TIDAL Seafood Festival returns to San Remo this September

THE highly anticipated TIDAL Seafood Festival is set to transform the scenic San Remo Foreshore Reserve from September 18 to 20 into a jam-packed weekend of culinary delights, rich maritime history, and vibrant community entertainment.

Celebrating the region's commercial fishing roots and exceptional local dining scene, this year’s festival promises to be the largest and most immersive to date.

Gastronomic enthusiasts can kick off the festivities in style at an exclusive opening evening Festival Cocktail Night on Friday September 18. Alongside this spectacular launch, organisers have unveiled the curated Taste of TIDAL Seafood Dinner.

Responding directly to community feedback, the evening will feature an altered dining format where exquisitely prepared shared platters are served directly to guest tables.

Attendees will be offered a premium, multi-course seafood tasting menu meticulously designed by regional chefs to showcase the absolute best, sustainably caught catches sourced directly from Bass Strait waters.

To conclude the feast, a dedicated dessert bar will offer an array of sweet options, supplemented by live music and a lucky door prize featuring a deluxe seafood platter. Group bookings are available for tables of four, six, or ten, while couples and single ticket holders will receive allocated seating to mingle among fellow food lovers.

Beyond premium dining, the weekend itinerary blends traditional maritime heritage with extensive family-friendly programming. On Saturday, September 19 the San Remo Jetty will play host to the historic Blessing of the Fleet.

Rooted in a centuries-old Sicilian custom to pray for a safe and bountiful fishing season, this local tradition has been celebrated in San Remo since 1955. Both commercial and recreational vessels can register to participate in the ceremonial blessing at no cost.

For families, the foreshore will come alive with interactive educational exhibits where children can engage with marine conservation displays, touch-tank experiences, and maritime-themed face painting.

Children can also take part in the Junior Deckie Certification, a revival of the historic "Deckie Race." Kids test their agility at essential deckhand tasks like rolling crab pots and rope tying to earn an honorary certificate.

Sunday features a dedicated family day at TIDAL with live music and free, one-hour educational fishing workshops on the jetty hosted by Fishcare Victoria. These sessions will cover state fishing regulations and sustainable catch-and-release techniques with all rods and bait provided.

Festival goers can also browse through a bustling marketplace of artisan stalls featuring local produce, marine-themed crafts, and regional wines, ensuring there is plenty to explore between meals.

Whether you are a dedicated foodie eager for fresh Bass Strait crayfish, or a history buff interested in Australia's fishing legacy, thousands of visitors are expected to attend over the weekend giving local regional businesses a substantial economic boost.

Presented in partnership with Bass Coast Shire Council, the festival maintains a strong philanthropic mission, pledging 100% of proceeds from popular seafood spinning wheels directly to regional emergency services.

Gate entry remains highly accessible at just $7.50 per adult per day, making it an unmissable spring getaway destination. Because major event segments and premium dinners are projected to sell out completely, organisers have urged patrons to secure their entry passes early via official booking portals.

For the complete schedule of events, live program announcements, and immediate booking options, keep a close watch on the official TIDAL Seafood Festival Website and associated social media channels.