Florida Manatee Festival

JANUARY 17-18, 2026

Admission: Adults: $10 | 12/Under: FREE

$5 on SUNDAY with Citrus County Chronicle Coupon!

Saturday 9AM-5PM | Sunday 9AM-4PM

Located in the "Manatee Capital of the World", The Florida Manatee Festival is an annual event held every January in beautiful downtown Crystal River. Our festival boasts two days of live entertainment, discounted opportunities for guided manatee boat tours and kayak tours in Kings Bay, children's activities, delicious food, and hundreds of vendors selling their wares!

Entry is only $10 for adults and children 12 and under are FREE! SUNDAY DISCOUNT ONLY Look for the special coupon in the Citrus County Chronicle on January 17th offering $5-off per person for up to four adult admissions. Learn More Here.

Take a look around our site to learn more about all the fun we will have at The Florida Manatee Festival!

Stay & Play!

Come for the festival but stay for EVERYTHING ELSE! Crystal River is home to so much more than the manatee. From incredible dining and shopping to even more adventures by land, sea, or air you definitely want to stretch this vacation as long as you can to enjoy our slice of paradise on the Nature Coast!

Lodging

Shopping

Dining

Attractions

Manatee Tours

Boating & Kayaking

View Directory

The word around Town

From BIG NEWS in our small town to updates on what you can expect with your experience, the Word Around Town is your direct connection to The Florida Manatee Festival

Experience the Magic of Manatees on a Kings Bay Boat Tour!

By Citrus County Chamber | January 15, 2025

Back to Blog Looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure during the Florida Manatee Festival? Make your way to the beautiful waters…

Guided Kayak Tours With Paddletail Waterfront Adventures!

By Citrus County Chamber | January 15, 2025

Back to Blog Our Guided Kayak Tours are back at this year’s Florida Manatee Festival in partnership with Paddletail Waterfront…

2025 Parking Information

By Citrus County Chamber | January 15, 2025

Back to Blog Florida Manatee Festival Announces New Parking locations for 2024 Festival. Crystal River, FL – 01-15-25 – As…

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"This is a wonderful festival! Tons of vendors and choices for food and art!! Also very well organized by the volunteers. Citrus County Chamber of Commerce. very good job at this event!!!"
- Jens Metal Art & Design

"The festival was fun, and the kayaking was awesome!! We saw a ton of manatees, and our guide was very friendly and informative. The kids favorite part was the magic show, the magician was hilarious and amazing. All the kids in the audience kept thinking they had his tricks figured out, but he would surprise the audience every time."
- Jason Debney

"Great set up, a ton to see and do, and everyone was so friendly! 10/10 highly recommend."
- Chelsea Fuller

"So much to see and do. Lots of people. So organized. So many selections of items to buy and enjoy. Great selection of food."
- Joan Bladek

"Nice variety of artisan goods and food! Having just moved to Florida it was a wonderful way to spend Saturday "
- Jennifer Rippey

Schedule Your Experience!

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