Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival Returns February 14–15 With Boat to Market Theme Celebrating Seafood Heritage and Working Waterfront
The much-anticipated 2026 Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival returns to the historic fishing village on February 14 and 15, this year under the vibrant theme Boat to Market, highlighting the remarkable journey of local seafood from the water to your table. The official festival shirt art, inspired by an image from The Fisherman and His Boat by Richard Floethe, beautifully reflects the story festival organizers are excited to share.
Organized by the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH), the two-day festival celebrates Cortez’s deep commercial fishing roots and underscores why the village and the adjacent FISH Preserve are vital to preserving Florida’s maritime culture and working waterfront. All proceeds from the event benefit FISH’s mission to protect traditional fishing heritage and coastal environments for future generations.
Visitors can expect a lively mix of activities and attractions throughout the weekend. The festival traditionally features fresh local seafood, including fish, stone crab, oysters, and shrimp, served up by local vendors, as well as live music, nautical arts and crafts, children’s activities, environmental exhibits, and educational Dock Talks hosted by partners like Florida Sea Grant to showcase marine life and fishing practices.
Set against the backdrop of one of Florida’s last true working waterfronts, the Cortez village comes alive during the festival with local artists, boat displays and hands-on experiences that connect visitors to the essence of the commercial fishing lifestyle. Attendees can stroll through the village, learn its history, and enjoy authentic Gulf Coast flavors.
The event, which draws tens of thousands of visitors each year, continues a tradition dating back decades, celebrating the resilience, community spirit and cultural importance of commercial fishing in Cortez and beyond.
Admission and parking details, as well as festival schedules and special programs, will be available through the festival’s official channels as the event approaches. All proceeds from this year’s festival will help support the ongoing preservation and restoration efforts at the FISH Preserve, ensuring the working waterfront and maritime heritage endure for years to come.
