Your Guide to the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival
The Shrimp Festival Returns to Amelia Island
Photo Credit: AM FL on unsplash.
Downtown Fernandina Beach will soon be buzzing with excitement as over 130,000 people return to Centre Street for a weekend of entertainment, live music, family friendly activities, and – best of all – shrimp.
Fernandina Beach is set to host the 59th annual Isle of 8 Flags Shrimp Festival over the first weekend of May. It was originally called the “Shrimp Boat Festival,” and it celebrated and honored the shrimping industry. It also featured shrimp boat races. The festival has become a pillar of the community since it began in 1963, and this is reflected by the expansion of entertainment and attractions at the Shrimp Festival. These are just some of events that the staff at Timothi’s has enjoyed over the years.
Photo Credit: Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival on Facebook.
Shrimp Festival Parade
The Shrimp Festival Parade is the prelude to the Shrimp Festival. It is held the day before the festival begins, in all kinds of weather. Rain or shine, the parade will go on.
When: Thursday, May 2, 2024, at 6 PM.
Where: Downtown Fernandina Beach
Photo Credit: Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash.
27th Annual Shrimp Run
Start your day off by participating in the Shrimp Run. If this event sounds intimidating, don’t worry–it’s not. This event is family-friendly and welcoming to everyone, regardless of fitness level. There are two events for the Shrimp Run: a 5K Walk/Run and a 1 mile Katie Caples Youth Run.
Running in the Shrimp Run starts your day with a boost of energy, a hungry appetite, and the desire to explore what the Shrimp Festival has to offer. Go to the Food Festival to taste delicious Shrimp-inspired dishes. Stop by the Arts & Crafts and Vintage/Antiques Shows to appreciate the artware and items that can’t be found elsewhere. The Shrimp Festival has all of this, and more.
The 27th Annual Shrimp Run is sponsored by the McArthur Family YMCA.
When: Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 8 AM.
Where: Main Beach
Photo Credit: Fernandina Pirate Club on Facebook.
Decorated Shrimp Boat Contest
The coastal breeze of the Amelia River is inescapable as one walks around the docks of Fernandina Beach. Light, chilly, and ultimately relaxing in the Florida heat.
Every year, the Decorated Shrimp Boat Contest is judged under a different theme. This year, the theme is “Peace, Love, and Shrimping (a salute to shrimping in the 60s).”
The contest will begin at 1:15 PM. The Blessing of the Fleet will occur at 1:30 PM. Awards for the Decorated Shrimp Boat Contest will be presented at 3:30 PM.
When: Sunday, May 5, 2024, at 1:15 PM.
Where: Riverfront Stage
Photo Credit: From the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival-fun-zone/.
Kids Fun Zone
This Kids Fun Zone provides family friendly activities and interactive entertainment. These activities are spread out across the entire weekend.
Where: The library parking lot of the Fernandina Beach Public Library. The address for the library is 24 N 4th St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.
Friday, May 3, 2024: In the Kids Fun Zone, families will be able to participate in free activities and interactive entertainment. Kids will be able to enjoy Rick Hubbard’s Kazoobie Kazoo show and JungleSTUFF with Ben Mathews.
When: 5 PM to 10 PM.
Saturday, May 4, 2024:
At 10:00 AM, there will be pirate contests for different ages:
The Pirates in Training Contest is for children up to the age of 5.
The Little Pirates Contest is for children between the ages of 6 to 11.
The Junior Pirates Contest is for children between the ages of 12 to 17.
At 11:00 AM, the Bean School of Dance will host a free dance session.
From 1:00 to 2:30 PM, children will be able to interact and take pictures with stormtroopers from the Star Wars franchise. The 501st Legion of the Florida Garrison, a fan-run organization that creates authentic replicas of costumes from the Star Wars franchise, will be visiting to bring joy to families to the nearby galaxy of Fernandina Beach.
Would your kiddo rather travel the high seas than through the galaxy? Learn how to become a pirate with the Fernandina Pirates Club at 2:30PM.
Additional options for interactive entertainment include Rick Hubbard’s Kazoobie Kazoo show, JungleSTUFF with Ben Mathews and the Gatorland Wildlife Show.
When: 9 AM to 8 PM.
Sunday, May 4, 2024:
At 11:00 AM, Pak’s Karate Academy will host a free karate session.
From 1:00 to 2:30 PM, children will be able to interact and take pictures with stormtroopers. The 501st Legion of the Florida Garrison will be visiting to bring joy to families to the nearby galaxy of Fernandina Beach. May the 4th be with you!
At 3:30 PM, the Fernandina Pirates Club will host an event that teaches children about how to become a pirate.
Options for interactive entertainment include Rick Hubbard’s Kazoobie Kazoo show, and JungleSTUFF with Ben Mathews.
Parents should contact kidszone@shrimpfestival.com if they have any additional questions and requests for information.
Fuel Up for the Shrimp Festival at Timothi’s!
The Shrimp Festival highlights what Fernandina Beach has to offer– there’s something for everyone to enjoy along Main Street. Timothi’s is within walking distance of the Shrimp Festival. Stop by from 11AM-8PM on Friday and Saturday, and from 11AM-3PM on Sunday for a delicious meal!