October is National Seafood Month in the United States, spotlighted by NOAA to honor sustainable fisheries, coastal economies, and the health benefits of eating seafood. In Miami Beach, that celebration comes to life at the South Beach Seafood Festival, a four-day series on Ocean Drive that culminates at Lummus Park. If youâre planning where to eat before or after, Havana 1957 is steps away on Ocean Drive and nearby Española Way, with Cuban seafood favorites like camarones enchilados, griddled fish, and Cuban-style paella to keep the theme going.
What, When & Where: South Beach Seafood Festival 2025
Launched in 2013 as a stone crab season kickoff on the sands of South Beach, the festival has grown into a four-day culinary series that now welcomes 15,000+ guests and spans multiple blocks along Lummus Park on Ocean Drive. This year marks the 13th annual edition, running October 22â25, 2025. The week builds to two marquee events: Fridayâs VIP Chef Showdown and Saturdayâs main day celebrationârebranded in 2025 as âSeafood Slam / Best of the Festââstaged right on the beach at 1130 Ocean Dr. with programming beginning in the early afternoon. In short: a four-day celebration right on Ocean Drive, steps from the beach.
Why Havana 1957 Works Before or After the Festival
Youâre already on Ocean Drive, so keep logistics simple and step into a setting that captures the spirit of Havanaâs golden era. Havana 1957 blends vintage dĂ©cor, warm service, classic Cuban cocktails, and open-air patios, making it an easy meet-up before you enter the festival or a relaxed spot to unwind afterward. The vibe is lively but comfortable, with indoor and terrace seating, flexible pacing on busy event days, and a location that keeps you within a short walk of Lummus Park. If youâre coordinating with friends, itâs the kind of place where the host can seat you with a street view or a quieter table as space allowsâso the transition from sand to table (and back) stays effortless.
- Ocean Drive (1410): Central Strip location, easy for a before/after festival stop.
- Ocean Drive (940): Also on the boulevard, just down the road, ideal for groups meeting along the beach.
- Española Way (405): A few blocks inland with a cozy, historic vibe. Good if youâd like a break from the beach scene.
Celebrate with Cuban Seafood, Festival-Friendly
The menu offers a variety of dishes, but these Cuban seafood favorites are the crowd-pleasers for a festival day, easy to enjoy before or after the beach.
Camarones Enchilados (Shrimp in Criolla Sauce). A Havana 1957 staple: shrimp stewed with peppers and onions in the house criolla sauce, typically served with white rice and sweet plantainsâcomforting, saucy, and not too heavy for a beach day. If you like garlic, Camarones al Ajillo (garlic, olive oil, white wine) is a clean, bright alternative.
Griddled Fish / Grilled Salmon. For something leaner, look at Griddled Fish (local filet, often served with butternut squash purĂ©e and your choice of sides) or Grilled Salmon with a cachucha pepper romesco and basil oil. Both pair well with a side salad or rice and are easy to pace if youâre headed back to the festival.
Seafood Stew. Half Florida lobster tail stewed with shrimp in house criollaâa celebratory plate if youâre making the meal your âafter-festivalâ dinner.
Grilled Florida Lobster / Surf & Turf. If youâre marking Seafood Month with a splurge, the Grilled Florida Lobster (often paired with tiger shrimp) or the 1957 Surf & Turf elevate the momentâand work nicely with a crisp white or a classic mojito.
Festival Tips
- Timing: The 2025 schedule runs WedâSat (Oct 22â25), with the VIP Chef Showdown on Friday at Lummus Park and the Saturday festival on the sand. Tickets and start times vary by event; Saturdayâs festival day typically begins early afternoon.
- Location: Main festival activities are right on Ocean Drive at Lummus Park, with beach entrances posted by the organizer; recent listings highlight entry around 13th & Ocean Dr. for Saturday.
- Logistics: Expect crowds and plan your meals nearby. If youâd like a guaranteed table before or after, book here .
Where to Sit: Ocean Drive vs. Española Way
If you want to stay in the festival flow, choose Ocean drive youâre steps from the sand and can quickly go back to the events. If youâd rather change the pace, Española Way gives you a charming, historic street scene that still sits just a few minutes from Ocean Drive. Both locations offer indoor and outdoor seating and the full Havana 1957 vibe, from vintage dĂ©cor to classic Cuban cocktails.
Plan Your Seafood Month Meal
Make the most of Miamiâs Seafood Month and the South Beach Seafood Festivalâeat well, stay close, and keep the day easy. Browse the seafood selections at Ocean drive or Española Way , then secure your time and reserve now here!
Whether youâre grabbing a light griddled fish before the gates or celebrating afterward with camarones enchilados or a seafood stew, Havana 1957 puts you right where you want to be: on Ocean Drive, near the festival, and in the heart of Miami Beach.