Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival
If your travel plans have you heading to Amelia Island this May, you’ll be right on time to attend the always popular Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival! An ideal experience for the entire family, this gathering is always as flavorful as it is fun for everyone. Stop by for a single day festival experience or stick around for the entire celebration when you’re spending time in Florida this year.
Event Details
The Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival is one you don’t want to miss. To enjoy the festivities this year, keep the following essentials in mind:
- Date & Time: 2026 Dates TBD
- Location: Historic downtown Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island.
- Time: Various events are hosted during this festival, see FAQ details for more info!
- Age Range: Family-friendly, everyone is invited.
- Cost: This is a free-to-attend event open to the public.
Planning Your Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival Visit
In 2026, the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival will celebrate its 61th anniversary which means there’s even more fun and entertainment to look forward to enjoying. This festival has long celebrated the area’s rich shrimping heritage and is named for the unique fact that throughout history, the region has flown under eight different flags! When you attend, you can look forward to trying delicious shrimp-based dishes of all kinds as well as attending a fine arts and craft show featuring the work of no less than 300 talented artisans. There are vendor booths to check out, live music to enjoy, a kid’s zone to explore, fireworks displays, a parade, and a Miss Shrimp Festival pageant built into the lineup too.
When is the festival parade held?
The Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival will kick off May 1, 2025, at 6:00 pm, and this year’s theme will be “Diamonds are a Shrimp’s Best Friend.”
Where will entertainment be hosted during the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival on May 2?
Opening ceremonies are at 5:30 pm at the Riverfront Stage on May 2, followed by the Miss Shrimp Festival pageant at 6:00 pm. Mandall Music kicks off at 7:45 pm, and the Invasion of Pirates experience is at 9:15 pm. The opening night fireworks show starts at 9:30 pm.
What events are on the agenda for the last day of the festival?
The final day of the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival will include performances by Tony Merz & Jim Geiger as well as the Bean School of Dance. The final day of fun also includes a decorated shrimp boat parade and contest, followed by an official blessing of the fleet. The Honey Badgers take to the stage at 2:00 pm, followed by an ice cream eating contest and shrimp boat awards ceremony. The festival closes out with performances by the Swingin’ Medallions.
Book Your Amelia Island Stay Today
Whether you’re in town to enjoy the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, or you’re visiting another time of year, booking your stay at The Addison on Amelia Island ensures comfort, luxury, and exceptional style are built into the experience. Reach out today to learn more and to begin turning your Amelia Island getaway plans into reality soon!