South Beach Seafood Festival Returns with Weekend Events

Stone crab season is in full swing, which means two things: you can expect delicious claws across seafood markets in the Magic City, and the South Beach Seafood Festival is officially back.

From now until October 25, the 13th Annual South Beach Seafood Festival (SBSF) returns to Lummus Park. New this year, the festival will get some new additions to its traditional lineup, including a two-night dinner series and new chef challenges.

“Each year, the South Beach Seafood Festival continues to grow as a celebration of South Florida’s unmatched local culinary talent and vibrant beachside culture and the reason why so many locals and tourists come from near and far to indulge in our destination,” says Valerie Roy, CMO at CI Management and cofounder of the festival with Tod Roy. “This year, we’re especially excited to debut new programming, giving guests even more ways to connect with their favorite South Florida restaurateurs and chefs.”

Friday, October 24 – VIP Chef Showdown

On Friday, October 24, the festival heads to the beach for the VIP Chef Showdown, presented by Tequila Herradura and Goya Foods. Twenty of Miami’s top chefs will compete in ten head-to-head seafood showdowns ranging from the popular Battle Crab to innovative Surf N’ Turf. This year, guests will get an Ultimate Champions Battle, as the festival brings back two South Florida legends to the stage for a Champions Round of Battle Surf N’ Turf.

Some of the competitors include chef Andre Bienvenu, representing Catch + Cut in Fort Lauderdale; chef Luis Wakabayashi, representing Sushi Maki; and chef Generric Kyles, representing Golden Rule Seafood, one of New Times‘ best seafood spots.

Alongside the foodie battle, the festival will host its “Tequila Herradura Bartender Showdown”, where four bartenders go head-to-head to create the ultimate cocktail with Herradura Silver, and the “Pacifico Showdown”, for a battle of the most innovative cocktails using Pacifico Beer. Throughout the night, all showdowns will be voted on by a panel of judges and all attendees, who will elect the winners.

Saturday, October 25 – Seafood Slam

The main event takes place on Saturday with the Seafood Slam, presented by Tequila Herradura and Goya Foods, and hosted by the City of Miami Beach and Milam’s Markets.

Following last year’s model, the Slam continues its all-access pass with unlimited food and beverage tastings from over 40 new and returning local restaurants showcasing the best of South Florida’s food offerings. Through the tastings, attendees will vote for “Best of the Fest” bites.

New to this year’s Seafood Slam lineup is the “SoBe Seafood Slam: Home Chef Challenge.” Local South Florida residents, culinary enthusiasts, and amateur chefs were asked to create and submit their signature seafood dishes online. The two finalists will compete live on the Milam’s Market Culinary Stage, and the winner, judged by acclaimed Miami chef Mika Leon, will receive a $500 Milam’s Markets gift card, a two-night stay at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, and a chance to have their recipe featured officially at Milam’s Markets.

SoBe Seafood Gives Back

Every year, SBSF finds new ways to expand its community partnerships, and this year is no exception. Throughout the weekend, Miami Beach Senior High Culinary Program will assist local restaurants at their sampling stations. On Saturday, these students take center stage for a High School edition of the Chef Showdown, where teams will create and present their signature seafood dishes live on the Milam’s Market Culinary Stage. Guided by two executive chefs, each team will be led by a student captain as they compete on stage.

“We’re also proud to partner with the Miami Beach Senior High Culinary Program,” adds Roy. “Giving students hands-on experience in supporting restaurant stations and competing in their own Chef Showdown on Saturday as a way to engage our future hospitality leaders and those who will continue the culinary traditions in our area. The festival offers something for every seafood lover, and thanks to the help of some incredible national brands, we can host this multi-day celebration on the sands of South Beach annually, and we can’t wait to welcome locals and visitors alike to savor, vote, and celebrate the best of South Florida’s food scene.”

South Beach Seafood Festival.1130 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach, at Lummus Park; sobeseafoodfest.com. Friday, October 24 through Saturday, October 25, 2025.