The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, scheduled for Saturday, December 16, 2023, has been canceled due to unprecedented weather conditions, including heavy winds and unsafe boating conditions. The decision to cancel the event was made under the guidance and advisement of the United States Coast Guard, Fort Lauderdale Marine Patrol, Fort Lauderdale Fire Department, and other relevant agencies.

The safety and well-being of our participants and spectators are of utmost importance to us. The inclement weather conditions, beyond our control, make it impossible to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

We understand the disappointment this may cause and apologize for any inconvenience. We appreciate the support and understanding of those looking forward to the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade.

While this year’s parade had promising plans and breathtaking decorations from the boaters, our focus is already on next year’s event, aiming to surpass expectations. Drawing attendees from across the globe, The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade stands as a beloved highlight and cherished gem of South Florida, and our commitment remains steadfast in offering a year-round calendar of events and entertainment that captivates audiences worldwide. 

WSVN will produce and air a television special featuring all our 2023 events, which includes boats from previous parades, on Friday, December 22, 2023, at 7:00 PM. The show will also proudly drive engaging initiatives like our student art contest. We remain committed to providing a memorable and enjoyable experience for our community and will continue our unwavering dedication to marine safety and projects that support our veterans. 

The scope of the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade has many moving parts hence the difficulty to reschedule. The magnitude of planning is immense, including permitting and coordination with multiple agencies to manage bridges locked up, docks vacated for staging, and other logistics for overall safety. It took us months to orchestrate this event and all its moving pieces.  This event is more complex to pivot and effectively plan safely within a few days.

For further information and updates, please visit our Winterfestparade.com website or contact 954.767.0686

2023 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Theme "Reflections Afloat"

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he Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is the “Best Show on H2O” and the traditional kickoff to the South Florida Holiday Season. Bringing together our community and visitors from around the world, this one-of-a-kind parade of beautifully decorated boats of all sizes is a can’t miss extravaganza. With over a million viewers along the 12 mile parade route and an economic impact to Broward County of over $50 million, the parade where the floats really float is a Fort Lauderdale institution.