Every October, Miami Beach does something it does better than anywhere else: it takes over four blocks of sand, fills them with 40+ restaurants, open bars, world-class chefs, and 15,000 seafood lovers, and reminds everyone exactly why South Florida is the best place on earth to eat. That’s the South Beach Seafood Festival — and for 2026, it’s back bigger than ever for its 14th annual edition, October 21–24.
I’ve been going to this festival for years, and every time I walk out thinking the same thing: “That was worth every penny.” The good news? Right now, you can pay even fewer pennies. Use promo code CGLOVE30 for 30% off your tickets — but this early bird discount expires July 15, 2026 at 11:59 AM. Grab your tickets here before the deal disappears.
(After July 15? Code CGLOVE20 gives you 20% off through the day of the event. Still a great deal — but the 30% is better. Just saying.)
What Is the South Beach Seafood Festival?
The South Beach Seafood Festival (also known as SoBe Seafood Festival or #SOBESeafoodFest) is an annual four-day culinary celebration held on the sands of Miami Beach’s Lummus Park — with some of the week’s events taking place at iconic South Beach restaurants. It’s produced by CI Management, brought to you by Breakthru Beverage and partners, and all proceeds benefit the CI Foundation’s EAT SMART program, which provides healthy meals and nutritional guidance to Miami-Dade County public school students.
It’s been recognized as one of USA Today’s Top 5 Specialty Festivals in the country, named a Top 5 fall activity by Forbes, and called the best seafood festival in the US by the Travel Channel. All well-deserved.
What makes it different from other food festivals? It’s not just eating; it’s an event. You’re on the sand. The chefs are competing. You’re voting. The DJs are playing. There’s a full open bar included in your ticket. It’s the best version of a Miami October afternoon I know of.
South Beach Seafood Festival 2026: Full Event Lineup
The 2026 festival runs October 21–24, kicking off stone crab season in true South Florida fashion. Here’s the full week:
Wednesday, October 21 — An Evening in Miami Beach
The week opens with intimate, upscale restaurant dinners at two of Miami Beach’s most celebrated spots: Carbone (presented by Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Bonded, with a 4-course experience) and Prime 54 (presented by Glenfiddich, featuring GOYA). The dress code is South Beach Chic.
Thursday, October 22 — An Evening in Miami Beach
Three separate restaurant experiences run simultaneously: Rao’s Miami Beach (presented by Glenfiddich), CATCH Miami Beach (presented by Tequila Herradura), and Pubbelly Sushi with Phuc Yea (presented by Oishi Sake). All three are all-inclusive seated dinner experiences. Dress code: South Beach Chic. These events are 21+.
Friday, October 23 — VIP Chef Showdown (7 PM – 11 PM) ⭐ My Pick
This is my favorite night of the entire festival — more on it below. 20 chefs. 10 battles. All on the sand at Lummus Park. 21+ only.
Saturday, October 24 — Seafood Slam (1 PM – 5 PM)
The big main event. 40+ restaurants. Open bar. DJs. Culinary demos. All ages (kids under 10 free). This is the one most people know and love.
My Favorite Night: The VIP Chef Showdown (Friday, October 23)
I’ll be honest with you: I love the Seafood Slam. But the Chef Showdown? That’s the one I get excited about.
Here’s how it works: 20 of South Florida’s top executive chefs hit the sand in competing pairs — 10 battles across categories like crab, lobster, sushi, shrimp, tuna, ceviche, and more. Before the live stage battles, each pair sets up their own sampling station. You walk around, taste every dish, and you vote. With tokens. After eating.
There’s something genuinely thrilling about tasting a dish directly from the chef who made it, knowing you’re about to decide their fate for the night. The chefs who win the audience vote then battle live on stage, judged by a panel of culinary and media professionals — all hosted by Food Network’s Chef Robert Irvine.
The whole thing is set in a VIP Hospitality Village on the beach, with full bars sponsored by Tequila Herradura, Jack Daniel’s, Hendricks Gin, Pacifico, and more. And yes, it’s all included in your ticket. After eating 20 chef competition dishes plus cocktails on Miami Beach with a live DJ, you’ll understand why this is my annual non-negotiable.
The Chef Showdown is 21+ only and tickets are limited to around 1,500. It tends to sell out. Use CGLOVE30 to grab yours now at 30% off (until July 15).
The Seafood Slam: The Main Event (Saturday, October 24)
This is the South Beach Seafood Festival most people know — the massive, all-inclusive beachfront party that takes over Lummus Park every October.
The format is straightforward and brilliant: you walk four blocks of ocean-facing festival grounds, sampling bites from 40+ hand-selected restaurants, paired with wine and cocktails from 30+ beverage stations. At the end of the day, your votes determine the Seafood Slam Best of the Best winner — the title every South Florida restaurant team is competing for.
What you’ll find on Saturday:
- Unlimited sampling from 40+ restaurants — past bites have included stone crabs, fresh oysters, shrimp cocktail, lobster waffle cones, fish tacos, seafood ceviche, and so much more
- All beverages included — wine garden, national cocktail brand experiences, beer stations
- Live music stage (Demesmin & Dover, presented by Jack Daniel’s)
- Milam’s Markets Culinary Showcase Kitchen with live chef demonstrations
- GOYA culinary experiences and interactive entertainment
- Premium Stone Crab Pavilion (available for purchase on-site — worth it to kick off stone crab season right)
- DJs keeping the energy going all afternoon
This is a kick-off to Miami’s stone crab season — one of the most anticipated culinary moments in South Florida every year. If you’ve never been, Saturday is the perfect entry point. All ages are welcome, kids under 10 get in free.
Insider Tips from Someone Who Goes Every Year
After attending this festival multiple times, here’s what I wish someone had told me before my first one:
Buy early — the price goes up. The tiered pricing structure rewards you for planning ahead. Right now, CGLOVE30 gives you 30% off through July 15. After that, CGLOVE20 (20% off) is the code. Tickets will cost more as October approaches, and some events do sell out.
Wear sand-friendly shoes. The Chef Showdown and Seafood Slam both take place directly on the beach. You’ll be walking in the sand for hours. Flat sandals or wedges you don’t mind getting sandy are the move. The evening restaurant events (Wednesday and Thursday) call for South Beach Chic, so dress up for those.
Dress for Miami October heat. It’s still warm — think breathable fabrics, linen, breezy sundresses, or festival-chic shorts. Bring sunscreen for the afternoon Seafood Slam (1–5 PM with full sun exposure).
Start at the far end and work your way back. At the Seafood Slam, the closest stations to the entrance always have the longest lines first. Head to the far end of the festival grounds first, then circle back. You’ll cover everything with way less waiting.
Pace yourself at the Chef Showdown. There are 20 competition dishes plus multiple full bars. Eat lighter throughout the day before you arrive. You want to actually taste all 20 dishes, not tap out at dish 10.
Rideshare is your best friend. Lummus Park is in the heart of South Beach — parking is limited and expensive. Uber/Lyft drop-off on Ocean Drive is seamless. You’ll also thank yourself for not worrying about driving after an all-inclusive open bar afternoon.
The Stone Crab Pavilion upgrade is worth it. It’s not included in your base ticket, but if you love stone crabs, October is when they first come into season in Florida. Having them fresh on the sand at this festival is a genuinely special experience.
South Beach Seafood Festival 2026 Tickets & Promo Codes
Here’s the full breakdown on how to save money on your tickets:
🔥 Early Bird Deal (Now – July 15, 2026 at 11:59 AM)
Use code CGLOVE30 at checkout for 30% off your ticket price.
👉 Buy tickets with CGLOVE30 (30% off) →
Standard Discount (July 16 – October 24, 2026)
Use code CGLOVE20 at checkout for 20% off your ticket price.
👉 Buy tickets with CGLOVE20 (20% off) →
Both codes apply at the official SoBe Seafood Festival website via Eventbrite.
2026 Ticket Prices (Before Discount)
- Seafood Slam (Saturday, Oct 24, 1–5 PM): All-inclusive, all ages. Children under 10 free.
- VIP Chef Showdown (Friday, Oct 23, 7–11 PM): All-inclusive, 21+ only. Limited to ~1,500 tickets.
- An Evening in Miami Beach (Wed–Thu): Intimate restaurant dinners, 21+. Separate tickets per restaurant.
👉 Save the most: Use CGLOVE30 before July 15 for your best price on South Beach Seafood Festival 2026 tickets. Lock it in now →
South Beach Seafood Festival 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions
When is the South Beach Seafood Festival 2026?
The 14th Annual South Beach Seafood Festival runs October 21–24, 2026. The main beachfront event (Seafood Slam) is Saturday, October 24 from 1 PM to 5 PM at Lummus Park on Miami Beach. The VIP Chef Showdown is Friday, October 23 from 7 PM to 11 PM. Evening restaurant dinners take place Wednesday and Thursday.
Is there a South Beach Seafood Festival 2026 promo code?
Yes! Use CGLOVE30 for 30% off — valid now through July 15, 2026 at 11:59 AM. After July 15, use CGLOVE20 for 20% off through October 24. Both codes work on all ticket types at checkout on Eventbrite.
Where is the South Beach Seafood Festival held?
The Chef Showdown (Friday) and Seafood Slam (Saturday) both take place at Lummus Park, 1130 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139 — directly on the sand. The Wednesday and Thursday evening dinners are held at participating South Beach restaurants (Carbone, Prime 54, Catch, Rao’s Miami Beach, and Pubbelly Sushi).
Are children allowed at the South Beach Seafood Festival?
Yes — all ages are welcome at Saturday’s Seafood Slam. Children under 10 get in free. Anyone under 21 will not receive an open bar wristband (valid ID required for alcohol). The VIP Chef Showdown on Friday is strictly 21+ only, as are the Wednesday and Thursday evening events.
Is the South Beach Seafood Festival all-inclusive?
Yes. Both the Seafood Slam and the VIP Chef Showdown are fully all-inclusive — food samplings from 40+ restaurants and unlimited beverages from multiple bars are included in your ticket price. The only optional upgrade is the Premium Stone Crab Pavilion, where you can purchase fresh stone crabs on-site to celebrate the start of stone crab season.
What should I wear to the South Beach Seafood Festival?
For the Chef Showdown (Friday) and Seafood Slam (Saturday): both events are on the beach, so wear sand-friendly shoes — flat sandals or wedges you don’t mind getting sandy. Dress is Beachy/Festival Wear, and it will be warm, so breathable fabrics and layers for the evening are smart. For Wednesday and Thursday restaurant events: the dress code is South Beach Chic — think upscale casual.
Is the South Beach Seafood Festival worth it?
Genuinely, yes — and I say that as someone who has attended multiple times. The combination of 40+ restaurants, unlimited drinks, live music, a chef competition you actually vote in, and the setting (the sand at South Beach in October) is hard to beat anywhere in Miami. It’s been named one of USA Today’s Top 5 Specialty Festivals in the US and the Travel Channel’s #1 seafood festival in the country. Using a promo code like CGLOVE30 makes it even more of a no-brainer.
How do I get to the South Beach Seafood Festival?
The festival is at Lummus Park, right on Ocean Drive in South Beach. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) is the easiest option — drop off directly on Ocean Drive and avoid the South Beach parking headache entirely. If you drive, there are paid parking garages nearby, but spots fill fast on Saturday afternoon. Arriving by rideshare also means you can enjoy the open bar without any worries.
Ready to go? Save the most before July 15.
Use CGLOVE30 for 30% off your South Beach Seafood Festival 2026 tickets.
After July 15? Use CGLOVE20 for 20% off. Tickets here.
Looking for more Miami events and insider guides? Browse all Coral Gables Love event coverage →
About the Author
Paola Mendez is a certified hypnotherapist, RTT practitioner, published author, and the local insider behind Coral Gables Love. A Miami-Dade native and longtime South Beach Seafood Festival attendee, she covers the people, places, and events that make South Florida worth savoring. She’s also the founder of Pao Hypnosis, a private hypnotherapy practice in Coral Gables, and Mochi Zen, a weight loss app combining RTT-based hypnotherapy with AI nutrition tracking.
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