Each spring, Fernandina Beach, Florida transforms into a vibrant celebration of seafood, small-town charm, and maritime heritage during the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. What began as a local idea in the 1960s has grown into one of the Southeast’s most beloved festivals—drawing visitors from around the country to Amelia Island’s historic downtown.
It Started With An Idea!
The festival owes its beginnings to Dee Dee Bartels, a local shrimp boat captain and community advocate who helped plant the seed for what would become a signature celebration. Bartels, deeply connected to the shrimping industry, proposed the idea of shrimp boat races to showcase and honor the hardworking shrimpers of Fernandina Beach. Her enthusiasm helped rally support for what would become an annual tradition.
A Rich History
First held in 1964, the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival was created to recognize Fernandina’s central role in the U.S. shrimping industry. The town had already earned a reputation as the "Birthplace of the Modern Shrimping Industry", thanks to immigrant families who introduced trawl nets and advanced techniques that changed shrimping nationwide.
The festival's name comes from Fernandina Beach’s one-of-a-kind history as the only U.S. city to have been under the rule of eight different national flags: France, Spain, Great Britain, the Patriots of Amelia Island, the Green Cross of Florida, Mexico, the Confederate States, and the United States.
Festival Highlights
What started as a local celebration has evolved into a massive, multi-day event packed with coastal charm. The Shrimp Festival takes place annually on the first weekend in May, transforming downtown Fernandina into a hub of food, music, art, and fun.
Key attractions include:
- Dozens of food booths serving shrimp every way imaginable—from fried and grilled to spicy and Southern-style.
- A Shrimp Boat Parade and Blessing of the Fleet, honoring the men and women who work the waters.
- The Pirate Parade and “Invasion” by the Fernandina Pirates Club, bringing a swashbuckling twist to the festivities.
- Live music on multiple stages, featuring local bands and regional acts.
- Over 300 arts and crafts vendors, plus antique booths that line the streets of the historic district.
- Fireworks over the Amelia River on Friday night.
- A Kids' Fun Zone with games, rides, and family activities.
More Than Just Shrimp
The festival has become a celebration of all things Fernandina Beach—from its shrimping heritage to its quirky pirate spirit. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the unique mix of history, community, and coastal culture that makes the event feel both timeless and exciting year after year.
Whether you come for the food, the boats, or the buccaneers, the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival is a can’t-miss tradition that captures the heart of Fernandina Beach.
Historical context and festival details adapted from official sources including the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival website, Amelia Island tourism materials, and Florida historical archives. Special thanks to local historians and community members who have preserved Fernandina Beach's rich shrimping heritage.