Vendor Events in Cedar Key, FL

Cedar Key Seafood Festival takes place October 17-18, 2026, in downtown Cedar Key, a quiet Gulf Coast village known for fishing and waterfront charm. This annual event draws crowds with fresh local seafood, from shrimp and grouper to clams and stone crab, prepared by vendors and restaurants throughout the festival grounds. Beyond seafood, the festival features over 100 arts and crafts exhibitors selling jewelry, pottery, woodwork, paintings, soaps, and other local creations. A Saturday parade kicks off the weekend, and live music stages provide entertainment across both days. The mix of food vendors, artisans, and entertainment makes this a solid destination for both tourists and locals looking for a casual fall festival experience. The October timing captures the tail end of summer tourism while the water is still swimmable, and the seafood is at peak season. Cedar Key's small-town setting and waterfront location give the festival a laid-back character quite different from larger, inland fairs. It's a straightforward event: good food, local makers, live entertainment, and the Gulf nearby.

The Old Florida Celebration of the Arts is a nationally recognized juried fine art fair established in 1964, held on historic 2nd Street in Cedar Key on Florida's Gulf Coast. The event welcomes approximately 100 hand-selected artists showcasing paintings, sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, textiles, glass etchings, and photography to attract over 15,000 visitors annually. The event features artist demonstrations, live music organized by the Cedar Key Lions Club, and local nonprofit groups serving homemade goodies and fresh seafood in adjacent beachfront City Park. Cedar Key is a quiet island community known for its natural beauty, authentic Old Florida charm, and artist-friendly atmosphere. The festival has been recognized multiple times as one of the top small town art fairs in America.