When is the Popular Shrimp Festival in Fernandina Beach, Florida?

Fernandina Beach, located on Amelia Island in northeast Florida, is home to one of the state’s most beloved annual festivals – the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival For over 60 years, this shrimp-themed event has attracted visitors from near and far to the charming Victorian-style seaside town. But just when is the famous Fernandina Beach Shrimp Festival held each year?

This guide will provide details on the dates, schedule, history and highlights of Fernandina’s signature shrimp festival so you can plan your trip.

The Origins and History of the Shrimp Festival

Fernandina Beach has hosted their Shrimp Festival for over six decades. The very first Shrimp Festival was held May 3-5, 1963 as a project of the local Junior Service League. It was created to promote the town’s shrimping industry and highlight fresh local seafood. Only 2,000 people attended that inaugural event.

Over the years, the festival steadily grew in size and popularity. In 1977, it became an official project of the Fernandina Beach Chamber of Commerce who continue to organize it today. It is now considered one of the top seafood festivals nationwide, attracting over 150,000 visitors annually.

While the name has stayed the same, it has seen a few location changes since the 1960s. After being held downtown initially, it later moved to the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport before returning to its current home back downtown at the city’s riverfront.

When are the Dates for the Shrimp Festival Each Year?

The Shrimp Festival is always held on the first full weekend of May each year. Typically it runs Friday through Sunday.

For 2023, the 62nd Annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival will take place May 5th-7th. Next year in 2024, it is scheduled for May 3rd-5th.

While the core 3-day festival falls on a weekend, some associated events and activities extend throughout the week surrounding the main festival dates.

What is the Daily Schedule and Timeframe?

On Friday and Saturday, the Shrimp Festival in Fernandina Beach is open from 9:00am until 9:00pm. On Sunday it closes an hour earlier, ending at 8:00pm.

Many vendors are set up and ready to go early in the morning each day. So arriving when it opens lets you beat the biggest crowds and browse without as much bustle. But there’s energy and fun things to experience all day long.

In the evening after the festival grounds close, the fun continues. Local restaurants and bars downtown stay lively with live music and specials on seafood and drinks.

Popular Events and Highlights of the Shrimp Festival Weekend

There’s so much packed into the exciting three day schedule. Here are some of the highlights and must-see events:

• Shrimp Festival Parade – On Saturday morning, enjoy this fun tradition as floats, marching bands, pirates and more wind through the streets downtown. Arrive early for a good viewing spot.

• Fine Arts and Crafts Show – Browse arts and crafts from over 200 vendors all weekend long in this juried show. Find jewelry, paintings, woodcrafts and more.

• Live Musical Entertainment – Nonstop live music featuring top bands and performers happens on outdoor stages across the festival grounds.

• Shrimp Eating Contest – Watch competitive eaters battle to consume massive amounts of shrimp on Saturday afternoon – it’s quite a spectacle!

• Little Miss Shrimp Festival Pageant – This long-running pageant crowns a new ambassador for the festival selected from young contestants.

• Shrimp Boat Tours – Hop aboard shrimp trawlers docked at the harbor for an educational cruise around the river and learn how shrimp are caught.

• 5k Shrimp Run and Fun Run – Lace up your shoes and work up an appetite with these annual races through Fernandina’s scenic streets.

• Kids Fun Zone – Rides, games, inflatables and kid-friendly entertainment provide hours of family fun.

• Shrimp and Food Vendors – Of course, savor mouthwatering shrimp dishes, seafood and more from over 100 food booths.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Trip

To make the most of your experience at the lively Fernandina Beach Shrimp Festival:

• Book accommodations early – Reserve your hotel several months in advance since space fills fast. Campsites at nearby Fort Clinch State Park also go quickly.

• Pack sun protection – With mostly outdoor activities, wear sunscreen and bring hats, shade tents or umbrellas to stay comfortable.

• Bring cash – Many vendors only accept cash, so carry bills to make purchases easy. ATMs nearby have long lines.

• Leave pets at home – Due to crowds and summer heat, it’s best to leave furry friends in the A/C for this event.

• Check the website before going – Scope out the schedule, maps and FAQs online at www.shrimpfestival.com to plan out your day.

• Arrive via shuttle or catch a ride – Use provided park and ride shuttles or rideshare apps to avoid traffic delays driving downtown.

Now that you know all about the origins and schedule of the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, you can start getting excited to experience this legendary Florida event for yourself in Fernandina Beach!