We’re counting down to the 2026 Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival this April! This event brings together invasive lionfish removal, vibrant local arts, and conservation action - engaging the community in ocean stewardship through interactive and educational experiences. Here’s what to expect:
April 23 - Kick-off Party & Captain’s Meeting (5-7:30 PM): Registered derby teams will gather at Sharkey's Sharkbite Grill in Key Largo for the mandatory Captain’s Meeting, which covers invasive lionfish background, best collecting/handling practices, derby rules, and important permits. Online attendance options are also available. The public is welcome to join the kick-off party and celebrate the start of this community event!
April 24-25 - Lionfish Hunting: From sunrise to sundown on Friday and Saturday, participating teams will compete to remove as many invasive lionfish as possible. Prizes are awarded for most, largest, and smallest lionfish.
April 26 - Conservation Science & Arts Festival (12-4 PM): Join us at the REEF Ocean Exploration Center in Key Largo for a festival celebrating the connection of art, science, and conservation. The festival is free and open to all ages, and includes interactive science activities, art, educational games, live music, lionfish scoring, fillet and dissection demonstrations, lionfish tastings, booths from environmental organizations and local artisans, food trucks and local craft beer, and ending with the Derby Awards Ceremony to recognize the achievements of participating teams.
Non-profits, government agencies, and conservation-minded artisans are invited to apply to exhibit at the Festival on April 26. All vendors are encouraged to include an interactive activity or display to engage festival attendees. The vendor application is open now, and the deadline is March 1, 2026.
Check out www.REEF.org/derby for more details about the Derby participation and www.REEF.org/LionfishFestival for more information about the Festival.