Florida's Adventure Coast 2019-2020 Annual Events Guide

2019 -2020 E VENTS GUIDE

VISITOR INFORMATION CENTERS DOWNTOWN BROOKSVILLE

WEEKI WACHEE SPRINGS STATE PARK

205 E. Fort Dade Ave. u Brooksville, FL 34601 Open Daily u 9:00am – 5:30pm 800.601.4580

6131 Commercial Way u Weeki Wachee, FL 34606 Open Daily u 9:00am – 5:30pm

352.540.6600

— To see all current events visit FloridasAdventureCoast.com —

October

connects to the 46-mile long Withlacoochee State Trail. 1885 Train Depot at downtown Brooksville’s Russell Street Park. www.gntbikeride.com

Fall Corn Maze and Farm Activities

Halloween Haunted House

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 1, 2019 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

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

October 5, 2019 The oldest trail run in Florida, John Holmes is the Grand Daddy of 50Ks. 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

Mud Endeavor, Castle Canyon

October 5, 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

Halloween Harvest Festival

October 11-12, 2019 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/departments-n-z/parks-and-recreation/events

Cardboard Boat Race

October 12, 2019 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 Shoal Line Blvd., Hernando Beach. www.hernandobeachmarinas.com/ cardboard_boat_race.html

Founders’ Week Celebration

October 12-19, 2019 Celebrating the 161st anniversary of the founding of Brooksville, the entire family will enjoy a variety of events throughout the week. 20 N. Main Street Area, Brooksville. www.cityofbrooksville.us

Good Neighbor Trail Ride

October 20, 2019 Choose the 10-mile “Out and Back” family ride or other rides of varying lengths. The ride begins at downtown Brooksville’s Russell Street Park and

October 18-19 & 25-26, 2019 Enjoy spooky hauntings and a fun-filled evening of children’s games, face painting, story-telling, roasting marshmallows around the bonfire, and more!

Field of Dreams Car Show

November 23-24, 2019 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

May-Stringer House Historical Museum, 601 Museum Court, Brooksville. www.hernandohistoricalmuseumassoc.com/ events.htm

Thanksgiving Bluegrass Festival

Camping with the Blues

lindentertainment.com/thanksgiving-bluegrass-fest-home

October 18-20, 2019 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

The Olive Grove Halloween Event

October 19, 2019 Celebrate Halloween with a hilarious and energetic live, interactive performance of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Costumes welcome!

The Olive Grove, 15016 Rester Dr., Brooksville. floridaconcerts.org/olive-grove-upcoming-events.html

Harvest Pumpkin Festival, Arts & Crafts Show

October 26, 2019 Visit the ‘Punkin” Patch, taste some wine, take a walk to the vineyard or a horse-drawn carriage ride or start your Christmas shopping.

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

Nature Coast Seafood Festival

October 26, 2019 Enjoy great seafood, food trucks, live music, dragon boat races, children’s activities and more at Linda Pedersen Park! 6400 Shoal Line Blvd, Spring Hill. www.naturecoastseafoodfestival.com

November Taste of the Fields

November 8, 2019 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.

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

Hernando Untapped

November 15, 2019 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

Riverhawk Music Festival

November 7-10, 2019 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

November 28-30, 2019 Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner, camping, bluegrass and more. Sertoma Youth Ranch, 85 Myers Rd., Brooksville.

Snow Bash! 2019

November 30, 2019 Kick off the winter season right...with snow! That’s right, the Snow Bash will have snow. It will even have a dedicated sledding area. Plus live entertainment, activities, music, games, vendors, a food court and - of course - snow!

Tom Varn Park, 30 Darby Lane, Brooksville. business.hernandochamber.com/events/details/ snow-bash-2019-25707

December Dirthead Off-Road Duathlon

December 1, 2019 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 and Downtown Tree Lighting December 5, 2019 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.historicdowntownbrooksville.com/events

Hilly Hundred

December 7, 2019 Join this challenging and 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 local charities. www.crankworksbikes.com

Annual Downton Abbey Christmas

December 7, 14 & 21, 2019 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, 410 E. Liberty St., Brooksville. thetiltedteacuptearoom.com

Holiday Season Carriage Rides

December 12, 19, 20 & 21, 2019 New for the Christmas season. Boarding of the horse and carriage rides is in front of the court-

house. Historic Brooksville, 20 N. Main St., Brooksville. www.historicdowntownbrooksville.com/events

Kiwanis Christmas Parade

December 14, 2019 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

May-Stringer House Night of Lights Tour December 14, 2019 Tour this Victorian Mansion after dark, festively lit for the holiday season.

Historic Brooksville, 601 Museum Court, Brooksville. www.hernandohistoricalmuseumassoc.com/ events.htm

J anuary Croom Zoom Trail Run

January 4, 2020 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 5, 2020 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

Adventure Coast. View horse shows and thrilling spectator events like “Mutton Bustin” and the exclusive Brooksville Rodeo. 16371 Runway Drive, Brooksville – Tampa Bay Regional Airport, Brooksville. www.fawexpo.org

Greek Festival

January 25, 2020 Enjoy 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 Greek Orthodox Church, 10401 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. www.hcgreekfestival.com

F ebruary Brooksville Native American Festival

February 1-2, 2020 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 6-9, 2020 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, 2020 A celebration of 1800’s Hernando County, with historic home tours, carriage rides, museum tours, crafts and heritage activities for all ages.

January 4-5, 2020 Don’t miss the ultimate in competitions as the dogs and handlers perform at their highest levels.

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

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

February 18-23, 2020 Enjoy five days of live Bluegrass and Classic Country performers, including TG Sheppard, Penny Creek, Big Cypress and more! Onsite camping.

Florida Gulf Coast Cluster AKC All-Breed Dog Show

January 9-19, 2020 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.

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

Brooksville Raid Re-Enactment

January 18-19, 2020 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

The Florida Agriculture and Wildlife Expo January 24-26, 2020 The FAWE invites attendees to celebrate the rich agricultural heritage and wildlife of Florida’s

Florida Bluegrass Classic

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

Tin Can Tourists Winter Convention Open House

February 22, 2020 Join the annual gathering of iconic airstream camping trailer and motor coaches, some dating from the 1940s and 1950s. Sertoma Youth Ranch, 85 Myers

Rd., Brooksville. www.tincantourists.com

March Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest

March 6-8, 2020 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 7, 2020 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

Throw Down the Mountain Tournament Florida’s Largest Disc Golf Event March 14-15, 21-22, 28-29, 2020 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. Gran Canyon, 9020 Cooper Terrace (off Mondon Hill Rd.), Brooksville. www.throwdownthemountain.com

Art in the Park: Art, Crafts & Music Festival March 14-15, 2020 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 13-15, 2020 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

Chamber of Commerce Spring Golf Tournament March 19, 2020 The Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament is the “can’t miss” golf event of the year. Each year, the event is held at one of Hernando County’s premier golf courses. Plan for a first-class golf experience with interactive activities at each tee box.

Location TBA. hernandochamber.com

Blues Bash at the Ranch March 20-21, 2020 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.

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

Spring Bluegrass Festival March 25-29, 2020 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

Central Florida Sportsman’s Expo March 28-29, 2020 New boats, hunting and fishing exhibits and more!

Tom Varn Park, 301 Darby Ln, Brooksville.

(207) 608-5442 or (702) 499-8850

A pril

dors, live musical performances, and family-friendly activities. Downtown Brooksville. www.brooksvilleblueberryfestival.com

J uly

Croom 50M/50K/16M Fools Trail Run

May

Scallop Season Opens

April 4, 2020 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

Mermaid Chase Paddling Race

April 18, 2020 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 2-5, 2020 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 3-11, 2020 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. HernandoFairgrounds.com

Hop n’ Glow Easter Egg Hunt

April 11, 2020 Share some fun after the sun with games, crafts, field activities, food vendors, free give-a-ways, 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

Weeki Wachee Springs Easter Egg Hunt

Cause FORE Paws Golf Tournament

May 2020 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.hernandorescue.org

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

April 25-26, 2020 The Best Little Festival in Florida transforms downtown Brooksville with a celebration of all things blueberry. Enjoy a wide variety of venAll events and dates are subject to change without notice.

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

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

Orange Blossom Jamboree

May 13-17, 2020 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 23, 2020 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

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

Brooksville Blueberry Festival

July 4, 2020 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,

August 2020 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

May 2020 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.

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

and SR 50, Brooksville. www.facebook.com/events/718839071863980

Firecracker Smash ‘m Up

A ugust

April 11, 2020 The annual Water Egg Hunt takes place at Buccaneer Bay…be sure the kids bring their bathing suits and a basket! Weeki Wachee Springs

April 25, 2020 5K, 10K & Half Marathon. Run under the moon next to the beatiful Withlacoochee River! The race will start and finish at the Ridge Manor Trailhead. Ridge Manor Trailhead, Croom Rital Road

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

Hogan Law Charity Fishing Tournament

Lake Rd., Brooksville. www.tancinc.org

Withlacoochee Moon River

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.,

J une June 6, 2020 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

Richloam General Store Annual Hoopla

June 27, 2020 Don’t miss the Annual Hoopla! Gather for guest speakers, live music, a bounce house and great food. Enter the raffle to win exciting prizes.

38219 Richloam Clay Sink Rd., Webster. www.richloamstore.com

Ernie Chatman Labor Day 5K

St., Brooksville. www.redmulerunners.com

Olive Grove Mill Party Weekend August 29, 2020 Tour the Orchard, sample fresh oil and olive products, including Mill Produce Fresh Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Workshops, food, beverages and live entertainment! 15016 Rester Dr., Brooksville. www.floridaconcerts.org/olive-groveupcoming-events.html

September Hispanic Heritage Festival of Hernando County September 2020 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

International Coastal Cleanup Day September 19, 2020 Join others volunteering locally and around the world to keep our coastline litter-free for wildlife habitats, fragile ecosystems and beauty.

Established more than 30 years ago, the Ocean Conservancy marks the third Saturday in September to Fight for Trash Free Seas.

Linda Pedersen Park, 6300 Shoal Line Boulevard, Weeki Wachee. http://bit.ly/2kJfkpa Revised 10/2019