John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk is a picturesque waterfront-fishing village and a quaint turn-of-the-century attraction that sees hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
Located between Madeira Beach and Treasure Island Florida, this stretch of Gulf Coast gold has positioned itself as a focal point for superb shopping, outstanding dining options, beach activities and of course, year-round festivals for the whole family. With many merchants, eateries, activities, and events to fill your time, there is no shortage of fun at Pinellas County’s number one tourist attraction.
Be sure to get in your daily dose of sunshine, seafood and shopping at these three must-attend festivals running from October to December.
John's Pass Seafood & Music Festival
Thursday, October 25 – Sunday, October 28
Spanning three full days, this free event encourages you to take in non-stop music, activities including crafts, live performances and – of course – an abundance of seafood. Running enthusiasts can jog along the stretch of sand at the Seafood Fest 5k on October 27. Kids can dress up in their scariest trick-or-treat worthy attire for the annual Halloween Costume Contest that same day. Drinking enthusiasts can cheers to the World’s Largest Bloody Mary Toast on October 28. And for some healthy competition in between bites and brews, be sure to join in on the Battle at the Pass Fishing Tournament. Don’t forget to pack your lawn chair for a lineup of free concerts at this local event, which has been bringing families together for 37-years and counting.
Black Friday Sidewalk Sale
Shopping has definitely become a Thanksgiving pastime thanks to sales much like the sidewalk extravaganza in John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk. With a variety of local vendors and shops selling souvenirs, novelty items, clothing and more, you can stock up on holiday gift giving essentials, or prized items for yourself. In between browsing, be sure to refuel during Happy Hour at famed restaurant, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., for scenic views of the intercoastal waterway and the Gulf of Mexico. For an equally enticing experience, pop into a boardwalk bar and grab a drink while you marvel at the Florida coastline.
Jingle Bell Tournament & Tree Lighting
This famed seawall fishing tournament is perfect for family members sixteen years of age or younger. With a beginning and end point at the John’s Pass Village Bell Tower, families can work this into a holiday shopping or dining schedule while enjoying all that the town has to offer. In benefit of Santa’s Angels and The Kind Mouse charities, a toy or non-perishable food item must be brought along. Throughout the evening, several donated prizes are raffled off, and every entrant walks away with a special gift they can cherish for years to come. Once the Jingle Bell tournament wraps up, the Village Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony officially begins. After Santa Clause parks his sleigh, families can expect to see him arriving on a fire truck to match his candy apple red suit.