a premier place to Live, Work and Play, and their leadership has played a vital role in strengthening Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale’s programs, partnerships and community engagement. “We are grateful for the time, energy and passion our outgoing board members have given to Riverwalk,” said Howard Elfman, Chair of the Board of Directors of Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale. “As we welcome new members, we look forward to building on their legacy and continuing to enhance the Riverwalk experience for all.” For more information about Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale and upcoming events, visit www.GoRiverwalk.com.

For the past four years, I’ve called Las Olas home — and I can’t imagine living anywhere else. The blend of outdoor living and vibrant nightlife keeps every day and night exciting.

Professionally, I provide cybersecurity technology services to Global Fortune 500 companies through Booz Allen Hamilton. While our headquarters are in Virginia, my work takes me across the country, collaborating with security professionals to solve their most pressing cybersecurity challenges. No matter where I travel, returning to Fort Lauderdale — to my flip-flops and a Las Olas happy hour — is always a joy.

I currently lead sales for our commercial energy and software & high-tech markets, driving solutions in areas such as AI, quantum computing, and defense technologies. My career has also included serving as a chief of staff, working as an international arms dealer, and supporting multiple U.S. government agencies. Originally from New Jersey, I moved to Washington, D.C. in 2000 and never looked back. I hold both a B.A. and an M.A., having studied at Lehigh, American, and Georgetown Universities.

I’m proud to be part of Riverwalk and look forward to contributing to the vibrancy and success of our community.

Driven by a deep understanding of the challenges that homebuyers face, he founded 4Ever Lending USA with the mission of making mortgage lending more transparent, personalized and creative. Under his leadership, the firm has expanded across multiple states, offering a wide range of loan solutions from governmental loans, to non-qualified mortgage, hard money lending and business financing specifically tailored to each client’s unique needs.

While many mortgage brokers shy away from “first-timers,” Dalaei welcomes the opportunity to work with first-time homebuyers, first-time investors and first-time builders — offering customized solutions designed to help them succeed, with no experience required.

Dalaei is known for stepping in when others step back, often assisting clients in complex or time-sensitive situations, essentially, earning him the nickname of “The Mortgage Rescuer.” His client-first approach and emphasis on his 10-year plus experience have made him a trusted advocate for buyers, builders and investors alike.

Dalaei joined Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale to support its mission of enhancing and growing the city’s community. As a passionate entrepreneur and resident, he sees Riverwalk as a vital space for connection, growth and opportunity — values that align with both his business and personal philosophy.