Homosassa Events Calendar: Year-Round Activities You Won’t Want to Miss
Homosassa packs in events year-round, from manatee festivals in winter to scalloping season in summer and community celebrations in between. Whether you’re planning family fun or a group trip, this Homosassa events calendar covers the events and activities worth showing up for.
Homosassa Events Calendar by Season
Winter Celebrations: January – March
Florida Manatee Festival (January)
The Florida Manatee Festival runs the third weekend in January in downtown Crystal River, about 15 minutes from Homosassa. It is one of the largest family-friendly annual festivals in Citrus County, worth planning around if your trip falls in January.
Event Details:
- Location: Downtown Crystal River (15-minute drive from Homosassa)
- Date: Third weekend in January (January 17-18, 2026; check gomanateefest.com for current-year dates)
- Admission: $10 for adults; children 12 and under free (Sunday discount coupons are sometimes available. Check the official site before you go)
- Parking: Downtown parking fills up fast. Free shuttle service runs from the Crystal River High School (3195 Crystal River High Dr, Crystal River, FL 34428) and the West Citrus Government Building (1540 N Meadowcrest Blvd, Crystal River, FL 34429); use it to skip the bottleneck entirely.
- Special Notes: Book manatee tours well in advance; this is a large, family-friendly event with significant crowds
Spring Wildlife Tours
Photo: Boat tour along Pepper Creek at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, courtesy of Homosassa Springs Wildlife Adventures (HomosassaSpringsWildlife.com).
January through March is peak manatee season, which makes it the right time to book a guided wildlife tour. Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is where many of these tours start, with options covering both manatee viewing and bird-watching.
Tour Details:
- Location: Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
- Season: January-March (peak manatee season)
- Booking: Advance reservations required
- Duration: Typically 2-3 hours
- Cost: Varies by operator ($25-$75 per person)
- Group Options: Available for 10+ people; contact operators directly for group rates
Shrimpapalooza (March: Confirm Dates Before You Go)
The Rotary Club of Homosassa Springs hosts this shrimp-themed, Mardi Gras-style festival most years in mid-March. The next event is in 2027.
Historically, the event runs 9 AM-6 PM at the Homosassa Civic Center grounds, with a parade at 10 AM.
Event Details:
- Location: Old Homosassa, near the Homosassa Civic Center grounds
- Date: Mid-March (check shrimpapalooza.com for current-year dates and status)
- Admission: Approximately $5 at the gate (confirm on the official site before visiting)
- Food & Drinks: Available for purchase from vendors
- Parade: Family-friendly; typically kicks off around 10 AM
- Parking: Street parking and nearby lots; arrive early
- Highlights: Shrimp cook-off competition, live music, kids’ zone
Spring & Summer Fun: April – June
Homosassa River Fireworks Festival (Late June)
The Homosassa Fireworks Festival is the area’s 4th of July celebration, with a firework display over the Homosassa River on the last Saturday in June. In 2026, that is June 27. Check the official calendar if you are planning for a future year.
MacRae’s of Homosassa is the spot for live music, food and drinks, and family fun, with competitions like tug-of-war and pie-eating contests before the firework display starts.
Event Details:
- Location: MacRae’s of Homosassa waterfront
- Date: June 27, 2026 (typically the last Saturday in June each year; check discovercrystalriverfl.com for current-year dates)
- Time: Riverfront activities from 6:00 PM; fireworks at approximately 9:00 PM
- Parking: Limited on-site; arrive early for best spots
- Food: Vendors available on-site
- Viewing: Best spots along the riverfront; bring chairs or blankets
- Family Activities: Contests, games, live music before fireworks
Spring Outdoor Adventures
Late spring is the sweet spot for being on the water, warm enough to enjoy it but less crowded than peak summer. Local outfitters run kayaking trips, fishing tournaments, and eco-tours along the Homosassa River. Most operators have options for both beginners and experienced paddlers.
Activity Details:
- Location: Various launch points along Homosassa River
- Season: April-June (ideal weather conditions)
- Booking: Reservations recommended, especially for groups
- Cost: Kayaking $30-$50 per person; fishing tournaments vary
- Group Rates: Available for 6+ people
- Equipment: Usually included in tour packages
- Duration: Half-day (4 hours) to full-day options
Peak Season: July – September
Scalloping Season (July–September)
Scalloping season runs July through late September, and it is arguably the signature warm-weather activity in Homosassa. You snorkel in shallow Gulf water and pick up bay scallops by hand. No fishing rod, no special skill, just a mask and a mesh bag. First-timers do fine, and kids love it, though everyone needs to be comfortable swimming in open water.
Scalloping Details:
- Location: Homosassa River and nearshore Gulf waters
- Season: July 1-September 24 (peak: July-August). Dates are set by FWC and subject to change. Confirm current regulations at myfwc.com before your trip.
- Charter Cost: Most local charters price by the boat, not per person. A typical half-day trip runs around $400-500 for up to 4-6 guests. Split across a group that works out to roughly $50-100 per person.
- Requirements: A Florida saltwater fishing license is required for all harvesters. On a licensed charter, the captain’s license covers all passengers on board. If you’re using a personal or rental vessel, you need your own license before you enter the water. Confirm your situation before you go.
- Equipment: Snorkel gear, mesh bags, and boat provided on most charters
- Duration: Half-day trips (4-6 hours) are standard
- Booking: Reserve early, especially on summer weekends and for group bookings
- Age Limit: Many charters welcome children 5+; always confirm age and safety policies directly with your captain before booking
- What’s Included: Equipment, instruction, boat captain (charter passengers are covered under the captain’s license)
- Bag Limit: Florida law sets a daily limit of 2 gallons of whole bay scallops per person (or 1 pint of shucked meat). The vessel cap is 10 gallons whole per boat. Verify current limits at myfwc.com before your trip.
Summer Family Festivals
Throughout summer, local parks and marinas host pop-up festivals with fresh seafood, tasty food, kids’ activities, and live music. Most run on weekends and cost little to nothing. They draw locals alongside visitors, which gives you a look at the fishing heritage side of Homosassa that most travelers skip.
Festival Details:
- Locations: Various local parks and marinas
- Season: June-August
- Admission: Free or minimal cost ($2-$5)
- Food: Local seafood vendors, food trucks
- Activities: Kids’ games, live music, craft vendors
- Parking: Usually adequate at park locations
Fall and Winter Highlights: October – December
Homosassa Arts, Crafts & Seafood Festival (November)
Photo: courtesy of Homosassa Arts, Crafts & Seafood Festival — HomosassaSeafoodFestival.org
The Homosassa Arts, Crafts and Seafood Festival is the biggest annual festival in this part of Citrus County, running every second weekend in November. It takes over the Homosassa Civic Club grounds in Old Homosassa for a full weekend, with a juried arts and crafts show, fresh seafood, beer and wine, live music, and family-friendly activities, all running Saturdays and Sundays.
Event Details:
- Location: Homosassa Civic Club Festival Grounds, 5530 S. Mason Creek Road, Old Homosassa
- Date: Second weekend in November annually (November 14-15, 2026; check homosassaseafoodfestival.org or homosassacivicclubinc.org/events/ for current-year dates)
- Hours: Saturday 9 AM-5 PM, Sunday 9 AM-4 PM (confirm current-year hours at the official site before visiting)
- Admission: $5 donation at gate; children 12 and under free (admission has varied across sources. Confirm current pricing at the official site)
- Parking: Free offsite parking with shuttle service usually available; confirm shuttle arrangements closer to the event date
- Food: Local seafood vendors, beer and wine garden
- Entertainment: Live music on multiple stages
- Kids Zone: Games, activities, face painting
- Pet Policy: No pets except service animals
- Special Features: Juried art show, Heritage Village exhibits, raffles
Homosassa River Christmas Boat Parade (December)
Photo: Holiday Boat Parade on the Homosassa River, courtesy of Discover Crystal River Florida (DiscoverCrystalRiverFL.com).
Every December, decorated boats cruise the Homosassa River for the Christmas Boat Parade, with holiday lights and music along the waterfront. Best viewing is from MacRae’s, Crump’s Landing, and Seagrass Restaurant.
Event Details:
- Location: Homosassa River (various viewing points along the waterfront)
- Date: December 12, 2026 (verify at homosassacivicclubinc.org/events/ before visiting)
- Time: Typically starts at 6 PM
- Admission: Free
- Best Viewing: MacRae’s, Crump’s Landing, Seagrass Restaurant, and public docks along the waterfront
- Parking: Limited; arrive early or walk from nearby areas
- Reservations: Recommended for restaurant viewing parties
- Duration: Parade lasts approximately 1 hour
- Special Features: Decorated boats, holiday music, group viewing parties
Winter Wildlife Viewing
December brings manatees back in force. The park adds holiday programs and the Celebration of Lights show, so you get wildlife viewing and a light show at the same stop.
Viewing Details:
- Location: Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
- Season: December-March (peak manatee season)
- Park Hours: 9 AM-5:30 PM daily (note: hours extend to 9:00 PM on Celebration of Lights dates in December)
- Admission: $13 adults (ages 13+); $5 children (ages 6-12); children 5 and under free. Group rates: $9.20 per adult for groups of 10 or more (advance reservation required); $3.50 per child in groups.
- Special Programs: Celebration of Lights holiday light show. See the section below for 2026 dates, pricing, and important restrictions
- Parking: On-site parking available
- Facilities: Gift shop, snack bar, restrooms, wheelchair accessible paths
Additional Events to Watch For
A few more events worth adding to your planning:
Annual Mullet Toss & Spring Festival
Scheduled for February 28, 2026, from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Homosassa Civic Club Festival Grounds (5530 S. Mason Creek Road), this event combines fish-tossing contests with live music, food vendors, and family activities. If you’re in Homosassa in late February, it’s worth building a day around.
Live Music at Local Venues
Venues like Crump’s Landing book local and touring acts: blues, rock, and other genres throughout the year. Small rooms, so you’re close to the stage. Check Bandsintown for current schedules before you go.
Celebration of Lights at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
The Celebration of Lights is one of Citrus County’s most popular December traditions. Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park runs a synchronized light and sound show along the park walkways across two windows in December.
2026 Event Details:
- Dates: December 18-22 and December 27-28, 2026 (will be confirmed later the year)
- Time: 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM nightly
- Admission: Cash only at the gate. Suggested donation: $10 adults; $5 children (ages 3-12); children 2 and under free.
- Restrictions: No wagons and no pets inside the light show area. Park at the Visitor Center or West Entrance and use park transportation to access the show.
Planning Your Visit
- Where to Stay: TradeWinds Homosassa offers high-end waterfront vacation rentals a short drive from every event on this calendar. Book your dates around your festival picks and you will have everything close.
- Tickets and Reservations: Purchase tickets online when available or at event gates. Reserve tours and charters early, especially for group travel.
- Family and Group Tips: Most venues are accessible and group-friendly, whether you are staying in Homosassa or driving in from Crystal River or Inverness. Check official event websites for upcoming events, current schedules, pet policies, and parking before you go. Between the free events and the low-cost options, Homosassa is easy on the budget for families and groups.
Quick Answers Before You Book Your Homosassa Trip
What is the best time of year to visit Homosassa for events?
Every season has something worth planning around. Winter is peak manatee season, summer is scalloping, and November brings the biggest festival of the year.
When does the scalloping season start in Homosassa?
Citrus County scalloping runs July 1 through September 24. July and August are peak months. Book your charter early because summer weekends fill up fast.
Do I need a fishing license to go scalloping in Homosassa?
On a guided charter, the captain’s license covers all passengers. If you’re using your own boat or a rental, you need your own Florida saltwater fishing license.
How much does the Florida Manatee Festival cost?
Adult admission is $10. Children 12 and under get in free. Sunday discount coupons are sometimes available, so check the official site before you go.
Are Homosassa events good for families?
Most of them. The Manatee Festival, Seafood Festival, Mullet Toss, and fireworks are all family-friendly. For scalloping, kids need to be comfortable swimming in open water.
Make Homosassa Your Next Destination
In Homosassa, your year swings from manatee watching in winter to scalloping, fireworks, and festivals in summer and fall. Pick your season, match it to the events on this Homosassa events calendar, and lock in your dates.
