Florida's Adventure Coast 2018-2019 Annual Events Guide

2018 -2019 E VENT S GUIDE

VISITOR INFORMATION CENTERS CARRIAGE HILLS PLAZA

WEEKI WACHEE SPRINGS STATE PARK

31085 Cortez Blvd. u Brooksville, FL 34602 Open Daily u 9:00am – 5:30pm 800.601.4580

6131 Commercial Way u Weeki Wachee, FL 34606 Open Daily u 10:00am – 4:00pm

352.540.6600

— To see all current events visit FloridasAdventureCoast.com —

October Fall Corn Maze and Farm Activities Weekends in October Enjoy the corn and other mazes, hayrides, entertainment, family activities and more.

Harvest Moon Farm, 15990 Stur St., Masaryktown. www.harvestmoonfl.com

Fall RoundUp Farm Fun

Weekends in October Enjoy mazes, hayrides, entertainment, family activities, storytelling, games, produce barn and more.

Sweetfields Farm, 7250 Benes Roush Rd., Masaryktown. www.sweetfieldsfarm.com

Papa Joe’s Annual Pasta Fest

October 2, 2018 Bring your appetite to the 99¢ All-You-Can-Eat pasta event with children’s activities and entertainment.

Papa Joe’s Italian Restaurant, 6244 Spring Lake Hwy., Brooksville. www.papajoes.org

Hernando Untapped

October 5, 2018 One of the most talked about craft beer and wine festivals in the area, the event features outstanding regional craft beer and wine makers.

American Aviation Flight Academy, 17076 Helicopter Dr., Brooksville. www.hernandochamber.com

John Holmes 50K,16M, 9M Trail Run

October 6, 2018 The oldest trail run in Florida, John Holmes is the Grand Daddy of 5Ks. This is a classic loop course with 7 mile loops. A beautiful course that winds through the oak and scrub forest of Croom – a must for anyone looking to try a 50K. Tucker Hill Fire Tower Lot, 26416 Croom Rd., Brooksville. www.TampaRaces.com

Halloween Harvest Festival

October 12-13, 2018 Enjoy fall fun for the entire family with face painting, games, food, hay rides, costume and pet-masquerade contests, plus a haunted house.

Hernando County Fairgrounds, 6436 Broad St. (US-41), Brooksville. www.hernandocounty.us/Parks_Rec/Recreation

Cardboard Boat Race

October 13, 2018 Join or watch this annual event in Hernando Beach, with prizes and fun for all, including the coveted “Titanic Award” for the most dramatic sinking. A seafood fest follows at the Hernando Beach Yacht Club. Hernando Beach Marina, 4139

Good Neighbor Trail Ride

October 14, 2018 Celebrate completion of the Good Neighbor Trail at this inaugural Bike Ride event. Choose the 10 mile “Out and Back” family ride or other rides of varying lengths, beginning at the 1885 Train Depot at downtown Brooksville’s Russell Street Park to the 46-mile long Withlacoochee State Trail.

This Good Neighbor Trail completion connects to Florida’s famous Coast to Coast Trail.

1885 Train Depot at downtown Brooksville’s Russell Street Park. www.gntbikeride.com

Halloween Haunted House

October 19-20 & 26-27, 2018 Enjoy spooky hauntings and a fun-filled evening of children’s games, face painting, story-telling, roasting marshmallows around the bonfire, and more!

May-Stringer House Historical Museum, 601 Museum Court, Brooksville. www.facebook.com/HHM.HauntedHouse

Camping with the Blues

October 19-21, 2018 Enjoy three days and three nights of “Blues Under the Stars With The Stars Of The Blues.”

Sertoma Youth Ranch, 85 Myers Rd., Brooksville. www.campingwiththeblues.com

Olive Grove Fall Harvest Festival

November 8-11, 2018 Four days of incredible music and entertainment, workshops and jam sessions. The eclectic array of music, includes Americana, Bluegrass, Jamgrass, Celtic, Newgrass, Cajun and more.

Sertoma Youth Ranch, 85 Myers Rd., Brooksville. www.riverhawkmusic.com

Field of Dreams Car Show

November 17-18, 2018 The show features street rods, rat rods, classics, four-wheel drives, modern muscle, performance vehicles and more, plus the Car Corral, swap meet, arts and crafts, great food and live entertainment.

Florida Classic Park, 5360 Lockhart Rd., Brooksville. www.fieldofdreamscarshow.com

Thanksgiving Bluegrass Festival

November 22-24, 2018 Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner, camping, bluegrass and more.

Sertoma Youth Ranch, 85 Myers Rd., Brooksville. lindentertainment.com/thanksgiving-bluegrass-fest-home

December Hilly Hundred

floridaconcerts.org/olive-grove-upcoming-events.html

December 1, 2018 Join this large group of cycling enthusiasts on a challenging, invigorating group ride through Florida’s Adventure Coast’s scenic countryside.

Organized by Crank Works Bicycles, this is a free (self-supported) ride with voluntary donations encouraged for different local charities.

Harvest Pumpkin Festival, Arts & Crafts Show

Annual Downton Abbey Christmas

October 20, 2018 Dinner and gala at 5:30 with live entertainment

by Amber Lynn Nichols. After dinner, enjoy “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and have some interactive fun. Costumes welcome!

The Olive Grove, 15016 Rester Dr., Brooksville.

October 20, 2018 Visit the ‘Punkin” Patch, taste some wine, take a walk to the vineyard or a horse-drawn carriage ride. Start your Christmas shopping.

Strong Tower Vineyard & Winery, 17810 Forge Drive, Spring Hill. www.strongtowervineyard.com

November Taste of the Fields

November 3, 2018 A fabulous feast, from appetizers to desserts, prepared from local harvests by local chefs; hosted

by N’Joy Spirits/Wild Buck Whiskey, in the heart of the Chassahowitzka Preserve.

Shoal Line Blvd., Hernando Beach. www.hernandobeachyc.com

13243 Commercial Way (US Hwy 19 N), Brooksville. www.kiwanisofthebrooksvilleridge.com/totf

Founders’ Week Celebration

Nature Coast Seafood Festival

20 N. Main Street Area, Brooksville. www.cityofbrooksville.us

6400 Shoal Line Blvd, Spring Hill. www.naturecoastseafoodfestival.com

October 13-20, 2018 Celebrating the 161st anniversary of the founding of Brooksville, the entire family will enjoy a variety of events throughout the week.

Riverhawk Music Festival

November 3, 2018 Enjoy great seafood, food trucks, live music, dragon boat races, children’s activities and more at Linda Pedersen Park!

www.crankworksbikes.com/news_events.html

December 1, 8 & 15, 2018 Downton Abbey comes to life on Florida’s Adventure Coast where Lady Grantham will learn there is never a dull moment in a weekend in Brooksville! The Tilted Teacup Tea Room & Boutique, 103 S. Saxon Ave., Brooksville. thetiltedteacuptearoom.com

Dirthead Off-Road Duathlon

December 2, 2018 The Dirthead takes place on the exhilarating offroad trails of Croom. There is a race for every level – Sprint Duathlon (10M bike, 3.8M run) or Middle Earth Duathlon (10M bike, 8M run, 13M bike).

Tucker Hill Fire Tower Lot, 26416 Croom Rd., Brooksville. www.thedirthead.com

Christmas on Main Street

December 6, 2018 Stroll down Main Street, enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas and shop the downtown merchants, open extended hours and offering holiday treats and specials.

Historic Brooksville, 20 N. Main St., Brooksville. www.facebook.com/pg/brooksvillemainstreet/ events

Downtown Brooksville’s Christmas Tree Lighting December 6, 2018 The Brooksville Main Street organization presents the exciting Christmas Concert and Tree Lighting at 7:00 pm.

Historic Brooksville, 20 N. Main St., Brooksville. www.facebook.com/pg/brooksvillemainstreet/ events

Kiwanis Christmas Parade December 8, 2018 One of the largest and most colorful holiday parades in Florida kicks off at 10am, followed by special activities and shopping in historic Brooksville.

Historic Brooksville, 20 N. Main St., Brooksville. www.kiwanisclubofbrooksville.org

J anuary Croom Zoom Trail Run January 5, 2019 The Croom ZOOM 100K/50K/25K courses wind through oak hammocks and some of the best cross-country running terrain in Florida.

Tucker Hill Fire Tower Parking Lot, 26416 Croom Rd., Brooksville. www.croomzoom.com

Spring Hill Marathon Mania / Hand Cyclists Marathon January 6, 2019 Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10K or 5K – this Boston Marathon Qualifier is Central Florida’s first marathon race of the year.

Anderson Snow Park, 1360 Anderson Snow Rd., Spring Hill. www.marathonmania.net

AKC Dog Agility Trials January 5-6, 2019 Don’t miss the ultimate in competitions as the dogs and handlers perform at their highest levels.

Florida Classic Park, 5360 Lockhart Rd., Brooksville. www.floridaclassicpark.com

Florida Gulf Coast Cluster AKC All-Breed Dog Show January 10-20, 2019 Ten days of competitions featuring ten American Kennel Club All-Breed Dog Shows, two days of specialty shows, Conformation, Junior Showmanship, Obedience and Rally Trials, plus visits with the dogs and their handlers.

Brooksville Raid Re-Enactment January 19-20, 2019 Florida’s largest Civil War Battle re-enactment portrays the 1846 raid on Bayport with artillery demonstrations, entertainment, food, sutlers, and period music. Sand Hill Scout Reservation, 11210 Cortez Blvd. (SR-50), Brooksville. www.brooksvilleraidreenactment.com

Ghost Tour Friday & Saturday Evenings by Reservation Legend has it that the 160-year old former house of pioneer Frank Saxon is still inhabited by some of its residents, including three-year old Jessie May Saxon. May-Stringer Historical Museum, 601 Museum Court, Brooksville. www.hernandohistoricalmuseumassoc.com

F ebruary Brooksville Native American Festival February 2-3, 2019 The family-friendly festival features authentic dancing and music, by award-winning performers, artists and craftsmen from around the country, primitive skills demonstrations, and Native foods like fry bread and buffalo burgers.

Florida Classic Park, 5360 Lockhart Rd., Brooksville. www.brooksvillenativeamericanfest.com

Celtic Family Jamboree February 8-10, 2019 A unique family-friendly Celtic experience sharing tradition through live music and dance, workshops, crafts and celtic competitions.

Sertoma Youth Ranch, 85 Myers Rd., Brooksville. www.celticheritageproductions.com/fj.htm

Heritage Day February 16, 2019 A celebration of 1800’s Hernando County, with historic home tours, carriage rides, museum tours, crafts and heritage activities for all ages.

May-Stringer Historical Museum, 601 Museum Court, Brooksville. www.hernandohistoricalmuseumassoc.com

Florida Bluegrass Classic February 18-24, 2019 Enjoy five days of live Bluegrass and Classic Country performers, including TG Sheppard, Penny Creek, Big Cypress and more! Onsite camping.

Florida Classic Park, 5360 Lockhart Rd., Brooksville. www.floridaclassicpark.com/clustershows.html

Florida Classic Park, 5360 Lockhart Rd., Brooksville. www.evansmediasource.com

Florida Agriculture & Wildlife Expo

Tin Can Tourists Winter Convention Open House

January 19-20, 2019 A showcase of Hernando County’s finest agriculture, wildlife, arts, and talent, plus crafts and entertainment.

Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport, Runway Drive entrance (off US-41 S), Brooksville. www.fawexpo.org

February 23, 2019 It’s the 100th Anniversary of the TCT; join their celebration of the iconic Gulfstream camping trailers and motor coaches dating from the 1940’s to the 1960’s. Sertoma Youth Ranch, 85 Myers Rd., Brooksville. www.tincantourists.com

March Cause FORE Paws Golf Tournament

March 2019 Join the Humane Center of the Nature Coast for a fun-filled day of golf to benefit the animals in our care. A 9 am shotgun start will kick off this four-person scramble which includes contests, prizes, breakfast and lunch.

Location TBA. www.humanerescue.org

Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest

March 1-3, 2019 One of the premier family-friendly fine arts, crafts and music festivals in the southeast includes the Swamp Monster contest, over 140 vendors and crafters, entertainment, live bands including folk, country, and toe-tapping get-up-and-dance tunes.

Linda Pedersen Park, 6300 Shoal Line Blvd., Weeki Wachee. www.swampfestweekiwachee.com

Long Play (LP) Race (33.3M)/ Half and Full Marathons

March 4, 2019 The races start from Lake Townsend Regional Park and include portions of the Croom off-road trails and the paved Withlacoochee State Trail.

Lake Townsen Regional Park, 28011 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton. www.tamparaces.com/long-play-race-5m-ultra

Greek Festival

March 8-10, 2019 Three days of fun with Greek food and pastries, music, traditional folk dance (with lessons), a toga run, kids’ zone, cooking demonstrations, arts and craft vendors, and more. Christ the Savior Orthodox Christian Church, 10401 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. facebook.com/events/468005553723483/

Throw Down the Mountain Disc Golf Tournament

March 9 & 10, 16 & 27, 22 & 24, 2019 Experience the fastest growing sport in the nation! Enjoy the thrilling and challenging disc moves by the competitors in the PDGA-sanctioned Vibram Open Qualifier. This is a competition not to be missed. Gran Canyon, 9020 Cooper Terrace (off Mondon Hill Rd.), Brooksville. www.throwdownthemountain.com

Art in the Park: Art, Crafts & Music Festival March 9-10, 2019 The Gulf Coast’s largest Art Festival with over 115 artisans participating in the annual juried show featuring fine art, fine craft, craft artist vendors, student art, and live entertainment.

Tom Varn Park, 306 Darby Ln., Brooksville. www.hernandoarts.org

The Will McLean Music Festival

March 8-10, 2019 Named for the Father of Florida Folk Music, this festival features entertainment by Florida’s singers and songwriters, including workshops, arts, crafts, poetry reading, storytelling, and children’s activities.

Sertoma Youth Ranch, 85 Myers Rd., Brooksville. www.WillMcLean.com

Blues Bash at the Ranch

Weeki Wachee Springs Easter Egg Hunt

Cruising for Critters Poker Run

March 15-17, 2019 Enjoy hot blues and cool nights at this new 3-day music festival. Music, workshops, family, and dog-friendly. Choose to camp or buy a day pass.

April 20, 2019 The annual Water Egg Hunt takes place at Buccaneer Bay…be sure the kids bring their bathing suits and a basket!

Starting Location TBA. www.humanerescue.org

Sertoma Youth Ranch, 85 Myers Rd., Brooksville. www.bluesbashattheranch.com

Spring Bluegrass Festival March 20-24, 2019 Enjoy four days of the best in Bluegrass music, stage shows, open mic, workshops, movies, children’s activities, and a Sunday morning Gospel Sing. Sertoma Youth Ranch, 85 Myers Rd., Brooksville. www.evansmediasource.com

Croom 50M/50K/16M Fools Trail Run March 30, 2019 The beautiful and challenging 50-mile course follows three repeat loops on the Croom Hiking Trail, through central Florida’s long leaf pines and scrub oak covered hills and cypress ponds.

Tucker Hill Fire Tower Lot, 26416 Croom Rd., Brooksville. www.fools50.com

A pril Mermaid Chase Paddling Race April 13, 2019 Join the Mermaid Chase Paddling Race along our Bayport – Linda Pedersen Paddling Trail.

Proceeds from the 3.5 mile race are used for marine and coastal restoration projects in Hernando County.

Linda Pedersen Park, 6300 Shoal Line Blvd, Spring Hill. sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hernando

Stringbreak Music Festival April 11-14, 2019 This multi-stage Americana music fest features Roots Rock, Alternative Country, Newgrass and Bluegrass. Camping, vendors, and well-planned activities make for a great weekend.

Sertoma Youth Ranch, 85 Myers Rd., Brooksville. www.lindentertainment.com/stringbreak

Hernando County Fair April 12-20, 2019 You know it’s Spring when the Fair is here! The whole family will enjoy exhibits, Midway rides, games, livestock shows, vendors, food and live entertainment, including evening shows.

Hernando County Fairgrounds, 6436 Broad St. (US-41 S), Brooksville. www.HernandoFairgrounds.com

Hop n’ Glow Easter Egg Hunt April 20, 2019 Share some fun after the sun with games, crafts, field activities, food vendors, free give-aways, and photos with the Easter Bunny. Dance the night away at the Black Light Bunny Hop! Anderson Snow Park, 1360 Anderson Snow Rd., Spring Hill. www.hernandochamber.com All events and dates are subject to change without notice.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, 6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee. www.friendsofweekiwachee.com

Hogan Law Charity Fishing Tournament April 27, 2019 This annual event brings out anglers of all ages for a day of flats fishing, prizes, great food, and a silent auction, all in support of HPH Hospice.

Bayport Park, 4140 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. hlf-fishingtournament.com

June 2019 Enjoy this motorcycle journey for a “paw-some” cause. Meet up with other riders for a great ride.

Moon Over Croom – 21M, 14M, 7M Trail Run

June 29, 2019 Experience Croom like you never have before; running in the dark. The main day-run trail is a well-marked 7-mile loop; glow sticks will mark the course for the adventurous night run.

Tucker Hill Fire Tower Lot, 26416 Croom Rd., Brooksville. www.tamparaces.com

Brooksville Blueberry Festival

J uly

April 27-28, 2019 The Best Little Festival in Florida transforms downtown Brooksville with a celebration of all things blueberry. Enjoy a wide variety of vendors, live musical performances, and family-friendly activities. Downtown Brooksville.

First Saturday in July Grab your snorkel gear and diver-down flag and head for the water! The much-anticipated annual scallop season opens and runs into September. Bayport Park, 4140 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville

www.brooksvilleblueberryfestival.com

May Sunflower Maze, Spring Crops and Farm Activities Weekends in May Maze your way through the paths of 8 to 10-foot-tall sunflowers in search of the exit. Six acres of fun, including hay rides, picnic area, family activities and spring produce.

Sweetfields Farm, 17250 Benes Roush Rd., Masaryktown. www.sweetfieldsfarm.com

Orange Blossom Jamboree May 15-19, 2019 This family-friendly music festival features an outdoor pavilion and three stages for non-stop entertainment with more than 60 bands.

Sertoma Youth Ranch, 85 Myers Rd., Brooksville. www.orangeblossomjamboree.com

Spring Lake Memorial Classic May 25, 2019 The annual run and walk winds through scenic terrain, including a nature trail through the woods, a horse barn and up and down some challenging hills! The ARC Nature Coast, 5283 Neff Lake Rd., Brooksville. www.facebook.com/events/1743591689001152

J une Annual Jerome Brown Golf Classic June 2019 This annual fundraiser for the Jerome Brown Youth Foundation features a four-person scramble format with awards presented for the three highest-placing teams. Location TBA. facebook.com/JeromeBrownYouthFoundation

Scallop Season Opens

or Hernando Beach Boat Ramp, 4483 Calienta St., Hernando Beach. myfwc.com/fishing/ saltwater/recreational/bay-scallops

Firecracker Smash ‘m Up

July 4, 2019 Celebrate America with fireworks and fun for the entire family! Come out to the fairgrounds for music, games, a Kid Zone, contests, and the Demolition Derby. Hernando County Fairgrounds, 6436 Broad St. (US-41 S), Brooksville. www.HernandoFairgrounds.com

A ugust Ernie Chatman Labor Day 5K

August 2019 Run on a flat, cross country course shaded by old oak trees wrapped around McKethan Lake.

Enjoy music, food, prizes, and awards for each age bracket. McKethan Lake Park, 15109 N. Broad St., Brooksville. www.redmulerunners.com

September Hispanic Heritage Festival of Hernando County September 21, 2019 Join Hernando County’s Hispanic Heritage celebration with live bands, DJs, Kid Zone, food vendors, commercial and craft vendors, beer, wine, raffles and contests. Free admission.

The Lake House, 1202 Kenlake Ave., Spring Hill. www.facebook.com/ MissHispanicQueenOfHernandoCounty

Mud Endeavor, Castle Canyon

September 2019 Make some new friends, achieve some new goals and create new memories! This premium course resides on over 100 acres of untouched valleys with unbeaten trails and breathtaking cliffs.

10444 Beggs Lane, Brooksville. www.mudendeavor.com Revised 01/2019