Englewood Beach Waterfest is underway, October 9-11, 2026, and you can feel it: the buzz, the energy, the anticipation.
Organizers really went all out this year. The Family Conservation Center has fresh activities, including Mote Marine Laboratory’s “Radical Reefs” exhibit, a butterfly encounter, and interactive booths from Lemon Bay Conservancy.
Last year, the races drew crowds from all over. Forty-one boats tore across the water over two days, each heat more intense than the last, all with the Gulf as a stunning backdrop.
But adrenaline isn’t the only thing in the air; local businesses, civic groups, and hundreds of volunteers are creating a lively atmosphere. Families wandering through educational exhibits, sampling treats from local shops and restaurants, and learning about marine conservation and safe boating.
Every dollar raised at the championship goes straight back into Waterfest, funding events, competitions, and education programs designed to showcase and protect Englewood’s waterways. The Waterfest crew stays committed to promoting smart recreation, marine conservation, and building strong community bonds throughout events that unite visitors and locals.
Englewood Beach Waterfest, Inc. is a Florida nonprofit that puts together races, shows, and forums for water sports enthusiasts. Their mission is simple: host top-tier events, boost local businesses, and inspire environmental responsibility.
2026 Waterfest brings a packed schedule:
– Inflated Invitational Beach Race: Friday, October 9
– Waterfest Block Party: Friday, October 9
– APBA Offshore Championship: Saturday and Sunday, October 10 & 11
Mote Marine Laboratory will set up five exhibits for Waterfest’s Family Conservation Center
Fin-Tastic Friends — Get to know sharks and rays, backed by Mote’s latest research.
Florida Watersheds — Encounter local wildlife and learn how you can help preserve our watersheds.
Marine CSI — Step into the shoes of Mote’s rescue team. Touch real dolphin bones, inspect skulls, and solve marine mysteries.
Spineless Sea — Meet sea stars, squids, horseshoe crabs, and more. Explore their wild adaptations and why they need protection.
Radical Reefs — Unravel whether corals are plants, animals, or minerals. See how Mote scientists are working to protect and restore coral reefs.
And there’s more: Butterfly Encounter, Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Lemon Bay Conservancy, Lemon Bay High School AquaLab and Marine Club, Peace River Wildlife Center, PRSAR, Restore Our Oceans, SWFL Sea Turtle Rescue, Venice Photo Booth, and Wildlife Center of SWFL/Venice.
Kids can jump into face painting, crafts, and games. It’s all free.
Want your family to dig deeper into marine life and conservation? Then don’t miss the Family Conservation Center during Waterfest, October 10 & 11, 2026, at Englewood Beach. Bring everyone, there’s something for all ages.
For more information about Englewood Beach Waterfest, check out englewoodbeachwaterfest.com.
