The Festival
Family Fun
The Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival celebrates our fishing heritage with a mix of great live music, nautical arts and crafts, children’s activities, environmental exhibits, delicious seafood, and, of course, cold beer! It’s a party with a purpose, since ALL proceeds benefit the FISH mission and the FISH Preserve! Fill up, Boogie down, and stroll our aisles of local artists and vendors. Visitors can bid on boats lovingly restored by the FISH Boatworks, wander one of the last true working waterfronts in the state, and immerse themselves in local history at the Cortez Cultural Center and Florida Maritime Museum.
Entertainment
Put on your dancing shoes! With two full days of live entertainment at the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, there is something for everyone! Checkout our event schedule below.
Seafood
Cortez is one of Florida’s last true working waterfronts. Sample some fresh, local seafood and “sea” what we are all about. Enjoy fresh fish, stone crab, shrimp, clams, and oysters!
Activities
The Festival attracts some of the finest nautical artists in the area. Shop, explore the Kids Zone Touch Tanks, and visit our famous “Dock Talks” to learn more about Florida fish!
Entertainment Lineup for 2025
Saturday, February 15, 2025
10:00 – 11:00 am: Shanty Singers
11:30 – 1:00 pm: Sycamore Shade
1:00 – 2:00 pm: Introduction & Fishermen’s Fashion Show
2:00 – 4:00 pm: Eric Von Band
4:30 – 6:00 pm: Karen & Jimmy Band (KJB)
‘Dock Talks’ all day at Fulford Fish House by Florida Sea Grant
Sunday, February 16, 2025
10:30 – 12:00 pm: The Music on the Porch Gang
12:30 – 2:00 pm: Soul-R-Coaster
2:30 – 4:00 pm: Jason Haram
4:30 – 5:30 pm: Eric Von
‘Dock Talks’ all day at Fulford Fish House by Florida Sea Grant
Parking
The 2025 festival will be held on 46th Ave at the end of 123rd Street.
Parking: The Boy Scouts in partnership with FISH will offer on-site parking at the Preserve which is located one block east of the village, off Cortez Road, for a $5 donation.
Off Site Parking: Available at Cortez Rd. Baptist Church (located at between 99th and 100th St. and Cortez Rd.)
Artist & Vendor Information
The Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival takes great pride in showcasing local artists and vendors who also celebrate the maritime culture and the traditional coastal vibe of Cortez. If you are a local artist or vendor who would like to participate in our 2025 Festival, please complete the application below. Potential artists and vendors must contact us at fishfestart@gmail.com.
Become A Sponsor
Support the mission of FISH and become a Festival Sponsor today! By becoming a sponsor, you are helping to preserve Florida’s maritime history. You will also receive advertising throughout the Festival which has an average of 20,000 in attendance every year! If you would like to sponsor our 2025 Festival, please view the sponsorship deck below. Potential sponsors must contact us prior to sponsoring at fishfestart@gmail.com.
Thank You to Our Festival Sponsors
