This October, a small Texas coastal town throws the party of the year. The Rockport-Fulton SeaFair isn’t just another festival – it’s a 50-year tradition that brings together everything great about coastal Texas: incredible food, quirky competitions, and the kind of community spirit that makes strangers feel like family.
Mark your calendar for October 2-5, because this golden anniversary celebration promises to be the biggest coastal party Texas has ever seen.
Half a Century of Coastal Fun
Since 1975, SeaFair has been the can’t-miss event for South Texas. What started as a small community celebration has grown into a four-day festival that draws thousands of visitors to the Festival Grounds at Rockport Harbor.
“The biggest party on the coast” isn’t just marketing talk – this year’s 50th anniversary brings special features that you won’t find anywhere else on the Texas coast.
The Cajun Cooking Show Everyone’s Talking About
New this year: StaleKracker, Cooking with Cajun, and WadeFishez have teamed up to create a lively Cajun cooking show that blends humor, culinary expertise, and southern charm. These aren’t just cooking demonstrations – they’re entertainment events that have become hits at festivals across the South.
If you’ve never seen professional entertainers turn gumbo-making into comedy gold, this is your chance.
Thursday Night Community Appreciation
SeaFair introduces Thursday Night Community Night with $3 general admission – and here’s the best part: free admission for military, first responders, and teachers with valid ID.
This gesture shows what makes small Texas towns special: recognizing the people who serve their communities every day.
Four Days of Coastal Competition
The Gumbo & Jambalaya Cook-Off features over 15 cook teams competing for bragging rights. Saturday’s all-you-can-eat option lets you judge for yourself who makes the best bowl on the coast.
Crab races bring out the competitive spirit in families. Watch those speedy crustaceans compete while everyone cheers for their favorite contestant.
Cardboard boat races showcase Texas ingenuity and creativity. Will the boats actually float? Will they make it across the finish line? That’s half the fun.
Boat and car shows display everything from classic vessels to vintage automobiles, celebrating the mechanical artistry that Texans love.
The Schedule That Maximizes Your Fun
Thursday & Friday: 5:00-11:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM-11:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM-4:00 PM
Saturday morning features the grand parade that highlights the weekend’s festivities, so arrive early to get good viewing spots along the route.
More Than Just Food and Fun
The arts and crafts market features over 100 vendors offering unique handmade treasures. This isn’t mass-produced festival merchandise – these are one-of-a-kind items created by talented artisans.
Live entertainment spans multiple stages with big-name performances alongside local talent. Recent years have featured everything from country music to Cajun bands that get the whole crowd dancing.
Family-Friendly Adventures
The carnival provides classic rides and games that kids love, while water activities take advantage of Rockport’s beautiful harbor setting.
Food vendors offer variety beyond the famous gumbo, ensuring even picky eaters find something delicious.
Everything happens within walking distance at the Festival Grounds, making it easy for families to enjoy multiple activities without the hassle of transportation between venues.
Special VIP Experiences
Limited VIP packages include Saturday admission, reserved seating for the Cajun cooking demonstration, and access to a private bar. These sell out quickly for the 50th anniversary celebration.
Premium gumbo tasting experiences let you sample creations from all the cook teams without waiting in individual lines.
Getting There and Staying
Location: Festival Grounds at Rockport Harbor, 101 Seabreeze Drive, Rockport, TX 78382
Rockport-Fulton sits on the Texas coast between Corpus Christi and Victoria, making it accessible for day trips from major Texas cities or weekend getaways for coastal visitors.
The area offers numerous lodging options from waterfront hotels to vacation rentals, but book early – SeaFair weekend fills up quickly.
Why This Festival Matters
In an age of corporate-sponsored mega-festivals, SeaFair remains authentically Texan. It’s organized by the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce with genuine community spirit.
The festival succeeds because it celebrates what makes this corner of Texas special: incredible seafood, friendly competition, artistic creativity, and the kind of hospitality that makes visitors want to return year after year.
Your October Coast Adventure
This isn’t just a festival – it’s a chance to experience 50 years of Texas coastal tradition. Whether you come for the gumbo, stay for the crab races, or discover your new favorite local artist, SeaFair delivers the authentic Texas coast experience.
The 50th anniversary celebration promises special surprises that won’t happen again. This is your chance to be part of SeaFair history.
Plan Your Visit:
- Dates: October 2-5, 2025
- Location: Festival Grounds at Rockport Harbor, 101 Seabreeze Drive
- Tickets: Available online and at the gate
- Special deals: $3 Thursday admission, free entry for military/first responders/teachers
- Info: Contact Shanon at 361-729-6445 or [email protected]
Ready for four days of gumbo, crab races, and coastal celebration? The Texas coast’s biggest party is waiting for you in Rockport-Fulton this October.
More Information:
- Official website: rockport-fulton.org/Seafair-Home
- Facebook: Rockport-Fulton Seafair
- Phone: 361-729-6445
- Email: [email protected]
Because some traditions are worth celebrating – especially when they turn 50.
