The Florida Springsfest at Silver Springs State Park in Ocala kicks off this weekend, March 7 and 8! Springsfest combines entertainment and educational activities for the whole family to increase understanding of Florida's unique freshwater springs.
The 2020 Springsfest will include half-price glass-bottom boat tours, ranger programs, guest speakers, scientists and researchers, exhibitors and vendors, live music, games and more! Cost of attending the festival is included in the park admission fee.
This year’s Florida Springsfest includes signature events such as a ceremony honoring the history and heritage of Silver Springs’ glass-bottom boat captains. For decades these men and women have been the voice of Silver Springs, introducing countless visitors to a fascinating underwater world. Other highlights include photo opportunities with mermaids, as well as live music on both Saturday and Sunday.
View or download the 2020 Springsfest map and brochure.
Last year’s Florida Springsfest was the most successful ever. In 2019, the annual event drew nearly 7,000 visitors to Silver Springs State Park to learn about and celebrate Florida’s springs.
Florida is the premier location to experience springs worldwide. These natural wonders are created when rainwater collects underground and flows to the surface through the aquifer. The aquifer is a network of limestone caves and crevasses which form the drinking water reserve for most of Florida. Researchers from around the world use parks like Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park and Lafayette Blue Springs State Park to map this underground system.
Not near Ocala? Find other springs in Florida
This article was published in the Real Florida ℠ Connection, the Florida State Parks e-newsletter. Sign-up to get updates and stories from your state parks the first week of every month.
