Florida's Shelling Festivals and Club Events

Shell shows offer a different kind of beachcombing day: time to study labeled specimens, see shell art and ask questions without depending on what has washed ashore. Formats vary, so choose an event for what its organizer actually promises.

Schedule checked October 13, 2026. The four events below have 2027 dates in their organizers' published materials. Dates, venues, hours and admission can change; check the linked organizer before booking or traveling. This is a selected planning guide, not a complete statewide calendar.

Sarasota: February 5–6, 2027

The Sarasota Shell Show and Marine Life Festival is listed for Robarts Arena at the Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota. The club advertises scientific and artistic exhibits, educational programs, shells and other items for sale.

Use the Sarasota Shell Club's 2027 show page for current hours, admission and visitor information. Follow the organizer's venue directions rather than an older calendar listing.

St. Petersburg club show in Seminole: February 12–13, 2027

The 78th St. Petersburg Shell Club Seashell Show is scheduled at the Seminole Recreation Center, 9100 113th Street North, Seminole. The club's 2027 show packet includes scientific, artistic, novice and junior exhibition categories.

The club's name and the show's city are different—enter the Seminole venue when planning your route. Find the current packet on the club's applications page, and check the club homepage for updates.

Sanibel: March 4–6, 2027

The 90th Sanibel Shell Show & Festival is advertised for the Sanibel Community House. The Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club's 2027 materials include scientific and artistic exhibitor information and describe the celebration with the Sanibel Community Association.

Start with the organizer's show links. Do not use a prior year's festival page to assume this year's hours or admission.

Marco Island: March 12–13, 2027

The Marco Island Shell Club Spring Expo and Shell Art Sale is listed at New Life Community Church, 489 West Elkcam Circle, Marco Island. This is an expo and shell-art sale; do not assume it has the same competitive divisions as another club's show.

The club's event page provides current details and also lists other club activities. Check whether a particular workshop or gathering is public or members-only before attending.

Looking for more dates?

The Conchologists of America's 2027 calendar lists additional events, including Space Coast, Broward and Gulf Coast shows. Treat that calendar as a starting point and confirm with the individual organizer. A date missing from one club homepage does not establish that it has not been announced elsewhere.

Make a useful day of it

Before leaving, check admission, payment methods, accessibility, parking and opening hours. If you want help with a find, ask the organizer whether identification help is offered and whether visitors may bring specimens. Clear photographs are a useful alternative to transporting a fragile shell.

Give yourself time to read exhibit labels rather than treating the show only as a sales floor. For a nearby beach outing, use our winter planning guide and check local conditions independently. An event weekend does not promise productive or safe shelling.