By LOIS KINDLE
lekindle@aol.com
South Shore's most popular outdoor event, the Ruskin Seafood Festival, returns Nov. 14-15 for its 36th year, serving up fresh seafood, live entertainment, shopping and family-friendly fun along the shores of Tampa Bay.
Organized by the Greater SouthShore Chamber of Commerce, and presented by Christopher Ligori & Associates, the region’s signature celebration will be held at E.G. Simmons Park, 2401 19th Ave. NW, Ruskin, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Festival goers browse the wide array of food options during a previous year’s Ruskin Seafood Festival. While seafood is the star attraction, the event offers lots of other festival favorites.
Thanks to AdventHealth Riverview and Elite Marine Docks & Seawall, the county park’s gate entry is free. Admission to the festival, parking and shuttle service are free, as well.
The event features more than 120 food, arts and crafts, business and nonprofit vendors, live entertainment, a Sunday car show, children’s activities and lots more.
“We’re so excited,” said Bonnie Peacock, the chamber’s executive director. “Come relax by the water, grab a tasty morsel or get an early start on your holiday shopping. There's truly something for everyone!”
As the name implies, seafood is the featured attraction, but there are plenty of other choices for those who want them. In addition to a wide variety of fish, shellfish and other fruits of the sea, visitors will find wings, barbeque, burgers, hot dogs, subs, pizza, tacos, sweet treats and more.
This year, visitors have the opportunity to purchase their Seabucks — the festival’s only currency for food and beverage sales — by prepaying online by Nov. 13 at www.ruskinseafoodfest.org and then picking them up just outside the entrance gate when they arrive.
Otherwise, Seabucks may be purchased at three designated tents throughout the park. Cash and credit cards are accepted by other vendors.
Little Connie Burnes and her Dexter calf, Honeybell, will represent the Maggie’s Farm exhibit this year. Visitors are invited to stop by to meet them and snap a photo.
The event's free continuous entertainment lineup on the Bobby Howard Main Stage includes opening ceremonies and a tribute to local heroes, Saturday, presented by Meals on Wheels Tampa, plus live music by the JLowery Steel Drum Band, Josh Bidwell, Randy McNeeley and I-Ruption Reggae.
Sunday's schedule begins with a Seaglass Church service at 9:30 a.m. and continues with entertainment by the JLowery Steel Drum Band, Emma Christine, Josh
Bidwell and Randy McNeeley. Appearance times are available at www.ruskinseafoodfest.org or on the Ruskin Seafood Festival 2026 Facebook page.
Families will find plenty to do in the Kids Zone, sponsored by SmileLynn Pediatric Dentistry, where rock climbing, bungee jumping, face painting and bounce houses are available for purchase. Free activities include the Firehouse Cultural Center Arts and Crafts tent; entertainment on the Oceanville Family Stage; the shaded Beacon Animal Hospital Bark Yard; and photo opportunities with Maggie’s Farm’s Little Connie Burnes and her Dexter calf, Honeybell.
Be sure to check out the festival's new Scavenger Hunt, featuring seven mascot characters representing South Shore communities: Leo, the Lion, Gibsonton; Mira, the Manatee, Apollo Beach; Chip, the Turtle, Sun City Center; Roma, the Tomato, Ruskin; Casey, the Crane, Wimauma; Blossom the Orange, Balm; and Flicker, the Otter, Riverview. Festivalgoers who spot the mascots throughout the park and complete the hunt will be entered for a chance to win a giant chamber-sponsored swag bag.
“We’re grateful to the more than two dozen local businesses and organizations, 30 committee members and dozens of volunteers whose support is making the festival possible,” Peacock said.
“So bring your family and friends along for a full day of fun activities, fresh air and Florida sunshine.”
Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome.
The chamber is still looking for teens who want to earn Bright Futures volunteer hours. For more information on that or the festival itself, visit www.ruskinseafoodfest.org or call 813-645-1366.