Red Lobster Lobsterfest: Menu, Prices, Dates and 2027 Outlook
Quick answer: Lobsterfest 2026 ran from January 19, 2026 and has now finished for the year. Its headline was the return of the Lobsterfest Duo for the first time in 18 years, alongside new dishes including Lobster Pasta au Gratin and Crispy Dragon Teriyaki Lobster. Lobsterfest has run annually since 1984, originally as a Valentine’s Day promotion, and typically starts in January or February and runs into April — so the 2027 edition is the one to watch for.
Lobsterfest 2026: Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Start date | January 19, 2026 |
| Announced | January 20, 2026 |
| Typical duration | About two months; the 2025 edition ran February 11 to April 25 |
| Current status | Finished for 2026 |
| Headline return | Lobsterfest Duo, back after 18 years |
| First held | 1984, as a Valentine’s Day promotion |
Red Lobster’s chief executive Damola Adamolekun described it as the event guests look forward to — great seafood, great value, and a reason to come back. It remains the chain’s longest-running annual promotion, older than Crabfest and considerably older than Endless Shrimp.
Outside Lobsterfest, you can still find lobster tails and lobster dishes with current costs on the full Red Lobster menu with prices.
The Lobsterfest 2026 Menu
| Dish | What It Is | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| Lobsterfest Duo | Two grilled, split Maine lobster tail halves wrapped around sea scallops, plus a roasted Maine tail and two sides | $45.99 |
| Create Your Own Lobster Lover’s Dream | Mix and match two or three lobster selections with two sides | $45.99 (pick 2) / $55.99 (pick 3) |
| Lobsterfest Boil | Split Maine lobster tails, a dozen shrimp, corn and red potatoes in a shake-and-serve bag | $46.99 |
| Lobster Pasta au Gratin | Maine and langostino lobster with cavatappi in a creamy lobster cheese sauce, topped with mozzarella and baked | Varies |
| Crispy Dragon Teriyaki Lobster | Tempura-style lobster tail in a sweet and spicy teriyaki sauce | Varies |
| Lobster & Shrimp Linguini | Returning menu favourite | $32.99 |
| Live Maine Lobster | Whole steamed lobster | $34.99 |
Prices vary by location and are typically higher in metropolitan markets. Lobster Flatbread, Lobster Dip, a grilled lobster, shrimp and salmon pairing, and surf and turf options also featured.
The Lobsterfest Duo: An 18-Year Return
This was the news story of Lobsterfest 2026. The Duo pairs two grilled Maine lobster tail halves wrapped around sea scallops with a roasted Maine tail and two sides, and it had not appeared on the menu since roughly 2008.
Published nutrition for the dish put it at 610 calories with 1,690 mg of sodium — low in calories for a $45.99 plate, which reflects that it is grilled lobster and scallops rather than anything breaded or sauced. The sodium figure is the number to notice rather than the calories.
Lobsterfest Boil
Built on the same shake-and-serve format as the Crabfest Boil, the Lobsterfest version contained split Maine lobster tails, a dozen shrimp, corn and red potatoes, with a choice of seasoned butter: roasted garlic, Cajun, OLD BAY and butter, lemon pepper, or the Red Lobster signature butter.
At 700 calories it was surprisingly moderate for a boil — the Crabfest Boil runs 1,890 to 2,370 — though the sodium came in at 2,810 mg, which is the highest figure published for any single Lobsterfest dish.
Create Your Own Lobster Lover’s Dream
The flexible option, and the one most reviewers recommended for an indulgent visit. You picked two selections at $45.99 or three at $55.99, choosing among a rock or Maine lobster tail, lobster and linguine, crispy dragon teriyaki lobster, or the lobster pasta au gratin, with two sides included.
2026 Lobsterfest Cocktails
- The Lobstar — a triple-citrus margarita with Hennessy VS and Grand Marnier, served with a take-home lobster claw shaker
- Shoreline Spritz — Grey Goose, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, fresh citrus, mint and Wycliff sparkling wine
- Dockside Sipper — Casamigos Reposado with fresh lime, honey and grenadine
The Lobstar’s souvenir claw shaker was the marketing hook of the year. Cocktail availability depends on whether your location serves alcohol — see our drink menu guide.
When Is Lobsterfest 2027?
No date has been announced. Based on the pattern, expect it in the first quarter.
| Year | Started | Ended |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 11 | April 25 |
| 2026 | January 19 | Not officially announced |
| 2027 | Expected January–February | Expected April |
The 2026 edition started earlier than 2025 did, which suggests Red Lobster is moving it away from its original Valentine’s anchor and towards a longer winter run. The promotion debuted in 1984 as a Valentine’s Day event and has run annually for more than four decades.
Lobster Available Year-Round
If you have missed Lobsterfest, several lobster dishes stay on the regular menu all year:
| Dish | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Steamed Maine Lobster (1.25 lb) | $34.99 | 440 |
| Grilled Rock Lobster Tail Dinner | $36.99 | 720 |
| Ultimate Surf & Turf Feast | $39.99 | 910 |
| Lobster & Shrimp Linguini | $32.99 | 1,240 |
| Lobster Lover’s Duo | $54.99 | 600 |
| Lobster & Langostino Flatbread | $14.99 | 720 |
And the cheapest lobster on any day of the year is not on this list at all: the Thursday daily deal pairs a Maine lobster tail with Garlic Shrimp Scampi and a side for $19.99. See our daily deals guide.
Lobsterfest vs Crabfest
| Lobsterfest | Crabfest | |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter into spring | Summer |
| 2026 start | January 19 | June 29 |
| Running now? | No | Yes |
| Headline dish | Lobsterfest Duo, $45.99 | Crab Your Way, from $29.99 |
| Entry price | Higher — lobster is the costlier shellfish | Lower |
| First held | 1984 | Later; the summer counterpart |
The two promotions bookend the year. Lobsterfest is the premium event with higher prices and a more formal feel; Crabfest is the hands-on summer one built around customisation and boils.
Tips for Lobsterfest
- Go early in the run. Lobster supply and kitchen execution are both at their best in the opening weeks.
- Pick the Create Your Own option if you want to try several preparations rather than commit to one.
- The boil is the sharing dish; the Duo is the one to order if you want the lobster itself to be the point.
- Watch the sodium, not the calories. Grilled lobster dishes are light on calories but heavy on sodium.
- Join Red Lobster Nation first. 20% off a first order is nearly $10 on a $45.99 entree.
- Buy discounted gift cards ahead of the season — roughly 20% off the whole bill. See our gift card guide.
Related Guides
- Crabfest: menu, prices and boil flavors
- Endless Shrimp: price, flavors and rules
- Daily deals and specials under $15
- Nutrition, calories and allergens
- Drink menu and cocktails
- All Red Lobster guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lobsterfest running right now?
No. Lobsterfest 2026 began on January 19, 2026 and has finished for the year. Crabfest is the promotion currently running.
When does Lobsterfest 2027 start?
No date has been announced. The 2026 edition started on January 19 and the 2025 edition on February 11, so expect January or February.
How long does Lobsterfest last?
Roughly two months. The 2025 edition ran from February 11 to April 25.
What was new for Lobsterfest 2026?
The Lobsterfest Duo returned after 18 years, alongside Lobster Pasta au Gratin, Crispy Dragon Teriyaki Lobster and the Lobsterfest Boil.
What is the Lobsterfest Duo?
Two grilled, split Maine lobster tail halves wrapped around sea scallops, served with a roasted Maine lobster tail and two sides. It had not been on the menu for about 18 years.
How much does Lobsterfest cost?
The headline dishes sat around $45.99 to $55.99, with the boil at $46.99. Prices vary by location and run higher in metropolitan markets.
What is in the Lobsterfest Boil?
Split Maine lobster tails, a dozen shrimp, corn and red potatoes in a shake-and-serve bag, with a choice of seasoned butter.
When did Lobsterfest start as an event?
1984, originally as a Valentine’s Day promotion. It has run annually for more than forty years.
What cocktails were available?
The Lobstar, a triple-citrus margarita with Hennessy VS and Grand Marnier served with a take-home claw shaker; the Shoreline Spritz; and the Dockside Sipper.
Can I still get lobster outside Lobsterfest?
Yes. Whole Steamed Maine Lobster at $34.99, Grilled Rock Lobster Tail at $36.99 and several combination feasts are on the regular menu year-round.
What is the cheapest way to eat lobster at Red Lobster?
The Thursday daily deal: a Maine lobster tail with Garlic Shrimp Scampi and a side for $19.99, dine-in or To Go.
How many calories is the Lobsterfest Duo?
About 610 calories, with roughly 1,690 mg of sodium. Low in calories for the price, because it is grilled rather than breaded.
Is Lobsterfest available for takeout?
Most Lobsterfest dishes were available To Go, though the boil is better eaten in the restaurant.
Is Lobsterfest better value than Crabfest?
Crabfest starts lower, from $29.99 for Crab Your Way against $45.99 for the Lobsterfest headline dishes, because lobster costs more than crab. Which is better value depends entirely on which shellfish you prefer.
Red Lobster Menu Deals is an independent guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Red Lobster. Promotion dates, pricing and menu items vary by location and are subject to change without notice. Always confirm current details with your local restaurant.