The City of Boca Raton will be hosting its inaugural City of Boca Raton Seafood Festival this Saturday, March 22 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real. The ticketed event promises an unforgettable day of delicious seafood, live entertainment, nautical-themed activities, and more for residents and visitors alike.
Tickets are $10 in advance at Seafood Festival | Boca Raton, FL, or $15 at the door.
One of the festival’s most anticipated events is the Seafood Showdown, where three of Boca Raton’s top chefs will battle it out in a thrilling culinary competition at 1 p.m. Each chef will put their skills to the test, crafting innovative seafood dishes in front of a live audience and a panel of expert judges. Meet the contenders:
Meet the Chefs:
- Julian Bernal (Corvina Seafood Grill) – A celebrated name in the culinary world, Chef Julian Bernal is known for his masterful approach to seafood, blending bold flavors with fresh, sustainable ingredients. Corvina Seafood Grill, located in Boca Raton, is famed for its elevated coastal cuisine, offering everything from freshly shucked oysters to creative ceviches and expertly prepared seafood entrées.
- Kevin Avellaneda (Penelope’s) – As the executive chef of Penelope’s, a Southern-inspired seafood and cocktail bar located in Mizner Park, Chef Kevin Avellaneda brings a unique flair to classic dishes. With a passion for fresh, high-quality ingredients and a knack for bold yet balanced flavors, he is ready to impress with his modern take on seafood favorites.
- Yora Chan (Loch Bar) – Representing Mizner Park’s well-loved Loch Bar, Chef Yora Chan is a rising star in the South Florida dining scene. Specializing in fresh seafood with a Maryland-style influence, Loch Bar is renowned for its impressive raw bar selections, seafood towers, and signature crab cakes. Chef Chan’s creativity and expertise promise an exciting culinary battle.
Festival Highlights:
- Seafood Stage – Enjoy live performances from The Holidazed, Vern Daysel and the Burning Breeze, and UnRavel, creating the perfect soundtrack for a day of coastal fun.
- Claw-some Food Vendors – Savor a variety of seafood delights, from conch fritters to crab legs, prepared by local vendors.
- Neptune’s Marketplace – Browse a curated selection of nautical-themed vendors featuring unique gifts, ocean-inspired wares, and more.
- Luna’s Fun Zone – Families can enjoy interactive activities, crafts, and marine life education with the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center staff, plus meet Luna, the center’s beloved mascot.
- Crab Cake Challenge – Test your eating skills in this on-site competition at the City of Boca Raton tent, where contestants will race to claim the championship belt!
Additional Information:
- Tickets: Available at MyBoca.us/SeafoodFest
- Amenities: Chairs and seating will be available throughout the event site.
- Prohibited Items: No coolers, outside alcoholic beverages, chairs, or non-service animals.
- Rain or Shine: The festival will proceed regardless of weather.
For more information, email CommunityEvents@myboca.us. Stay tuned for updates on the schedule, ticket sales, and more as we count down to Boca Raton’s seafood extravaganza!
