If you’re looking for a slice of authentic, small-town Florida that hasn’t been paved over by theme parks, look no further than Williston. Every year, this quiet agricultural hub transforms into a buzzing hive of activity for the Central Florida Peanut Festival. Begun in 1989, this annual festival is a deep-rooted celebration of the harvest and the community that powers it.

Originally founded by the Williston's Woman's Club as a local tribute to the region's peanut and agriculture industry, management of the event was turned over to the Williston Chamber of Commerce about 2006. It started as a modest gathering focused primarily on the local harvest - to ensure that the peanut received as much fanfare as the citrus industry did in southern Florida counties. Held every year since 1989 (except during the COVID-19 pandemic), it now draws thousands of attendees every year.

The festival traditionally takes place on the first Saturday in October at Williston’s Heritage Park. Admission is free - and you can expect to find peanuts every which way. Whether you like them boiled, roasted, or fried, you won’t leave hungry. There are also a variety of food trucks serving non-peanut meals and treats.

The festival crowns a Peanut King and Queen, along with the highly coveted Baby Peanut titles. It’s a point of pride for locals; some residents still brag about their "Little Miss Peanut" titles from the 1990s. With over 100 vendors, the park fills up with everything from handmade jewelry and woodcrafts to local honey and plants.

There’s almost always live entertainment playing at the pavilion, so bring a lawn chair if you want to sit and stay a while. Whether you're a lifelong Floridian or just passing through Levy County, the Central Florida Peanut Festival is a reminder that the heart of the Sunshine State is still very much in its soil.
Activities & Facilities

RestaurantPlaygroundPicnic shelterDogs allowedArts/crafts vendorsLive musicShort hiking trailsPaved bike trails

• Central Florida Peanut Festival Facebook page

Note: The dates of annual events and festivals are subject to change from year to year. Before planning your trip, be sure to check the links above for the actual dates, times, and schedule of activities.