Fall River Launches First Seafood Festival on Waterfront

The Memorial Day holiday weekend will get off to a fun start with the first annual Fall River Seafood Festival on Saturday, May 23, at Heritage State Park and the Fall River Carousel.

The event is sponsored by the Carousel and the City of Fall River.

Karl Pelletier of the Fall River Carousel and Red Oak Hospitality visited Townsquare Sunday to discuss the inaugural Seafood Festival and what folks can expect.

Festival Celebrates Carousel Anniversary

"We (Red Oak) took over the Fall River Carousel on Memorial Day weekend in 2025, so this event will mark our one-year anniversary," he said. "The Seafood Festival came about after a conversation between myself and Mayor Paul Coogan about what we could do along the waterfront that would bring the city together."

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"We're also partnering with Kyler's Seafood of New Bedford, which provides seafood for our other restaurants in the area," Pelletier said. "They're working really hard to make sure we have the best of the best."

Seafood Tastings and Coastal Flavors

Pelletier said there will be two seafood tasting tents stationed near the Carousel, and food trucks on hand for those who prefer something other than seafood.

"One is the Kyler Seafood Hall, where an assortment of restaurants will be handing out samples of seafood," he said. "The second tent is like a coastal beer garden and will feature an oyster bar, caviar, cocktails, craft beers, and more. With the tents and the food trucks, there's lots of different options for everyone."

Music and Entertainment on the Waterfront

Entertainment will be provided by a DJ at the carousel, plus performers at the main stage at Heritage State Park.

The event will run from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Admission to the Kyler Seafood Hall tasting tent is $15. Items in the second tent will be purchased à la carte.

Parking and Water Taxi Information

Pelletier said road construction along the "old" Route 79 is now completed, but in the general area of the Seafood Festival, parking is still limited. He suggests driving to Ferry Street and taking the Water Taxi instead, which will be free on the day of the event.

"The Seafood Festival is new for Fall River, and we're excited about it," Pelletier said. "It's going to be a super fun day."

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