Florida SpringsFest

Florida SpringsFest Community activites to Promote, Protect & Preserve Florida Springs! Join us for fun and educational events, in March throughout the community and wild aeas.

THIS YEAR:
Florida SpringsFest invites you to celebrate the cultural richness and environmental significance of Florida's springs with this year’s relaxed outdoor Family Fun Day. Meet a Mermaid, go for a garden stroll or take a long hike, ride your bike, paddle the Silver River, Historic Glass Bottom Boat tours (additional fee, reservations recommended ), Food & Drinks, Exhibitors, fun activities

for the entire family, learn more about local history, Ranger Programs, discuss sustainability, visit Vendors, and see local artists create. Well-behaved pets on a handheld leash are permitted outdoors, excluding boats and buildings. Join us the first full weekend each March 7-8, 2026 -10am to 4pm @ Silver Springs State Park (5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, Fl.) 2$/person regular park admission. More information on our page @ Florida SpringsFest. Vendors selling local handmade items and environmentally related exhibitors are welcome to apply for a booth space: https://www.cognitoforms.com/CapeLeisureCorporation1/SilverSpringsStateParkVendorApplication

ABOUT FLORIDA SPRINGSFEST:
Florida SpringsFest is an annual educational celebration started in 2000 by many community organizations, government agencies, and caring volunteers, all working together. SpringsFest has taken many forms and includes a 2-day event of ranger programs, historic glass bottom boat tours (reservations recommended), games, food and craft vendors, mermaids or entertainment, and live music. Visitors learn about Florida’s ecosystem, meet with historians, scientists, environmentalists, outdoor enthusiasts, and live ambassador animals at SpringsFest. Regular $2/person admission applies. The focus is on education and reaching all those who might not see these treasured resources in day-to-day life. The goal is to help connect these people with the water and help each person understand we all impact the land and water around us. The mission is simple- get people outside, interested, and ready to make an impact.

A causal meet and greet followed by some Earth Day conversations with Rangers and Experts in the afternoon and closing t...
04/16/2026

A causal meet and greet followed by some Earth Day conversations with Rangers and Experts in the afternoon and closing the day with National Water Dance 💧💚🌳

Meet and Greet! This Saturday, April 18th, 11am.

Come meet Captain Oscar and former Captain Larry Johnson and hear their fascinating Silver Springs stories.

Come to Silver Springs State Park Discovery Center (across from the glass bottom boats)

Free with $2 per person park admission, or Friends of Silver Springs State Park pass.

Ranger Timothy and Ranger Gustavo did a great job discussing the long and interesting history of the Silver River and su...
03/09/2026

Ranger Timothy and Ranger Gustavo did a great job discussing the long and interesting history of the Silver River and surrounding areas. Thanks, State Park Rangers!
🤠🐊💧☀️💚

Thank you to everyone that participated and to all the visitors! With about 7k visitors through the gates over this week...
03/08/2026

Thank you to everyone that participated and to all the visitors! With about 7k visitors through the gates over this weekend we are hopeful that everyone went home with a renewed love for Florida's amazing natural and cultural resources!
💧💚📚🔥📷🐢🛶🧜🏿🐾🦉🍔🚜🍃🐊🎬☀️

Ben Prestage! On stage now! Mermaids read at 2:30pm in the Paradise Ballroom.Regular $2 admission.
03/08/2026

Ben Prestage! On stage now!
Mermaids read at 2:30pm in the Paradise Ballroom.
Regular $2 admission.

10am to 4pmMermaids today only! Ben Prestage on the Mammoth Deck. Regular $2 entrance fee.Silver Springs State Park
03/08/2026

10am to 4pm
Mermaids today only!
Ben Prestage on the Mammoth Deck.
Regular $2 entrance fee.
Silver Springs State Park

Last chance to see Johnny Debt this weekend at Florida SpringsFest! Where you at?!?Join us tomorrow to see Ben Prestage ...
03/07/2026

Last chance to see Johnny Debt this weekend at Florida SpringsFest! Where you at?!?
Join us tomorrow to see Ben Prestage and Weeki Wachee Mermaids!
10am to 4pm with regular $2 admission.
Silver Springs State Park

Add this to your list for your next stop after Florida SpringsFest on Saturday! We are practically neighbors 🦋
03/04/2026

Add this to your list for your next stop after Florida SpringsFest on Saturday! We are practically neighbors 🦋

What a weekend in Ocala with TWO Family FUN events at the Appleton Museum of Art and Silver Springs State Park!

🌞March 7-8, 10a.m. - 5p.m for Family FuN at SpringsFest. FREE event with $2/person Park e enty.

🌞 Appleton Museum of Art on Saturday March 7 for Free First Saturday! Admission to the museum is free from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Explore the permanent collection, special exhibitions, and enjoy family-friendly artmaking activities in the Artspace.

At 2 p.m. in the auditorium, Dr. David Morton will discuss Florida’s springs and their unique role in shaping the American motion picture industry. Featuring iconic films such as “Creature from the Black Lagoon,” “Thunderball,” “Moonraker,” and “Doc Hollywood,” along with popular TV shows including “Sea Hunt” and “Sea Quest,” Florida’s springs have had an outstanding role in creating unique and inventive stories. Free as part of Free First Saturday; no reservation needed to attend. Seating is limited to 250 on a first-come, first-served basis.

ENJOY! The Donut Express and McFoodLand food trucks will be on-site throughout the day.

🐊 There will be Exhibitors, Park Rangers, and fun Park activities from 10am-4pm on March 7-8, 2026. Join us for Family F...
03/04/2026

🐊 There will be Exhibitors, Park Rangers, and fun Park activities from 10am-4pm on March 7-8, 2026. Join us for Family Fun in the Sun ☀️ with your regular $2 admission. Enjoy a Saturday 11:30am 🎬 Movie Showing of 'A Silver River Story' by Mark Emery, Wild 📚 Reading Safari by ECS4Kids 2:30pm both days, and Sunday Weeki Wachee 🧜‍♀️ Mermaids 11am-2pm -See the schedule in this photo! Johnny Debt 🎸 plays on Saturday and Ben Prestage 🪕 plays on Sunday.
Get your Glass Bottom Boat Tickets before they sell out and your Paddle Craft 🚣‍♀️ Rentals at SilverSprings.com Silver Springs State Park. 🐢

03/03/2026

💧 Marion County Reminds Residents of Watering Restrictions 💧

Due to ongoing dry conditions and declining water levels, watering restrictions remain in effect across Marion County. Because our county falls within two separate water management districts, rules vary by location, so it’s important to know which schedule applies to your property.

🌊 St. Johns River Water Management District

A Phase II Severe Water Shortage has been declared for most of Marion County (excluding the City of Dunnellon and The Villages in Marion County).

Watering Schedule:
• Odd-numbered or no address: Saturday
• Even-numbered address: Sunday
• Nonresidential properties: Tuesday
• Limited to one day per week
• No watering between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Maximum ¾ inch per zone and no more than 1 hour per zone

Restrictions apply to all water sources, including private wells and utility systems.

💦 Southwest Florida Water Management District

For properties in the City of Dunnellon and The Villages in Marion County, a Modified Phase II Water Shortage Order is in effect.

Watering Schedule:
• 0–1: Monday
• 2–3: Tuesday
• 4–5: Wednesday
• 6–7: Thursday
• 8–9 or no address: Friday
• Limited to one day per week

Watering Hours:
• 12:01 a.m. to 8 a.m. OR
• 6 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
(Properties under one acre may use only one of those time windows.)

Important Reminders

✔ Most lawn and landscape irrigation is limited to one day per week
✔ Low-volume irrigation (drip/micro-spray) is allowed
✔ Restrictions apply to private wells and utility customers alike
✔ Residents are encouraged to reduce nonessential outdoor water use

Outdoor irrigation can account for up to half of household water use. Following your assigned schedule helps protect Marion County’s aquifers, springs, rivers, and lakes.

Not sure which district applies to you? Contact your local utility provider or visit your district’s website for clarification.

💧 Water Conservation Rebates Available!
Marion County offers rebates for ultra-high-efficiency toilets and irrigation system retrofits.
📧 [email protected]

📞 352-671-8672

Florida SpringsFest coloring book! Another really cute creation by Rob Smith Jr. Free for kids, and kids at heart ❤️, wh...
02/27/2026

Florida SpringsFest coloring book! Another really cute creation by Rob Smith Jr. Free for kids, and kids at heart ❤️, while supplies last. You just need to stop by the FL SpringsFest booth and tell us "I love Florida Springs!"

Johnny Debt and Ben Prestage will be playing  !$2 admissionBring the Family for a fun day outside!
02/10/2026

Johnny Debt and Ben Prestage will be playing !
$2 admission
Bring the Family for a fun day outside!

Vendors selling local handmade items and environmentally related exhibitors are welcome to apply for a booth space: http...
01/11/2026

Vendors selling local handmade items and environmentally related exhibitors are welcome to apply for a booth space: https://www.cognitoforms.com/CapeLeisureCorporation1/SilverSpringsStateParkVendorApplication

Florida SpringsFest invites you to celebrate the cultural richness and environmental significance of Florida's springs with this year’s relaxed outdoor Family Fun Day. Meet an Expert, go for a garden stroll or take a long hike, ride your bike, paddle the Silver River, Historic Glass Bottom Boat tours (additional fee, reservations recommended ), Food & Drinks, Exhibitors, fun activities for the entire family, learn more about local history, Ranger Programs, discuss sustainability, visit Vendors, and see local artists create. Well-behaved pets on handheld leash are permitted outdoors excluding boats and buildings. March 7-8, 2026 -10am to 4pm @ Silver Springs State Park (5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, Fl.)
*NOTE: Some facilities are undergoing rehabilitation.

Address

5656 East Silver Springs Boulevard
Ocala, FL
34472

Opening Hours

Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+13522367148

Website

Alerts

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