The spring-fed Crystal River, with its nearly constant temperature all year
round, is the winter home to the largest number of West Indian Manatees on the
planet. So it's not surprising that the Florida Manatee Festival is held in the
town of
Crystal River smack in the middle of winter. This north-central Florida
town has weather and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for festival goers as
well as the gentle aquatic mammals the event commemorates.
Manatees congregate around many of the springs in the area. But Three-Sisters
Spring is probably the most famous for manatee viewing. During the event, buses
run continuously to transport attendees to and from the spring. A boardwalk
provides close-up access to see manatees. Many people also kayak to the spring.
The transportation to-and-from the springs is a free service provided by the
City of Crystal River and with support from the Friends of the
Crystal River
National Wildlife Refuge.
The Florida Manatee Festival is held in the streets of downtown Crystal River,
spanning U.S. highway 19, and adjacent to Kings Bay. Two entertainment stages
provide live music both days. One stage is next to the courthouse and Three
Sisters Springs Center. The other is at Kings Bay Park, where there is also a
wine & beer garden and food courts. Kings Bay boat tours depart from the park,
and are available each day on a first-come first-served basis.
Families with children will enjoy the huge "Kid's Zone" that offers a wide
variety of activities including bounce houses, rock wall, pony rides, etc. As
with any event of this size, a large number of art and craft vendors have
booths set up in the streets, many of which are closed to traffic during the
festival. Shoppers will also enjoy Heritage Village ... a collection of shops in
the historical area of Crystal River that is close to all the action.
Activities & Facilities
Restaurant
Playground
Arts/crafts vendors
Live music
Short hiking trails