Events

Family Fun Day

First Posted on
Latest Update on

The Incredibly Successful 2024 Family Fun Day is in the history books.

Coming in 2025, this page will be updated with all the exciting details of our next Family Fun Day on Sunday, November 23rd, 2025.

Until then, please enjoy a look back at all of the fun that was the 2024 Winterfest Family Fun Day!

FREE EVENT

Winterfest Family Fun Day at Esplanade Park

For an exciting day of family fun in Fort Lauderdale, head on over to Esplanade Park for Winterfest’s Family Fun Day.

This event offers many FREE activities for kids of all ages–and parents, too! This holiday event features giant slides such as Polar Express Slide, Catabella Express Train, and other activities.

Our Family Fun Day is in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale in front of the Museum of Discovery and Science and it is packed with exciting family activities.

If you work up an appetite, there will be plenty of food and beverage options for sale. Samples and so much more.

With great food, fun activities, and live music, this is an event you don’t want to miss out on. It’s a perfect day on the New River / Riverwalk for the entire family. Don’t miss the excitement for 2025, contact us today to be a sponsor at 954-767-0686

Become a 2025 Sponsor

  • Sponsors receive Tickets to Winterfest Events – the Winterfest White Party, Grand Marshal Reception, VIP Area, and Captain’s Cup
  • 10×10 Booth prominently displayed
  • Logo inclusion in a variety of Winterfest Promotions including Family Fun Day Flyer and Social Media
  • Other media opportunities

Photos are on our Facebook page.

PRESS CREDENTIALS: All media requests must be submitted using an email address from the media’s active domain address. The submission must include a commitment from an editor/publisher noting where and when the story/photos will be printed/uploaded on social media platforms.

Any social media influencers must submit their handles, viewership and pre-/event day promotions plan when requesting credentials.

Black Tie Ball

First Posted on
Latest Update on

The Epic 2024 Winterfest Black Tie Ball has entered the history books!

Coming in 2025, this page will be updated with all the exciting details of the next Winterfest Black Tie Ball.
We’ll see you then!

The Ball is the most elegant of our festivities and by far the highlight of Fort Lauderdale’s social season.

Click to see the event’s Lookbook.

Click to view the Black Tie Ball Invitation

If you wish to donate an item to our auction – contact Winterfest.

Cocktails, Dinner, and Dancing six pm-midnight. Don’t have a ticket? You can bid on auction items starting October 14th.

Need a room? CLICK HERE

What can I do while I’m in town for Winterfest? Click Here

Photos are on our Facebook page.

PRESS CREDENTIALS: All media requests must be submitted using an email address from the media’s active domain address. The submission must include a commitment from an editor/publisher noting where and when the story/photos will be printed/uploaded on social media platforms.

Any social media influencers must submit their handles, viewership and pre-/event day promotions plan when requesting credentials.

Family Fun Day – Where to Park?

First Posted on
Latest Update on

Planning on attending this Sunday’s November 22nd Winterfest Family Fun Day with the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Open Streets? Click on the link to find the best locations to park. Remember Las Olas will be closed during the day and the event is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. City lots will have a flat rate of $5.

http://bit.ly/1MuEqeW

 

Winterfest Appreciation Party

First Posted on
Latest Update on

The 2024 Winterfest Appreciation Party has entered the history books!

Coming in 2026, this page will be updated with all the exciting details of our next Winterfest Appreciation Party.
We’ll see you then!

Casa Calabria logo

Casa Calabria

4040 Galt Ocean Drive, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33308

Free Valet Parking

ATTENTION: PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS

This invitation-only celebratory event honors the people who play a huge role in the success of Winterfest® – our volunteers!

Hors D’oeuvres – Cocktails – Raffles – Fun – Friendship – More

The Carolyn McLaughlin Spirit of Volunteerism Award winner is announced during the event.

If you would like to be a volunteer – contact the Winterfest office.

Duck Fest Derby

First Posted on
Latest Update on

Duck Fest(2)DATE NOT CONFIRMED – To benefit Kids In Distress – You won’t want to miss the Annual Duck Fest Derby in Fort Lauderdale. This is a family friendly event at Esplanade Park on the New River. The event is from 1-4 PM in March 2016 with live entertainment by “The Bittersweet Experience” on the main stage, KID Olympic Games, KID Fun Zone, Petting Zoo and many other fun activities! At 3:30 sharp, 15,000 rubber ducks will be dropped into the water and the 1st to cross the finish line wins! Many other great raffle prizes to be announced! To sponsor, start a Duck Sales Team or get involved call 954 390 7654 Ext:1290 or visit www.duckfestderby.kintera.org

 

Skippers’ Meeting

First Posted on
Latest Update on

WINTERFEST SKIPPERS’ MEETING

Coral Ridge Yacht Club
2800 Yacht Club Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

December 9, 2025, 6 – 8 PM

Winterfest Skippers’ Meeting is a mandatory meeting for all Boat Parade participants. Hosted by Coral Ridge Yacht Club, captains will receive line-up information and rules and regulations for the parade. Goodie bags featuring great items from our sponsors and raffle items are for Parade participants. CAPTAINS ONLY.

Want to promote your company to boaters? Donation items/gift certificates to the boaters – contact Winterfest for details.

Photos are on our Facebook page.

PRESS CREDENTIALS: All media requests must be submitted using an email address from the media’s active domain address. The submission must include a commitment from an editor/publisher noting where and when the story/photos will be printed/uploaded on social media platforms.

Any social media influencers must submit their handles, viewership, and pre-/event day promotion plans when requesting credentials.

VIP Viewing Party

First Posted on
Latest Update on

The 2024 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade has entered the history books!

Coming in 2025, this page will be updated with all the exciting details of the
54th Annual Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade VIP Viewing Party.
We’ll see you then!

Until then, enjoy a look back at the 2024 Parade VIP Viewing Party

Winterfest VIP Viewing Party 

SPONSORS: PEOPayGo, Holy Cross Health, Moss

The most prestigious location to watch the Winterfest Boat Parade! Close to 400 community leaders, dignitaries, and Winterfest Sponsors will enjoy the ambiance of the VIP Area nestled next to Stranahan House at Tunnel Top Park. This location is where the Parade starts along the New River. This event includes a magnificent buffet and cocktails featuring local restaurants, Riverside Hotel, and more. The VIP Viewing Party hosts the television show and our boat parade judges.

This area is Winterfest’s way of saying thank you to all our Board of Directors and Sponsors. BY INVITATION ONLY.

Are you vacationing in this area for the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade and looking for something to do? CLICK HERE to Discover Fort Lauderdale Beach or HERE to Visit Lauderdale

VIP Area

2024 Judges:

2024 Parade Judge Rear Admiral Douglas Schofield

Rear Admiral Douglas Schofield, United States Coast Guard – Sector 7

Rear Admiral Schofield serves as Commander of the Seventh Coast Guard District, headquartered in Miami, Florida. As District Commander, he is responsible for all Coast Guard operations in the Southeast United States and the Caribbean Basin, including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

2024 Parade Judge Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis

Mayor Dean Trantalis, City of Fort Lauderdale

Dean Trantalis has been mayor of Fort Lauderdale since March 2018 and previously served on the City Commission representing District 2 for eight years. As mayor, he represents the Broward County Tourism Development Council, the Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Broward Workforce Development Board.

iHeart Media personality and 2024 Parade Judge Paul Castronovo

Radio Personality Paul Castronovo, iHeart Media – The Paul Castronovo Show

Celebrating his 40th year on the air in South Florida, Big 105.9 Morning Man, Paul Castronovo, host of the Paul Castronovo Show, is part of the landscape of South Florida. An avid Boater and Fishermen as well as being on the board of directors for the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, Paul says he is the perfect candidate to judge the legendary Winterfest Boat Parade. “What an honor to be a judge once again, and for all the boat entrants, I take Venmo” Paul quips. Paul can be heard weekday mornings on Big 105.9 FM from 6-10am

2024 Parade Judge Burnadette Norris-Weeks

Chair Burnadette Norris-Weeks, Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce

Burnadette Norris-Weeks is a partner at Austin Pamies Norris Weeks Powell, PLLC, and serves as 2024 Chair of the Board | Executive Committee of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce. She serves as legal counsel to various governmental entities, including five Florida cities and local constitutional offices.  She previously served as legal counsel to the Broward County Supervisor of Elections Office for more than sixteen years. In addition, she handles serious personal injury and wrongful death cases.

2024 Parade Judge David Serle

President David Serle, Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie REALTOR®

President at Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors, 2024 President at Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors and Palm Beach County Planning Commissioner at Palm Beach County

2024 Parade Judge Stacy Ritter

President & CEO Stacy Ritter, Visit Lauderdale

Stacy Ritter is the 2024 Winterfest Belle of the Ball and President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (GFLCVB). As CEO, she is responsible for the administration of the GFLCVB, a 45-person organization of sales and marketing professionals with a $24 million operating budget that focuses its efforts on behalf of the County for multicultural tourism, LGBT+ development, film and entertainment as well as national and international advertising and public relations.

AND YOU!

What can I do while I’m in town for Winterfest? Click Here

Previous Sponsors included Holy Cross Hospital and Riverside Hotel.

Parade Viewing Area

First Posted on
Latest Update on
Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Viewing Area top banner

The 2024 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade has entered the history books!

Coming in 2025, this page will be updated with all the exciting details of the
54th Annual Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Viewing Area.
We’ll see you then!

Until then, enjoy a look back at the 2024 Parade Viewing Area

Winterfest’s Parade Viewing Area, sponsored by Nicklaus Children’s Health System, is conveniently located in east Fort Lauderdale at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park on the Southeast corner of Las Olas Boulevard and the Intracoastal Waterway. Rideshare is encouraged and parking is within walking distance from the event area. Your ticket lets you experience a wonderful afternoon and evening of festival activities, interactive games, continuous stage entertainment, vendors, photo opportunities with Santa Claus, Stanley from the Florida Panthers, and other mascots before the main event – the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade.

The excitement begins at 4 pm when the gates open. Come early and bring the family (no pets, please) to enjoy the amenities. Enjoy the Stella Artois Culinary Courtyard, Live Entertainment, and activities. The Parade gets underway at 6:30 p.m. along The New River in Downtown Fort Lauderdale and should arrive Parade Viewing Area at approximately 7:00 pm.

SEATING will be provided.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT – Live performances throughout the night with radio personalities from iHeart Radio.

TICKETS for the 2024 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade

$40 Individual adult tickets

$35 Children 10 years & younger

Children 3 and under free

Tickets

Tickets are electronic.

Purchased tickets and have questions? Call 954-241-7938

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE AREA:

Shane Duncan Band
Southern Blood Band
  • Conveniently located adjacent to public parking, rideshare drop-offs, and shuttle services from local hotels. CLICK HERE for a list of Winterfest Weekend specials from our hotel partners
  • Continuous entertainment on the City of Fort Lauderdale’s stage. Before and After the Parade, the area transforms into a concert with the Shane Duncan Band (before the Parade) and Southern Blood (immediately after the Parade passes)
  • Hungry? Thirsty? Don’t worry, we have you covered! Stella Artois Culinary Corner will have a variety of festival foods, featuring beverages from Stephen’s Distributing as well as Coca-Cola and LaCroix products.
  • Photo opportunities with the jolly man himself – Santa before he rides in the Parade
  • Parade Commentary provided by iHeart personality

Additional Tips and Parking CLICK HERE.

NOTE: for PARADE VIEWING TICKETS: Ticket Policy: https://winterfestparade.com/ticket-policy

NOTE: Las Olas Blvd. Bridge opens for boats on a regular schedule on the quarter and three-quarter hour. The bridge will be in the locked open position for the Parade, starting at 6:45 PM ’till the Parade ends.

PARKING: Las Olas Parking Garage (next to the viewing area) 200 Las Olas Cir, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. Parking will be very limited on Parade night.

The Parade goes on Rain or Shine.

NO Bottles, coolers, chairs, pets – For additional Parade Viewing Area Tips, Click Here.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL US ON 954-241-7938 or EMAIL US.
Ticketing Powered by Complete Ticket Solutions.

Promenade Park Sunset Terrace
Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park 80 Las Olas Circle Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
A crows of happy people watching The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade from the Parade Viewing Area
Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Viewing Area Nightime

CLICK HERE for Additional details.

LOOKING FOR A HOTEL? CLICK HERE.

The Winterfest Launch Party

First Posted on
Latest Update on

The 2024 Winterfest Launch Party has entered the history books!

Coming in 2025, this page will be updated with all the exciting details of our next Winterfest Launch Party.
We’ll see you then!

Until then, enjoy a look back at the 2024 Winterfest Launch Party

Photos are on our Facebook page.
2024 Launch Party Graphic
As a Winterfest partner, you will receive tickets to South Florida’s preview of the holiday season featuring Winterfest updates, amazing bites, sips and entertainment at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa. The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 7-10pm, and will feature delights from top-area restaurants throughout Broward County.

NO TICKETS ARE SOLD TO THE PUBLIC – SPONSORSHIP IS YOUR TICKET IN!

2024 HIGHLIGHTS
  • The event’s theme “Golden Glitter of the Sun” in reflective celebration of  this year’s Parade theme “From Seagrass to Sawgrass: Waves of Holiday Cheer.” This year’s Parade celebrates 53 years as a signature Holiday Tradition in South Florida.
  • Special Performance by Dance-Pop Singer  Cynthia Torres courtesy of Ocean Manor Beach Resort and Liquid Waste Recovery.
  • Appearance by the Winterfest Poster Artist – Carlos Solano and the unveiling of the original artwork of this year’s poster.
  • Water Taxi Photo Booth
  • Carroll’s Jewelers Bling
  • Check out what you missed last year – WSVN Channel 7’s coverage (additional event links on winterfestparade.com/videos)

Did you receive an invitation but don’t know what to wear? Click on this LookBook link.

PRESS CREDENTIALS: All media requests must be submitted using an email address from the media’s active domain address. The submission must include a commitment from an editor/publisher noting where and when the story/photos will be printed/uploaded on social media platforms.

Any social media influencers must submit their handles, viewership and pre-/event day promotions plan when requesting credentials.