Winter in Indian River County is the perfect time to experience the area’s wonderful winter events! From December through February, the county hosts a lineup of can’t-miss gatherings that bring locals and visitors together. Kick off the season with the magical McKee Jungle Lights, celebrate small-town spirit at the Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival, and indulge in flavors at the Florida Craft Brew and Wingfest. And that’s only the start! With so much to see and explore, Indian River County is the place to be this winter for memorable fun, and festive experiences.
December
WinterGreen Night Lights
December 5 – 6 / 2024
WinterGreen Night Lights at Environmental Learning Center offers a magical, family-friendly experience featuring beautifully lit nature trails, a campfire with s’mores, festive crafts, and a special guided canoe journey through illuminated mangrove tunnels. This event invites visitors to connect with nature in a whole new way during the holiday season. For more information, visit their website!
Winterfest
December 6 – 8 / 2024
Winterfest at Riverside Theatre transforms the campus into a holiday wonderland with beautifully decorated trees, Santa’s Village, and free entertainment by community performers. Join the festive fun on December 6–8 for a weekend filled with holiday cheer! For more information, visit their website!
Vero Beach Christmas Parade
December 7 / 2024
The Annual Vero Beach Christmas Parade brings holiday magic to life with a vibrant display of festive floats, twinkling lights, and cheerful music winding through Ocean Drive in Vero Beach. Each year, families gather to enjoy marching bands, beautifully decorated vehicles, and even a special appearance by Santa himself. This beloved tradition captures the spirit of the season, making it a perfect way to celebrate the holidays with the community. For more information, visit their website!
Holiday Festival at Schacht Groves
December 7 / 2024
Join us at the Schacht Groves Holiday Festival on December 7th for a day of free family fun! Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, write letters to Santa, and pick your own oranges. Enjoy bites from local food trucks, browse holiday vendors, and check out the petting zoo with kangaroo cuddles and water buffalo rides! With bounce houses, hay rides, face painting, and plenty of photo ops, there’s festive fun for everyone! For more information, visit their website!
Rotary Kids Triathlon
December 7 / 2024
The 2nd Annual Rotary Kids Triathlon on Saturday, December 7, 2024, is the ultimate youth event for ages 6–13! Hosted by the Rotary Club of Vero Beach and Indian River County, this fun and safe Swim-Bike-Run race is set at the Victor Hart Sr. Community Enhancement Complex and Gifford Aquatic Center. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned young athletes, it’s a fantastic way for kids to experience the thrill of a triathlon in a supportive, community atmosphere. For more information, visit their website!
Sebastian Craft Brew & Hullabaloo
December 7 / 2024
Join the fun at the Sebastian Craft Brew Hullabaloo! Enjoy fantastic live music, delicious food, and an incredible selection of craft beers from Florida’s top breweries, along with wines and ciders. It’s the perfect event to kick back with friends, discover new flavors, and soak in the lively atmosphere in Sebastian! For more information, visit their website!
8th Annual Winter Bazaar
December 8 / 2024
Join Walking Tree Brewery for their 8th Annual Winter Bazaar! This indie market will feature over 50 talented artists, makers, and craftspeople showcasing their finest creations. While you browse, capture family memories with Vero’s largest live Christmas tree and snap a photo with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. The event kicks off at noon, with live music from 1-4 PM by the talented Kenny Clarke on keys! For more information, visit their website!
Mel Fisher’s Open House
December 8 / 2024
Dive into history at Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum Annual Open House with free admission for a day filled with discovery! Explore exhibits showcasing real shipwreck treasures, gold bars, and ancient artifacts. Plus, present the flyer to enjoy 10% off select gift shop items—perfect for finding unique, historic keepsakes. For more information, visit their website!
McKee Jungle Lights
December 8, 10-15, 17-22, 26-29 / 2024
For 17 Glittering Nights in December, a festive and joyful must-see for the entire family! Featuring Vero Beach’s largest animated Christmas tree and tropical bromeliad trees, illuminated flora and fauna, and exotic jungle sounds. For more information, visit their website!
Miracle on 34th Street
December 12 – 22 / 2024
Feel the holiday magic at the Vero Beach Theatre Guild with Miracle on 34th Street! Single mom Doris Walker wants her daughter, Susan, to stay grounded—until their neighbor takes her to meet Macy’s Santa, who might just be the real Kris Kringle. As holiday cheer spreads, even the most skeptical hearts can’t help but believe. Don’t miss this heartwarming classic! For more information, visit their website!
Art After Dark
December 13 – 14 / 2024
Experience the Treasure Coast’s premier digital art show at Art After Dark! Join the Vero Beach Museum of Art on December 13 and 14, 2024, from 6–8 p.m., for an outdoor display of motion graphics, experimental film, and animation projected onto the Museum’s iconic walls. This free, all-ages event invites you to bring lawn chairs and enjoy a night of stunning visuals under the stars. Food and drinks are available for purchase. For more information, visit their website!
Digg Gardens 4th Annual Holiday Market
December 14 / 2024
Join Digg Gardens for their 4th annual holiday market featuring local artisans, live music, food & fun! For more information, visit their website!
Holidays at the Museum
December 14 / 2024
Bring the whole family to the Vero Beach Museum of Art on Saturday, December 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., for Holidays at the Museum! Enjoy a festive day of art-making activities, live music and dance performances, food trucks, art hunts, docent-led gallery tours, and free admission to the current exhibition, Roadside Reverie: Glass Works by John Miller. For more information, visit their website!
LaPorte Farms Cowboy Christmas
December 21 / 2024
Join us for a magical holiday experience—Santa’s coming on horseback! Feed and meet our friendly animals, enjoy pony rides, and stroll through thousands of sparkling Christmas lights and over 50 beautifully decorated trees. Fun and wonder await! For more information, visit their website!
Nutcracker on the Indian River
December 29 – 31 / 2024
Join the wide-eyed Marie on a magical holiday journey along the shores of the Indian River Lagoon, where wonder awaits those who take a moment to look. This special, hour-long performance is tailored to welcome differently abled individuals and young children, with modified audio/visual effects and an inclusive venue setup to ensure everyone can enjoy the show to the fullest. For more information, visit their website!
Heaton’s NYE Party
December 31 / 2024
Ring in the New Year at Heaton’s Vero Beach with an unforgettable outdoor celebration! Dance to live beats from Traxx Entertainment, enjoy tasty bites, and party under the stars as we say goodbye to 2024 and hello to 2025! Tickets are required in advance, with VIP Table packages available. All tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite. For more information, visit their website!
January
Indian River County’s Centennial celebration kicks off this January, marking 100 years with a lineup of exciting events through June! Discover local history with downtown walking tours in Sebastian, Fellsmere, Gifford, and Vero Beach; join the festivities at a lively pub crawl, history fair, centennial parade, and more. Come be a part of the celebration and experience the stories, sights, and spirit of Indian River County’s rich 100-year history! For more information, visit their website!
Frozen for Kids
January 3 – 5 / 2025
When Queen Elsa accidentally sets off an eternal winter in the town of Arendelle, her younger sister Anna (along with her friends Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven) goes off on a thrilling adventure to find her sister and save the kingdom. Frozen reveals how true love can come in many forms, and that the bond between sisters is something truly special. For more information, visit their website!
Annual Vero Beach Home & Remodel Show Winter Edition
January 4 – 5 / 2025
This two-day event is packed with everything you need to refresh your homestead! Discover new products, services, and endless ideas for home improvement, plus inspiration for your home, property, farm, or ranch—all under one roof. Stroll through aisles of creativity at the Arts & Crafts Expo, and enjoy live music throughout the show! For more information, visit their website!
Mystic Pizza, the Musical
January 7 – 26 / 2025
Get a taste of nostalgia at Riverside Theatre with Mystic Pizza—a fresh new musical inspired by the classic 1988 rom-com! Follow three small-town girls as they navigate love and life in their local pizza joint, set to a soundtrack of ’80s and ’90s hits like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.” For more information, visit their Website.
Bark in the Park
January 11 / 2025
Bark in the Park is a free, family-friendly fest with thrilling shows by the world-famous Disconnected K-9 Frisbee dogs and the amazing Ultimate Diving Dogs! Enjoy food vendors, a beer garden, merchandise booths, a kids’ zone, and more for a paws-itively fun day! For more information, visit their website!
Verdi’s LA TRAVIATA
January 12 / 2025
Step into the romance and intrigue of late 19th-century Paris, where the beautiful yet ill-fated Violetta, a glamorous courtesan, meets Alfredo—a poet who offers her the kind of true, unconditional love she’s never known. Will love be her redemption, or is it already too late? Don’t miss this captivating tale of passion, sacrifice, and unforgettable emotion! For more information, visit their Website!
34th Annual Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival
January 16 – 19 / 2025
Join the 34th Annual Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival for a true taste of Florida! Savor delicious frog leg and gator tail dinners, browse hundreds of booths with unique gifts, enjoy live local music, and thrill at the fun rides. Discover why this January festival has become a cherished tradition year after year! For more information, visit their Website!
God of Carnage
January 16 – 25 / 2025
This Tony Award winning Best Play comes to the Vero Beach Theatre Guild. A playground scuffle between two eleven-year-olds brings their Brooklyn parents together to “resolve” things, what starts as polite diplomacy quickly unravels. As tensions rise and drinks are poured, civility is cast aside, exposing the couples’ raw emotions and revealing that the adults may be acting more like their children than they realize.
This dark comedy features drinking, strong language, and adult themes—not recommended for children. For more information, visit their website!
Seasons
January 17 – 18/ 2025
Seasons presents an extraordinary lineup, featuring pieces by George Balanchine, Christopher Wheeldon, and the world premiere of Artistic Director Adam Schnell’s The Four Seasons. The program now includes Balanchine’s vibrant Glinka Pas De Trois and Wheeldon’s athletic duet from The American, expanding the company’s repertoire with these neoclassical gems. Schnell’s interpretation of The Four Seasons, set to Vivaldi’s iconic score, promises a visually stunning performance in art nouveau style—a true celebration of dance and music. For more information, Visit their website!
Sebastian Riverfront Fine Art & Music Festival
January 18 – 19 / 2025
Celebrate art, music, and community at the Sebastian Riverfront Fine Art and Music Festival on January 18-19! Set along the scenic waterfront, this festival showcases incredible works from local and national artists, live music, delicious food vendors, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for all ages. Don’t miss this unique January tradition along the beautiful Sebastian River! For more information, visit their website!
Vero Beach Half Marathon Sea Turtle 2 Miler
January 19 / 2025
Join us for the 5th Annual Vero Beach Half Marathon and Sea Turtle 2-Miler! Set against the beautiful beaches of Vero Beach, this race offers the perfect blend of a beach escape and an exciting race experience. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy scenic coastal views, a relaxed vibe, and a race just steps from the ocean. Sign up now for an unforgettable race day! For more information, Visit their website!
The Four Seasons
January 19 / 2025
Ballet Vero Beach is excited to bring back our Accessible and Family Friendly Series! These special, hour-long performances cater to young children and differently abled individuals, with modified audio/visual effects and a welcoming setup for all. Each performance may include a Q&A session, making it a perfect introduction to ballet for everyone. For more information, visit their website!
Vero Beach International Tennis Open
January 20 – 26 / 2025
Experience world-class tennis right here in Vero Beach at the International Tennis Open! One of only 10 Women’s Pro Circuit events in the U.S., this tournament brings top players from over 30 countries to compete on our local courts. Join us and cheer on these incredible athletes as they showcase their talent and bring the excitement of global tennis to our community—don’t miss it! For more information, visit their website!
Sean Kenny’s Nature Pop!
January 24 – May 4 / 2025
Explore Sean Kenney’s Nature POP! Made with LEGO Bricks at McKee Botanical Garden! With over 40 colorful sculptures crafted from 800,000+ LEGO pieces, this playful exhibit blends art, science, and nature in striking, Pop art-inspired displays. Perfect for all ages, this unique experience inspires creativity and a deeper appreciation for the world around us! For more information, visit their website!
February
Gardenfest
February 1 – 2 / 2025
Gardenfest blooms to life at Vero Beach’s Riverside Park, drawing garden lovers from all over! With top-notch vendors, kids’ crafts, delicious food, and fantastic raffle prizes, it’s one of Florida’s largest free, family-friendly garden shows. Bring a wagon, stroll under the oaks, and discover garden treasures galore! For more information, visit their website!
Master Class
February 4 – 23 / 2025
This captivating play follows Callas as she delivers an intense, transformative master class at an elite opera school, challenging and inspiring her students in ways they never imagined. Based on real-life classes she gave at Juilliard, Master Class is a compelling glimpse into the world and heart of a true 20th-century icon. Don’t miss this unforgettable performance! For more information, visit their website!
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Musical
February 7 – 23 / 2025
Join the Vero Beach Theatre Guild in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, inspired by the hit 1988 MGM film, whisking audiences away to the glamorous French Riviera for a wild ride of mischief and laughter. This sophisticated, witty comedy features a dazzling jazz score by David Yazbek (The Full Monty) and earned an impressive eleven Tony Award nominations. For more information, visit their website!
Love is Timeless
February 8 / 2025
Bring your valentine for a best of Broadway & Opera Concert by the Vero Beach Opera at the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center. Starring Maria Aleida & Eduardo Salles! For more information, visit their website!
Joie de Vivre
February 8 / 2025
Join Ballet Vero Beach and the Vero Beach Museum of Art for Joie de Vivre, inspired by the exhibition French Moderns: Monet to Matisse. This vibrant performance showcases new works by dancers Darien Santos and Abriella Mauldin, blending French flair with avant-garde movement. Your ticket includes exhibit entry, so come early to explore the inspiration behind the dance. For more information, visit their website!
16th Annual Motor Car Exhibition
February 8 / 2025
Explore exceptional hot rods and custom vehicles, marveling at the creativity of individual builders. From imaginative body styling to pristine motorcycles, this family-friendly event showcases motoring excellence amidst the lush garden setting. For more information, visit their website!
Valentines at Heaton’s
February 14 / 2025
Join Heaton’s on February 14th to celebrate Valentine’s Day alfresco! Enjoy fresh seafood on the water with special food and wine offerings all weekend Surf and Turf Specials and Complimentary Toast. Reservations are highly recommended. For more information, visit their website!
Annual Vero Beach Blues Festival
February 15 – 16 / 2025
The Vero Beach Blues Festival is a unique 2 day music festival experience combining the love of Blues & Blues Rock music talent on stage along with delicious foods, beer & full liquor bars and an amazing weekend to remember with friends and family. 10 bands on the blues stage with professional sound and lighting. For more information, visit their website!
Waldo’s Secret Art Walk
February 15 – 16 / 2025
This special event gives patrons a rare chance to visit the grounds of Waldo Sexton’s amazing private homestead and discover the unique work of over 40 local artisans, many of whom are top artists in their profession and rarely seen on the Treasure Coast. Join us as we open up even more buildings featuring some wonderful new artists. For more information, visit their website!
Andre Dawson Classic
February 21 – 23 / 2025
Join us at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex for The Andre Dawson Classic! This is an annual, round-robin collegiate baseball tournament designed by Major League Baseball to highlight Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their baseball programs. For more information, visit their website!
Florida Craft Brew & Wing Fest
February 22 / 2025
Come join us and be a part of the finest craft beer festival in the state! With a family-friendly atmosphere, the best beer and wings in the state of Florida, live music on two stages, and the top craft beer brewers and wingfest chefs all in one place, there truly is something for everyone at the Florida Craft Brew and Wingfest! For more information, visit their website!
Singin’ in the Rain
February 25 – March 23 / 2025
The “Greatest Movie Musical of All Time” is faithfully and lovingly adapted by Broadway legends, Betty Comden and Adolph Green, from their original award-winning screenplay. Filled with every memorable moment from the film and a downpour of unforgettable songs, Singin’ in the Rain is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. For more information, visit their website!
5K On the Runway
February 27 / 2025
Take off on an unforgettable run at the 5K on the Runway at Vero Beach Regional Airport! Set against the unique backdrop of an active airport, runners will experience the thrill of planes taking off and landing on a separate runway as they race down the course. This one-of-a-kind event offers a close-up view of aviation in action, making for an exhilarating experience from start to finish! For more information, visit their website!
Buyer & Cellar
February 27 – March 8 / 2025
Join the Vero Beach Theatre Guild at their Blackbox theatre for a fabulously fictitious hit comedy imagining what might transpire when an unemployed Hollywood actor goes to work in Barbra Streisand’s non-fictitious basement: an underground private shopping mall beneath her Malibu home. This hilarious one-man-play stars Ben Earman, Indian River County’s Tourism Director and is intended for mature audiences. For more information, visit their website!
Recurring Events
Sunset Saturdays
Second Saturday, December – April
Get Ready for this season’s sunset Saturdays. Happening the second Saturday of the month December through April. There will be live music, ice-cold beverages, and fabulous wines. Bring your lawn chairs and get ready to have a great time For more information, visit their website!
Concerts in the Park
Select dates January – June / 2025
Enjoy Concerts in the Park at Riverview Park on the Indian River Lagoon! With live music, tasty food vendors, and prize raffles from local Chamber businesses, it’s the perfect night out by the water. Don’t miss the fun! For more information, visit their website!
The Comedy Zone
Select Fridays & Saturdays in December
Looking for a fantastic night out with friends, a memorable date, or a lively celebration for birthdays, office parties, and special occasions? Look no further than Comedy Zone at Riverside Theatre! With no drink minimum and free parking, it’s an accessible and enjoyable experience for all. Recommended for ages 18 and up, Riverside shows may feature coarse language and adult content and typically run for approximately 80 minutes. Get ready for a hilarious evening of laughter and entertainment! For more information, visit their website!
Vero Beach Farmers Market
Saturdays 8am – 12pm
This bustling outdoor Farmers Market on Ocean Drive is a hit with locals and tourists alike. Bring your furry friends along (on a leash, please!) for a morning filled with fresh produce, baked goods, artisanal treats, and more. Every Saturday, enjoy live music and a family-friendly vibe as you explore the stalls. After grabbing breakfast or lunch, take a stroll through the nearby shops and boutiques along Cardinal and Ocean Drive. For more information, visit their website!
Live in The Loop
Select Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays
COME HUNGRY! HANG-OUT, ROCK-OUT, OR CHILL-OUT! Almost every Friday & Saturday night (rain or shine), Riverside Theatre’s Live in the Loop becomes the local hot spot where some of the area’s most talented musicians perform. Enjoy burgers, chicken, BBQ, salads, ice cream, beer, wine, and cocktails. Outdoor table seating and space for lawn chairs for casual dining and outdoor concerts are available under the oak trees. Each night has a different music genre, For more information, visit their website!
Art Gallery Stroll
First Friday of Every Month
Discover the charm of historic downtown Vero Beach as you wander through the Arts District on 14th Avenue. Explore art galleries, shops, and restaurants along the way, with galleries welcoming visitors free of charge. Join us for the Art Gallery Stroll, held every first Friday of the month from 5pm to 8pm, for a delightful evening of art and culture. For more information, visit their Website!
Downtown Friday
Last Friday of Select Months
Come out to Main Street Vero Beach to shop, eat, and drink out on the avenue. There’s always a rocking band at one end, and a pop DJ at the other, and even in between are plenty of cool vendors with everything from locally sourced honey to artwork, and Floridian décor. For more information, visit their Website!
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