What is Lobsterfest? A Guide to This Delicious Limited-Time Event

The mere mention of Lobsterfest is enough to get seafood lovers salivating in anticipation But what exactly is Lobsterfest and why does it generate so much excitement every year? Keep reading to learn all about this delicious limited-time event celebrating lobsters.

An Overview of Lobsterfest

Lobsterfest is a recurring promotional event held by Red Lobster restaurants to highlight their fresh lobster menu items It typically takes place for 4-6 weeks each year, usually timed around Valentine’s Day and summer

During Lobsterfest, Red Lobster adds more lobster dishes to their regular menu, often unveiling new lobster creations alongside customer favorites Diners can indulge in a variety of lobster preparations including whole lobster tail entrees, pasta dishes, seafood platters, lobster rolls, appetizers and more

In addition to spotlighting lobsters, Lobsterfest also showcases other seasonal seafood like crab and shrimp. Specialty cocktails featuring summer flavors often debut to complement the food.

Lobsterfest generates buzz among Red Lobster fans thanks to the expanded lobster and seafood menu available for a limited time. It’s the ideal excuse for a special meal out or reason to host a lobster dinner party at home using Red Lobster’s To Go offerings.

A Brief History of Lobsterfest

Red Lobster first launched Lobsterfest in the 1990s as a way to highlight fresh lobster during peak season in New England and Atlantic Canada.

It started as a simple promotion emphasizing whole lobster dinners. Over the years, Lobsterfest has evolved into a month-long event with numerous lobster dishes and creative preparations to satisfy every craving.

Some of the most popular returning Lobsterfest menu items over the years include:

• Lobster Lover’s Dream – twin lobster tails with lobster linguini
• Surf & Turf – lobster tail with sirloin steak
• Lobster Tacos – lobster meat in warm tortillas
• Cajun Lobster Bake – whole lobster with corn, potatoes, and sausage
• New England Lobster Roll

Lobsterfest often introduces fun, innovative lobster recipes like the Lobster Corn Dog which combines sweet lobster with classic corn dog flavors.

When and Where Does Lobsterfest Take Place?

Lobsterfest happens once a year, typically for 4-6 weeks in the late winter through early summer months. The exact Lobsterfest dates vary annually.

In 2024, Red Lobster Lobsterfest will run from February 10 through March 27 nationwide.

Lobsterfest takes place simultaneously at all Red Lobster restaurant locations across the United States and Canada. So lobster fans across North America can partake in the celebration.

The Lobsterfest Menu: What to Expect

The star of Lobsterfest is always the lobster, prepared in diverse ways to satisfy all preferences. Here’s a sampling of lobster dishes that may be featured:

Whole Lobster Tail Entrees

• Twin lobster tails
• Surf & turf with lobster tail and steak
• Dual preparations like lobster tail with shrimp linguini

Lobster Seafood Platters

• Lobster tail with snow crab legs, shrimp, mussels
• Lobster and langostino tail combo platter

Lobster Rolls and Sandwiches

• Chilled lobster rolls in buttery toasted buns
• Lobster Reuben melt on rye bread

Lobster Appetizers

• Lobster nachos
• Lobster dip with tortilla chips
• Lobster flatbread

Lobster Pasta Dishes

• Lobster ravioli in creamy sauce
• Linguini with lobster meat

In addition, expect to see crab, shrimp, and fish dishes featured along with classic side dishes and plenty of warm Cheddar Bay Biscuits.

For beverages, lobster-inspired cocktails like the Maine Lobsterita or Cape Codder are staples.

How Long Does Lobsterfest Last?

On average, Lobsterfest runs for 4-6 weeks. The limited duration helps create a sense of urgency among seafood aficionados eager to indulge in the lobster creations.

In 2024, Lobsterfest extends from February 10 through March 27.

Red Lobster locations observe the same Lobsterfest timeline nationally. Although some locations may sell out of certain lobster inventory earlier.

Once Lobsterfest concludes, the featured lobster dishes are no longer available. So lobster lovers look forward to the next Lobsterfest celebration.

Planning Your Lobsterfest Dinner

Lobsterfest provides the perfect excuse to indulge in lobster, whether dining out or ordering to-go. Here are some tips to maximize the experience:

• Check the Lobsterfest start and end dates and mark your calendar.

• Make reservations for in-restaurant dining to secure a table. Lobsterfest is popular!

• Preview the menu online to pick your lobster dishes.

• Take advantage of Red Lobster’s To Go ordering for easy takeout.

• Join the My Red Lobster Rewards program to earn points toward discounts.

• Arrive early during peak times for the fastest service.

• Save room for Lobsterfest cocktails and desserts to make it a true feast.

• Ask about bulk lobster tail packages for lobster bakes at home.

Lobsterfest only comes once a year, so seafood fans look forward to indulging in all the lobster their hearts and stomachs desire during this decadent promotion.

Other Lobster Fests and Festivals

In addition to the restaurant promotion, Lobsterfest is also used as the name of some popular lobster festivals held annually around the country.

Two of the biggest and most famous lobster festivals include:

Maine Lobster Festival

This massive 5-day event takes place in Rockland, Maine every summer. It features tons of fresh Maine lobster along with live entertainment, parades, cooking contests and more.

Monterey Abalone & Lobster Festival

On the West Coast, Monterey, California hosts this oceanfront event each spring. It celebrates sustainably caught lobster and abalone plus live music and family activities.

Other regions host smaller community lobster festivals as a way to highlight fresh local seafood. These “lobsterfests” offer food, entertainment and fun for all ages.

So don’t be confused if you hear about a local Lobsterfest in your area. But for the genuine Red Lobster experience, head to your nearest restaurant location during their national Lobsterfest event each year. You won’t be disappointed by the indulgent lobster dishes on offer for a limited time.