Indian River Lagoon Fest

Next date: Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM

The City of Melbourne, the City of West Melbourne, the Brevard County Natural Resources Management Department and the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program invite you to join us for Indian River Lagoon Fest, a family, fun-filled day focused on celebrating the importance of the Indian River Lagoon and the world around us. Admission is free. 

Environmental exhibitors will be present to showcase a variety of restoration projects, educational efforts, available citizen-science projects and volunteer activities. Food trucks, live music by Miranda Realino, arts and craft vendors, a bounce house, face painting, games and other activities for children will also be available. There will be a raffle at 1:30 p.m. Raffle tickets will be at the City of Melbourne’s welcome booth and at each vendor table. Interactions and questions with the vendor tables will earn you 1 ticket.  You must be present to win a prize.     

A Hook Kids on Fishing clinic will take place from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. for kids 5-15 years old. Advance registration is required. For more information, go to the Anglers for Conservation website.  

An eco-themed Halloween costume contest for all ages will take place at 11 a.m. Show off your creativity by dressing in a costume made from trash, recycled materials or inspired by nature! The winner in the 8 and under category will receive tickets to Brevard Zoo, while the winner in the 9 and over category will receive tickets to Central Florida Kayaking.

Visit the Front Street Civic Center from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for an engaging morning of environmental presentations featuring local experts and organizations. Learn about sea turtles, the Indian River Lagoon, disappearing shorelines, native fish, plastic pollution and more.

For gardeners, a rain barrel workshop will be held at 1 p.m. inside the Front Street Civic Center. Participants will be able to learn and take home a free rain barrel. You must register to get a free rain barrel. Only one per household. Register for the Rain Barrel Workshop.

We’d like to give a big shoutout to Custom Tintz for helping to sponsor the stage this year. 

Environmental Presentation Schedule

9:30 a.m. | Ashley Chelberg, Stella Maris

One Coast, Many Connections: How Sea Turtles Need Beaches and the Indian River Lagoon

Discover the important connection between sea turtle nesting beaches and the Indian River Lagoon and how both coastal environments play a vital role in supporting sea turtle populations.

10 a.m. | Craig Wallace, Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition

It’s a Marathon, not a Sprint

Learn more about the Indian River Lagoon and the challenges and opportunities facing this vital local ecosystem.

10:30 a.m. | Tim Kozusko, Semi-Retired Ecologist, Kennedy Space Center

Disappearing Shorelines: An Under-Appreciated Threat to the Indian River Lagoon

Threatened by population growth, global warming and climate change, sandy beaches and shorelines along the Indian River Lagoon are being lost to development, submergence and erosion. Tim will explore the processes contributing to this loss of essential habitat and the resulting impacts on wildlife.

A native of Cocoa Beach, Tim grew up on “the river.” He completed graduate work at UCF and holds a postgraduate degree from Florida Tech. He is a semi-retired ecologist at Kennedy Space Center and serves on the boards of Friends of the Thousand Islands and the Merritt Island Wildlife Association.

11:30 a.m. | Matt Mills, Space Coast Aquarium Society

Florida Native Freshwater Fish Species for the Home Aquarium

Discover the fascinating freshwater fish native to Florida and learn how to bring a piece of Florida’s aquatic ecosystem into your own home aquarium.

12 p.m. | Heather Stapleton, Community Engagement Coordinator, Indian River Lagoon Council/Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program

My Plastic Diet

Join Heather Stapleton as she reveals the hidden flaws of single-stream recycling and explains why many plastics are not actually recycled. Hear about her personal journey to reduce plastic use and learn how microplastics threaten ecosystems like the Indian River Lagoon.

You’ll also discover practical ways to reduce your own plastic use and connect with others working toward meaningful environmental change—because our everyday choices matter.

12:30 p.m. | Saumya Vanderwyst, Florida Native Plant Society, Conradina Chapter

Learn more about Florida’s unique native plants and how they can help support local wildlife and healthy ecosystems.

1 p.m. | Carlos Cuevas, Brevard County Natural Resources

Rain Barrel Workshop

Learn about the benefit of rain barrels and how to install one. Take home a free rain barrel. Must register on Eventbrite.

 

When

Location

Front Street Park, 2210 Front Street, 32901, View Map