Celebrate Nature: The 39th Annual Florida Manatee Festival Returns to Crystal River

Get ready—Citrus County’s favorite celebration of manatees is back.

The 39th Annual Florida Manatee Festival splashes into Crystal River on January 17–18, 2026, filling downtown and the gorgeous Kings Bay area with two days packed full of fun.

The Citrus County Chamber of Commerce puts on the festival, with support from Coast to Coast Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC. Every year, the Manatee Festival gets bigger, more creative, and—let’s be honest—more fun for everyone. You can hop on a guided kayak or boat tour to see manatees up close (just a small fee for those), and you’ll get a real taste of the Nature Coast’s charm as you explore downtown and the famous Three Sisters Springs.

If you love art, live music, tasty food, and family activities, this is your weekend. The festival takes over Kings Bay Park, Heritage Village, Little Springs Park, and the streets of Crystal River. You’ll find art and craft booths, festival vendors, food courts, four stages with live entertainment, a Kids Zone, and a beer and wine garden for the grown-ups. Parking? No worries—there’s free off-site parking and shuttles to get you right into the action.

Come Hungry

Seriously, don’t eat before you arrive. With two food courts—one next to the main stage at Kings Bay Park, another by the gazebo in Little Springs Park—you’ll find everything from classic fair favorites to bold new flavors from around the world. No matter what you’re craving, something delicious is waiting for you.

Try an Adventure on the Water

If you want to get on the water, you’ve got options. Guided kayak tours with Paddle Tails are always a hit. Their local guides will take you through calm, beautiful waters for a close look at the area’s natural wonders. You can book your spot soon through the festival’s website.

Rather stay dry? Hop on a manatee boat tour with one of our seasoned local captains. Buy your tickets at the dock near NW Third Street inside Kings Bay Park—they’re good for the day you buy them.

See Three Sisters Springs—It’s Included

Your festival ticket isn’t just for the party downtown. It also covers shuttle rides and free entry to Three Sisters Springs, one of Florida’s most breathtaking wildlife spots. Shuttles run from the 5th Street gate to the springs: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Walk the boardwalks, watch manatees gather in the crystal-clear spring water, and soak in one of the true highlights of the weekend.

Music and Fun All Weekend

Four different stages keep the party going, with music, performances, and interactive zones all over the festival. Here’s where to find the action:

Main Stage – Kings Bay Park

Heritage Village Gazebo Stage

Little Springs Park Gazebo Stage

Pump House Activity Zone

Expect everything from high-energy bands to chill acoustic sets, photo ops with mermaids and manatees, the always-popular soccer collies, and plenty of surprises.

Explore Art, Crafts, and Local Flavor

Stroll through hundreds of booths filled with fine art, handmade crafts, local businesses, and area nonprofits. Art in the Park at Town Square is your spot to discover something unique to take home.

The Twistid Arts Initiative is back too, with hands-on art activities by the splash pad near the Pump House. It’s a place where creativity and community blend together—kids and adults both love it.

Bring the Whole Family

Kids will love the dedicated Kids Zone, packed with games and activities. Grown-ups can kick back at the beer and wine gardens by the main stage and Little Springs Park. There’s something for everyone, no matter your age.

Mark Your Calendar

The Florida Manatee Festival shows off everything that makes Crystal River special—wildlife, waterfront, art, music, and that unbeatable community spirit. Bring your friends, your family, and your sense of wonder. Here’s what you need to know:

Festival Hours:

Saturday, Jan. 17: 9 AM – 5 PM

Sunday, Jan. 18: 9 AM – 4 PM

Where:

Downtown Crystal River, from Citrus Avenue and U.S. 19 through Heritage Village all the way to Kings Bay Park on the waterfront.

Festival website https://www.gomanateefest.com

Tickets are just $10 for adults, and kids 12 and under get in free. Don’t miss it.