Sarasota Shell and Marine Life Festival
The 2026 Sarasota Shell and Marine Life Festival is Expanding
The 2026 festival is Feb. 6 and 7 at the Sarasota Fairgrounds
(SARASOTA, FL) The Sarasota Shell Club is expanding its annual shell show for 2026! Seashell collectors and enthusiasts, beachcombers and artisans of all ages are invited to attend what is now being called the 2026 Sarasota Shell and Marine Life Festival. The new and larger two-day event will be held Friday, February 6 and Saturday, February 7 in the Potter Building and in a second, adjacent building at the Sarasota Fairgrounds, 2896 Ringling Boulevard in Sarasota, Florida.
New participants this year include: Turtle Watch, Bay Watch, the Tampa Bay Fossil Club, the New College Marine Biology Department, the Carefree Learner Floating Classroom, and more!
Also new this year: An opportunity to purchase award-winning shell art pieces that are entered in the festival as Artistic Exhibits, at the artist’s discretion.
The festival offers a great way to learn about seashells and sea life, plus view unique shell art and learn from scientific exhibits. Visitors will enjoy an expanded number of vendors in 2026 who display and sell common, exotic and rare shells, rocks, minerals and fossils; shell-inspired jewelry; clothing; shell crafts and art; and much more. There will be coastal-inspired prizes, educational opportunities, and shell crafts for kids.
Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. both days. Guests receive a free bag of shells with their paid admission fee. The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for students ages 12-18. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. * CASH ONLY for admission at the entrance please, no credit cards will be accepted for admission.
Save the date and “shellabrate” with the seashell community at this unique and festival!
The Sarasota Shell Club always welcomes new members. Founded in 1963, the Sarasota Shell Club is a non-profit organization comprised of seashell and fossil seashell collectors, shell enthusiasts, artisans, beachcombers, and anyone who like seashells. Club activities include monthly meetings with guest speakers, exclusive shelling excursions, and social events. Learn more at www.sarasotashellclub.com.
