Winterfest Inc - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Ariel W.

The tradition of a parade of holiday parade of decorated boats began in 1971. In 1983 the parade became official when community leaders decided to jump on the popularity of boat parades and created one with the theme, A Tropical Fantasy. The first parade grand marshal was Willard Scott in 1984. In 1988 the non profit Winterfest Inc. was created with the goal of helping the community. The parade has now become the largest live audience event in Florida with more than 1,000,000 spectators on the 12 mile parade route. Whether you are riding the route on a boat or watching it from shore, this annual event has become a not to miss holiday experience that is uniquely Florida.

The theme for this years parade was Lights, Camera, Action...Movies on Parade. The grand marshal was rocker Bret Michaels, lead singer of Poison. Although other towns have smaller boat parades this is by far the largest and grandest. For two hours we watched every kind of watercraft, from small personal boats to mega yachts sail past us decorated in their holiday best. There were at least 50 vessels in the parade. We grabbed a picnic dinner from an area restaurant and settled in for the greatest show on H2O. As you can imagine a popular event like this attracts a huge crowd but there is miles of shoreline on which to view it. You can purchase tickets for the grandstand at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park for $35 or try to find a spot at one of Ft. Lauderdales parks. The key to getting a good spot is to come early, at least two hours before the parade starts. The effort is worth it to view

Staying A. P. B.

The Winterfest Boat Parade is AMAZING!!! Every year, 100+ boats cruise the waterways of Fort Lauderdale and the whole city comes out to celebrate. We have put boats in the parade for 3 years and it is an incredible time. Well organized, safety is priority, and the light show is spectacular. We love that the community comes together to display its best traits, boats and water views. I would highly recommend going to see the show from one of the grand stands, or if possible, entering a boat.

Renee K. Q.

For more than two decades, Winterfest has been a part of my life. From watching my very first parade (1979) to joining the Board of Directors (2007), Winterfest is about community. It kicks off our tropical holiday season every year, and I look forward to celebrating with friends and family. This event series, executed by three awesome staff members, brings everyone together from the corporate side, to our community and the boating world. By land or by sea everyone can participate. This year marks 50 Years of Hard Rockin’ Fun… Winterfest 2021. Join the fun, it truly is the best show on H20.

Deanna W.

$44 general admission got you nothing! This year was awful. One set of bleachers was facing a cove off the intracoastal, one was behind a small building with a spotlight shining directly into the bleachers and the third was facing the intracoastal with a fence blocking the view. There was one bar, two sets of restrooms and a few food trucks. It was a total rip off. Don’t waste your money! Watch it from the bridge, on top of the $20 parking garage or side of the intracoastal.

Amanda B.

Best boat parade in the nation! There’s a reason Fort Lauderdale is called “Venice of America”, Winterfest captures the true beauty of Fort Lauderdale during the holiday season. There is fun for all ages. Can’t wait to make it an ongoing tradition.

Ryan C.

Spectacular family event for all generations to enjoy. Best places to view are by boat, downtown Las Olas, house gathering or Winterfest Grandstands. Your out of town guests are sure to be WOW'd!

Kristin K.

I moved to Fort Lauderdale in 2012 and attended my first boat parade and was blown away! (I used to watch the boat parade in Texas on the lake. This is not the same!) The Winterfest Boat Parade is a boat parade on steroids and the highlight of the year. Highly recommend this signature event! Not to mention, it's free to the public. If you're a boater, definitely consider entering the parade (entry fees are minimal) for a great community experience.

Tiffany J.

Lived it. Worth the trip.
Christmas boat parades are great events for all.