arts & entertainment

The Environmental Learning Center welcomed more than 2,500 guests to its annual Lagoonapalooza festival on January 24, 2026, making it the most well-attended community event in the organization’s history. The free Nature and Music Festival brought together families, first-time visitors, longtime supporters, and environmental enthusiasts for a full day of celebration of the Indian River Lagoon.

This unique event shines a spotlight on our biodiverse estuary, helping attendees better understand the dynamic interconnections between humans and the natural world. Guests left feeling inspired to spend more time outdoors and to continue learning how to be better environmental stewards. The day was designed around the belief that we all need a little less screen time and a lot more green time. The community seemed to whole-heartedly welcome the opportunity to unplug and join together in the beauty of the present and our shared humanity.

One of the most meaningful outcomes of the day was how many guests were experiencing the ELC for the very first time. Many attendees shared that they live nearby but had never visited the campus before. After exploring the property, more than 40 families chose to become new ELC members, a strong indicator of the impact the event had on connecting people with this local natural resource.

The ELC’s 64-acre lagoon-island campus was active throughout the day as guests explored boardwalk trails, participated in hands-on exhibits, took quick pontoon boat eco-tours, kayaked on the Lagoon, and engaged with over 30 environmental and community partners. Live music set the tone for the festival, with multiple talented bands performing throughout the day. Immersive activities were woven into every nook and cranny of the 64-acre campus, offering something for all ages and creating an atmosphere that felt light, lively, and welcoming.

Lagoonapalooza serves as an exciting introduction to the ELC’s year-round offerings. The Environmental Learning Center is open seven days a week and provides nature trails, pontoon eco-tours, kayak and paddleboard rentals, educational programs, camps, wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, community events, art galleries, and an eco-boutique, all designed to inspire environmental stewardship and well-being.

The event was made possible through the support of generous sponsors, musicians, speakers, vendors, staff, and volunteers who helped bring the day to life. ELC extends special thanks to Alex MacWilliam Real Estate, the event’s Eco Harmony Sponsor, along with GHO Homes, Cox Pinson Environmental, Vero Glass & Mirror, White Glove Moving, Storage & Delivery, and Au Pair in America for their support of Lagoonapalooza 2026. Building on the success of this year’s festival, Lagoonapalooza sponsorship opportunities are now available for local businesses seeking a full year of community visibility and engagement. Sponsorship details can be found at Discoverelc.org/lagoonapalooza/.

Lagoonapalooza will return on January 23, 2027, and is expected to build on the momentum of this year’s successful celebration of music, nature, and the Indian River Lagoon.

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

For more information, visit DiscoverELC.org or call 772-589-5050.