Pensacola Lionfish Invitational and Festival

The FWC Reef Rangers will host the 2026 FWC Pensacola
Lionfish Invitational from September 25 through September 27, 2026, at Plaza De Luna
on Palafox Pier in Pensacola, Florida. The event will bring together divers, coastal
conservation advocates, local businesses, vendors, and community members to help
reduce the impact of invasive lionfish in Gulf Coast waters. The public festival will take
place Saturday, September 26, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, September 27, from
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Invasive lionfish pose a serious threat to native marine life, coral reef ecosystems, and
commercial fishing industries throughout the region. By incentivizing divers to harvest
lionfish, the tournament supports ongoing efforts to protect Florida’s marine ecosystems
while raising public awareness about the importance of invasive species removal.
Festival guests can also look forward to local community chef cooking demonstrations
showcasing lionfish as a delicious, versatile seafood option. Along with the tournament
excitement, vendors, educational activities, and waterfront entertainment, the festival is
designed to be a fun, family-friendly weekend celebrating conservation, community, and
Gulf Coast flavors.