Deering Seafood Festival

Fresh seafood, breathtaking views, and vibrant music and dance will take centerstage at the 18th Annual Deering Seafood Festival. Set on the picturesque bayfront grounds of the historic Deering Estate in South Dade, this beloved family-friendly event is packed with live entertainment, chef demos, activities for kids and all the delicious seafood you can eat.

Festival attendees can also immerse themselves in the rich history of the 400-acre estate and nature preserve, which industrialist Charles Deering owned in the 1920s. Today, guests are treated to lush surroundings, majestic, palm-lined walkways that lead to sparkling Biscayne Bay and regular wildlife sightings, including birds and manatees.

Read on for highlights of the 2024 Deering Seafood Festival.

Indulge in a Wide Variety of Delectable Seafood

Arrive early and make a beeline for Seafood Alley, where you'll find an array of mouthwatering seafood served raw, fried, sauteed and in other imaginative preparations. Check out Miami’s Golden Rule Seafood for fresh-off-the-boat fish, pink Key West shrimp, crawdads, and Miami's coveted stone crabs, then move on to Popo's Seafood for kicked-up conch and shrimp salad. Dig into tasty paella brimming with seafood, rice and veggies from Paella Party. Other vendors include Sports Grill, Catering by Les and Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream.

In the courtyard, you can witness some of Greater Miami and Miami Beach's finest chefs in action as they offer cooking demonstrations throughout the day. You’ll want to take advantage of this chance to take home their recipes and recreate delicious dishes in your kitchen.

There’s Music, Art and Plenty For Kids To Do

Music representing Miami's diverse cultural makeup will entertain you as you stroll through the Deering Seafood Festival. You'll want to dance when Bahamian Junkanoo bands weave through the crowds. At the same time, the sounds of the steel drums from bands such as Noel Browne & Caribbean Music Farm will transport you to a tropical island. Hometown cover band Brothers Of Others will energize the festival with their high-octane rock and pop tunes.

When you're not eating or dancing, head to the Artist Village to peruse local artisans' handcrafted goods. You'll find vibrant paintings, fragrant soaps and candles and artistic woodworking pieces.

Kids can burn off pent-up energy at The Discovery Cove and the Kids' Zone by Kiddos Magazine, where there’ll be a mix of fun and educational activities, from an art station to music and a magic show.

Another notable activity: scenic pontoon boat rides offered throughout the day. The 45-minute ride will whisk you across Biscayne Bay toward Key Biscayne and back. (Note: This is a separate ticketed activity not included in the festival entry fee.)

Top Tips For Enjoying The Event

Arrive early to get prime parking and buzz through the food lines. You'll walk and eat outside, so wear comfortable shoes and cool clothing. Remember your protective sunscreen, hat and sunglasses so you can enjoy your day in the sun. With so much beauty and nature in one place, bring along your camera to capture the memories – and those food pictures that'll make everyone on your social media feed hungry.

Tickets

Advance tickets are $25 for adults; tickets are $30 the day of the event. Tickets for children ages 4-14 are $7 in advance and $10 the day of the event. If you're a member of the Deering Estate Foundation, entrance is free, but you must get your tickets online before the event. Your ticket includes entrance to the park, but food, drinks and specific activities are not included.

By: Angela Caraway-Carlton | March 19, 2024