John’s Pass Seafood Festival

ARE YOU READY? Locals and visitors flock to Madeira Beach’s John’s Pass to stroll the Boardwalk and explore the area’s best dining, entertainment, shopping, and attractions as well as setting sail for dolphin, jet ski and fishing adventures from the picturesque waterfront village. Named for pirate John Levique, who made the first passage through the newly created pass, it is one of Pinellas County’s #1 tourist destinations.

John’s Pass Seafood Festival began in 1980 and is now one of the largest seafood celebrations in the country. With 110 vendors and 21 culinary options from seafood to meat, the spectacular event celebrates Madeira Beach and John’s Pass Village fishing heritage and love of the Gulf of Mexico and Boca Ciega Bay. The event is FREE and family-friendly; no pets allowed.

From grouper to shrimp, revelers sample some of the Gulf’s finest seafood dishes such as Got Lobstah, Charm City Eats’ Baltimore crab dishes, DJ’s Clam Shack, Grants Crab & Seafood Market, The Big Cheese’s lobster mac and The Happy Snapper Food Truck with desserts and dishes for every palate and many ethnic favorites including 5 Piggy’s BBQ, funnel cakes and Mad Beach Cantina’s Mexican fare. Check out John’s Pass restos, too: Walt’z Fish Shak, Friendly Fisherman, Caddy’s on the Pass, Sculley’s, and Boardwalk Grill.

Sip craft beers and wine at two 21+ beer tents. An annual tradition is Sunday’s Bloody Mary toast, hoping to break the world record and exceed the 2,400 drinkers in past years. (21+ only, one free cocktail; donations recommended that will be donated to a local charity.) Some of the area’s hottest bands play all weekend on the main stage including Soul Circus Cowboys, Horses Wild, Black Honkeys, Spazmatics, U2.0, Southbound 75, Logan Grant and the Show Ponies and the kids of School of Rock.

In addition to live entertainment, there are dozens of family-friendly activities. The Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center sponsors a kids zone, arts & crafts and hands-on experience with some of their rescued animals. (Their annual fundraiser will be 2/10 at Bilmar Beach Resort, a Lowcountry Cajun seafood boil. (www.kissagator.com) Check out the character artist, face painting, The Butterfly Encounter, historic Hubbard’s Marina and The Pirate Ship tour.

Shopping the booths and boutiques in John’s Pass is a blast. Festival vendors include local apparel Island Blends and Hunter Skipper as well as art, crafts, plants, jewelry, nautical art, e-Water Sportz, and home décor. In the shops, you’ll find crafts, coastal clothing, décor, unique souvenirs, seashells, art, spices, Kilwin’s chocolates, sweet shops, ice cream, Cuban cigars, pet delights, kites, soaps, sponges, jewelry, Florida wines, craft beers, and surf shops.

FYI The John’s Pass Seafood Festival is located at 12901 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach. Festival hours are Fri. noon-9pm; Sat. 10am-9pm and Sun. 10am-7pm. For event details, visit www.MadeiraBeachFl.gov or www.facebook.com/JohnsPassSeafoodFest.

GETTING THERE People are encouraged to ride share or take the Suncoast Beach trolley up and down Gulf Blvd. (A secondary trolley service is TBD.) From downtown St. Pete, you can catch The SunRunner for free, and transfer in St. Pete Beach to the trolley, with pick up spots from Madeira Beach City Hall and Rec Center, Madeira Beach’s Archibald Memorial Beach Park and County Park to and from the festival.

GET INVOLVED Volunteer at the festival and enjoy it first hand; you’ll be rewarded with a t-shirt and drink tickets. Want to be a sponsor? Contact Madeira Beach Rec. 727-392-0665.