FREE mermaid & pirate festival will take over a Central Florida park this weekend

Photos for illustrative purposes only — Scott May [Left], Monsieur_Raddar [Right]

Mateys and mer-ladies alike looking for some free things to do in central Florida this weekend may want to check out this free festival popping up in Lake County's, Apopka — and it's got to be one of the most perfect excuses to whip out your best Ariel and Erik or Captain Hook cosplays!

The Apopka Pirate & Mermaid Fest is inviting families looking to plunder some fun out on Saturday, February 25 completely admission-free.

Alongside a slew of live entertainment, pirate and mermaid hangout opportunities, a splash pad, and play area for the kids, Kit Land Nelson Park's 5-acre facility will be stuffed with 100 local craft vendors for attendees to browse and support if they so choose.

A couple of confirmed vendors in attendance include Waterstone Naturals, offering a basket-full of self-care items such as body butters, sugar scrubs, and bath bombs, and CJZ Creations with their cute custom character pens, keychains, wine-stoppers, and more.

Food trucks will also be on site, serving up a variety of fried street eats and sweet treats, including Homemade Italian Ices from Chuck's Truck. If none of the food options at the fest end up speaking to you, consider checking out downtown Apopka's local food scene instead.

Festival hours will run from 11 am to 4 pm on Saturday, February 25. Those hoping to attend will want to head to Kit Land Nelson Park, located at 10 N. Forest Ave. in Apopka.
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For more information, check out The Apopka Pirate & Mermaid Fest's event posting and discussions tab on Facebook. More details about available facilities at Kit Land Nelson Park can be found on the official parks and recreation site for Apopka, Florida here.
Article by Rachael Volpe