What Winterfest does

Winterfest, Inc. is a private nonprofit organization founded in 1971 and headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It produces the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, a 12-mile decorated boat parade held annually in mid-December that draws over one million spectators along the route from downtown Fort Lauderdale through the New River and Intracoastal Waterway to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach, and generates over $50 million in annual economic impact to Broward County. The 2026 edition marks the 55th Annual event and serves as the Grand Finale of Fort Lauderdale's America250 celebration.

The organization's revenue model spans four streams: (1) boat entry fees ranging from $30 for non-profits to $8,000 for showboat entries with guaranteed television coverage; (2) ticket sales for parade viewing areas ($35-$60), Black Tie Ball ($400-$6,000), and VIP Viewing Party experiences; (3) branded merchandise including apparel, collectible ornaments priced $25-$57, and specialty items such as the MONOPOLY Fort Lauderdale Edition; and (4) multi-tier corporate sponsorship packages anchored by title sponsor Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, plus media partners WSVN Channel 7 and iHeart Radio. Distribution occurs through the winterfestparade.com e-commerce store, on-site ticketing at viewing venues, and direct sponsorship sales.

Winterfest serves four primary customer segments: spectators and tourists attending the parade, boat owners and operators participating with decorated vessels, corporate sponsors seeking brand exposure to over one million viewers, and high-net-worth individuals attending Black Tie Ball and VIP Viewing Party events. Beyond the parade, the organization operates monthly Happy Hour networking events, a Winterfest mobile app, and the Winterfest Foundation (a wholly-owned nonprofit subsidiary) supporting education, arts, water safety, and community programming in South Florida.

Name

Winterfest

Legal name

Winterfest, Inc.

Website

http://winterfestparade.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Winterfest, Inc. is a Fort Lauderdale-based nonprofit that produces the annual Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, a 55-year-old 12-mile decorated boat event drawing over one million spectators and serving boat owners, corporate sponsors, spectators, and VIP attendees through entry fees, tickets, merchandise, and sponsorships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Live Event Production and Management

NAICS

Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries (711), Other Spectator Sports (711219)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Parades, Carnivals & Street Fairs (MPAGAEAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

National/Seasonal Holiday Festivals (New Year, Harvest, Winter Markets) (MPAGAEAD), Cultural & Community Festivals (Ticketed) (THAJAFAI)

Keywords

• Boat parade events
• Holiday event production
• Community event management
• Corporate sponsorship programs
• Fireworks show production

Headquarters

HQ city

Fort Lauderdale

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Boat Entry Fees: Revenue from private boats ($35), non-profit organizations ($30), government vessels ($35), charter boats ($500-$1,500 based on size), commercial signage ($250-$1,000), and showboat entries ($8,000).
2. Ticket Sales: Parade Viewing Area tickets ($35-$60) and Black Tie Ball tickets ($400-$6,000 for individual tickets or tables).
3. Merchandise: Sale of branded merchandise including shirts, hats, bracelets, collectible ornaments, canvas bags, and MONOPOLY Fort Lauderdale Edition.
4. Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorship packages including title sponsor (Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino), media sponsors (WSVN Channel 7), and various event sponsors.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Winterfest produces the annual Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, a 12-mile decorated boat procession from Fort Lauderdale to Pompano Beach, accompanied by a 2.5-hour fireworks show with 1,800-2,000 pyrotechnic effects. The organization also produces the Black Tie Ball gala, VIP Viewing Party, monthly Happy Hour networking events, and a Water Safety Family Fun Day, generating revenue through boat entry fees ($30-$8,000), event tickets ($35-$6,000), corporate sponsorships, and branded merchandise including apparel and collectibles.

Product overview

Winterfest (Winterfest, Inc.) is an event production organization primarily known for the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, described as 'The Best Show on H2O.' The organization offers a portfolio of holiday-themed events including the main parade, black tie galas, VIP experiences, and community events. Revenue is generated through boat entry fees (ranging from $30 for non-profits to $8,000 for showboats), ticket sales for viewing areas and special events, and branded merchandise including apparel, collectibles, and specialty items like the MONOPOLY Fort Lauderdale Edition. The organization also hosts monthly Happy Hour networking events and runs the Winterfest Foundation supporting education, arts, and water safety initiatives.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Main annual boat parade event featuring decorated boats of all sizes traveling a 12-mile route from Fort Lauderdale's Downtown through the New River and Intracoastal Waterway to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach, with a 2.5-hour fireworks show. Attracts over one million viewers and generates over $50 million in economic impact to Broward County. Held annually in December.
• Boat Entry Fees Entry fee categories for boats participating in the parade: Private ($35), Government ($35), Non-Profit ($30), Charter ($500-$1,500 by size), Commercial Signage ($250-$1,000 by size), and Showboat ($8,000 with sponsor designation and guaranteed television). For boat owners and operators in the marine industry.
• Parade Viewing Area Tickets Tickets for the organized outdoor parade viewing area at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park, priced at $35-$60 for adults with categories including Children, Reserved Seating, Senior, Military/Student, and Group rates. Children 3 and under are free. For general public spectators.
• Black Tie Ball Tickets Tickets for the premier black-tie gala at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, ranging from $400 for individual tickets to $6,000 for Premium VIP Table of 10, including Standard and V.I.P. Table of 10 options. Price includes tax. For affluent community members and corporate guests.
• Winterfest Merchandise Branded merchandise line including shirts (performance, polo, denim, t-shirts featuring Winterfest branding and artist artwork), collectible ornaments from 2001-2025 ($25-$57 each), hats, bracelets, canvas bags, and the official MONOPOLY Fort Lauderdale Edition board game. For general public, parade attendees, and collectors.
• VIP Viewing Party Exclusive viewing experience at Tunnel Top Park & Stranahan House with over 500 community leaders and sponsors, featuring food from local restaurants and Parade judge interactions. For high-net-worth individuals, community leaders, and corporate sponsors.
• Happy Hour Events Monthly networking events held at various Fort Lauderdale restaurants and venues from March through November, open to Winterfest members and supporters. Serves as year-round community engagement for sponsors, members, and prospective supporters.
• Water Safety Family Fun Day Free community event presented by Freedom Waters Foundation and Winterfest Foundation featuring boat rides, water safety education, and family activities. For South Florida families and community members.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1 million viewers along the 12-mile parade route
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & CasinocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlagship title sponsor of the Winterfest Boat Parade. Host venue for Black Tie Ball and Grand Marshal Reception. The world's first and only Guitar Hotel, owned by Seminole Tribe of Florida.
• WSVN Channel 7coreGTM or Marketing PartnerFox-affiliated television station (channel 7) providing broadcast coverage and television airings of the parade. Miami-based, locally owned by Sunbeam Television.
• Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerSecond largest distributor of premium wine and spirits in the United States with operations in 21 states and over 7,800 employees. Provides beverage sponsorship for events.
• Dynamic Effects & Fireworks Co.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPyrotechnics provider since 2005. Produces 1,800-2,000 pyrotechnic effects over 12 miles along the New River and Intracoastal Waterway during the 2.5-hour show. Established in 2001.
• Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & SpamajorGTM or Marketing PartnerLuxury oceanfront resort on 16 waterfront acres with 22,000 square foot spa and 100,000 square feet of event space. Provides event hosting and hospitality services.
• Gray Robinson Attorneys at LawmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerFull-service law and government consulting firm with 15 offices in Florida and Washington D.C. One of Florida's fastest-growing law firms.
• UBS - The Garvin Financial TeammajorGTM or Marketing PartnerFinancial advisory team managing over $700 million in assets for high-net-worth families and institutional clients. Team of 8 with senior partner in Barron's Top 1000 Financial Advisors.
• City of Fort LauderdalecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal government of Fort Lauderdale, the largest of Broward County's 31 municipalities with estimated population of 186,220. Provides official city support and collaboration.
• Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLargest trade organization in Southeast United States dedicated to promoting marine businesses. Owner of Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Represents 110,000+ jobs in Broward County.
• Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of CommercemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOldest and largest business organization in Broward County, founded in 1910. Provides business networking and community development support.
• ACR Electronics, Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerLeading development center for emergency beacons designed for marine, aviation, outdoor and military markets. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
• Bokampers RestaurantminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSports bar and grill chain founded in 2008 with 5 locations in South Florida. Hosts Winterfest November Happy Hour events.
• Visit LauderdalemajorGTM or Marketing PartnerGreater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (GFLCVB), 45-person organization with $24 million operating budget focusing on tourism marketing.
• Holy Cross HealthminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHealthcare provider sponsoring the VIP Viewing Party event at Tunnel Top Park.
• EyeOnSouthFloridamajorGTM or Marketing PartnerVideo production and media distribution company part of affiliate group including Eye on Boston, Eye on NY, Eye on Chicago, and 9 other markets.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade: Another major U.S. holiday boat parade held annually in Newport Beach, California since 1908. Directly comparable as a community-organized, ticketed, multi-mile illuminated boat parade with similar revenue model (boat entry fees, sponsorships, viewing hospitality) and audience profile of affluent coastal residents and tourists.
• San Diego Bay Parade of Lights: Annual December boat parade in San Diego Bay featuring decorated vessels across a 12-mile route. Operates similarly with boat entry fees, sponsorships, and viewing parties, directly competing for the same holiday-season boat parade audience and sponsorship pool in a comparable coastal tourism market.

Others

• Visit Lauderdale (Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB): Regional tourism destination marketing organization with a $24M operating budget. Listed as a mutual partner of Winterfest; comparable as a regional tourism stakeholder that channels visitor engagement and co-markets with the event, though not a direct competitor.
• Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF): Largest marine trade organization in the Southeast U.S. and owner of FLIBS. Listed as a mutual strategic partner of Winterfest; comparable as a marine-industry ecosystem anchor that shares audiences, sponsors, and infrastructure with the boat parade.
• City of Fort Lauderdale Special Events: Municipal events programming including Winterfest as a flagship event. Comparable as the public-sector host ecosystem and permitting authority that shapes the regulatory and promotional environment for events like Winterfest.

Broad incumbents

• Art Basel Miami Beach: Premier global art fair held annually in Miami Beach with significant South Florida holiday-season overlap. Comparable as a major December regional event that draws on overlapping tourism, hospitality, and high-net-worth audience, competing for sponsor attention and Miami/Fort Lauderdale calendar share.
• Times Square New Year's Eve: Annual mass-attendance holiday event held in New York. Comparable as an iconic seasonal New Year's/holiday-adjacent event that monetizes via corporate sponsorships and broadcast partnerships targeting similar consumer and brand audiences.
• Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: Iconic national holiday parade with broadcast partnerships and multi-million viewer audiences. Comparable as a mass-viewer traditional holiday parade with similar broadcast/sponsorship economy, though at vastly larger scale and as a for-profit retail-owned event.

Regional players

• Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show: The largest in-water boat show in the world, also based in Fort Lauderdale and produced in partnership with MIASF (a Winterfest partner). Comparable as a major marine-based event in the same geography, sharing audiences, sponsors, and community infrastructure though focused on boat sales rather than decorative parade.
• Hyundai Air & Sea Show: Annual large-scale free spectator event in Miami featuring military and civilian aerial and nautical performances. Comparable as a Florida-based mass-audience ticketed/sponsored spectacle targeting similar tourism and corporate sponsor demographics.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/winterfest.parade
• Instagraminstagram.com/winterfestfl
• Xx.com/BoatParade10
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/winterfest

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Winterfest