If you passionately believe that seafood is the undisputed king of all things edible, a festival dedicated to it would be beautiful, delicious heaven. Here are some of the world’s best seafood festivals showcasing local and international cuisines that are perfect destinations to munch on some mouthwatering marine delicacies.
1. Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival
Where:Β Galway, Ireland
When:Β September
In its 61st year, The Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival is something all of Europe looks forward to. A mammoth food festival, itΒ has definitely earned its titles – “one of the earth’s 12 greatest shows” and “one of Europe’s seven best festivals”. Every year, the last week of September in the cityΒ immerses itself in a riot of seafood trails, foodie talks and tasting events. Galway takes its seafood seriously, and this festival is truly one to remember.
(Image Courtesy:Β Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival/Facebook)
2. Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival
Where: Morgan City, Louisiana
When: September
70 years and still running, this is one of Lousiana’s most historically significant food festivals. This is a unique experience when compared to other food festivals, because it’s actually a seafood harvest celebration. If you want to get an actual insight into one of the United States’ more unique cities, this festival is for you – showcasing its local charm and local food –Β jambalaya, fried alligator, and shrimp cooked enough ways βto make Forrest Gump proudβ.
(Image Courtesy: relishme.files.wordpress.com)
3. Dorset Seafood Festival
Where: Weymouth Harbourside, Dorset
When: July
Voted as the best food event in Europe by CNN, the popular Dorset Seafood Festival is absolutely the place to be if you love eating marine creatures. The waters off of South England’s Dorset coast are said to yield some of the best seafood in the UK. Amazing restaurants and stalls dot the streets with champagne, oysters, seafood tastings, talks and demonstrations.
(Image Courtesy:Β http://www.molyneuxguesthouse.co.uk/)
4. Maine Lobster Festival
Where: Rockland, Maine
When: August
The hipsters of food festivals would avoid it, because the Maine Lobster Festival is one of the best known and attended seafood festivals in the world. 30,000 people flock here every year to try some insane lobster dishes made by some of the best seafood restaurants and chefs. These five days of fun and feasting on the pretty coast of Maine is a celebration of local seafood, and most importantly, the delicious lobster. In recent years, the festival has gained enough popularity to attract people from all over the world.
(Image Courtesy:Β http://2.bp.blogspot.com/)
6. Glasgow Riverside Seafood Festival
Where: Glasgow, Scotland
When: August
One of those food festivals that are just incredibly fun, the Glasgow Riverside Seafood Festival offers a whole range of other entertainment while you digest all that fish you binge-ate. Oyster shucking contests, eating competitions and live jazz, traditional and contemporary Scottish music combined with some of the bestΒ best wares of seafood local producers: smoked and fresh salmon, BBQ fish, hot and smoked mackerel, scallops and oysters make this one of those food experiences you’ll never forget.
(Image Courtesy:Β http://i3.scotlandnow.dailyrecord.co.uk/)
6. Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival
Where: Port Angeles, Washington
When: October
This festival is centred on one thing – the big, beefy Dungeness crab. If swear by crab, this is the festival for you. There’s a Central Crab Pavillion that showcases some amazing samples, dishes and crab, a crab chowder cook-off, judged by visitors and crab in nearly every single meal you eat here. There are even tanks where you can catch your own crab and get it prepared fresh!
(Images Courtesy: Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival/Facebook)
7. The Jekyll Island Shrimp And Grits
Where: Jekyll Island, Georgia
When: September
The southern states take pride in their shrimp and grits, and whether you love it or you’ve never tried it, this festival is a must-attend for any lover of seafood. It focuses on understanding seafood in all its form, with 100+ local artists, wildlife interactive demos and live music. Throw in anΒ exciting shrimp and grits cooking competition, and it becomes a seafood festival like no other.
(Image Courtesy:Β http://withasoutherntwist.com/)
8. Knysna Oyster Festival
Where: Knysna, South Africa
When: July
One of South Africa’s most popular festival, this one is unique because it attracts over 65,000 people for a 0-day bash that combines adventure sports, entertainment and oysters. There’s a popular oyster-opening competition, oyster-eating competition and the Oyster & Wine Mardi Gras, an evening tasting with the most delicious food and wine. Sports enthusiasts come for the cycling, running, kayaking and adventure races.
(Images Courtesy: Knysna Oyster Festival/Facebook)
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