PUNTA GORDA/ENGLEWOOD BEACH, Fla. – August 19, 2025 – The highly anticipated American Powerboat Association (APBA) World Championship will be the thrilling finale at Englewood Beach Waterfest October 10th through the 12th. This fall will mark the 11th year of speedboat racing on Englewood Beach. Waterfest draws people far and wide, averaging an impressive 32,000 guests throughout the weekend. Englewood Beach Waterfest, Inc. is a non-profit, 100% volunteer-run organization that highlights speedboat racing and water activities to promote and support conservation and recreation. The APBA Championship is a three-race event with Waterfest holding the final race, bringing both national and international recognition to the area.
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach’s Waterfest was selected as one of the Top 20 Festivals by the Southeast Tourism Society in 2023, marking its third time being recognized with this award. It is made possible by a dedicated team of volunteers, eager to help from start to finish, producing a spectacular event.
The hidden gem Florida destination, Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, makes for an incredible race setting due to its unique day-to-day water conditions, from calm waters to larger waves. In addition, the community support in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach is unwavering with extraordinary safety measures, from helicopters overhead to protect race drivers and marine life, to the local fire department’s rescue boat on standby, to ensure safety for all participants.
“Englewood Beach Waterfest is excited and honored to be hosting the final race of the season where the APBA World Champions will be crowned,” says Englewood Beach Waterfest President, Jay Henderson. “The Englewood community loves offshore racing and enjoys showcasing our beautiful area. The 450 Volunteers that make Englewood Beach Waterfest possible welcome and assist our Guests and Racers to make sure all have a safe and enjoyable weekend.”
The teams for Waterfest will be arriving Thursday and Friday where they will start safety inspections, a driver’s meeting and a race position qualifier. On Friday October 10th, excitement will spark in the community with the Annual Block Party on historic Dearborn Street. Racing kicks off at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 11 and continues through Sunday, October 12. The top three winners will be celebrated at the awards ceremony.
Englewood Beach Waterfest Details:
- Dates: October 10 - 12, 2025
- Location: 2100 N Beach Road Englewood, FL 34224
- Price: General Admission Two-Day Tickets = $35.00 (children under 12 FREE) and VIP One-Day Tickets = $150.00, VIP Two-Day Tickets = $250.00
For more information, tickets, or volunteer inquiries, please visit: https://englewoodbeachwaterfest.com/
ABOUT PUNTA GORDA / ENGLEWOOD BEACH
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach is Florida’s best-kept secret of a charming natural paradise located on the idyllic Southwest Gulf Coast. This coastal community surrounding the state’s second-largest harbor sits conveniently between Tampa and Naples. Outdoor enthusiasts will find a haven of vibrant experiences in the sun-soaked oasis of the Southwest Florida islands, characterized by almost year-round sunshine and sub-tropical weather. Relaxation and discovery await in miles of waterways and inland exploration trails filled with unspoiled natural beauty. From beaches to boating, hiking to harbor tours, fishing to nature paths; to sun, shelling, and fossilized sharks’ teeth, Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach immerses lively locals and active adventurers in a pure island experience. Most notably known for its 230 miles of pristine unparalleled shoreline, including captivating river passages, a mangrove-edged aquatic preserve, and more than a dozen miles of natural Gulf beaches, the Charlotte Harbor Gulf Island Coast includes the areas of Boca Grande, Don Pedro Island, Englewood-Cape Haze, Little Gasparilla Island, Manasota Key, Knight Island, Placida, Babcock Ranch, Port Charlotte, Charlotte Harbor and Punta Gorda.
To learn more about Punta Gorda / Englewood Beach, visit www.PureFlorida.com, call 941.743.1900 or discover the destination on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook @RealPureFlorida.
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach VCB Media Contacts:
Lois Croft - Director of Public Relations
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau
(941) 743-1900 | Lois.Croft@PureFlorida.com
Mady Dudley, Public Relations Director
Aqua Marketing & Communications
(727) 433-2435 / mady@welcometoaqua.com
