THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
Hey, we’re havin’ fun now! In our oceanside and seafood-obsessed city, the annual St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival is a beloved local favorite. But it is more than just a chance to enjoy seafood, arts & crafts, and diverse entertainment; the Festival has some serious heart. The Festival is the foundation of the St. Augustine Lions Club’s fundraising efforts for the year. For many years, the club has donated more than $100,000 annually to non-profit organizations and individuals. Donations fund community needs, education, health services, youth programs, disaster relief, and veterans’ services. Vision screening and vision therapy are an important focus of the Lions Club, which last year screened 1,934 elementary school children. The Club also pays for children’s eyeglasses when families do not have the funds to purchase them. Almost all the funding for the Lions Club’s donations are raised during the successful and highly-anticipated Seafood Festival.
In the past 12 months, a range of community needs were supported including Alpha-Omega Miracle Home, Betty Griffin House, Florida School for the Deaf & Blind College Scholarships, Guide Dogs for the Blind and Hearing Impaired, Home Again St. Johns, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, North Florida Lions Eye Foundation, Ride for the Cure for Diabetes, SJC Education Foundation – Investing in Kids, St. Johns Foster & Adoptive Parent Association, and St. Augustine Youth Services.
Founded in 1981 and with more than 20,000 people expected to attend in 2020, the Seafood Festival is the largest, oldest, and most family-oriented festival in the Ancient City. Here’s all you need to know to make the most of your seafood experience.
WHEN & WHERE
The 39th St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival will take place March 20th-22nd on Francis Field, which is located at 25 W. Castillo Drive, next to the Visitor’s Center and the parking garage in downtown St. Augustine. Festival hours are 3-9 pm on Friday, March 20; 10 am-9 pm on Saturday, March 21; and 11 am-5 pm on Sunday, March 22. The Arts & Crafts Village closes at sundown.
ADMISSION
Admission is $5 for adults. Children 12 and under are free. Food is purchased from vendors and is not included with admission.
PARKING & SHUTTLE
On Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22, free parking with a shuttle to the Seafood Festival will be available during Festival hours. Pick-up locations for the shuttle will be like prior years. Information on the parking and shuttle are available on the website. Visit here for more information – www.lionsfestival.com/parking.
THE FOOD
The food choices are what have made the St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival so famous. You will enjoy unexpected items like Fried Lobster Tails, Grilled Octopus, Peruvian Ceviche, Seafood Mac n’ Cheese, Royal Reds, Alligator Chili, Blue Crab Biscuits, Cajun Gumbo, and Ahi Tuna Tacos. Traditional seafood dishes are in abundance along with grilled lighter foods. Landlubbers can enjoy BBQ, stone oven pizza, exotic corndogs, gourmet burgers, sausages, jerk chicken, and jambalaya. Festival foods such as fudge, funnel cakes, pretzels, kettle corn, Italian ice, deep fried cookies, and award-winning Key Lime Pie on a stick are just what you need to complete your culinary adventure. You can find sample menus online here, www.lionsfestival.com/menu-list.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
In addition to the array of seafood, attendees can enjoy a diverse lineup of live music, a huge arts & crafts show, and family-friendly activities for kids of all ages. Come meet Princesses, the Little Mermaid, and Superheroes; participate in Nutter Interactive Percussion; and relax while you watch Captain Mayhem Pirate Magic. Don’t take your little ones home until they wrap up with traditional festival fun like face painting, balloon twisting, and kids’ rides. While they play you can stroll and shop one of NE Florida’s biggest arts & crafts show. In the Arts & Crafts Village, you will find lots of options for yourself or for gifts as well as artisan packaged foods. That beautiful piece of jewelry, delightful home décor, or unique gift is ready for you to carry home after your long day of eating, shopping, and toe tapping!
“The Seafood Festival is one of the most highly anticipated annual events on the First Coast,” said Lion Dominic Mercurio, Festival Chairman. “It’s the only time you can enjoy this variety of seafood, live music, a large arts & crafts show, and fabulous family entertainment. It’s fun for all ages, and all net proceeds go to benefit Lions Club charities. We hope to break attendance records this year—so come on out and join us for a good time!”
Learn more about the St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival here www.lionsfestival.com.
