In February the Englewood Beach Waterfest, Inc. board announced that the 11th edition of their offshore boat‑racing festival will take place October 10–12, 2025.
Waterfest is a nonprofit that stages spectator events and marine‑education programs to showcase Englewood’s water resources; proceeds benefit area charities with a focus on conservation and recreation.
Weekend schedule
Friday, Oct 10 – Block Party (5–10 p.m.) – The festival kicks off with a free community block party along Dearborn Street and Pioneer Plaza. Race teams roll their boats into downtown Englewood, creating a street‑side pit row where fans can see the boats up close. Live music, dozens of food and retail vendors and beverage tents create a street‑festival atmosphere. Bring the family – kids love watching the boats rumble in and vendors offer everything from local barbecue to smoothies and arts‑and‑crafts.
Saturday and Sunday, Oct 11–12
Offshore Championships – The marquee event is the Englewood Beach Waterfest Offshore Championship, part of the OPA world‑championship powerboat series. Spectators gather on Englewood Beach as 75‑plus race boats reach speeds over 150 mph. Racing starts around 10 a.m.; gates open at 9 a.m. Practice sessions on Friday let fans watch final tuning runs.
Family‑friendly attractions
Beach Oasis and Food Court – Directly on the beach under large tents, local restaurants serve seafood and regional cuisine. From fresh Gulf shrimp and fish tacos to Florida classics like conch fritters, there’s something for everyone. A separate kids’ menu is available, and the food court also features traditional festival treats such as funnel cakes, snow cones, popcorn, pretzels and ice cream. Adult beverage stations pour beer, wine and mixed drinks; Waterfest even offers a signature “Raceday Cocktail”
Family Conservation Center
Waterfest isn’t just about speed. Under a 5,000‑square‑foot tent, the Family Conservation Center offers interactive exhibits and activities that teach visitors about Florida’s marine ecosystems. In 2023, Mote Marine Laboratory presented a suite of exhibits covering topics such as shark and ray research, native wildlife in Florida watersheds, dolphin and manatee rescue investigations, invertebrate “spineless sea” adaptations and coral‑reef restoration. Additional exhibits were hosted by organizations like the Florida Right to Clean Water, Lemon Bay Conservancy, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center. Kids’ activities included face painting, a photo booth and even a butterfly encounter. Expect similar hands‑on learning opportunities for 2025.
Parking and buses
Because parking on Englewood Beach is extremely limited, Waterfest provides free satellite parking and bus transportation from several locations. During the 2023 event the buses ran from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. The red route served parking lots at Elk’s Lodge and Obee’s on Indiana Avenue; the green route served Lemon Bay High School and Michael Saunders & Company. Coolers, alcohol and pets were not permitted on buses or on the beach. Check the Waterfest site closer to the event for updated routes.
Pre‑race party
Waterfest traditionally hosts a Thursday night PowerUp Pre‑Race Party at a local restaurant. In 2023 it took place at The Waverly Restaurant and Bar and featured live music, a buffet and opportunities to mingle with race teams. Details for 2025 will be announced.
Local flavor and area attractions
Between races, visitors can explore Englewood’s laid‑back coastal community. Historic Dearborn Street is lined with shops and eateries, while the beaches on Manasota Key offer swimming, shelling and spectacular sunsets. Many Waterfest guests make a weekend of it: Englewood’s restaurants range from steak‑and‑seafood houses like Lock ‘N Key to waterfront spots such as the Lighthouse Grill and Tiki Bar, which offers live music and signature barbecue. Authentic Mexican fare at Paraiso Mexican Grill and Bar and island‑style dishes at SandBar Tiki and Grille round out the local dining scene.
Why attend?
Waterfest blends high‑octane excitement with community spirit. Spectators are treated to world‑championship offshore racing while enjoying local food, music and marine education. The free block party invites everyone to celebrate, and the Family Conservation Center inspires kids to become stewards of Florida’s waters.
