Seafood Lovers Rejoice: The 12th Annual South Beach Seafood Festival Is Here!
VIP Chef Showdown will be hosted by celebrity chef, Robert Irvine, from Food Network
Hold on to your lobster claws, folks, because the highly anticipated South Beach Seafood Festival is back and better than ever! Starting today, October 23rd, through October 26th, we’re diving into four days of ocean-fresh flavors, culinary showdowns, and good vibes all set against the backdrop of Miami’s iconic South Beach.
This year, the festival is kicking off with a splash—literally. Hosted by Tequila Herradura and Jack Daniel’s, and presented by GOYA Foods, this year's culinary extravaganza brings together South Florida’s finest seafood chefs, paired with stellar wine and cocktails, all while celebrating the start of Miami’s beloved stone crab season. Oh, and did I mention that the one and only celebrity chef Robert Irvine will be gracing the sands as the official "Chef Ref" for the VIP Chef Showdown? That’s right—it’s like Restaurant: Impossible but with even more seafood and sunshine!
The festival opens its gates today with “An Evening at Joe’s Stone Crab,” where lucky guests will feast on an exclusive five-course meal paired with fine wines. And if that's not enough to lure you in, Thursday night is serving up the sophisticated “Crabs, Slabs, and Cabs” at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. Trust me, there’s no better way to indulge than to have a formal sit-down surf and turf with Miami's finest chefs—especially when one of them is Chef Irvine himself.
Friday night brings the iconic Tequila Herradura “VIP Chef Showdown,” where 22 of Miami's best chefs will compete in 11 seafood battles. We’re talking all-out culinary warfare—live on the GOYA Foods stage—where guests can sip, sample, and vote for their favorite dishes. With Robert Irvine donning his “Chef Ref” hat, the battles will be fierce and flavors even fiercer.
The festivities will crescendo on Saturday with the all-inclusive “Seafood Slam,” where guests can indulge in unlimited tastings and beverages throughout the day. Over 40 vendors will showcase the best seafood that Miami has to offer, including delicious bites from Lime Fresh, Zuma, and Pubbelly Sushi—just to name a few. Plus, be ready for live music, beach club vibes, and maybe even a spontaneous dance party at High Noon’s Lifeguard Dance Party. Saturday is about seafood, sunshine, and savoring life in true Miami style.
What’s more? Beyond the flavors, this event is all about community. Each year, the South Beach Seafood Festival supports the CI Foundation’s EAT SMART program, which provides healthy meals and nutritional guidance to Miami-Dade’s youth. So not only are you indulging in the best seafood dishes on the planet, but you’re also contributing to an important cause—and really, isn’t that the best kind of indulgence?
Whether you're a Miami local or visiting for the weekend, this event promises unforgettable flavors, celebrity chefs, and moments that make you love South Florida just a little bit more. Grab your tickets, bring your appetite, and head to sobeseafoodfest.com to join the festivities. Let’s make this year’s festival the most flavorful one yet!
See you on the sand—and bring an appetite, because the seafood doesn’t stop!