Fulton Fish Market Hosts Romantic Valentine's Day Event

The bustling Bronx facility will be transformed into a steamy getaway for couples with seafood towers, absinthe tastings, and more.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Fulton Fish Market in the Bronx is opening its doors to the public on Valentine's Day for a unique date night experience. The 400,000-square-foot facility will be converted into a romantic setting with seafood towers, absinthe tastings, and live Latin jazz music. Culinary historian Justin Fornal will also provide an oral history of aphrodisiacs alongside a menu of Hidden Fjord salmon and seafood paella.

Why it matters

This event is part of a broader effort by the Fulton Fish Market to rebrand itself as a 21st century cultural hub and tourist destination, moving away from its historic reputation as a gritty, behind-the-scenes wholesale operation. By hosting themed events and opening up the market to the public, the goal is to attract new visitors and showcase the diverse cultures and stories that have long existed within the market.

The details

The "Absinthe & Oysters: A Forbidden Valentine's" event will feature tableside-shucked oysters, a "guided absinthe ritual," and gargantuan hot tubs on the selling room floor. Culinary historian Justin Fornal will also provide an oral history of aphrodisiacs and serve a main course of Hidden Fjord salmon and seafood paella. This is the inaugural event in the market's new "Fish Market Monologues" series, which will continue throughout 2026 with themes ranging from Celtic culture to Caribbean cuisine.

  • The Fulton Fish Market is hosting the "Absinthe & Oysters: A Forbidden Valentine's" event on Valentine's Day (February 14, 2026).
  • The "Fish Market Monologues" event series will continue through 2026.

The players

Fulton Fish Market Cooperative

A 400,000-square-foot wholesale fish market located in the Bronx, which is the largest fish market in the United States.

Nicole Ackerina

The CEO of the Fulton Fish Market Cooperative, who is leading the effort to rebrand the market as a 21st century cultural hub and tourist destination.

Justin Fornal

A culinary historian who will be providing an oral history of aphrodisiacs and serving a menu of Hidden Fjord salmon and seafood paella at the Valentine's Day event.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The thought is that we might attract the obscure couples of New York City.”

— Nicole Ackerina, CEO, Fulton Fish Market Cooperative (New York Post)

“I guarantee whoever walks in the door is going to come out tasting something or experiencing something they haven't before.”

— Justin Fornal, Culinary Historian (New York Post)

What’s next

The Fulton Fish Market plans to continue its "Fish Market Monologues" event series throughout 2026, with themes ranging from Celtic culture to Caribbean cuisine.

The takeaway

By transforming the historic Fulton Fish Market into a cultural destination with themed events and experiences, the market is aiming to shed its reputation as a behind-the-scenes wholesale operation and attract a new generation of visitors to explore the diverse stories and traditions that have long existed within its walls.