Lagoonapalooza 2026 announces speaker lineup & interactive programming

arts & entertainment

The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) is pleased to announce the full speaker lineup and educational programming for Lagoonapalooza 2026, a free Nature and Music Festival celebrating the Indian River Lagoon. The event will take place Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 10 AM to 5 PM, on ELC’s scenic 64-acre lagoon-island campus in Vero Beach.

In addition to live music throughout the day, Lagoonapalooza will feature a robust schedule of expert talks, interactive presentations, and family-friendly learning experiences designed to deepen understanding of the Indian River Lagoon and inspire environmental stewardship.

Featured Lagoon Gallery Presentations

Festival guests can attend a full day of engaging talks and presentations, including:

Chris Kahl’s Musical Journey Through Florida (10:15–11:15 AM)
Folk musician Chris Kahl blends original music, storytelling, and visuals to explore Florida’s culture and history.
Lagoon Dolphins – ELC Education Team (11:30–12:00 PM)
A hands-on, interactive look at Indian River Lagoon dolphins, including dorsal fin identification and a real dolphin skull.
Please Speak Up: Lessons from the Lorax, the Onceler, and Horton – Heather Stapleton, IRLNEP (12:15–1:00 PM)
A thought-provoking talk on environmental advocacy through the lens of classic Dr. Seuss characters.
Water, Wonder, & Wellness – Paola Espitia (1:15–2:00 PM)
An exploration of the powerful connection between water and human well-being, presented by an international research scientist and scientific diver.
2025 Lagoon Health Report – Laura Wilson, Marine Resources Council (2:15–3:00 PM)
An overview of the latest data on lagoon health, including water quality, seagrass coverage, algae, salinity, and wastewater impacts.
Bull Sharks and the Indian River Lagoon: A Special Connection – Natalia Siqueira, ELC (3:15–4:00 PM)
A family-friendly presentation exploring bull sharks and their surprising connection to the lagoon ecosystem.

Additional Programming and Activities

Beyond the speaker lineup, Lagoonapalooza offers immersive experiences for all ages, including:

Live music on the Pavilion Stage featuring Murphy Dogs (10:15-11:15 AM) , Gary Roland and the Landsharks Band (11:45-2:15 PM), and HOT PINK (2:30-5:00 PM)
Children’s story time with author Piper Johnson (located in the Tidal Gallery 10 AM-1:30 PM)
Reptile ambassadors, puppets, and wildlife stories with ELC educators and volunteers (located in the Tidal Gallery 2:00-5:00PM)
ElectroLab STEAM workshops, drum circles, and pond dip netting
Guided paddling and pontoon boat quick trips, offering on-the-water views of the Indian River Lagoon

Activity times vary throughout the day. Guests are encouraged to visit DiscoverELC.org for the most up-to-date schedule.

Guests are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets and explore the campus’s boardwalk trails, aquariums, art galleries, and nature-inspired playscape throughout the day.

Important Visitor Information:

To protect our wildlife and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for all guests, the Environmental Learning Center is a pet-free campus. Guests are also encouraged to carpool when possible to help reduce traffic and parking congestion and support environmentally friendly transportation.

About the Environmental Learning Center

The Environmental Learning Center is a 64-acre lagoon-island nature center dedicated to educating, inspiring, and empowering people of all ages to become active stewards of the environment and their own well-being.

For full event details and schedules, visit www.DiscoverELC.org or call 772-589-5050.

More Photos and Promotional Content – View Media Kit Here

Guest Map and Activity Times –View our Guest Map with Schedule here