FROM YOUR TOURISM DIRECTOR | |
|
Dear Friends and Visitors,
As the holiday season approaches, we invite you to celebrate all that makes the Sebastian River Area a unique and vibrant destination. From our working waterfront to our local attractions, there’s always something to explore.
Let’s take a look at what’s happening this November and a peek at the exciting events planned for December.
Sebastian Clambake – November 7–9, 2025
Experience a beloved community tradition at the 22nd Annual Sebastian Clambake, celebrating our working waterfront heritage. The event takes place at Riverview Park in Sebastian, FL, from Friday, November 7th to Sunday, November 9th.
- Delicious Seafood: Enjoy fresh steamed clams, clam strips, and other seafood delights.
- Live Entertainment: Local bands perform throughout the weekend.
- Family Fun: Activities for all ages, including a Kid's Zone and arts & crafts vendors.
- Community Impact: Proceeds support local nonprofit projects that strengthen our community.
Don’t miss this exciting, family-friendly festival! For more information, visit sebastianclambake.org.
Light Up Night
Kick off the holiday season on Friday, December 5th, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Light Up Night, a community-wide celebration of the season. Explore local shops, enjoy festive decorations, and visit businesses participating in the “Host a Holiday Hub” initiative. The Chamber will serve as an information hub, helping you plan your route and discover all the participating locations, while each local business serves as a destination to enjoy unique experiences, treats, and surprises.
2026 Concerts in the Park Series
Looking ahead to 2026, the Sebastian River Area Concerts in the Park Series returns with 8 free concerts from January through May at Riverview Park along the Indian River Lagoon. Musical styles range from classic rock and blues to country and British 50’s & 60’s rock to the music of your favorite artists. Bring your lawn chairs, grab a snack from local vendors, and enjoy live music with family and friends. Stay tuned for the full lineup!
Tourism Spotlight – Environmental Learning Center (ELC)
This month, we highlight the Environmental Learning Center (ELC), a cornerstone of eco-tourism on the Treasure Coast. The ELC connects visitors with nature through interactive exhibits, educational programs, and hands-on experiences. We are also looking for the next Tourism Business Spotlight, which is free and a fun way to learn about the businesses and attractions that make our community special.
As we enter the holiday season, we invite you to explore, experience, and enjoy everything the Sebastian River Area has to offer. From unique events to family-friendly festivals and natural treasures, there’s always something new to discover.
With warm wishes,
The Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce Tourism Team
| | | | |
Gratefully yours,
Nicholas Sanzone
Tourism Director
Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce
| | | | | |
Discover the Sebastian River Area – 2025-2026 Visitor Guide
This guide is your key to exploring the best of our community, from hidden treasures and local attractions to dining, shopping, and family-friendly experiences. It’s available at all five Visit Florida Welcome Centers, at over 15 local events, and at numerous businesses throughout the area. Get your guide today, so you can start discovering all the “Simple Pleasures and Authentic Treasures” the Sebastian River Area has to offer.
Want a copy to plan your visit? Email us at Tourism@sebastianchamber.com
| |
SAY HELLO TO
YOUR NEW SRACC CEO!
| | |
Dear Members,
I'm honored to introduce myself as the new CEO of the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce. I’m looking forward to working alongside our wonderful team, board, and members to continue enhancing our chamber and tourism programs. Together, we’ll build on the strong foundation already in place and explore new ways to bring even greater value to our business community.
As we head into the busy holiday season, I encourage you to take part in the many events and opportunities we have coming up, from networking gatherings to community celebrations that showcase the very best of our area. Your engagement and support are what make our chamber thrive, and I can’t wait to connect with you in the months ahead!
Britney Melchiori
Chief Executive Officer
Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce
| | TOURISM PARTNER SPOTLIGHT | |
The Environmental Learning Center
A Sanctuary of Connection,
to our Authentic Coastal Nature!
| | |
We sat down with Executive Director Barbara Schlitt Ford, to talk about the ELC and we hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did.
Tucked between Sebastian and Vero Beach on a quiet stretch of Wabasso Island, the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) is a place where nature, community, and discovery come together. This 64-acre nonprofit preserve, surrounded by the Indian River Lagoon, offers more than a scenic view of Florida’s natural beauty — it offers an opportunity to belong to it.
Founded in 1988 by a group of passionate conservationists, the ELC began as a grassroots effort to protect fragile mangrove and lagoon ecosystems while teaching the community about their importance. Nearly four decades later, the ELC has evolved into one of the Treasure Coast’s most inspiring destinations — part outdoor classroom, part sanctuary, and part eco-adventure hub. Its mission remains clear: “to educate, inspire, and empower all people to be active stewards of the environment and their own well-being.”
“For over 30 years the ELC has been educating students in Indian River County with engaging environmental programs contracted through the School District.”
Visitors experience this mission in motion through a variety of programs and hands-on opportunities. The ELC’s campus features scenic boardwalks winding through mangrove forests, aquariums and touch tanks in the Living Lagoon Discovery Center, and guided pontoon and kayak eco-tours exploring the Indian River Lagoon. From nature trails and native plant gardens to its Restoration Station and outdoor classrooms, every corner of the ELC connects people to Florida’s natural world in a meaningful, memorable way.
Beyond its on-site experiences, the ELC has deep roots in the local community. For over 30 years, it has partnered with the Indian River County School District, hosting thousands of students annually for field trips and outdoor learning labs. These programs—featuring seining, plankton studies, and mangrove walks—introduce children to the lagoon not as a distant environment, but as part of their own backyard. Attendance at the ELC has tripled since 2020, and scholarships ensure that every child and family who wish to participate can do so.
“I hope every visitor leaves with a sense of wonder at the natural world, a deeper appreciation for the Indian River Lagoon and its unique ecosystems, and the conviction that small personal actions can help protect and preserve those ecosystems. That they feel empowered—not just educated—to make choices that support environmental wellbeing and realize that nature access contributes to their own wellness.”
Each season brings new reasons to visit. This November, guests can enjoy Full Moon Guided Kayak Excursions, birding walks, and a Volunteer Orientation for those looking to get involved. The ELC’s “A Cuban Season” art exhibit and Nature’s Palette Workshop blend creativity and conservation, while family-friendly favorites like Outdoor Movie Nights (November 21–22) and the Holiday Break Camp promise fun for all ages. Looking ahead, the campus will sparkle with WinterGreen Night Lights on December 12–13, followed by the much-anticipated “Lagoonapalooza” Nature & Music Festival in January.
Barbara, a lifelong Indian River County resident, says her passion for leading the ELC stems from witnessing the impact it has on others. “When people experience nature up close, their sense of interconnectedness is fostered. People take care of the things they care about—and that’s where stewardship begins.”
In the spirit of the Sebastian River Area’s ‘Simple Pleasures and Authentic Treasures,’ the Environmental Learning Center reminds us that the greatest joys are often found in the quiet beauty of nature — a paddle through mangrove tunnels, the song of a heron at sunrise, and the shared responsibility of protecting the place we call home.
Get a glimpse of what it’s like out on the water and on the land at the ELC in this month’s Tourism Spotlight video. 🎥🚤👉 Watch now on our YouTube channel: CLICK HERE
👉 Learn more and book your next adventure at airboatadventuretours.com or
call (772) 633-7849. Or visit them on Facebook, Facebook Link
| |
Explore the Indian River Lagoon with Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard Rentals
Discover the natural beauty and peacefulness of Vero Beach and the Indian River Lagoon!
Looking for something unique? We offer customizable excursions tailored to your needs. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, contact us at Kayaks@DiscoverELC.org or call 772-589-5050 to create your perfect experience.
| | |
We have post cards for sale at the chamber!
Art by: Carol Makris
Stop by and get yours today!
1 for $3 or 2 for $5
| | The 2025-2026 Tourism Theme "Find it all in Sebastian" | |
The new theme for 2025–2026, “Find It All in Sebastian,” celebrates the incredible variety of experiences that make the Sebastian River Area so special — from peaceful riverfront moments and small-town charm to thrilling outdoor adventures and unforgettable eco-experiences. This year, we’re shining a spotlight on nature and ecotourism, inviting visitors to explore our pristine waterways, scenic trails, and diverse wildlife habitats that define the heart of our community. Whether it’s kayaking the Indian River Lagoon, birdwatching at Pelican Island, or discovering local art and culture inspired by our natural surroundings, you’ll truly find it all here in Sebastian. We invite everyone to share their adventures and discoveries and tag us on your socials using #VisitSRA.
We inviteyou to join us in celebrating the authentic beauty and boundless spirit of the Sebastian River Area.
| | November is packed with exciting events here in the Sebastian River Area! From community festivals and art shows to live music, farmers markets, and seasonal celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 🍂✨ We invite you to plan your month with us and experience all the fun, flavor, and local charm that make the Sebastian River Area so special. | | |
Picasso and the Progressive Proof: Linocut Prints from a Private Collection
On view at the VBMA September 13, 2025–January 4, 2026
Explore the printmaking work of renowned Spanish artist Pablo Picasso when the Vero Beach Museum of Art hosts the nationally touring exhibition, Picasso and the Progressive Proof: Linocut Prints from a Private Collection, from Saturday, September 13, 2025, through Sunday, January 4, 2026. The exhibition, organized by the Townsend Art Advisory LLC, illuminates Picasso’s conceptual and technical innovations during his last great creative outpouring.
Recent Acquisition Highlights
On view at the VBMA September 27, 2025, to January 11, 2026
This exhibition features a suite of 30 prints by leading American artists, entitled The New York Collection for Stockholm portfolio, on view in the Schumann Gallery, along with 20 additional works on view in the adjacent Titelman Gallery. All are recent gifts and purchases made since 2019, representing a selection from the Museum’s broader group of acquisitions during this period.
Click here to learn more.
| | |
Boo at the Zoo
The skies aren’t the only thing getting wild this Halloween!
Join us for Boo at the Zoo — costumes, drinky drinks, food, and chaos at the Zoo Bar! Come haunt the hangar and party with your skyfam after dark.
See event for details!
400 Airport Dr W, Sebastian, FL
| |
|
November Craft Event!
November 1st & 2nd, 2025
10AM - 3PM
Riverview Park Sebastian FL
(Riverview Park, US-1 &, Co Rd 512, Sebastian, FL 32958)
-FREE ADMISSION & FREE PARKING-
Enjoy a variety of handmade art created by our talented local artists
Food vendors: Bossman Jerk, Uncle Louie G Italian Ice, and baked goods vendors.
For more information on becoming a vendor, visit WWW.SebastianCraftClub.Com or email Jayne, Weewhimzy@aol.com
| |
November 1 - 2 / 2025
Seafood lovers, boat enthusiasts, and car fans won’t want to miss the Treasure Coast Seafood Festival at the Indian River Fairgrounds in Vero Beach on Saturday and Sunday, November 1-2, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This lively event features a Marine Flea Market, Boat Sale, Car Swap Meet and Show, and plenty of family-friendly fun, making it a true celebration of Florida flavor, adventure, and community. For more information, visit their website!
| |
November 1 - 2 / 2025
Get ready for a weekend of food, fun, and adventure! Savor fresh, delicious seafood, explore unique marine-themed vendors, browse boats and classic cars, and enjoy family-friendly entertainment throughout the day. Whether you’re hunting for treasures, tasting Florida’s finest seafood, or just soaking up the festive atmosphere, this event is the perfect way to celebrate community, coast, and culture. For more information, visit their website!
| |
Date and Time
Saturday Noovember 8th and 22nd, 2025
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM EDT
Location
NORTH IRC LIBRARY
1001 SEBASTIAN BLVD., SEBASTIAN
Adults: Dungeons & Dragons
Unleash your inner adventurer! The library is now hosting Dungeons and Dragons sessions just for adults with DM Derek Durrant, owner of Talerand. Whether you're a seasoned player or a curious newbie, come roll some dice, create a character, and embark on an epic quest. It's a fantastic way to socialize, get creative, and experience the thrill of tabletop role-playing in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
|
Lagoon at Noon
Pack up your lunch and join MRC on the first Tuesday of every month for our Lagoon at Noon (formerly Lunch & Learn) Seminars at 12:00 pm.This event is now hybrid with live streaming via Zoom and limited, in-person seating with registration required at the Ted Moorhead Lagoon House. Register Now
Browse 65 Lagoon at Noon Seminars on MRC’s YouTube Channel.
| |
November 7 - 9 / 2025
Seafood lovers and families will enjoy the Sebastian Clambake, a weekend of fresh clams, pasta, clam strips, and other favorites, along with live music, a kids’ zone, craft vendors, and a lively, festive atmosphere. Celebrate great food, music, and community at this beloved local event. For more information, visit their website!
| |
November 7 - 9 / 2025
From November 7-9, 14th Avenue comes alive with color at the Downtown Vero Beach Mural Festival. Watch artists transform walls, enjoy live music, food, and drink specials, and take part in scavenger hunts and raffles. Celebrate art, community, and creativity all weekend long. For more information, visit their website!
| |
November 8 / 2025
Experience the Beachside Bonfire Fest on Saturday, November 8, from 5 to 10 PM in Vero Beach. Enjoy glowing beach bonfires, food and drink specials, and lively vibes at five locations along the shore. Grab an Event Passport to visit each spot, enter the raffle, and support the Next Generation Veterans of Indian River County for a night of fun by the sea. For more information, visit their website!
| |
ChoZen Artisan Markets
ChoZen Artisan Markets are back every second Sunday — and you’re invited.
From October to May, we gather to celebrate what truly matters: art, earth, and community.
Hosted in the Love Garden and Harvest House, each monthly market is a soul-nourishing experience: curated with intention to uplift local artists, regenerative makers, and mystics throughout the state of Florida as we deepen our roots and activate our bioregional hub.
| |
Date and Time: Monday Nov 10, 2025 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EST
Location: Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center
1707 16th St - Vero Beach, FL 32960
Fees/Admission:
Admission is free! Your support helps sustain VBCO and our Community Orchestra Education Programs Suggested Donation: $10
Website http://www.verobeachchamberorchestra.org
| |
November 15 / 2025
Sunset Saturdays kicks off on November 15th from 5 - 8pm. This free oceanside concert series brings live music, delicious food, and a laid-back community vibe to Ocean Drive in Vero Beach. Gather your friends and family, bring a chair or blanket, and enjoy an evening of music by the sea as the sun sets over the Treasure Coast. For more information, visit their website!
| |
November 15 / 2025
Experience Reflections, a captivating performance where dance brings art to life. Inspired by themes of identity and expression in the Vero Beach Museum of Art’s fall exhibition Double Portraits, this program offers a fresh perspective on the human form through movement and imagery. For more information, visit their website!
| |
November 15 / 2025
Join the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County for their annual Walk to Remember on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Riverside Park in Vero Beach. Registration starts at 7:30 AM, and the walk begins at 9:00 AM. This signature fundraiser supports local programs and services for individuals and families affected by memory and movement disorders, with all proceeds staying in Indian River County. For more information, visit their website!
|
30TH ANNUAL CHRYSANTHEMUM BALL | CLEVELAND CLINIC MARTIN HEALTH
Date and Time
Saturday Nov 15, 2025
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM EST
Location
30TH ANNUAL CHRYSANTHEMUM BALL
HUTCHINSON SHORES RESORT & SPA
STUART, FL
Proceeds Will Advance Healthcare for the Community
| |
Vero Beach Theatre Guild
The Vero Beach Theatre Guild will stage Jason Robert Brown’s musical “The Last Five Years,” an intimate two-person exploration of love and heartbreak, next month in its Black Box Theatre.
The production, directed by Ben Earman, is set to run from Nov. 6 through Nov. 15, with performances at 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The show chronicles the five-year relationship between aspiring actress Cathy and novelist Jamie, with her story told in reverse chronological order and his unfolding forward, meeting at their wedding in the middle.
| |
Date and Time
Thursday Nov 20, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST
Location
7746 BAY STREET, SEBASTIAN (Education Room)
Presented by Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of the Treasure Coast and Bay Street Pharmacy
Join local healthcare professionals for coffee and conversations about healthcare topics, best ways to self advocate, and how to navigate the aging process gracefully.
| |
Date and Time
Friday Nov 21, 2025
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM EST
Location
ST. SEBASTIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
LESAGE HALL
13075 US HWY 1, SEBASTIAN
RAFFLES | 50/50 | BAKE SALE
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS | RESIN ITEMS
SHELL ART | QUILTED ITEMS | FUSED GLASS | CROCHETED ANIMALS LIGHT LUNCH
| |
Date and Time
Friday Nov 21, 2025
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM EST
Location
BLOCKBUSTER MOVIE DAY
NORTH IRC LIBRARY
1001 SEBASTIAN BLVD., SEBASTIAN
Blockbuster Movie Day is a new monthly showing of recently released blockbuster hits! This event will be every third Friday of the month and is geared toward adults only.Popcorn and water will be provided at no charge, thanks to the sponsorship of the Friends of the North IRC Library.
| |
November 22 - 23 / 2025
The 6th Annual Vero Beach Holiday Art & Craft Expo is the perfect place to shop, stroll, and celebrate the season.
Discover unique handmade gifts, enjoy festive food and music, and soak up the holiday spirit in a lively community atmosphere. For more information, visit their website!
| |
November 22 / 2025
Celebrate the magic of the season at the Third Annual Downtown Tree Lighting Festival. Enjoy kids' crafts and activities, play in the “snow,” and snap holiday photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Gather for live music, the lighting of the tree at dusk, and a holiday movie on the green. Bring your blankets and chairs, and kick off the holiday season with the community. For more information, visit their website!
| |
November 27 / 2025
Kick off Thanksgiving with the 18th Annual Trot Against Poverty 5K, the largest run on the Treasure Coast. Join 2,000 participants for a morning of fun, fitness, and community spirit alongside Turkey Tom, the 25-foot inflatable turkey, in this beloved holiday tradition. For more information, visit their website!
| | |
SAVE THE DATE FOR
FUTURE EVENTS
| | |
MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES
& PHOTO REQUEST
| | |
Boost Your Business in 2025 with the Chamber's Instagram Spotlights!
Take advantage of an exciting marketing opportunity to promote your business and connect with the community on social media! As consumer trends and digital platforms continue to evolve, Instagram has become a powerful tool for growth and visibility. The Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce invites our members to share photos showcasing your business—whether it’s products, services, team moments, or behind-the-scenes highlights.
| |
We’ll feature your photos on the Chamber’s Instagram page throughout 2025, helping you reach new audiences, stay ahead of trends, and expand your brand presence. This is your chance to align with shifting consumer preferences and shine in front of our growing online community.
Check out this month's Photo Spotlights!
| |
Photo:Shelley Lynch Photography
| |  | Photo: Free Surf Pics on Facebook | | | |
Don’t miss out—send us your photos today and let’s tell your story together! 📸✨ #SupportLocal #ChamberSpotlight #2025BusinessGrowth
Email Tourism@sebastianchamber.com
| |
Adult and Youth Classes
The Sebastian Community Center offers a variety of classes to meet the needs of our residents. Kathy Falzone, Recreation Supervisor, oversees the Community Center operations and teaches classes as well. Feel free to contact Kathy for more information on any of the classes or if you are interested in teaching a class at the Community Center.
Click this link to view their website and a list of activities.
| | |
Upcoming Events in November:
-Sunshine Fall Classic Lacrosse November 1-2
-FCSAA State Volleyball Championship November 6-8
-Treasure Coast Ultra Run and Adventure Race November 8
-IRSC vs. Barry University Championship Swimming Invitational November 14-15
-St. Lucie Skeeter Skoot Ultra Run November 22
-Game On Races Pelican Yacht Club Turkey Trot November 27
Click this link to view their website and a list of activities.
| | |
"Young Frankenstein"
Date and Time
Saturday Nov 1, 2025
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM EDT
Location
VERO BEACH THEATRE GUILD
2020 SAN JUAN AVE., VERO BEACH
"Young Frankenstein" is a monstrously funny musical comedy based on Mel Brooks' classic film. When Dr. Frederick Frankenstein inherits his infamous grandfather?s Transylvania estate, he?s pulled into a madcap adventure of reanimating the dead. Alongside a quirky cast of characters, including the eccentric Igor and the seductive Inga, chaos and hilarity ensue as they bring a creature to life. With toe-tapping numbers like "Puttin' on the Ritz," this show is a laugh-filled tribute to the golden age of monster movies and musical theater.
| | |
Exciting news in the arts. Two 30-foot murals originally housed in the Vero Beach Community Center—The History of the Treasure Coast (1998) and The Habitats of Vero Beach (2012)—have been relocated to the second-floor foyer of Indian River County Administration Building A, where they will now be part of the Art in Public Places program administered by the Cultural Council of Indian River County.
| |
‘COMEDY ZONE’ GENERAL INFORMATION:
- Comedy Zone is a great night out with friends, for Date Nights, Birthdays, Office Parties and to celebrate Special Occasions.
- No drink minimum & free parking! Recommended for ages 18 and up.
- Shows may contain coarse language and adult content and are approximately 80 minutes.
- Comics are subject to change without notice. All sales are final.
-
Purchase tickets only from our box office at 772-231-6990, this website, or our ticket website my.RiversideTheatre.com. Do not use 3rd party ticket sites.
|
LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULED ON THE LOOP STAGE:
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC beginning at 5pm! Free Entry (excluding special events). Tables are 1st come, 1st serve, or bring your lawn chairs.
Do not bring: coolers, tumblers, water bottles or food on our campus. Sales from our cabanas, bar and grill support the free live music.
| |
GUIDED PONTOON BOAT CRUISE
Volunteer Orientations - 1st Thursday of every month
Wild Wednesdays - every Wednesday
Chair Yoga - every Wednesday
Unplug + Play - every Saturday
Walking Meditation - every 4th Sunday
Kayak Excursions - dates on flyer
Morning and Sunset Cruises
Click here for Dates and Times
Location: Environmental Learning Center
255 Live Oak Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963
| | |
Every Tuesday and Thursday
10 AM - 3 PM
7500 US1, Vero Beach
Every Wednesday
12 PM - 3 PM
Location: Sebastian Elks Lodge #2714
731 S. Fleming St. Sebastian
| |
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
1405 Indian River Drive, Sebastian
| |
KARAOKE
Every Thursday
6 PM - 10 PM
1109 Indian River Drive, Sebastian
| |
DJ CUE & BROOKLYN BAD BOY
Every 1st Saturday
6 PM - 9 PM
1550 Indian River Drive, Sebastian
| | | | |
With so much to do throughout our community, be sure to stay informed! Check out the Community Calendar!
Calendar Link
| |
Florida’s Premiere Destination
The Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway promotes an environment where travelers are surrounded by a unique and diverse habitat with special places and breathtaking scenery that inspires a sense of calmness and creates unforgettable memories.
Plan Your Trip
Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway Interactive Map
https://www.indianriverlagoonbyway.com/
| |
Discover Simple Pleasures and Authentic Treasures
with our Destination Videos
| |
CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION
Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce & Pelican Porch Visitor's Center
700 Main Street, Sebastian, FL 32958
(772) 589-5969 | cthibault@SebastianChamber.com | www.SebastianChamber.com
| | | | |
