NJ Seafood Festival
The Jersey Shore's largest free seafood festival drew big crowds to Belmar for its 36th year, May 15–17, 2026. Get the recap, the 2027 outlook, and what's happening in Belmar the rest of summer.
- DateMay 15–17, 2026 (completed — 2027 TBA)
- VenueSilver Lake Park, Belmar
Book Your Stay
Summer weekends in Belmar book early
★4.7+ avg rating • Free cancellation
Festival at a Glance
May 15-17
2026 Dates (completed)
30+
Food Vendors
FREE
Admission
40,000+
Annual Visitors
The 2026 festival has wrapped. 2027 dates have not been announced — expect mid-May. Sign up below and we'll email you when they're official.
About the Festival
The New Jersey Seafood Festival has been a Jersey Shore tradition since 1990, drawing over 40,000 visitors to Belmar each May. What started as a small community event has grown into the region's largest annual celebration of Jersey Shore seafood and maritime heritage.
Set against the scenic backdrop of Silver Lake, the festival brings together local fishermen, restaurants, and food vendors to showcase the best of what New Jersey waters have to offer. From classic lobster rolls to creative seafood dishes, there's something for every palate.
The 36th annual festival wrapped up May 17, 2026 after three days of sunshine, seafood, and live music at Silver Lake Park. If you missed it, the good news is that Belmar is just getting started — the borough's free summer event calendar runs straight through Labor Day.
Missed the Festival? What's Happening in Belmar This Summer
Friday Night Concert Series
Free live music every Friday from 6–9 PM at Pyanoe Plaza on Main Street, running from late May through September 1. Grab dinner downtown, catch the band, and walk to the beach for sunset — the classic Belmar summer evening.
More Jersey Shore concerts →Belmar Fireworks — July 5
Heads up: Belmar fires its Independence Day fireworks on July 5, not July 4 — from 8–9 PM at Taylor Pavilion on the beachfront. It's a smart two-night strategy: catch a July 4 show elsewhere on the shore, then Belmar's the next evening.
Belmar July 4th weekend guide →What the Festival Offers
Fresh Seafood
Over 30 vendors serve the freshest Jersey Shore seafood - from lobster rolls and crab cakes to clam chowder and fried clams. Local fishing boats supply much of the catch.
Live Music
Two stages feature live entertainment all weekend with local and regional bands playing rock, blues, and beach music favorites.
Craft Beer Garden
Sample craft beers from New Jersey breweries in the dedicated beer garden. Local wineries and hard seltzers also available.
Family Fun
Kids zone with games and activities, plus plenty of non-seafood options for picky eaters. The waterfront setting makes it a beautiful day out.
Must-Try Dishes
Lobster Roll
$18-25Maine-style or Connecticut-style - both are festival favorites
Maryland Crab Cakes
$15-20Jumbo lump crab with minimal filler, served with remoulade
Clam Chowder
$8-12New England style creamy chowder loaded with fresh clams
Fried Clam Strips
$12-15Crispy golden strips with tartar sauce
Fish Tacos
$12-16Fresh catch with slaw, lime crema, and salsa
Raw Oysters
$15-20/dozenFresh-shucked with mignonette and cocktail sauce
Getting There
NJ Transit Train
Take the North Jersey Coast Line to Belmar station. Silver Lake Park is a 10-minute walk. Best option to avoid parking and enjoy the beer garden.
Driving & Parking
Municipal lots on Ocean Avenue and 10th Avenue. Metered street parking also available. Arrive early on Saturday as lots fill by noon.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft drop-off on 5th Avenue. Convenient option for groups planning to sample the beer garden.
Distance from Major Cities
Where to Stay
The Inn at the Shore
Boutique Inn
Victorian bed & breakfast in nearby Belmar. Walking distance to the festival and beach.
Spring Lake Inns
Bed & Breakfasts
Charming B&Bs in upscale Spring Lake, just one town south. Beautiful beaches and downtown.
Ocean Grove Hotels
Historic Hotels
Unique Victorian town just north of Asbury Park with several historic hotels and inns.
Vacation Rentals
VRBO/Airbnb
Beach houses and apartments in Belmar and surrounding shore towns. Great for groups.
Pro tip: May is shoulder season, so rates are more reasonable than peak summer. Book early for the best selection.
Book a Vacation Rental
Beach houses & condos near Belmar
Belmar and nearby shore towns have great beach houses perfect for a summer weekend getaway — or for locking in next May's festival stay early.
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Book a Belmar Summer Weekend
Make it a weekend! Stay in Belmar or nearby shore towns for the Friday night concerts, the beach, and the July 5 fireworks.
Book Your Stay
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Peak-season Belmar weekends book fast
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Nearest airport: Newark Liberty International (EWR)
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Tips for Attending
Arrive Early Saturday
Saturday afternoon is the busiest time. Arrive when gates open at 11am for shorter lines and best selection.
Take the Train
NJ Transit stops at Belmar station, a short walk to Silver Lake Park. Avoids parking hassles and lets you enjoy the beer garden.
Bring Cash
While many vendors take cards, cash lines move faster. ATMs on site often have long waits.
Share with Friends
Portions are generous. Come with a group so you can sample more dishes from different vendors.
Explore Belmar
Walk to the beach and boardwalk after eating. It's just a few blocks from Silver Lake Park.
Check the Weather
The festival runs rain or shine, but bad weather thins crowds. Bring layers for cool May evenings.
More Jersey Shore Food Experiences
Shore dining tours, culinary tastings, and waterfront experiences — free cancellation on most bookings
Get the 2027 Festival Dates First
2027 NJ Seafood Festival dates haven't been announced yet. Join the list and we'll email you when they are — plus Belmar event picks all summer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was the NJ Seafood Festival 2026?
The 36th Annual New Jersey Seafood Festival took place May 15-17, 2026 at Silver Lake Park in Belmar. The 2026 edition has concluded.
When is the NJ Seafood Festival 2027?
2027 dates have not been announced yet. The festival is traditionally held the third weekend in May, so expect mid-May 2027. Check belmar.com or join our newsletter for the official announcement.
Is the NJ Seafood Festival free?
Yes, admission to the NJ Seafood Festival is completely free. You only pay for food, drinks, and any activities you choose to enjoy.
What kind of seafood is served at the festival?
Over 30 vendors serve fresh Jersey Shore seafood including lobster rolls, crab cakes, clam chowder, fried clams, shrimp, fish tacos, oysters, and more. Vegetarian and non-seafood options are also available.
Is the NJ Seafood Festival family-friendly?
Yes, the festival is a family-friendly event with activities for all ages. There's a kids zone with games and activities, and plenty of food options for picky eaters.
Is there parking at the NJ Seafood Festival?
Parking is available in municipal lots along Ocean Avenue and downtown Belmar. The festival is also accessible by NJ Transit train - Belmar station is a short walk to Silver Lake Park.
Can I bring my own food or drinks?
No outside food or beverages are permitted. The festival features 30+ food vendors and a craft beer garden with local breweries.
Other Food & Drink Events
More in Belmar
Turning the festival into a full Shore trip? Our Belmar guide covers beaches, parking, and things to do — plus where to stay and eat while you're in town.
Stay near Silver Lake Park