FAQ
Festival FAQs
• Your questions, answered!The Basics
When and where is the Festival?
Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at E.G. Simmons Park, 2401 19th Ave. NW, Ruskin, FL 33570.
How much is admission?
Admission is FREE! Bring the whole family and come hungry.
Where do I park? Is there a shuttle?
Park in the designated public lots, look for signs for the shuttle stops, and ride the shuttle bus to the bus drop-off, then follow Banner Row to the Festival Entrance. Accessible parking is closest to the main entrance. The Hillsborough County Parks entry fee has been covered by our generous sponsors AdventHealth Riverview and Elite Marine Dock and Seawall. The shuttle runs continuously from Festival start to Festival end, both days.
Are there restrooms? Where can I find a map?
Yes. Portable restrooms and handwashing stations are set up on the grounds. Large maps at the entrance, Kids Zone, and Food Court show the way.
Is there a sensory-friendly space?
Yes. The fenced Sensory Tent offers a kids area and an adults area. The Sensory Tent is sponsored by Easy Travel Destinations by Dream Vacations.
Food and Drinks
What is there to eat, and how do I pay?
The Food Court brings together 22 food vendors serving seafood and festival favorites, all gathered around the Main Stage and the park pavilion. Food vendors accept Seabucks only. All other vendors accept cash or credit cards.
What are Seabucks?
Seabucks are the Festival currency, sponsored by Suncoast Credit Union. Each Seabuck is worth $1 and is used at the food vendors and beer stands only. Buy them at several Seabucks booths around the park. Your change is given in Seabucks, and Seabucks are refundable. Skip the line: prepay online, then pick up your Seabucks at the Seabucks Pick-Up Booth with your payment email and ID.
Prepay online through November 15:
buy.stripe.com/3cIdRbcmagoWbE6fETgrS02Can I buy a beer?
Yes! Beer and seltzers are for sale throughout the park: near the Food Court, by the Kids Zone, and by the Oceanville Family Stage. You must be 21 or older with a valid ID to purchase alcohol. Please keep all alcohol inside the orange fence that marks the beverage area. Tips support the Greater SouthShore Chamber of Commerce.
Can I bring outside food or lawn chairs? What if it rains?
No outside food or drink is allowed, but lawn chairs are welcome! The Festival is rain or shine.
Music, Kids, and Fun
Who is playing on the Main Stage?
Live music fills the Bobby Howard Memorial Main Stage both days. Saturday kicks off at 10 a.m. with the Opening Ceremonies, Tribute to Our Heroes, presented with Meals on Wheels Tampa. Sunday morning opens with a Sea Glass Church service. Scheduled artists include J Lowery Steel Drums, Josh Bidwell, Randy McNeeley, Iruption Reggae, and Emma Christine. See the full Main Stage lineup on the Festival website, ruskinseafoodfest.org.
What is the Oceanville Family Stage?
A family-friendly stage in the Kids Zone featuring youth and family performers, coordinated by Music Creativity Lab. See the full Oceanville Family Stage lineup on the Festival website, ruskinseafoodfest.org.
Community Mascot Scavenger Hunt
Meet seven brand-new Community Mascots, one for each SouthShore community. Together we are one South Shore!
Showtown LeoGibsonton
Mira the ManateeApollo Beach
Roma the TomatoRuskin
Chip the GolferSun City Center
Casey the CraneWimauma
Blossom the OrangeBalm
Flicker the OtterSouth Riverview
How to play
- 1Pick up a score sheet at the Chamber Marketing Tent.
- 2Find all 25 mascot stops around the Festival grounds.
- 3Write down the code word at each stop.
- 4Return your completed card to the Marketing Tent.
While you are at the Marketing Tent: meet the mascots, learn each community’s story, and order mascot T-shirts, hats, tank tops, and koozies, heat-pressed on site by B5.
Bonus stop 26: Snap a selfie with the mascots and share it with #WeAreSouthShore and #GreaterSouthShoreChamber. A parent or guardian checks the consent box for photos that include children under 13.
Prize drawing late Sunday on stage and on Facebook Live. You do not need to be present to win!
What is there for kids?
Plenty! The Kids Zone is a fun area with bounce houses, a rock wall, face painting, and a bungee jump, plus the Oceanville Family Stage and the Little Guppies Zone with Bay Area Veterinary Care. Kids Zone friends include SmileLYNN Pediatric Dentistry and Kids R Kids. Kids activity prices: wristband with unlimited bounce house, $10; rock wall, $5; bungee, $10.
Is there a car show?
Yes, on Sunday only! Classic and specialty vehicles are on display in the Car Show area just inside the Festival Entrance.
What is the VIP Tent?
The VIP Tent, co-sponsored by Sunset Grill and TECO (Tampa Electric), is a hospitality lounge with seating and a view of the Main Stage. The VIP area is for sponsors only.
What can I shop for?
More than 100 vendors and partners are registered, including arts and crafts, local businesses, and nonprofits. Grab a free Elite Marine Dock and Seawall tote bag at the entrance.
Good to Know
Can I bring my dog?
Yes! Dogs are welcome and must be on a leash. Visit the Bark Yard, and find pet water bowls and a pet rest area next to the Bay Area Veterinary Care booth in the Kids Zone.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Please do not count on Festival Wi-Fi. Plan to use your own mobile data, and know that cell service at the waterfront park can be spotty when crowds are big.
Who can help if I need first aid or get separated from my group?
Go to the Chamber Booth for first aid and lost children. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies are also on site each Festival day, and Festival volunteers are there to help.
Get Involved
How can I volunteer?
Join the Festival Team! Teens and adults are welcome, and families too. To volunteer, contact the Chamber office at accounts@southshorechamberofcommerce.org. Choose Friday, November 13 (setup), Saturday, and/or Sunday, and a half day (about four hours) or a full day. Preparation Pizza Party: Wednesday, November 4, 2026, 6 to 7 p.m., Firehouse Cultural Center, 101 1st Ave NE.
How do I become a vendor?
We are full! The Festival is closed to all new vendors. Thank you to every vendor joining us this year.
How can my business become a sponsor?
We would love to have you! Call the Chamber at 813-645-1366. Thank you to presenting sponsor Christopher Ligori & Associates, every sponsor, every Chamber Member, and our whole Chamber Family!
Where can I learn more?
Call the Chamber at 813-645-1366 or visit www.southshorechamberofcommerce.org. Follow the Festival on Facebook and tag #WeAreSouthShore and #GreaterSouthShoreChamber.