Orange County Seafood Festival

Orange County Seafood Festival
By Monique Reilly

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Dana Point Harbor, just steps outside the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, the bluffs provide the perfect backdrop for pescatarian indulgences, refreshing drinks, and lively entertainment. The Orange County Seafood Festival is a don’t-miss event that takes place at Dana Point’s Lantern Bay Park on Saturday, August 9th from noon to 7 p.m.

Exceptional seafood, beer, wine and music are the bill of fare at the Festival. Seafood enthusiasts will be tempted by dishes like Caribbean lobster, lobster corn dogs, spicy seared ahi, crab cake sliders, blackened snapper and grilled catfish. For those who prefer turf to surf, the Orange County Seafood Festival offers an array of non-seafood treats as well. The adventurous may decide to sample the fried blackened alligator tail or simply indulge in a menagerie of the sea’s bounty. Several local eateries will offer their signature dishes for patrons to fulfill their culinary fantaseas.

In the Wine Mixer, guests will have an opportunity to delight in a wide variety of California wines. Selections from Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, and Temecula will be represented. Additionally, the event will feature a beer festival with ice-cold craft beers to quench your thirst. Whatever your taste buds desire, an immaculate pairing of fare and spirits awaits.

Spend the day and grab a drink at the Margarita Bar while relaxing to the live musical talents of Garratt Wilkin and the Parrotheads, the ultimate Jimmy Buffett tribute band. The Parrotheads will be joined by other musicians performing Reggae, Zydeco, and Calypso music throughout the picturesque venue. An undercurrent of beach rock is certain to fill the bluff, reminiscent of the islands.

Stroll through the exhibitor village, where nearly one hundred vendors will display their artwork and share their crafts. Specialty performers will also be on hand to entertain the young and young at heart. Sneak a photo with your favorite mermaid & King Neptune and check out the sea-themed puppet shows, guaranteed to provide lots of smiles.

Admission to the Orange County Seafood Festival is free to attendees. “Big Fish” and “Perfect Wave” drink passes are available for purchase in advance of the event. Big Fish passes provide a host of VIP amenities that include unlimited beer and wine sampling, full glasses in the VIP area, a ticket for a meal at any of the food vendor areas, private restrooms, a tented VIP area with tables and chairs directly in front of main stage and more. Big Fish Passes are $95 and a limited number will be sold, so it’s recommended to purchase them early. Perfect Wave passes also offer unlimited beer and wine sampling and are just $40 in advance and $50 if purchased the day of the Festival; limited quantities are available. Please visit OCSeafoodFestival.com to purchase tickets and for more information about the Festival.

Beat the traffic and take advantage of the complimentary shuttle service. The shuttle will run between Dana Hills High School and the venue between 11:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Free parking is also available along Street of the Golden Lantern, between Del Prado Avenue and Dana Point Harbor Drive, or along Dana Point Harbor Drive. Parking may also be found on Old Golden Lantern or in downtown Dana Point with a short walk to the venue.

Patrons of the festival will be pleased to know that a portion of all drink purchases will be donated to the Dana Point 5th Marine Corp Regiment Support Group. So, don’t delay, a day of savory seafood, spirits and entertainment is right around the corner.