NOVEMBER 16-18, 2018
REVAMPED + REFRESHED + HOMEGROWN
FREE ADMISSION EVERY DAY!
ABOUT THE JENSEN BEACH PINEAPPLE FESTIVAL
The signature event of Jensen Beach, the Pineapple Festival, is one of the largest festival’s in the region and one of the few remaining true street festivals in South Florida. Growing in popularity over its’ 30-year history, the weekend long festival salutes the community’s rich pineapple heritage and features events for the entire family: world class concerts, arts, crafts, street performers, local bands and midway rides. A main component of the Festival is the Bahamian Market. A delegation from Eleuthera, Bahamas creates an authentic Bahamian Market featuring island music, crafts and the heart pounding sounds of Junkanoo.
THE EVENT HISTORY
The inaugural Pineapple Festival was held in the fall of 1988 in conjunction with the Jensen Beach Centennial Celebration and featured a concert by Marie Osmond. Celebrating 25-years in 2012, the weekend long festival celebrates Jensen Beach and salutes the community’s rich pineapple heritage. The event’s mass appeal has earned it the reputation as the region’s premier music festival. The signature event of Jensen Beach, the Pineapple Festival is one of the few remaining street festivals in South Florida. Produced by the Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Pineapple Festival offers world-class concerts, arts, crafts, midway rides, local bands, stunt shows and street performers for the whole family to enjoy. In 1990 Jensen Beach and Gregory Town, Eleuthera, Bahamas established a sister city relationship. A popular attraction at the festival each year is an authentic Bahamian Market from Eleuthera that features island music, crafts and the heart pounding rush of the Junkanoo parade.
The Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit business membership organization with more than 500 business members dedicated to the economic betterment of the Jensen Beach, Rio, and Hutchinson Island areas. The Chamber produces and organizes the Pineapple Festival in close cooperation with Martin County and with the support of sponsors and hundreds of volunteers. Proceeds from the Pineapple Festival helps support the Chamber and other charitable nonprofit organizations such as the Entrepreneurship Foundation and the History Museum of Jensen Beach. Over the past two-decades, the Jensen Beach Pineapple Festival local economic impact has surpassed one-million dollars.
FREE DAILY ADMISSION THANKS IN PART TO OUR FINE SPONSORS!
REVAMPED + REFRESHED
Two generations of Pineapple Festival-loving hearts soared when Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce officials recently announced that the Pineapple Festival will return to the streets of historic downtown Jensen Beach on Friday-Sunday, November 16-18. The festival has been a tradition on the Treasure Coast for 30-years and is considered the signature event of Jensen Beach.
The revamped and free admission festival will introduce a “Homegrown” theme that will showcase local artists, musicians, the area’s history, and pineapple themed food, beverages and contests. Like the inaugural Pineapple Festival in 1988, there will be no admission charge to enjoy the weekend festivities.
PINEAPPLES + FREE ADMISSION
Complimenting the “Homegrown” theme, downtown restaurants will offer pineapple inspired entrees and art galleries and gift shops will display pineapple inspired displays. There will also be pineapple- themed activities, such as pineapple eating contests, cooking contests, and a pineapple chop demonstration. Recipes from the festival’s popular 1990 and 1991 pineapple themed cookbooks will be available to download online at PineappleFestival.info.
The stage will be set for opportunities to buy fine art from a collection of creative minds who will showcase their handcrafted wares at the revamped and refreshed Pineapple Festival Pre-Holiday Art & Craft Show. Growing in popularity, the pre-holiday art and craft show will be held on Saturday and Sunday only, November 17 & 18, 2018, the weekend prior to Black Friday!
HOMEGROWN + FAMILIAR FAMILY FUN
There will still be the familiar attractions such as Doolan Amusements “Big Fun” carnival rides, owned and operated by Jensen Beach resident Mike Doolan. Festival-goers will be able purchase one-price wristband ride specials each day (Friday 6-10pm; Saturday 12pm-6pm; Sunday 12pm-6pm). Also, our sister city friends from Eleuthera, in the Bahamas, will be back to showcase their island crafts, the colorful Junkanoo parade, and to promote one of their country’s annual festive destination signature events – Bahamas Carnival, held May 3-5, 2019, Nassau, Bahamas.
Festivities will run from 6-11:00pm on Friday, November 16; 10am -11:00pm on Saturday, November 17; and 10am to 6pm on Sunday, November 18. The pre-holiday art and craft show will be open Saturday and Sunday only. ???
Getting Involved is Easy!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
FESTIVAL PARKING
Parking near the festival is limited. There are several parking lots within walking distance. Many local residents and businesses offer parking on their property for a small fee. A large public parking lot is located immediately north of the festival site on Indian River Drive and Pineapple Avenue.
MIDWAY RIDES
There will still be the familiar attractions such as Doolan’s “Big Fun” carnival ride company, owned and operated by Jensen Beach resident Mike Doolan. Festival-goers will be able purchase one-price wristband ride specials each day
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
To learn more about becoming a festival volunteer, contact Elaine Hirsch with Fun Tours Travel (772) 287-8200
DIRECTIONS TO FESTIVAL
The Pineapple Festival is held in the streets of downtown Jensen Beach. The gated festival site includes Ricou Terrace and Jensen Beach Boulevard. From US Highway 1, go to Jensen Beach Boulevard, turn east and go 3 miles. From the turnpike, take exit 142 and turn right onto Port St. Lucie Blvd. and go to US Highway 1, turn right and go to Jensen Beach Boulevard, turn left and go 3 miles. From I-95, take exit 101 and go east toward Stuart and turn left at US Highway 1 and go to Jensen Beach Boulevard, turn right and go 3 miles.
ADMISSION PRICING
Admission to the festival is FREE each day. Reserved Seating for concerts is available for an additional $10 per show. Details and tickets can be found HERE.