TO DOUncategorized September 13, 2024

Citrus County “To Do” Festivals and Events 2024-2025

This week I update the ANNUAL Citrus County Florida  Events and FESTIVALS…

CLICK ON This link:  gives you the lastest on what to do in the county…arts and crafts, swim with manatee, snorkel, dive, scallop, kayak, fish, bike, hike…

What’s coming up in Crystal River and Citrus County, FL?  I include 6 places in Florida to visit for chills and thrills. 

Year-round: Market at the Depot: Farmer’s/Crafters Market; Inverness: 1st and 3rd Saturdays (9-1)  and 2nd and 4 th Wednesday afternoons. (5-8 pm)

September  

13;  7-9 pm; Cooter King Queen Pageant : Valerie Theatre; https://inverness.gov/

14: STOCK CAR RACING: race starts 5 PM; Citrus County Speedway; https://citruscountyspeedwayandtrack.com/

19;  7pm; Matt Stone as Elvis; Inverness Courthouse Square; 352-341-6428; Food, soft drinks, after hours museum access.

21; Breakfast and Bingo; Central Ridge Community Center; Beverly Hills; 8:30 am

21;  VIP Homosassa River Raft Race After Party; Crumps Landing, Homosassa; 4-8 pm

6 Places in Florida to explore for thrill and chills! 

Link: https://www.floridarambler.com/historic-florida-getaways/6-haunted-places-in-florida/

October

Cootertober: Cooter Festival (activities all month)  10-5
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.

http://www.inverness-fl.gov/685/Cootertober

Haunted Tram Ride (Spooky Springs)  6-10 pm
A Halloween-themed fundraising event sponsored by the Friends of Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park, enjoy a haunted house, costume contest, and a spooky tram ride at the park!

https://www.floridastateparks.org/events/spooky-springs-0

12- Heritage Village Scarecrow Festival  10- 5 pm
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.

http://www.theshoppesofheritagevillage.com/UpcomingEvents.html

6; 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. https://www.fotwst.org/copy-of-about-us-4

November

1 Citrus Memorial Health Foundation  YMCA Prayer Breakfast; 7am ymcasuncoast.org/citrus-prayer. 

2; Stone Crab Jam;  12-9 pm; 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!  www.stonecrabjam.com/

2-3; Inverness Festival of the Arts ; 10-4pm
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.

https://inverness.gov/527/Festival-of-the-Arts

9-Black Diamond Car Show; $5 entry; http://www.blackdiamondinvitiationalcarshow.com/ 

“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.

https://www.ncfob.com/

January

February: 

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.  https://thefriendsoffortcooper.com/fort-cooper-days/

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!  

https://www.inverness-fl.gov/525/Joe-Bega-Big-Bass-Classic

March

1, 2:  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.   

https://www.gostrawberryfest.com/

3-4 Cocktail Party/Silent Auction 4C Fighting Cancer in CC.  Black Diamond Ranch GOLF tournament 

 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, and much more.  

 https://www.inverness-fl.gov/552/St-Patricks-Parade

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.

https://www.crystalriverfl.org/special/page/special-events 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.

https://thefriendsoffortcooper.com/

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.

https://www.inverness-fl.gov/551/Taste-of-Inverness 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!  https://www.floridacrackerriversideresort.com/

July

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

https://www.inverness-fl.gov/550/Patriotic-Evening

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! https://www.crystalriverfl.org/special/page/special-events

August

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

https://www.discovercrystalriverfl.com/directory/pine-street-jam-parrothead-party-august/

TBD:  

???   Ozello Arts, Crafts, & Blue Crab Festival  9- 4pm
A tradition celebrating all things arts, crafts, and blue crab. Enjoy food, drinks, locally made goods, and lots of delicious blue crab delicacies. 

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