38th Annual Florida Manatee Festival

Dive into Adventure at the 38th Annual Florida Manatee Festival!

Are you ready for one of the most spectacular events of the year? The 38th Annual Florida Manatee Festival is gearing up to take over the Manatee Capital of the World, beautiful Downtown Crystal River! Mark your calendars for Saturday and Sunday, January 18th & 19th, 2025, as the streets transform into a bustling hub of excitement, entertainment, and wonder.

Produced by the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce and presented by Coast to Coast Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC, this year's festival promises to be bigger and better than ever. For just $10 per adult—and free entry for kids 12 and under—you can immerse yourself in a weekend filled with unforgettable experiences. And here's a special treat: on SUNDAY ONLY, bring along a weekend edition of the Citrus County Chronicle and enjoy $5 off up to FOUR adult entries. It's our way of celebrating Citrus County Day with you!

A Feast for the Senses

Food lovers, rejoice! Indulge in a mouthwatering array of culinary delights at not one, but two food courts. Savor delectable dishes near the main stage in Kings Bay Park or explore tasty treats by the gazebo stage in Little Springs Park. From local favorites to exotic flavors, there's something to satisfy every palate.

Adventure Awaits on the Water

Back by popular demand, we're offering guided kayak tours with Paddle Tails! For a nominal fee, embark on an immersive journey through the serene waters of Kings Bay. Our expert guides will lead you through the natural beauty of the Nature Coast, offering glimpses of wildlife and the stunning underwater world.

Prefer to stay dry? Hop aboard a manatee boat tour! Experienced captains will navigate you to the best spots to see our gentle, floating friends up close without getting wet. Tickets are available at the festival and are valid on the day of purchase:

• Adults: $15

• Children 4-12: $10

• Children 3 and under: Free

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Experience Three Sisters Springs

Your festival entry includes free transportation and admission to the world-famous Three Sisters Springs and the Friends of the Crystal River Wildlife Refuge visitor’s center. Buses will shuttle visitors from the gate at 5th Street from 9 AM – 3:30 PM Saturday and 9 AM – 2:30 PM Sunday. Stroll along the boardwalks and witness hundreds of manatees seeking refuge in the constant 72-degree waters—a breathtaking sight you won't want to miss!

Live Entertainment Galore

Get ready to groove! With four stages featuring live music throughout both days, there's no shortage of entertainment. Saturday in Kings Bay Park, Midnight Sun will take the main stage, presented by Alexander Real Estate, from 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM followed by headliners Smokin, an incredible Boston Tribute from 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM and Forever Foreigner from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Sunday, Barefoot Bob is back by popular demand from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Our other stages include the Gazebo in Little Springs Park, presented by Crystal River Preserve State Park, Heritage Village Gazebo presented by Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, and the Pump House Stage presented by Schlabach Security & Sound. Our family friendly lineup is sure to get guests of all ages dancing in the streets. Keep an eye on our website, www.GoManateeFest.com, for the latest updates on bands and performance times.

Art, Crafts, and Community Charm

Stroll through streets lined with a vast array of fine art, crafts, commercial, and non-profit vendors. Discover unique treasures and support local artisans amidst the charming backdrop of our picturesque downtown. Don't miss "Art in the Park" in Crystal River's beautiful Town Square—it's the perfect place to find an original piece of art or a special keepsake.

Fun for the Whole Family

For the young and the young at heart, the festival boasts a vibrant Kids Zone packed with fun activities:

And for the adults, unwind at our beer and wine gardens located near the main music stage and little springs park.

Plan Your Visit

• When:

o Saturday, Jan. 18: 9 AM – 5 PM

o Sunday, Jan. 19: 9 AM – 4 PM

• Where: Downtown Crystal River, at the intersection of Citrus Avenue and U.S. 19

• Parking: Enjoy free parking at Crystal River High School (3195 Crystal River High Drive, Crystal River, Fl, 34428) and The West Citrus Government Building (Tax Collector & DMV Office at Meadowcrest – 1540 N Meadowcrest Blvd, Crystal River, Fl, 34429), with free shuttles to the festival gates. Downtown parking is limited and we strongly encourage using the shuttle for convenience and safety.

Don't Miss Out!

With so much to see and do, the 38th Annual Florida Manatee Festival is the place to be this January. Bring your family and friends for a weekend filled with adventure, culture, and community spirit in the heart of Crystal River.

For more information, visit www.GoManateeFest.com, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloridaManateeFestival, or call us at 352-795-3149.

Come celebrate with us and make memories that will last a lifetime—we can't wait to see you there!

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What: 38th Annual Florida Manatee Festival

When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 9 am – 5 pm; and Sunday, Jan. 19, 9 am – 4 pm

Cost: $10 per person, age 12 and under free | SPECIAL: Get $5 off up to four entries on SUNDAY only with the Citrus County Chronicle coupon.

Where: Downtown Crystal River, at the intersection of Citrus Avenue and U.S. 19, stretching up through the shops and restaurants of Heritage Village and surrounding areas, down to the waterside area along Kings Bay.

Parking: Free parking is available at Crystal River High School and The West Citrus Government Building (Tax Collector & DMV Office at Meadowcrest) with free shuttles to the festival gates. Parking downtown is strongly discouraged due to short supply and the safety of guests, staff, and volunteers walking the festival perimeter.

Boat Tours: Local boat captains will offer boat tours on a first-come basis. Tickets are available at the event for $15 for adults; $10 for children 4 – 12 years old; and children 3 and under free. The tickets are good only on the date purchased and are sold at the boat dock area near northwest Third Street (Kings Bay Park).

Guided Kayak Tours: Local guides with Paddle Tails will take you on guided kayak tours of the bay. Advanced reservations will be available on the website soon.

Three Sisters Springs: Free shuttle/admission. Buses will be picking up and dropping off from the gate at 5th street from 9AM – 3:30PM both days.

Event website: www.gomanateefest.com or www.facebook.com/FloridaManateeFestival

Event producer: Citrus County Chamber of Commerce

Chamber phone: 352-795-3149