Lobster festivals in Southern California may not be the first places that come to mind when you think of fresh seafood, but we sure know how to throw a memorable event featuring fresh Maine lobsters flown in straight from the source. So save yourself a trip and get your lobster fix right here in SoCal. Here are six fun celebrations to put on your Lobster Fest 2024 calendar!

1. The Original Lobster Festival: Sept. 6-8, 2024

Now in its 28th year, one of the best lobster festivals in California, formerly known as Long Beach Original Lobster Festival, is one of Long Beach's signature events that you won't want to miss. Held at Fountain Valley Sports Park, this festive foodie gathering serves mouthwatering lobster fresh from Maine. Served with all the tasty sides you'd expect at a lobster feed, your tummy will be full and happy. Ticket options include festival only, lobster meal packages, and the VIP experience. Read all about it on The Original Lobster Festival website.

2. Tustin Lobsterfest: May 18, 2024

This delicious event takes place at Peppertree Park serving up unlimited whole lobster with melted butter on the side. Dance to your favorite tunes from the '50s, '60s and '70s! And for folks who prefer something else to eat, try the tri-tip beef, sides, salads, and luscious desserts. And did you know that 100 percent of the net proceeds support Tustin-Santa Ana Rotary Club Foundation projects? Different ticket packages are available. Find out the details on the Tustin Lobsterfest website.

3. Rotary Club of Corona Lobsterfest: June 8, 2024

The 14th Annual Lobsterfest takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Civic Center Gym in Corona. Folks will receive all of the Maine lobster and steak they can eat. The Rotary Club of Corona will provide a fun night full of live music and silent auctions throughout the evening. Discover more on the City of Corona website.

4. Santa Barbara Harbor and Seafood Festival: Oct. 19, 2024

Lobster is definitely on the menu at one of the liveliest California lobster festivals coming up in Santa Barbara this fall from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. After you've selected a fresh-caught lobster and sea urchin, have them prepared on the spot. Visit specialty food booths for other delicacies, including fish tacos, oysters, mussels, barbequed albacore, hamburgers, fresh crab, clam chowder, and we enjoy the blended flavors and spices of the seafood paella. For further information, visit the Santa Barbara Harbor and Seafood Festival website.

5. Yorba Linda Lobsterfest: May 18, 2024

The festivities for the 37th Annual Lobsterfest take place from 4:30 to 10 p.m. at the Yorba Linda Community Center. Proceeds from this celebration support community and international projects. Different tiers of tickets are available with the first including all-you-can-eat Maine Lobster and the Tri-Tip Steak Buffet Dinner. More details are available on the Yorba Linda Lobsterfest web page.

6. Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck: June 9, 2024

While this isn't a lobster festival, Cousins gets the lobster out to the people on a regular basis. Try the Maine roll with the meat served chilled with mayo on a New England roll, and the creamy Lobster Bisque. This upcoming event takes place from 3 to 7 p.m. at Buena Park at the Sunrise Cafe Parking Lot. See when this food truck will show up next on the Cousins Maine Lobster website.

Lobster festivals in Southern California can curb a mean craving for delicate, white meat dipped in golden, warm butter. Have you been to one of these events? Did we leave any out? Please let us know in the comments below.

If you'd like to try cooking a lobster at home, it's a lot easier than you might think. And if you simply can't devour enough of it, you should take a look at these tasty seafood restaurants in SoCal that will make your mouth water even more.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/southern-california/best-seafood-restaurants-socal/