Coconut Festival opens Thursday
One of Cape Coral’s biggest and most popular events returns this week to the Sun Splash grounds for four days of music, entertainment and good times.
The Cape Coral Coconut Festival, or “CoCo Fest,” gets rolling Thursday and runs until Sunday, with festival attendees treated to nationally recognized artists and bands, not to mention great drink specials and delectable eats from local vendors.
Put on by the Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Department, the Coconut Fest has become the city’s signature event as more than 20,000 “coconuts” come out each year to rock into the night.
“It’s four days of concerts, carnival and chaos,” said Todd King, special events coordinator with the city of Cape Coral. “Coconut Festival is going to be ‘coco-nuts.'”
Each night has its own theme; Thursday being “Free gate Thursday.” Coco Country Night is Friday, Coco Rock Night/College Football is Saturday and Coco Football is Sunday.
CoCo Country Night artists include “The Voice” season 3 winner Cassadee Pope, American country trio Runaway June and longtime country music singer and songwriter David Lee Murphy.
“We’re very excited for this lineup,” King said. “Having these powerful acts coming to CoCo Fest is great for everyone involved.”
On Saturday, a compilation of rock groups will perform classics sure to take festival attendees back in time with some foot-tapping tunes.
Headlining Saturday’s Rock Night will be “Nightbird – The Ultimate Tribute to Stevie Nicks,” “On The Border – The Ultimate Eagles Tribute” and Fran Cosmo, a former singer of the classic rock band Boston.
“It’s going to be a great rock ‘n’ roll night,” King said. “We’re all looking forward to seeing the show. The genre these bands play fits perfectly into our genre and we can’t wait to hear them rock the stage.”
Sunday is reserved for football, as NFL games will be broadcast under the tent all day. Rock you favorite teams gear and enjoy 2-for-1 Budweiser/Bud Light from noon until 6 p.m.
Other entertainment throughout the weekend features stilt walkers, a Polynesian fire show, the Hot Flashz and a circus show including an aerialist, sword swallower and more.
“It’s the nuttiest four-day event in the city,” King said. “We’re here to celebrate Cape Coral, heading into its 50th year as a city. We can’t wait to get things kicked off.”
Carnival rides will be available for children
There also will be a Coconut Run, 5K and Kids Run on Saturday beginning at 7:30 a.m. and 8:15 for the kids.
Registration includes a Dri-Fit shirt, free post-race pancake breakfast, one Coconut Festival entry for one day and kids will receive a Coconut Festival entry along with wristband for unlimited rides (Friday-Sunday.)
Registration for the 5K and Kids run can be found at www.achievacu.com/CocoRun; $25 for adults, $15 for 17 and under and $10 for 12 and under.
Thursday, Nov. 7, will be the first day of the fest, from 5-10 p.m.
The rest of the weekend hours are Friday, 5 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, noon-midnight and Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.
Children 13 and under are free with an adult ticket purchase and there will be free entry for veterans and active duty military Sunday.
General admission is $5 at the gate, all inclusive concert tickets (for Friday or Saturday) are $7 in advance and $10 at the gate.
Event officials stress to bring cash — there will be only a couple of areas that accept credit cards. An ATM will be on-site.
Other ticket specials are available and can be found at www.cocofest.com .
Sun Splash is at 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., in Cape Coral.
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