The annual Manatee Festival in Orange City is back for its 39th year, and it’s bringing a weekend full of family-friendly activities, entertainment, and community spirit. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this event offers a chance to enjoy nature, support a good cause, and have fun with the whole family. Plus they offer a free shuttle to nearby Blue Springs State Park to see the manatees—often hundreds of them.
The festival supports Friends of Blue Spring State Park, scholarships, and various other local organizations. If you’re looking for a great way to spend a day outdoors and give back to the community, the Manatee Festival is a must-see.
Event Details
2025 Orange City Blue Springs Manatee Festival
January 25 and 26, 2025
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Valentine Park
1511 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763
Manatees at Blue Spring State Park. Image: Melody Larson
Admission
The Manatee Festival is affordable for the whole family, and the best part is that your attendance helps fund local initiatives that benefit the community.
Adults: $13
Children Ages 4-12: $3
Children 3 and Under: Free
Dogs: $10
Festival Highlights
From arts and crafts to exciting games and live entertainment, there’s something for everyone at the Manatee Festival. Here’s a breakdown of the fun you can expect:
Family-Friendly Activities
- Children’s Fingerprinting by V.I.P.S.: A great safety initiative for parents with young kids.
- Arts & Crafts: Local vendors and artisans will have unique, handmade goods on display.
- Face Painting
- Shows & Rides
- Walk-on-water Balls: For the adventurous, this is an opportunity to try your hand (or feet) at walking on water.
- SPCA Adopt-A-Pet
Manatee Fest Games
Ready for some friendly competition? The festival features:
- Rock Wall Climbing
- Bungee Jumping
- Balloon Man Shooting Gallery
Live Entertainment
The Manatee Festival also boasts a fantastic lineup of live entertainment throughout the weekend.
Saturday Entertainment
9:30 a.m.: UHS Titan Regiment Band kicks off the festival with the National Anthem and other spirited music.
11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.: Don’t miss the World Famous Disconnected K9’s Frisbee Show, a crowd favorite that showcases amazing canine frisbee tricks.
12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m.: Catch Alt X, a local band playing rock and pop hits.
Sunday Entertainment
9:30 a.m.: Start your Sunday with the UHS Titan Regiment Band performing the National Anthem and more.
11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.: Once again, the World Famous Disconnected K9’s Frisbee Show takes center stage.
12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4:15 p.m.: Jeff Howell Band from Monsters in the Morning (104.1 Real Radio) will keep the party going with great rock and alternative hits.
4:45 p.m.: Stick around for the Raffle Drawing, where lucky festival-goers could win some amazing prizes.
See the Manatees
In addition to the great festival activities, you’ll have access to a free shuttle bus that will take you to Blue Spring State Park, where you can catch a glimpse of the majestic manatees that the festival is all about. What better way to celebrate these incredible creatures while supporting the preservation efforts at Blue Spring State Park?
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