Annual Festivals & Events in Citrus County, FL

Annual Festivals

What’s coming up in Crystal River and Citrus County, FL? Plan your visit around one of our biggest festivals.

The fun and festivities are nonstop throughout the year from the Florida Manatee Festival in January to spring’s Floral City Strawberry Festival. Find out about all the top annual festivals and events coming to Citrus County, FL and check out our events calendar to see daily events.

January

Florida Manatee Festival
The annual Florida Manatee Festival returns to Crystal River. Featuring manatee tours, music, food vendors, a beer and wine garden, and local fine arts and crafts.

February

Ozello Craft Show & Chili Cookoff
Who will win the annual chili cookoff? This family-friendly event features a craft show and lots of delicious chili to sample.

March

Shrimp-a-Palooza
An annual festival presented by The Rotary Club of Homosassa Charitable Foundation. Join thousands of party goers for a day of food, fun, and live music.

Fort Cooper Days
A historical reenactment from the Second Seminole War. See the battle, experience authentic weapons and uniforms, and enjoy food and refreshments.

Clean Air Ride
This bike ride on the Withlacoochee State Trail benefits the Key Training Center. With four distances ranging from 14 to 100 miles, there’s a way for participants of all skill levels and abilities to join in the fun!

Inverness Big Bass Classic
Anglers will love this annual bass fishing tournament which pays out $1,000 in prizes to the biggest catch every hour!

Floral City Strawberry Festival
Celebrate local producers with fresh and delicious strawberry shortcakes and on-site cooking demos at one of the top events of the year.

Inverness St. Patrick’s Day Festival
Inverness knows how to do St. Patrick’s Day right! Paint the town green with a pub crawl, free live music, and much more.

St. Patrick’s Day on Citrus Avenue
Wear your green and celebrate all things Irish with a parade, live music, and much more on Citrus Avenue.

April

Fort Cooper Bluegrass Festival
Bring your lawn chair and head to Fort Cooper State Park for live bluegrass, food, drinks, and craft vendors under the shady canopy of oak trees.

Taste of Inverness 
A food and beer festival in Inverness, featuring a competition for area chefs. Experience the food and fun with live music, arts vendors, and more.

May

June

Homosassa River Fireworks Fest & Poker Run
An all-day poker run on the Homosassa River followed by a brilliant fireworks display make for a day of outdoor fun for the entire family!

July

Inverness Patriotic Evening
Celebrate the 4th of July in Inverness with a stunning fireworks display over Lake Henderson and live music.

4th of July Celebration
Crystal River’s annual 4th of July celebration takes place at Kings Bay Park and includes a parade, fireworks, live entertainment, food, beer, and wine - and more!

August

Pine Street Jam & Parrothead Party
Calling all Jimmy Buffet fans! This parrot-themed downtown street party in Inverness features live music, food vendors, beer, and more!

October

Cooter Festival
Rock out at this three-day music festival at Liberty Park in Inverness. Enjoy beautiful Lake Henderson, live performances, family-friendly carnival rides, food vendors, and more.

Heritage Village Scarecrow Festival
Bring the kids to this fall celebration at Heritage Village in Crystal River. This festival features pony rides, hayrides, a pumpkin patch and live performances.

Withlacoochee Annual Ride
On the first Sunday in October, join the cyclists who will ride all 46 miles of the beautiful Withlacoochee State Trail. Or signup to volunteer at this family-friendly event.

November

Inverness Festival of the Arts
An Inverness tradition since 1971, on the first weekend in November, join art lovers to browse 100 booths of fine arts and crafts at this free two-day event.

Blues ‘N Bar-B-Que
Mark your calendars. Live blues and mouth-watering barbecue make for a perfect combination at this fun outdoor festival in Homosassa.

Ozello Arts, Crafts, & Blue Crab Festival
A tradition celebrating all things arts, crafts, and blue crab. Enjoy food, drinks, locally made goods, and lots of delicious blue crab delicacies.

Stone Crab Jam
Sponsored by The Kings Bay Rotary, don't miss this street festival featuring fresh stone crabs, beer and wine, and live music on three stages!

Homosassa Arts, Crafts, & Seafood Festival
Head to historic Old Homosassa for fresh seafood, a juried art show, crafts, and live entertainment.

December

Celebration of Lights
Enjoy thousands of sparkling lights in this synchronized holiday sound and light show sponsored by the Friends of Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park.

Crystal River Christmas Tree Lighting Festival
The City of Crystal Presents a Christmas tree lighting to kick off the holiday season. Downtown Crystal River is transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland, complete with food and drinks, falling snow, and a visit from Santa!

Floral City Heritage Days
Held on the first weekend of December, this fun and educational event showcases Floral City’s early days. Guests will enjoy period dress, demonstrations, horse cart rides, historic home tours, and more.

Fort Cooper Nights of Lights
Fort Cooper State Park will be decked out in lights for this must-see holiday event. Walk under a canopy of sparkling lights, make your own s’mores, and enjoy holiday music and refreshments.

Homosassa River Christmas Boat Parade
A dazzling way to celebrate the holidays with your family. Watch as holiday-themed boats parade down the Homosassa waterfront.

Light Up the Lake Inverness
Kids will love this Christmas celebration in Inverness, featuring train rides, live music, light displays and a visit from Santa too!