Florida's Adventure Coast 2017-2018 Events Guide

2017-2018 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 – 5:00pm

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

— F l o r i d a sA d ve nt ureC o a st.co m v 352.754.4 4 05 —

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

sinking. A seafood fest follows at the Hernando Beach Yacht Club.

Hernando Beach Marina, 4139 Shoal Line Blvd., Hernando Beach. www.eventbrite.com/e/cardboard-boat-race-thetaste-of-hernando-tickets-38877944980

November 4-5, 2017 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.

Wild n’ Wicked Nights

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

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

October 20-21 & 27-28, 2017 Family fun includes the Mermaids in their legendary Spooktacular underwater show, the Haunted House, Goblin’s Revenge, Terror in the Woods, Kid’s Fun Maze, Peek-a-Boo Trail, a costume contest, a scream contest, and more!

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

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

Papa Joe’s Annual Pasta Fest

Camping with the Blues

Fall RoundUp Farm Fun

First Tuesday in October Bring your appetite to the 99¢ All-You-Can-Eat pasta event with children’s activities and entertainment.

October 20-22, 2017 Enjoy three days and three nights of “Blues Under the Stars With The Stars Of The Blues.”

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

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

Hernando Untapped

Halloween Haunted House

October 12, 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. business.hernandochamber.com/events

Annual Sheriff’s Night Out

First Saturday in October The free event includes activities for all ages with entertainment, food, games, live shows, giveaways, and a chance to meet first responders.

Target Parking Lot, 3010 Aerial Way, Brooksville. www.hernandosheriff.org/Programs/NightOut/

Halloween Harvest Festival

October 13-14, 2017 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/

Founders’ Week Celebration

October 14-21, 2017 Celebrating the 161st anniversary of the founding of Brooksville, the entire family will enjoy a variety of events throughout the week.

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

Harvest Pumpkin Festival, Arts & Crafts Show

October 21, 2017 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

Cardboard Boat Race

October 21, 2017 Join or watch this annual event on the Weeki Wachee River, with prizes and fun for all, including the coveted “Titanic Award” for the most dramatic

Field of Dreams Car Show

October 20-21 & 27-28, 2017 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

WeekiStock

October 21, 2017 Don’t miss this annual event at the Shack; enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of local vendors, prizes, live music, great food and craft beer!

BeckyJack’s Food Shack, 8070 Cortez Blvd. (CR-550), Weeki Wachee. www.facebook.com/BeckyJacksFoodShack

Taste of the Fields

October 28, 2017 A fabulous feast, from appetizers to desserts, prepared from local harvests by local chefs; served on the picturesque lawn of historic Chinsegut Hill.

Chinsegut Hill Retreat, 22495 Chinsegut Hill Rd., Brooksville. www.kiwanisofthebrooksvilleridge.com/totf

Olive Grove Fall Harvest Festival

October 31, 2017 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. floridaconcerts.org/olive-grove-upcoming-events.html

November Hernando County Kennel Club Annual Fall AKC Dog Show

November 2-6, 2017 Enjoy the competition of this highly acclaimed AKC All-Breed show with obedience and rally trials; a prelude to the southeast’s largest annual 10-day AKC All-Breed show in January.

Florida Classic Park, 5360 Lockhart Rd., Brooksville. www.hernandocountykennelclub.org

Riverhawk Music Festival

November 9-12, 2017 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

Free Park Admission for Veterans

November 11, 2017 In appreciation, Veterans receive free admission to the Park for the mermaid shows, boat ride, and more.

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

Thanksgiving Bluegrass Festival

November 23-25, 2017 Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner, camping, bluegrass and more.

Sertoma Youth Ranch, 85 Myers Rd., Brooksville. www.sertomayouthranch.org/thanksgivingday-event

December Candy Cane Acres

December 1-2; 8-9; 15-16, 2017 Visit Mrs. Claus’ kitchen, the Parade of Trees and Santa’s Workshop. Take a sleigh ride, enjoy the lights and the Magical Playland.

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

Dirthead Off-Road Duathlon

December 3, 2017 The Dirthead takes place on the exhilarating offroad trails of Croom. There is a race for all levels – 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/index.html

Christmas on Main St.

December 7, 2017 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.cityofbrooksville.us

Annual Downton Abbey Christmas

December 2, 9 & 16, 2017 Downton Abbey comes to life on Florida’s Adventure Coast where Lady Grantham will learn there is never a dull moment on a weekend in Brooksville!

The Tilted Teacup Tea Room & Boutique, 103 S. Saxon Ave., Brooksville. www.thetiltedteacuptearoom.com

Winter Waterland

December 8-9 & 15-16, 2017 The Weeki Wachee Mermaids, Santa and his elves welcome you to an underwater performance, light show and holiday activities in the Park.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, 6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee. www.weekiwachee.com/events

Kiwanis Christmas Parade

December 9, 2017 One of the largest and most colorful holiday parades in Florida kicks off at 10am, followed by special activities and shopping in the historic downtown.

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

Weeki Wachee River Lighted Boat Parade December 9, 2017 Always one of the most anticipated holiday happenings, the lighted boats cruising the Weeki Wachee River are a magical site for all ages.

Rogers Park, 7244 Shoal Line Blvd., Weeki Wachee. www.weekiwacheemarina.com

January

Croom Zoom Trail Run

January 6, 2018 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/index.html

Spring Hill Marathon Mania / Hand Cyclists Marathon

January 7, 2018 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 8-9, 2018 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 11-21, 2018 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

Florida Agriculture & Wildlife Expo

January 19-21, 2018 A showcase of Hernando County’s finest agriculture, wildlife, arts, talent, and industry, plus crafts and entertainment.

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

Brooksville Raid Re-Enactment

January 20-21, 2018 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

Greek Festival

January 26-28, 2018 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.

Hernando County Fairgrounds, 6436 Broad St. (US-41S), Brooksville. www.christthesavior.info/greek-festival

Ghost Tour

Every Friday & Saturday Evening by Reservation Legend has it that the 160-year old former residence 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

February Red Mule Runners 5K Good Neighbor Trail Run

February 2018 A family-friendly run on one of Brooksville’s finest paved trails, shaded by beautiful old oak trees in Nature’s Play to Play.

Corner of Weatherly Rd. and Richbarn Rd., Brooksville. www.redmulerunners.com

Brooksville Native American Festival

February 2-3, 2018 The family-friendly festival features authentic dancing and music, 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.brooksvillenativeamericanfestival.com

Celtic Family Jamboree

February 9-10, 2018 A unique family-friendly Celtic experience sharing tradition through live performance, workshops and crafts.

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

Heritage Day

February 17, 2018 A celebration of 1800’s Hernando County, including 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 20-25, 2018 Enjoy five days of live Bluegrass and Classic Country performers, including TG Sheppard, Penny

Creek, Big Cypress and more!

Florida Classic Park, 5360 Lockhart Rd., Brooksville. www.facebook.com/floridabluegrassclassic

Tin Can Tourists Winter Convention Open House

February 24, 2018 Tin Can Tourists celebrate the preservation of classic 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

Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest

March 2-4, 2018 One of the premier fine arts, crafts and music festivals in the southeast includes the Swamp Monster contest and over 140 vendors and crafters, entertainment, live bands including country, folk, 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, 2018 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

Art in the Park: Art, Crafts & Music Festival March 10-11, 2018 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 9-11, 2018 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

Spring Bluegrass Festival

March 21-25, 2018 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/sertoma_2018_ Flyer.pdf

Weeki Wachee Springs Easter Egg Hunt

March 31, 2018 The annual Water Egg Hunt takes place at Buccaneer Bay…be sure the kids bring their bathing suits and a basket!

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

Hop n’ Glow Easter Egg Hunt March 31, 2018 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

Throw Down the Mountain Disc Golf Tournament March 17-18 & 23-25, 2018 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. If you have never watched disc golf, this is a competition not to be missed.

Gran Canyon, 9020 Cooper Terrace (off Mondon Hill Rd.), Brooksville. www.delsoldiscgolf.com/Throw_Down_The_ Mountain.html

Croom 50M/50K/16M Fools Trail Run March 31, 2018 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, past creek bottoms and cypress ponds.

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

April Brooksville Cycling Classic Criterium and Open Road Races April 2018 Cycling and non-cycling fans alike gather along the historic Streets of Brooksville to cheer on the racers. Enjoy the Sunshine Grand Prix, BCC Crit and road race, fitness festival, food and fun for all ages.

Historic Brooksville, 20 N. Main St., Brooksville. www.facebook.com/BrooksvilleCyclingClassic

Stringbreak Music Festival April 5-8, 2018 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.riverhawkmusic.com/ticketing/SB18.advance.htm

Hernando County Fair April 13-21, 2018 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-41S), Brooksville. www.HernandoFairgrounds.com All events and dates are subject to change without notice.

May Hogan Law Charity Fishing Tournament May 2018 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

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 17-20, 2018 This family-friendly music festival features an outdoor pavilion and three stages for continuous entertainment with more than 60 bands.

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

Hernando County Food Truck Fiesta

May 18, 2018 Over two dozen top-ranked gourmet food trucks with a wide range of culinary delights. From American to Mexican, and all points in between, enjoy samplings of their of their fabulous food.

Anderson Snow Park, 1360 Anderson Snow Rd., Spring Hill. www.hernandochamber.com

“Hernando’s Got Talent” Show

May 18, 2018 The Food Truck Fiesta includes the “Hernando’s Got Talent” show, featuring local musicians, singers, actors, dancers and more.

Anderson Snow Park, 1360 Anderson Snow Rd., Spring Hill. www.hernandochamber.com

Cause FORE Paws Golf Tournament

May 2018 Join the Humane Center of the Nature Coast for a fun-filled day of golf to benefit the animals in our care. A 9:00 am shotgun start will kick off this four-person scramble which includes contests, prizes, breakfast and lunch.

Location TBA. www.humanerescue.org

Spring Lake 5K Run & 2 Mile Fun Walk May 2018 The annual run and walk wind through scenic terrain, including a nature trail through the woods, a horse barn and up and down some challenging hills!

ble format with awards presented for the three highest-placing teams.

Location TBA. www.facebook.com/ JeromeBrownYouthFoundation

Cruising for Critters Poker Run June 2018 Enjoy this motorcycle journey for a “paw-some” cause. Meet up with other riders for a great day of fun on the highway in the Poker Run. Starting Location TBA. www.humanerescue.org

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

Firecracker Smash ‘m Up July 4, 2018 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-41S), Brooksville. www.HernandoFairgrounds.com

Moon Over Croom – 21M, 14M, 7M Trail Run July 2018 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 night.

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

August Ernie Chatman Labor Day 5K August 25, 2018 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, 15185 Broad St. (US-41), Brooksville. http://bit.ly/2gaMV5B

September

The ARC Nature Coast, 5283 Neff Lake Rd., Brooksville. www.facebook.com/events/1743591689001152

Adventure Coast Sporting & Outdoors Expo

June

September 2018 Explore this outdoor recreation showcase with shows, activities and demonstrations, features on hunting, fishing, boating, cycling, camping, shooting and more.

Annual Jerome Brown Golf Classic

June 2018 This annual fundraiser for the Jerome Brown Youth Foundation features a four-person scram-

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