April 23 – Kick-off Party & Captain's Meeting (5–7:30 PM)
Derby teams will meet at Sharkey's Sharkbite Grill in Key Largo for the required Captain's Meeting where we'll be discussing the lionfish invasion, safe collection and handling practices, derby rules, and permitting requirements. A virtual attendance option is also available. The public is welcome and encouraged to stop by and join in on the celebration!
April 24–25 – Lionfish Hunting
From sunrise to sunset on Friday and Saturday, teams will be out on the water removing invasive lionfish from the reef. Prizes will be awarded to teams who collect the most, largest, and smallest lionfish.
April 26 – Conservation Science & Arts Festival (12–4:00 PM)
Celebrate the derby's impact at the REEF Ocean Exploration Center in Key Largo! This free, family-friendly festival highlights the connection between art, science, and conservation. Enjoy educational activities, interactive games, live music, lionfish scoring, fillet and dissection demonstrations, tastings, local artisan vendors, delicious food trucks, local craft beer, and the culminating Derby Awards Ceremony.
Learn more about competing in the Derby at www.REEF.org/derby and explore Festival details at www.REEF.org/LionfishFestival.
The 2026 Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival is proudly supported by our premier sponsors, the Ocean Reef Conservation Foundation and the Monroe County Tourism Development Council.