12 Sep Crab, Lobster and Alligator: Pittsburg Seafood & Music Fest Pleases Palates
The recently installed Gateway Arch marked the entrance to the 2024 Pittsburg Seafood & Music Festival, held Sept. 7 and 8 at John Buckley Square in historic Old Town Pittsburg.
Photo Essay, Marcos Lopez
The Pittsburg Seafood and Music Festival returned for its 37th year, continuing to bring together the best of local music, food and community since its relaunch in 2023. Thousands of East County residents came out to downtown Pittsburg for this year’s event, which showcased vibrant Latin and jazz bands, various local vendors, an outstanding performance by the Pittsburg High School Marching Band, and an assortment of tasty treats for all the seafood lovers.
Unlike last year’s event at which Pittsburg’s own Pete Escovedo performed and was honored, big-name headliners were not part of this year’s lineup. Nonetheless, the music part of the festival didn’t miss a beat. The Max Cortes Sextet, a Latin music band, and DangerAte, a jazz-funk band, kept the energy high. Attendees pulled up lawn chairs and spread out blankets to enjoy the music while watching the stage from the grassy field of John Buckley Square.
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- The Max Cortes Sextet is a Pittsburg band that plays salsa, cumbia and Latin jazz.
Keeping the rhythm going, Pittsburg High Marching Show-Band and Drumline continued a tradition of excellence that has earned them local recognition for years.
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- The Pittsburg High School Marching Show Band and Drumline was in lockstep as it performed entering the festival.
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- The many food offerings had the many festival attendees lining up for more.
On the food side of things, lines started to wrap around different culinary experiences. One popular stand, Chicken and the Farm, drew crowds with its lobster fries. Owner Brett Edwards has been serving at the festival since 2018 and said “it brings him joy being part of this event.” Other food vendors offered festival favorites like the always popular fried alligator, grilled oysters, seafood pasta, fried catfish and red snapper, crab, fish tacos and lobster rolls.
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- Lobster fries — one of the big hits — were among the culinary variety offered, along with fried catfish, grilled oysters and more. There was even alligator to be had.
Wolfgang Croskey, CEO of the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce, reflected on why he loves coordinating this event every year. “I love systems and processes and building things… For me it is great seeing the work come together all of these people enjoying this beautiful Old Town Pittsburg, enjoying each others company, enjoying great music and great food.”
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- Pittsburg Police Officers Yi, left and Melgoza were on hand to help maintain order and keep the public safe.
The Pittsburg Seafood and Music Festival is more than just a long-running summer celebration; it’s a testament to the spirit of community as it continues to bring people together with the talent from local performers and the dedication of vendors — plus their tasty food.
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