The Cortez Fishing Festival will be returning for its 40th annual event this weekend, February 19-20. The festival is held in the small fishing village of Cortez and aims to celebrate the region’s history and those who work hard to supply fresh local seafood. Tickets are $5 per person and children 12 and under may attend for free.
The event was first held in 1981 as a 1-day festival and drew 500 people to celebrate Florida’s commercial seafood industry. The festival has since grown into a 2-day event and hosts nearly 20,000 people each year. Walking around Cortez is like stepping back in time and visitors can enjoy the charm of the small cottages and friendly locals.
Organized by the Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage (FISH), the festival will include live music, arts and crafts, seafood, and much more throughout the weekend. The University of Florida is hosting educational “dock talks” and the public is welcome to explore local fishing boats and fish houses. The Florida Maritime Museum and Cortez Cultural Center will also be open to the public with free admission.
The festival takes place throughout Cortez Village, which can be accessed by taking State Road 684 (Cortez Road) or 44th Avenue west toward the beaches. The address 4415 119th Street W, Cortez, FL 34215 will also take you to the heart of the event.
A free park-and-ride will be available on Saturday from Cortez Baptist Church, located at 4411 100th Street W on Cortez Road. The Boy Scouts of America will offer $5 parking one block from the event at the FISH Preserve and remote park and ride parking will be available for $3.
You can read more information about the festival here.