Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Star Fish Company the Festival will move back to it’s original location on 46th Avenue between 123rd and 124th Streets.

This celebration lets you wander one of Florida’s last true working waterfronts. Come on out to learn about our fishing heritage and history while enjoying two days of live music, great food and nautical artists from around the country. This tough and tiny fishing village is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

During the festival, you can take a break from eating and dancing to check out the Florida Maritime Museum and the Cortez Cultural Center. Kids of all ages will enjoy the critters on display at the touch tanks on the loading docks at Killer Bait and everyone can feed their science side during the “Dock Talks,” put on by Florida Sea Grant. Check out the 2023 Festival lineup below.

All proceeds from the Festival benefit the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage and the FISH Preserve. This is truly a Party with a Purpose!

Entertainment Lineup for 2023

Saturday, February 18, 2023
10:00 – 11:00 am: Shanty Singers
11:30 – 1:00 pm: Doug Deming & the Jewel Tones
1:00 – 2:00 pm: Introductions & Fishermen’s Fashion Show
2:00 – 4:00 pm: Eric Von Band
4:30 – 6:00 pm: Koko Ray

Dock Talks by Florida Sea Grant go on all day at Fulford Fish House
Festival Photo Contest Gallery Show at AP Bell Fish House

Sunday, February 19, 2023
10:30 – 12:00 pm: Soupy Davis & The Band
12:00 – 12:30 pm: Fishermen’s Fashion Show
12:30 – 2:00 pm: Manatee River Blue Grass
2:30 – 4:00 pm: Karen & Jimmy Band
4:30 – 6:00 pm: Jason Haram

Dock Talks by Florida Sea Grant go on all day at Fulford Fish House
Festival Photo Contest Gallery Show at AP Bell Fish House