2019 Englewood Beach Waterfest is celebrating our 5th year anniversary and our event takes place this year from Thursday, November 21st through Sunday, November 24th at various locations throughout Englewood, Florida.
Pre-Race Party, PowerUP
Thu, Nov 21, 5 PM to 10 PM
We kick off this year’s event weekend with a Pre-Race Party, PowerUP, at The Lighthouse Grill at Stump Pass, 260 Maryland Avenue, Englewood. This event is the first opportunity for race fans to catch a glimpse of the race boats, meet and mingle with the race organizers and officials, Waterfest Board members and other race fans. The Lighthouse Grill will have LIVE music with local dance band, Coastal JAMZ, as well as a well-priced BBQ Buffet and cash bar. Waterfest’s official race drink will be the featured cocktail of the night, and specially priced Waterfest merchandise will be available for purchase.
More Information Book Reservations at Lighthouse Grill
Dearborn Street Block Party (Presented by Port Charlotte Honda Volkswagen)
Fri, Nov 22, 5 PM to 9 PM
Next up will be the Dearborn Street Block Party, on Friday, November 22nd from 5 PM – 9 PM. See the race boats on parade, and enjoy some great food, drinks and LIVE music. VIP Block party tickets are available. You can buy online and pick up tickets at entrance to the VIP tent on the day of the event.
Raceday Events
Sat, Nov 23 & Sun, Nov 24, 10 AM to 4 PM
Speed, Power and Excitement comes to Englewood, Florida! Watch thrilling offshore powerboat racing from Englewood Beach on November 23 as boats continue to gather points for the world championship races on November 24. This is the World Championships for OPA Racing (Offshore Powerboat Association) with expected attendance of over 50 boats running at speeds up to and over 150 miles per hour.
This year, Race Teams will not only be competing for a World Championship Prize Purse but also for a piece of the $10,000 Geico Triple Crown purse. It will be no holding back for the Race Teams in this last race of the season.
The OPA sanction in offshore racing brings years of experience. This year alone, they have staged races in New Jersey, Missouri, Michigan, Massachusetts, and Maryland.
For a complete schedule of OPA events, visit the OPA Website.
As more information becomes available, we will update the “Schedule Of Events”.
Saturday and Sunday, races start at approximately 10 AM, and gate opens at 9 AM.
Race fans are encouraged to visit Waterfest Village on Englewood Beach during practice days on Friday and also all day on Saturday and Sunday.
The Family Conservation Center
Sat, Nov 23 & Sun, Nov 24, 10 AM to 4 PM
Mote Marine Laboratory will have six exhibits at Englewood Beach WaterFest on November 23 & 24, 2019 in the new Family Conservation Center sponsored by the Ron & Matt Smith Agency of State Farm Insurance. The exhibits are:
- FIN-TASTIC FRIENDS – Learn the truth about the often misunderstood sharks and rays and about Mote’s current research to discover more about these amazing animals.
- FLORIDA WATERSHEDS – What kinds of native animals live in your backyard? Learn about some of our remarkable native residents such as gators, birds and river otters. Discover what is harming our local watersheds and what you can do to protect them.
- MARINE CSI – Learn about Mote’s team of experts who investigate animal standings. Compare a dolphin and manatee skull, feel real dolphin bones and see if you can learn how to solve the case.
- SPINELESS SEA – What do a sea star, a whelk, a horseshoe crab and a squid have in common? Learn some of the weird and wacky adaptations of the spineless sea, and how to protect them and help keep them in the ocean where they belong.
- TURTELY TURTLES – How many kinds of sea turtles are there? How long do sea turtles really live? Learn the answers to these questions, feel a turtle skull and shell and even take a peak inside a replica sea turtle nest.
- RADICAL REEFS – Are corals plants, animals or minerals? Learn about these fascinating ecosystems and the important work Mote scientists are doing to study, protect and restore our planet’s coral reefs.
Also scheduled to exhibit in addition to Mote:
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- Peace River Wildlife Center with Luna the Owl
- E.Y.E. on Nature Book Reading
- Barrier Island State Park Society
- Friends of Stump Pass
- Wildlife Center of Venice
- Josh the Otter
- Lemon Bay Conservancy
- Sarasota Bay Estuary Program
Other Children’s Activities scheduled:
- Face Painting
- Photo Booth
- The Butterfly Encounter
- Build a Boat
- Sand Art
- Scavenger Hunt
Expand your family’s marine life education and conservation efforts. Bring the whole family to The Family Conservation Center at Englewood Beach during the Englewood Beach Waterfest, Nov. 23 & 24th, 2019.
Watch this space or our Waterfest Facebook event for more information as it becomes available!
Waterfest Beach Oasis, Cantina & Food Court
Come for the Races and the Family Conservation Center and enjoy the food!
Directly on the beach under tents, local restaurants will offer their Seafood and regional cuisine including many of your local favorites. Waterfest will have special fare for the children as well. Throughout the Food Court we will also have all types of traditional festival foods like funnel cakes, snow cones, popcorn, pretzels, ice cream and other delicacies you will enjoy.
What would a festival be without adult beverages? Waterfest will have beer, wine and mixed drinks this year throughout Waterfest Village. We will also be serving our signature specially priced, “Raceday cocktail” you don’t want to miss. This year we once again partner with the extended team at The Lighthouse Grill to bring you these delicious drinks!
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