Swamp Cabbage Festival 2027 — LaBelle, FL
The Swamp Cabbage Festival in LaBelle is one of the great small-town Florida traditions, and it is an easy day trip from Lake Okeechobee. Held the last weekend of February in Barron Park on the Caloosahatchee River, it honors the sabal palm — Florida’s state tree — and the swamp cabbage (heart of palm) harvested from it.
Roughly 30,000 people turn out for it, and admission is free. Come hungry: deep-fried swamp cabbage fritters, swamp cabbage with bacon, gator tail and a full lineup of festival food. Then stay for the armadillo races, which the Rotary Club runs as a scholarship fundraiser and which are exactly as entertaining as they sound.
What to Expect
- Saturday morning parade with high school bands and community floats
- Armadillo races run throughout the weekend
- Rodeo, live music and a teen pageant
- Deep-fried swamp cabbage fritters, gator tail and local food vendors
- Arts, crafts and a large vendor midway
- A car show and air show that typically run the same weekend
Know Before You Go
- Where: Barron Park, North State Road 29 at the Caloosahatchee River, LaBelle, FL 33935
- Admission: free
- Drive time: roughly an hour and a quarter from the Okeechobee side of the lake — head south around the lake and west on SR 80
- Parking: fills early on Saturday; arrive before the parade or plan to walk a few blocks
- Bring: cash, sunscreen, a hat and folding chairs for the parade route
- Tip: locals stake out parade spots the day before — if you want curb seating, go early
Helpful Links
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.