Top Food Festivals & Dining Events in Naples, Marco Island and the Eve
Top Food Festivals & Dining Events in Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades
No matter when you’re planning a trip to Florida’s Paradise Coast, there's a seat at the table for those who appreciate exceptional meals and a good reason to raise a glass. From waterfront seafood festivals to restaurant weeks with a cause, these signature dining events bring visitors closer to the flavors that define the region—and serve up a great bite along the way.
If you’re planning a trip to Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades, here are four annual culinary experiences you might want to build your itinerary around.
Sizzle Dining: Southwest Florida’s Premier Restaurant Event
Every September, Florida's Paradise Coast participates in Sizzle Dining, a four-week event that brings together over 100 top restaurants in Southwest Florida—all for a delicious cause. Diners can enjoy specially curated three-course dinners and two-course lunches at discounted, fixed prices, making it easy (and tasty!) to support local businesses.
Once the event goes live, all you have to do to participate is browse menus at SizzleDining.org, choose your must-try meals, and make reservations directly with each restaurant. For example, popular choices include New American cuisine at Bicyclette Cookshop, Mediterranean-style foods at Del Mar Naples, or fresh seafood dishes at Sea Salt.
And here's the best part: For every Sizzle Dining meal purchased, $1 will be donated by the restaurant to help supplement Blessings in a Backpack of Southwest Florida, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides weekend meals to food-insecure elementary students during the school year.
In the past three years, Sizzle Dining participating restaurants have raised $91,078 for Blessings in a Backpack SWFL, providing over 25,000 hunger-free weekends to children. That’s more than 100,000 meals—and it all started with visitors like you simply choosing where to eat.
The Stone Crab Festival: Celebrate the Start of Stone Crab Season
Each October, Naples marks the official start of stone crab season with a festival honoring one of Florida’s most sought-after delicacies. Centered around the waterfront and Tin City, the Stone Crab Festival combines live music, chef showcases, and plenty of crab claws served cracking-fresh.
The festivities kick off Friday night with live music and the ceremonial cracking of the first claw. Over the weekend, visitors can explore dozens of booths, try seafood from local restaurants, and check out live performances from bands like Soapy Tuna and The Dazzling Delrays.
Beyond tasting famous stone crab claws, this event gives travelers a reason to wander Naples’ historic waterfront, where local shops, galleries, and charter boats create a uniquely coastal mix of things to do.
USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience: A One-Day Culinary Adventure
Wine lovers and foodies won’t want to miss this national event series when it stops in Naples each November. Held at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex, the USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience brings together local chefs, rising talent, and renowned culinary figures for an afternoon of tastings, demonstrations, and pairings.
Sample bites from Naples-area restaurants, sip wines from celebrated producers, and watch live cooking demos all under one ticket. Early Admission grants you an extra hour to explore—and trust us, you’ll want the extra time.
This event is an ideal way to get to know the dining scene while enjoying a casual yet elevated afternoon. Ready to plan your visit? Get your tickets for the USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience in Naples here.
The Everglades Seafood Festival: A Stone Crab Capital Tradition
If your trip falls in February, make your way to Everglades City for a three-day celebration of seafood, music, and community. Now in its 56th year, the Everglades Seafood Festival highlights regional catches and cooking traditions, from fried gator to stone crab claws.
Hosted by the Florida Stone Crabbers Association, the festival features live country music, carnival rides, craft booths, and cooking contests. Admission is donation-based, with canned food accepted Friday evening and a minimum $10 donation required on Saturday and Sunday.
It’s one of the few events where you can enjoy local seafood with the people who catch it. Don’t expect fine china or white tablecloths—expect authenticity, flavor, and a genuine community gathering that supports a proud fishing heritage.
Planning Your Culinary Itinerary
From community seafood festivals to large-scale tasting events, Florida’s Paradise Coast offers food lovers a reason to visit in every season. Consider planning your next trip around one of these food-focused happenings, and let the flavors of Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades guide your plans. For those who travel with their appetite, ONLY Paradise will do.