Looking for something exciting to do with the kids near Englewood, North Port, Port Charlotte, or Punta Gorda this weekend? Englewood Beach Waterfest returns October 9–11, 2026, with offshore powerboat racing, a FREE community Block Party, a hilarious inflatable costume race, food, music, and family activities.
And Waterfest isn't just for serious racing fans. Families can make an entire weekend out of it — including several activities that are free or especially kid-friendly.
🎈 Friday Morning: Inflatable Invitational Beach Race
Waterfest weekend starts with something a little different — and very fun to watch.
On Friday, October 9 at 10 a.m., participants will hit Englewood Beach wearing their favorite inflatable costumes for the Inflatable Invitational Beach Race.
There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, plus a grand prize for the best costume.
Want to join the race? Registration is $5 cash, while children ages 10 and under participate FREE.
📅 Friday, October 9
⏰ 10 a.m.
📍 Englewood Beach — enter through the Main Gate and meet in front of the VIP Tent
💲 $5 cash | Kids 10 & under FREE
Parking: For this event, parking is available at SandBar Tiki & Grille, 1975 Beach Rd. Vehicles must be moved by 11:30 a.m. Friday.
Inflatable Invitational details
🎉 Friday: FREE Waterfest Block Party
The fun continues Friday with a FREE community Block Party on Dearborn Street and at Pioneer Plaza.
This is a great option if you want to experience Waterfest with the kids without purchasing race tickets.
Families can see the race boats displayed along Dearborn Street, meet the race teams and even grab an autograph before the boats take to the water over the weekend.
The Block Party will also feature live music from Crossfire Creek Band, dozens of food and retail vendors, food and drinks, and a 50/50 raffle.
📅 Friday, October 9
📍 Dearborn Street & Pioneer Plaza, Englewood
🎟️ FREE
🏁 Race boats on display
✍️ Meet the race teams
🎶 Live music
🍔 Food & drinks
🛍️ Dozens of vendors
🏁 Saturday & Sunday: APBA Offshore National Championship
Then comes the main event.
On Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11, Englewood Beach hosts the APBA 2026 Offshore National Championship, with multiple classes of powerboats racing throughout both days.
Gates open at 9 a.m. and the first races are scheduled for 10 a.m.
Saturday, October 10
Racing is scheduled from 10 a.m. until approximately 4:30 p.m., with several different classes taking to the water throughout the day.
Sunday, October 11
Racing begins again at 10 a.m. and is scheduled to continue until approximately 4:45 p.m.
The official schedule is subject to change, so check Waterfest's current schedule before heading out.
See the full Waterfest race schedule
🎟️ One Ticket Covers BOTH Race Days
Here's something families should know before buying tickets: general admission is good for two full days of racing — Saturday AND Sunday.
That means you don't have to squeeze everything into one day.
Tickets are $35 online or $40 at the gate.
Even better for families, children 17 and younger are FREE with a paying adult. A free child ticket is still required.
🐢 Don't Miss the Family Conservation Center
Need a break from the racing?
Head to the Family Conservation Center at Englewood Beach, where Waterfest combines family fun with education about Florida's marine environment and conservation.
It's an especially nice addition for families with kids who are interested in the ocean, wildlife and Florida's waterways — and gives younger children something different to explore between races.
🍦 Food, Treats & the Waterfest Beach Oasis
You can easily make Waterfest an all-day outing.
The Waterfest Beach Oasis Cantina & Food Court will feature local restaurants serving seafood and regional favorites, plus plenty of classic festival treats for kids.
Think funnel cakes, snow cones, popcorn, pretzels and ice cream.
Adults 21+ will also find beer, wine, mixed drinks and Waterfest's signature Raceday cocktail. Valid ID is required for alcohol purchases.
🅿️ Plan Your Parking Before You Go
Don't plan on simply driving onto Englewood Beach and finding event parking during race weekend.
Waterfest provides free satellite parking and bus transportation on Saturday and Sunday.
Check the official parking information before leaving home for the latest shuttle locations, routes and instructions.
Waterfest parking & bus information
💛 Macaroni KID Tip
Not sure your little ones are ready for an entire day of offshore racing?
Friday may be your perfect Waterfest day. Watch or join the silly Inflatable Invitational in the morning, then head to the FREE Block Party for race boats, music, food and a chance to meet the teams.
For kids who love boats, speed, the beach or marine life, Saturday or Sunday offers the full Waterfest experience — racing plus the Family Conservation Center and plenty of festival food.
📌 Englewood Beach Waterfest 2026 at a Glance
📅 Friday, October 9
Inflatable Invitational Beach Race — 10 a.m.
FREE Waterfest Block Party — Dearborn Street & Pioneer Plaza
📅 Saturday, October 10
Gates open — 9 a.m.
Racing — 10 a.m.–approximately 4:30 p.m.
📅 Sunday, October 11
Gates open — 9 a.m.
Racing — 10 a.m.–approximately 4:45 p.m.
🎟️ Race Weekend: $35 online / $40 at the gate
👧 Kids 17 & under: FREE with a paying adult
🐢 Family Conservation Center: Englewood Beach
🚌 Race weekend: Free satellite parking and bus transportation available
Schedules and event details can change. Check the official Waterfest website for the latest information before heading out.
