The Annual Lobster Celebration
Every spring, Red Lobster launches its most anticipated promotional event: Lobsterfest. This limited-time culinary celebration is dedicated entirely to lobster, offering guests a wide selection of exclusive lobster-centric entrees, premium sides, and tropical cocktails. For over three decades, Lobsterfest has been the brand's signature marketing event, drawing millions of seafood lovers looking to enjoy high-quality lobster preparations.
During the event, the kitchen showcases diverse varieties of lobster, including wild-caught Atlantic Maine lobster, cold-water rock lobster, and warm-water Caribbean lobster tails. For a look at how these items compare to the everyday dinner offerings, view our Red Lobster Dinner Menu guide and browse the comprehensive list of selections on the Red Lobster Full Menu page.
Expected Dates for Lobsterfest 2026
While Red Lobster does not publish exact permanent dates, the annual event follows a highly consistent seasonal schedule. Historically, Lobsterfest begins in early February, usually timing its launch just before Valentine's Day to capture couples planning special dinner dates. The promotion continues through the entire spring season, running for approximately ten to twelve weeks before concluding in late April or early May.
Because the exact end date can vary slightly by region and local ingredient supply, it is always recommended to check with your nearest location if you plan to visit late in the spring. Once Lobsterfest ends, the menu transitions back to standard offerings, though popular mainstays like the Ultimate Feast remain available year-round.
Highlight Entrees & Pricing
The Lobsterfest menu features both returning classics and brand-new recipe creations. Here are the standout entrees you can expect to find, along with their average price points:
- Lobster Lover's Dream ($46.99): The signature dish of the event. It features a roasted Caribbean rock lobster tail, a butter-poached Maine lobster tail, and a portion of creamy lobster-and-shrimp linguini Alfredo. It is served with your choice of two sides and unlimited biscuits.
- Grand Lobster Feast ($48.99): A massive seafood platter consisting of a split Maine lobster tail, tender snow crab legs, a skewer of grilled sea scallops, and Walt's Favorite Shrimp, served over rice with drawn butter.
- Lobster Trios ($39.99): A platter showcasing three distinct preparations, such as a wood-grilled lobster tail, a garlic-butter scampi tail, and a serving of creamy lobster mac and cheese or pasta.
- Lobster & Waffles ($24.99): A unique twist on a classic dish, featuring a crispy buttermilk-fried Maine lobster tail served over a warm waffle, drizzled with sweet maple syrup and seasoned butter.
Prices may vary slightly depending on your geographic location, with metropolitan areas typically seeing prices at the higher end of the spectrum. While these entrees represent some of the most expensive items on the menu, they provide large portions of premium shellfish that would cost significantly more at upscale independent steakhouses.
Is Lobsterfest Worth the Price?
Because Lobsterfest prices average between $35.99 and $48.99 per entree, many diners wonder if the promotion represents good value. If you are a fan of lobster, the answer is generally yes. Purchasing individual lobster tails à la carte is expensive, and these combination platters allow you to sample different species and preparations at a lower combined price.
To maximize the value of your visit, consider dining during off-peak hours or taking advantage of the My Red Lobster Rewards program to earn points on your premium meal. Additionally, remember that every Lobsterfest entree includes two sides (such as fresh broccoli, baked potatoes, or French fries) and unlimited Cheddar Bay Biscuits, making for an extremely filling meal. If you are dining on a budget, you can also look for smaller lobster-infused appetizers, like the lobster dip or lobster flatbread, which offer the iconic flavor at a fraction of the cost of a full entree.