Save your appetite for one of the most important local food festivals of the year: the 17th Annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival 2023, set for Jan. 14 - 15 at Bayview Park in Key West, located eight blocks from the lively Duval Street and just over two miles from The Gates Hotel.

After the Florida Keys Seafood Festival, join us at the pool for The Gates Hotel Cool Down & Recover Pool Party. See more below.

The two-day food festival is a time to celebrate the day’s catch and local fishermen. You can expect vendors selling fresh, local seafood prepared every-which way, live bands, libations, activities for kids, and plenty more.

Visitors to the island can experience local foodfare all in one place with guaranteed freshness. Feast on Florida Spiny Lobster, conch fritters, fresh Key West Pink Shrimp, stone crab claws, and local specialities like Key Lime Pie. If you’re traveling with someone who isn’t a fan of seafood, other tasty options are available as well.

[Check out the 10 Best Restaurants to Eat Key West Pink Shrimp]

Live music is a big part of the festival, so expect a hefty line-up. 80s tribute band Rubixx will be covering classic hits from popular acts like A Flock of Seagulls, David Bowie, and Madonna, South Florida’s most popular classic rock act Mr. Nice Guy will be there, and rock, soul, and blues groups like Marshall Morlock Band, Lady A Band, Southern Stampede, and the award-winning 79th Street Band.

This event is family-friendly, with a Children’s Eco Discovery Zone and other hands-on activities.

Admission to the Florida Keys Seafood Festival is $10 for adults, which includes admission for both days of the fest, plus a raffle ticket for a chance to win $250 in seafood sent to your home. Parking is available for $5. Proceeds support sustainable fisheries management and youth scholarships for local students in the Florida Keys.

[Reserve a Spot at the Best Key West Seafood Restaurants]

The Florida Keys Seafood Festival will be held on Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend. Come down for the occasion and stay with us at The Gates Hotel Key West, which offers special rates for Florida residents. Our Conde Nast award-winning hotel in New Town has hourly shuttle service to and from Old Town. At The Gates Key West, guests can take a dip in our gorgeous pool or order a cocktail made with locally-distilled rum from the outdoor bar. Take a look at our specials.

Plus, our on-site food truck The Blind Pig serves up delicious seafood dishes of its own. Select from a variety of "Conch fusion" small bites and plates inspired by Key West's Cuban, Bahamian, Caribbean, and Floridian roots. Key West smoked fish dip, a lobster salad sandwich, and firecracker shrimp tacos are just a few of the items on the menu.

The Florida Keys Seafood Festival isn’t the only event happening on the island this weekend. Saturday marks the 25th anniversary of the Key West Half Marathon! The Gates Hotel and our sister hotel, 24 North Hotel, are official sponsors of the annual run. After a day hitting the pavement (or indulging at the Seafood Festival!), meet at The Gates Hotel’s swimming pool for our epic Cool Down & Recover Pool Party. Entry is free and there will be live music and drink specials. See more info here.