Original Marathon Seafood Festival – March 12-13
If you’ve never attended the Original Marathon Seafood Festival, you don’t know what you’re missing. More than 20,000 visitors a year can’t be wrong!
About
The two-day festival celebrating local fishermen is in its 46th year. Here are some highlights that keep singles, couples, and families coming back for more:
Outstanding food and drinks
You can’t beat Florida for fresh-caught seafood. Shrimp, ceviche, crab cakes, lobster tails, oysters, and mahi-mahi are all on the menu. There’s also plenty of surf-and-turf — or just turf — to choose from. Croquetas de jamón, a local Cuban favorite, might forever change the way you think about ham.
From Gatorade to the adult beverage of your choice, you can count on ice cold, affordable drinks.
Live entertainment all weekend
This is an ideal venue for broadening your musical horizons. Check out top-tier bands for country, bluegrass, salsa, merengue, reggae, or good old classic rock from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s.
Fun for all ages
There are rides, games, and raffles with awesome prizes. If your kids are energetic, you’ve come to the right place. Obstacle courses, bungee jumping, rock climbing, and face painting should keep them amused for hours.
Shopping
Shopping at the seafood festival is nothing like browsing your local mall. The festival boasts more than 200 vendors of one-of-a-kind items. From jewelry to home décor to custom-built boats, there’s plenty to spark your imagination or get yearly gift shopping out of the way.
When
The 2022 Original Marathon Seafood Festival is slated for Saturday, March 12, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, March 13, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where
Head to the Marathon Community Park in the Islands of Marathon at the heart of the Florida Keys.
Another Great Reason to Attend
This Florida Keys vacation is surprisingly affordable, but there’s an even better reason to make the trip.
Two local nonprofits, the Organized Fishermen of Florida and the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce, combine efforts to put on the festival. A large portion of the proceeds is poured back into the community. Your participation could help fund student scholarships or otherwise benefit locals in need.
Houseboat Rentals Florida
Lots of visitors extend their stay beyond the festival. If you crave a deeper dive into the rich culture and mystique of the region, consider renting a houseboat at Mangrove Marina. There’s no better way to experience the islands that Ernest Hemingway, Jimmy Buffett, and Tennessee Williams have called home.
Try an internet search for “Mangrove Marina houseboat rentals Florida.” As you’ll see, amenities include decks made for taking in the sunsets and starry night skies. The houseboats get high marks for cleanliness, proximity to restaurants and bars, picnicking and recreational opportunities, and water attractions. If you’ve never seen a manatee in its natural habitat, this is your chance.
There’s just one problem with a Florida Keys vacation: You’ll be tempted to stay forever. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
