Chalo Nitka Festival & Rodeo 2027 — Moore Haven, FL
Chalo Nitka means “Big Bass” in the Seminole language, and the festival that carries the name has been running in Moore Haven since 1948 — making it one of Florida’s oldest continuous festivals. Held on the west side of Lake Okeechobee in Glades County, it started as a celebration of friendship between the town and the Seminole Tribe and has grown into the county’s annual fair.
It is a proper old-Florida weekend: a big bass tournament on the lake, a sanctioned rodeo, a downtown parade, a carnival midway, live music, food vendors and Seminole cultural demonstrations, all within a few blocks.
What to Expect
- Chalo Nitka Big Bass Tournament on Lake Okeechobee
- Two nights of rodeo action
- Saturday morning parade through downtown Moore Haven
- Carnival midway, rides and games
- Live entertainment, food vendors and arts & crafts
- Seminole cultural exhibits and demonstrations
Know Before You Go
- Where: Chalo Nitka Park / Glades County Fairgrounds, Moore Haven, FL 33471 — roughly 45–55 minutes around the lake from the Okeechobee side
- Admission: varies by event; rodeo and tournament entry are ticketed separately, and rodeo coupons are often posted on the festival site
- Bring: cash, sunscreen, a hat and folding chairs
- Tournament anglers: register early — the Big Bass Tournament fills
- Contact: ChaloNitkaSecretary@gmail.com, P.O. Box 1003, Moore Haven, FL 33471
Helpful Links
Please note: these dates follow the event’s long-running annual pattern and were not yet officially confirmed when this listing was published. Confirm with the organizer before you travel.
Where to Stay
Lake Okeechobee RV Park at 6070 Highway 441 SE in Okeechobee puts you on the water and minutes from the action. Full-hookup RV sites under mature shade trees, waterfront bungalows, boat storage, air-conditioned bathhouses, laundry, free Wi-Fi and a dog park. Event weekends fill fast — see ways to stay, check seasonal rates or call (561) 914-7463 to reserve.