7 reasons to celebrate ManateeFest 2022

The award-winning ManateeFest you know and love is back, and better than ever before! With it comes inspiring new ways to celebrate the iconic Florida manatee, all in one destination. The sixth annual event takes place at Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center® on Saturday, March 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. With so many reasons to participate, mark your calendar for a day of FREE family-friendly fun!

1. It’s a hybrid event – so you can join in however you please!

For the first time ever, ManateeFest will be a hybrid event, where visitors can participate either live in-person or virtually online. In-person visitors will be inspired by beloved sea cows as they explore the wonders of Lake Worth Lagoon and learn about environmental conservation. Kids will love marine-themed face painting, a KidsFunZone featuring a beach cleanup and Recycling Relay Race, a new Mascot Zone with Mia the Manatee, and so much more. 

Online ManateeFest guests will have the unique opportunity to visit local small businesses by clicking through a virtual storefront from 8 a.m. on Monday, March 21 through midnight on Sunday, March 27. Keep an eye on the event website to see the launch of the ever-popular virtual store. From manatee plushies to sea-themed swag, you’re sure to find something to entice you to click “buy.” 

2. Learn about the beloved – yet imperiled – Florida manatee.

In light of a challenging year for these iconic marine mammals, ManateeFest 2022 will focus on celebrating manatees while educating visitors on the importance of their preservation. The festival will have conservation presentations at regular intervals, and environmental exhibitors will be on hand to teach everyone about ways to help manatees. You can even participate in the Conservation Pledge station, which will encourage you to take a pledge that emphasizes the importance of protecting these charismatic creatures. While you’re at ManateeFest, stop by the new educational exhibit inside Manatee Lagoon that teaches you about ways that Florida Power & Light Company is supporting manatees statewide. 

3. A non-stop schedule of activities will keep everyone entertained.

The free, family-friendly event will offer a large variety of activities, including conservation-themed vendors, environmental exhibitors and live music performances. It’s an action-packed day of fun for all ages!

4. Recharge your energy at the Relaxation Stations.

After all that fun, you’ll want to re-energize quickly. Whether it’s the picturesque views of the Lake Worth Lagoon, or the tropical ambience from live steel drum music performances, you’re sure to find your serenity in these three spots: the Main Stage Relaxation Station, the Lagoon Relaxation Station and the Coastal Relaxation Station. Sink into an Adirondack chair and feel your cares floating away as you soak up the waterfront scenery.

5. The first-ever kick-off evening event, hosted by Friends of Manatee Lagoon, raises funds for manatees.

Join Manatee Lagoon’s new non-profit’s inaugural event! Friends of Manatee Lagoon is hosting “Live at the Lagoon” on Friday, March 25 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. The event will be a magical evening of music, manatees, and more. It’s an opportunity to meet friends and neighbors similarly committed to protecting our area’s most treasured assets. 

You’ll enjoy signature “Manatee Mojitos,” cocktails, appetizers, amazing raffle prizes, and a special guest appearance by Jessica Harvey from the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. Jessica will speak about “Seagrass Loss: Its Impact on Manatees + Our Ecosystem.” Tickets are $75 per person, $125 for two, with more options available. All funds raised by Friends of Manatee Lagoon at this “grownups only” event are tax-deductible. Purchase your tickets and learn more about Friends of Manatee Lagoon at the event website.

6. Culinary delights are sure to please all palates. 

Are you just here for the food? You’re not alone! Discover a delicious variety of menus with something for everyone. Feast on the flavors while you wander through festivities. 

7. Manatee appreciation… lots and lots of manatee appreciation. 

There’s something magical about celebrating manatees, and there’s nowhere better to experience it than at Manatee Lagoon’s ManateeFest. The end of March is a wonderful time of year for this outdoor festival, since it helps draw manatee season to a close.