Mark your calendars for January 24, 2026! The Environmental Learning Center is hosting Lagoonapalooza, a free all-day festival celebrating the Indian River Lagoon with live music, hands-on nature activities, and family-friendly fun. From 10 AM to 5 PM, explore 64 acres of natural beauty while enjoying performances from local bands, interactive eco-activities, and pontoon rides on the lagoon, all completely free thanks to community sponsors.
The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) is bringing back one of Vero Beach's most beloved community events. Lagoonapalooza 2026 returns on Saturday, January 24th, offering a full day of nature exploration, environmental education, and live music, all at no cost to attendees.
Last year's event drew over 2,000 guests, and this year promises to be even bigger and better.
A Festival for All Ages
Taking place at the ELC's stunning 64-acre lagoon-island campus at 255 Live Oak Drive, Lagoonapalooza is designed to be an inclusive celebration where families, nature lovers, and music fans can come together. Whether you're interested in learning about local ecosystems, letting kids explore aquatic life, or simply relaxing to live tunes in a beautiful outdoor setting, this festival has something for everyone.
Live Music All Day Long
The festival features two stages with continuous performances throughout the day:
Lagoon Gallery Stage
- 10:15 - 11:15 AM: Chris Kahl
Pavilion Stage
- 10:15 - 11:15 AM: Murphy Dogs
- 11:45 AM - 2:15 PM: Gary Roland & The Landsharks Band
- 2:30 - 5:00 PM: HOT PINK
Attendees are welcome to bring chairs or blankets and settle in for the performances while taking in the natural surroundings.
Hands-On Environmental Experiences
Lagoonapalooza goes beyond entertainment, it's an opportunity to connect with the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem in meaningful ways. The festival offers:
- Interactive Eco-Activities: Dozens of hands-on activities and games with local environmental partners focused on sustainability and ecological awareness
- Dip Netting: Kids can explore pond life up close and discover what lives in local waters
- Touch Tanks and Aquariums: Get a closer look at marine creatures native to the area
- Nature Trails: Miles of boardwalk trails wind through the campus, perfect for leisurely exploration
- Pontoon Tours: 45-minute boat tours aboard the ELC boat Discover provide a unique perspective of the Indian River Lagoon from the water
- Kayak Trips: Additional paddling opportunities to explore the lagoon
- Nature Playscape: A nature-inspired playground where children can play while parents enjoy the music
- Imagination Station: Free play area for creative exploration
- Nature-Inspired Crafts: Hands-on crafting with local materials and eco-friendly activities
Food, Art, and More
Throughout the day, guests can enjoy food and beverages from a variety of local vendors, including:
- The Source's Dignity Food Truck
- Len & 10
- Around the Fire (pizza)
- Treasure Coast Girls Coalition Food Truck/Lemonade Stand
- Kona Ice
- American Icon (bar)
The festival also features s'mores stations where families can gather and make treats together.
Art lovers can explore two galleries featuring works by Derek Gores and Cheri & Mark Schumann, and the Nature Nook Eco-Boutique will be open for shopping.
Scenic picnic areas nestled beneath shaded trees overlook the lagoon, offering the perfect spot to relax with your own picnic or food purchased on-site while listening to live music in the distance.
Free Admission Thanks to Community Support
One of the best parts of Lagoonapalooza is it's completely free to attend! The event is made possible through the generosity of local sponsors who believe in the mission of environmental education and community engagement.
This year's sponsors include:
- Eco Harmony Sponsor: Alex MacWilliam Real Estate
- Additional Sponsors: GHO Homes, Cox Pinson Environmental, Vero Glass & Mirror, White Glove Moving, Storage & Delivery, and Au Pair in America
The ELC extends heartfelt thanks to all sponsors for their commitment to making this event accessible to the entire community. Sponsorship opportunities and vendor participation are still available for those interested in supporting the event.
About the Environmental Learning Center
The Environmental Learning Center sits on a 64-acre barrier island in the Indian River Lagoon, one of the most biologically diverse estuaries in North America. The center's mission is to educate, inspire, and empower people of all ages to become active stewards of the environment and their own well-being.
Through year-round programs, camps, field trips, and events like Lagoonapalooza, the ELC serves as a vital resource for environmental education in Indian River County and beyond.
The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 8 AM to 4 PM. While Lagoonapalooza is free, regular admission includes free entry for ELC members, children under 2, and SNAP/WIC cardholders, with rates of $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and military, and $5 for children ages 2-11.
Get Involved
There are several ways to participate in Lagoonapalooza beyond attending:
Become a Sponsor: Various sponsorship levels are available, offering exclusive benefits while supporting environmental education. As a 501(c)(3) organization, sponsorships may be tax-deductible.
Become a Vendor or Environmental Partner: Environmental partners offering engaging, family-friendly crafts, games, or activities with no sales solicitation can participate with waived fees. Vendors including service clubs, nonprofits, government agencies, and retail shops are welcome.
RSVP: While admission is free, attendees are encouraged to RSVP online to help organizers plan for the expected crowd.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you're a longtime supporter of the ELC or discovering it for the first time, Lagoonapalooza 2026 is the perfect opportunity to experience everything this unique nature center has to offer.
Bring the whole family, pack a picnic blanket, wear comfortable shoes for exploring, and prepare for a day of music, nature, and community. The campus is pet-free, smoke-free, and vape-free. Additionally, no single-use plastics, glitter, balloons, or Styrofoam are permitted.
With thousands expected to attend based on last year's turnout, arriving early ensures you'll have plenty of time to experience all the activities, explore the trails, and secure a good spot for the live music performances.
Discover more information on their Website https://www.discoverelc.org/lagoonapalooza/
Lagoonapalooza 2026
Saturday, January 24, 2026
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Environmental Learning Center
255 Live Oak Drive Vero Beach, FL 32963
My name is Ava Cook and I am a Freshman at Florida Southern College in Lakeland FL. I am currently a B.F.A musical theatre major with a minor in Business Administration. I love reading, singing, acting, dancing, and writing. My favorite part about Vero Beach and Indian River County as a whole is how close the community is. Vero Vine is important to me as it allows me to do my part it bringing the community together also, sharing events, small businesses, and other local happenings. If you have any questions or any recommendations for me, my email is always open [email protected].
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