2016 Sponge Docks Seafood Festival: What To Know Before You Go

TARPON SPRINGS, FL – While Tarpon Springs may be famous for its sponges, its food may be a close second.

The Tarpon Springs Merchants Association will host its 29th annual Sponge Docks Seafood Festival beginning Friday, Nov. 11 and will run throughout the weekend. Aside from a wide range of seafood choices, the event will feature nautical- and fishing-related vendors, plus an arts and crafts show.

Here’s what area residents need to know before you go to the 2016 Sponge Docks Seafood Festival:

Dates and Times

The 2016 Sponge Docks Seafood Festival takes place on Friday, Nov. 11 from noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location

The festival takes place around the historic Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs. For GPS purposes, the event is located at 615 Hope Street.

Parking and Shuttle Service

Limited free parking is available around the Sponge Docks area. However, this will be the first year the festival will feature complimentary remote parking and shuttle service from Dog Splash Park, 508 Live Oak St. Shuttle times are 5 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, 2 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday and 2 to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Admission and Tickets

Admission to the 2016 Sponge Docks Seafood Festival is free. According to the Guy Harvey Outpost travel blog, food tickets are $5 for light bites and up to $30 for full-course meals.

Entertainment Lineup

The live music lineup for the 2016 Sponge Docks Seafood Festival is:

Friday

• Noon to 3 p.m.: DJ Steve-O, Tampa Bay Sound and Production
• 3 to 5 p.m.: Silver and Rust
• 6 to 9 p.m.: Jeriko Turnpike

Saturday

• 10 a.m. to noon: DJ Steve-O, Tampa Bay Sound and Production
• Noon to 2 p.m.: Jades and Kirby Duo
• 3 to 5 p.m.: Joel and Dakota
• 6 to 9 p.m.: Salt Water Cowboys

Sunday

• 10 to 11 a.m.: DJ Steve-O, Tampa Bay Sound and Production
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: The Paul Anthony Band
• 1:30 to 5 p.m.: Cozmic Cowboyz

Other Vendors

Aside from the local and national food vendors, the Sponge Docks Seafood Festival will also feature numerous other retail vendors and an arts and crafts show.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/SpongeDocksSeafood.

Image via Nick Ledford, Flickr, used under Creative Commons