Cortez Fishing Festival Celebrates Seafood, History and More

One of the highlights of February is set to happen this coming weekend.

The 31st annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival in the Village of Cortez — possibly Bradenton's most popular festival — takes place Feb. 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The two-day festival is rich in local history, live music, nautical arts and crafts, children’s activities, environmental exhibits and, of course, more fresh seafood than imaginable. This year's theme is "Better Fish to Fry."

The annual event held in the village of Cortez on the Gulf Coast of Mexico regularly draws more than 25,000 attendees. Admission is $3 for adults, children under 12 are free. Food and drinks are available for purchase.  

Remote parking with shuttle service is available at G.T. Bray Park, 5502 33rd Ave. W. for $2 round trip. Shuttle service is also available from Coquina Beach on Anna Maria Island. Limited parking is available just east of the village off of Cortez Road.

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For more information about the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival and an updated event schedule, please visit http://www.cortez-fish.org/fishing-festival.html.   

2013 Entertainment Schedule

Main Stage Schedule
Saturday February 16th

10:00 – 11:30 am Passerine
11:30 – 12:00 pm Shanty Singers
12:00 – 12:15 pm Awards and Introductions
12:30 – 2:00 pm Eric von Hahmann
2:30 – 4:00 pm Soul R Coaster
4:30 – 6:00 pm Razing Cane

Sunday February 17th

10:30 – 11:30 am Soupy Davis and his Band
12:00 – 1:30 pm Eric von Hahmann
2:00 – 3:30 pm Shotgun Justice
4:00 – 5:30 pm Scott’s Garage