Sell Your Boat Sell Your Boat LEARN MORE

Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival 2016 – This Weekend!

cortez-fishing-festivalMany people think of February 13 – 14 as Valentine’s time…not us!  We know, the most important thing going on that weekend is the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival 2016!  This festival has certainly stolen our heart.  To us, nothing is more romantic than strolling along the lanes of Cortez Fishing Village, smelling the salty air and eating some of the freshest seafood, caught right off our shores.  Here are the details and our top picks for things to do and see at the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival!

Great Remote Parking!

Forget having to fight the traffic and search for a parking space!  This year, the festival is offering remote parking at G.T. Bray and a bus that will drop you off right at the festival.  Round trip on the bus will be $2.50.  There will also be a trolley from Coquina Beach parking lot.

Great Performances!

There’s a great music lineup, starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday and 10:30 a.m. on Sunday and ending at 6 p.m. on both nights.  The two performances not to miss – Eric Von at 12:30 on Saturday and Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones on Sunday at 12:30.  Eric Von is a rising star in country music and has even opened for Kenny Chesney. Doug Deming and his band play blues, swing and American roots music and they have just returned from a tour in France. Both bands will leave you feeling allllright!

Great Food!

You can’t beat the seafood always offered at the restaurants of Cortez Village (we will line up any day for a “box” of cheese grits and hushpuppies from Starfish Co.), but during the festival, there are even more options with booths and vendors who serve up the freshest seafood you will find.  Look for booths serving our local favorites – smoked mullet fish dip and fresh peel ‘n’ eat pink shrimp straight from the Gulf!

History & Charm

This historic fishing village is the real thing – and one of the last to still exist and operate in the state of Florida.  From the small cottages, rustic fishing gear sitting out in front yards and a gorgeous waterfront, nothing gives you the authentic “old Florida” feeling like taking a stroll through Cortez.  Don’t miss an opportunity to visit the Florida Maritime Museum where you can really take a step back in time!

Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival Details:

Dates & Time: February 13th & 14th from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Throughout Cortez Fishing Village, from 119th Street (by Florida Maritime Museum) to the bay
Cost: $3, Kids 12 and under – free!
Parking: Remote parking is available at GT Bray and Coquina Beach for the shuttle bus; round trip: $3.
Proceeds from the event will benefit FISH Preserve.