Try to imagine 150,000 people gathered in one place besides a sporting event. But that’s exactly what happens every year in Madeira Beach. The John’s Pass Seafood Festival is the largest Seafood Festival in Florida and the third largest in the U.S.
In 2016, world-famous John’s Pass Village will play host to an anticipated 200,000 seafood and music lovers from all over the country. Organizers are committed to making John’s Pass Seafood Festival the largest in the country.
According to Festival Chairperson, Sonny Flynn, community involvement is the key.
“You can help us get to #1 by attending the festival, enjoying our amazing seafood selection and having the best weekend ever! We believe that this festival is one of the best ways to showcase our community and all the great things we have to offer on the beach, in Madeira Beach and on the Sun Coast of Florida.”Flynn said.
“By using our festival hashtag #jpsfgoesto1 on social media, festival-goers are eligible to win a variety of exciting prizes.”
For 35 years, the John’s Pass Seafood festival has featured non-stop musical performances from some of the best bands, hundreds of craft vendors, hundreds of local businesses, amazing seafood and has always been FREE to the public.
This year the festival has expanded to four days and includes a Halloween Block Party, featuring an Adult Costume Contest with $5,000 in cash and prizes on Friday, October 28th. The Battle of The Gulf Fishing Tournament on Saturday, October 29th will challenge anglers of all skill levels. On Sunday, October 30th at12:05 p.m. we will attempt to break the official World Record Bloody Mary Toast with hundreds of participants raising their glasses.
The seafood is always the star of the festival but there are plenty of other festival goodies to munch on. Starting with beer, lots of beer. John’s Pass Village is home to some of the best craft brews in America. Ice cream and more ice cream. Along with kettle corn, pizza, cotton candy, Italian Ice and American cuisine.
The Festival is hosted by The John’s Pass Village Association and is always held on the last full weekend of October. This year the festival runs from October 27th through October 30th. The Festival opens at noon Thursday and closes at 8pm on Sunday.
Festival parking at John’s Pass Village is $20, and $5 parking is available at Madeira Beach Fundamental School, 591 Tom Stuart Causeway, Gators Cafe & Saloon, 12754 Kingfish Dr, and Treasure Island Community Center, 154 106th Ave. with free shuttle service to and from John’s Pass Village.
For detailed information go to www.johnspassseafoodfestival.com