The 2024 Cortez Commercial
Fishing Festival
February 17-18, 2024
"It's a Way of Life"
Are you familiar with 'old' Florida?
Are you someone who can appreciate a different perspective on what’s important in life? Are you willing to spend a day amongst fishing boats, gear, fish houses and commercial fishermen? If any of this sounds intriguing, it might be a good idea for you to join us at the annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival. This two-day event is held in February every year.
Fishing Festival
February 17-18, 2024
"It's a Way of Life"
Are you familiar with 'old' Florida?
Are you someone who can appreciate a different perspective on what’s important in life? Are you willing to spend a day amongst fishing boats, gear, fish houses and commercial fishermen? If any of this sounds intriguing, it might be a good idea for you to join us at the annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival. This two-day event is held in February every year.
Thank you to our 2023 Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival Sponsors!
And what a Festival it is!
In 1981 the first event drew 500 people to this small fishing village on Florida’s central west coast. They gathered to celebrate Florida’s commercial seafood industry - its past, its present and its future.
Since then the festival has grown from a one day event to two days with an average attendance of 20,000. Considering that the entire village is less than 10 blocks, that’s a lot of visitors for the community.
Since then the festival has grown from a one day event to two days with an average attendance of 20,000. Considering that the entire village is less than 10 blocks, that’s a lot of visitors for the community.
Why do so many people attend this event?
Well, there are many reasons. The main one is that there are very few places left in Florida like Cortez. As you turn off the main road into the village it is obvious that you are stepping back in time. The houses are small cottages with collections of commercial boats and gear in the yards.
As you go two blocks down to the shoreline you discover a number of fish houses where local fishermen sell their catches. Cortez is located on the northern edge of Sarasota Bay and it might just be one of the most beautiful places on earth.
And as if that were not enough, there’s more. In addition to the aesthetics of the community there is also the spirit of its residents. The people who live in this small village are also what make it so special. They possess an appreciation of the simpler things in life, whether it be a freshly fried mullet for dinner or sitting on the front porch watching the world go by.
So How Does This Tie In With A Festival?
Just add great live music, nautical arts and crafts, children’s activities, environmental exhibits, more seafood than imaginable and, of course, beer, and you’ve got a party you won’t want to miss. You’ll also want to purchase one of the festival T-shirts which are designed each year reflecting a commercial fishing theme.
Listen to Cortez's Florida Folk Heritage Award winner, the late Julian "Goose" Culbreath play Granny Will Your Dog Bite. Goose was a regular at the Fishing Festival up until his death in 2003.
Admission - $5.00 for Adults - Children 12 under free
To find Cortez Village on a map, locate Bradenton which is about 50 miles south of Tampa. Find State Road 684, known locally as Cortez Road or 44th Avenue, and go west to the beaches.
The 2023 festival will be held on 46th Ave at the end of 123rd Street.
Remote Parking for the Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival
Every year there is a something new at the Festival. Festival goers will want to note that there is a remote parking area in west Bradenton.
PARKING: The Boy Scouts will offer on-site parking at the FISH Preserve which is located one block east of the village, off Cortez Road, for a $5 donation. Free parking on the FISH preserve for motorcycles.
Remote Park and Ride available with $3 round trip:
MCAT shuttle bus to Cortez from two locations: G.T. Bray Park (5502 33rd Ave Dr West, Bradenton 34209 -- turn east off 59th St onto 33rd Ave Drive).
SATURDAY ONLY-FREE Park and Ride will be available from the Cortez Baptist Church located at 4411 100th St W. on Cortez Road (1 1/2 miles east of the Festival).
The Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival is organized entirely by a volunteer committee of the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (F.I.S.H.), a Florida not-for-profit corporation.
Listen to Cortez's Florida Folk Heritage Award winner, the late Julian "Goose" Culbreath play Granny Will Your Dog Bite. Goose was a regular at the Fishing Festival up until his death in 2003.
Admission - $5.00 for Adults - Children 12 under free
To find Cortez Village on a map, locate Bradenton which is about 50 miles south of Tampa. Find State Road 684, known locally as Cortez Road or 44th Avenue, and go west to the beaches.
The 2023 festival will be held on 46th Ave at the end of 123rd Street.
Remote Parking for the Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival
Every year there is a something new at the Festival. Festival goers will want to note that there is a remote parking area in west Bradenton.
PARKING: The Boy Scouts will offer on-site parking at the FISH Preserve which is located one block east of the village, off Cortez Road, for a $5 donation. Free parking on the FISH preserve for motorcycles.
Remote Park and Ride available with $3 round trip:
MCAT shuttle bus to Cortez from two locations: G.T. Bray Park (5502 33rd Ave Dr West, Bradenton 34209 -- turn east off 59th St onto 33rd Ave Drive).
SATURDAY ONLY-FREE Park and Ride will be available from the Cortez Baptist Church located at 4411 100th St W. on Cortez Road (1 1/2 miles east of the Festival).
The Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival is organized entirely by a volunteer committee of the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (F.I.S.H.), a Florida not-for-profit corporation.
Please help support FISH - download a membership form below
| membership_form.pdf |
Artist and Food Vendor applications for the 2024 Festival are below.
| 2024_food_vendor_-_cover_letter_and_application[28136].pdf |
| 42nd-annual-fishing-festival-artist-application-2024.pdf |
2023 Entertainment Schedule
Be sure to visit the waterfront docks for:
Fishing For Freedom - Demonstration and interactive displays
"Dock Talks" - by Florida Sea Grant representatives
Also see the Cortez Cultural Center and The
Florida Maritime Museum: admission is free
Fishing For Freedom - Demonstration and interactive displays
"Dock Talks" - by Florida Sea Grant representatives
Also see the Cortez Cultural Center and The
Florida Maritime Museum: admission is free
