Seafest

Seafest is a name used by multiple coastal communities for annual festivals that celebrate maritime culture, fisheries, and coastal life. While the specifics vary by locale, Seafest events typically combine seafood markets, cooking demonstrations, boat or harbor tours, nautical displays, live music, and family-friendly activities. Many programs also include environmental education and efforts to promote sustainable fisheries. Organizers range from city governments and tourism boards to chambers of commerce and local fishing associations, and the festival is commonly held over a weekend in the summer or early autumn.

Although there is no single governing body for Seafest, most editions share a focus on local heritage, seafood cuisine, and maritime skills such as knot-tying, net-weaving, or shipbuilding demonstrations. Economic impact often includes an uptick in hospitality revenues and opportunities for small businesses, artisans, and farmers.

History and variations: The Seafest concept originated independently in several coastal regions during the 20th century as communities sought to attract visitors and showcase regional seafood and crafts. Today, many municipalities adopt the Seafest branding for their harbor festivals, sometimes coexisting with similarly named events such as Sea Festival or SeaFest in neighboring areas.

See also: maritime festival, seafood festival, harbor festival.

Note that this is a general overview; actual Seafest events are organized locally.