LaBelle Swamp Cabbage Festival – 100 Years of History & Small-Town Charm

Feb 18

A Festival with Deep Roots

The LaBelle Swamp Cabbage Festival is back for its 59th year, bringing locals and visitors together in a celebration of heritage, community, and tradition. This year is extra special as LaBelle, Florida, marks its 100th anniversary, making this one of the most anticipated festivals of 2025.

If you love cryptid folklore, unexplained phenomena, and old-fashioned pioneer traditions, you won’t want to miss this event. Nestled in the heart of Southwest Florida, LaBelle’s festival embraces rural charm, rich history, and the best of small-town spirit. Whether you’re enjoying the famous swamp cabbage dishes, shopping unique cryptid merchandise, or soaking in the live entertainment, this festival is a true Florida experience.

And here’s a fun fact: Did you know LaBelle has ties to Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Harvey Firestone? These legendary innovators, known as The Vagabonds, explored this very area, setting up camp and embracing the Florida wilderness.

Festival Highlights: Food, Music, & Family Fun

📅 Dates: February 22 & 23, 2025
📍 Location: LaBelle, Florida
🎟 Entry Fee: FREE

The Swamp Cabbage Festival is more than just a name—it’s a tribute to Florida’s state tree, the Sabal Palm, also known as swamp cabbage or hearts of palm. The festival features:
✅ Delicious swamp cabbage dishes – Try this local delicacy prepared in various ways!
✅ Live entertainment – Enjoy top musicians and performers throughout the weekend.
✅ Parade & pageant – Celebrate local history with the grand festival parade and royalty crowning.
✅ Craft vendors & cryptid merchandise – Find unique Bigfoot apparel, Sasquatch gifts, and cryptid collectibles.
✅ Heritage exhibits – Discover LaBelle’s 100-year history and its role in Florida’s pioneer past.

This year’s festival is set to be the biggest yet, honoring both the city’s centennial and its long-standing traditions.

Live Entertainment Lineup

Saturday, Feb. 22:
🎶 Aydin Holt
🎶 Hambone & Lester Beleau
🎶 Andrew Morris Band
🎶 Matrasa Lynn

Sunday, Feb. 23:
🎶 Whey Jennings
🎶 2025 Festival Royalty
🎶 Charlie Pace
🎶 Sam Lowe

This all-star lineup brings the best of country, folk, and Americana music, making it the perfect soundtrack for this historic celebration.

A Design to Remember: Festival Shirts by Southern Style Sweet Tees

The official festival shirts were designed by Southern Style Sweet Tees, capturing the theme and spirit of LaBelle’s 100th anniversary. The design concept came from Julie, with artwork by Jackson, creating a unique collector’s item that celebrates this special milestone.

If you’re looking for high-quality festival apparel, stop by our booth to shop Bigfoot apparel, Sasquatch t-shirts, and exclusive event designs.

The Swamp Cabbage Festival’s Rich History

The first Swamp Cabbage Festival was held in 1967, inspired by the abundance of Sabal Palms in LaBelle. The festival quickly became a beloved tradition, growing into one of Southwest Florida’s major events. Over the decades, it has honored the pioneers, farmers, and ranchers who built LaBelle, as well as the natural beauty that defines the region.

This year’s theme, “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: A Travel Through History,” highlights LaBelle’s past, present, and future—paying homage to the Vagabonds, early settlers, and innovations that shaped the town.

Honoring LaBelle’s Legacy: 2025 Heritage Family & Grand Marshal

🏆 2025 Heritage Family: The Gregory Family
Each year, the festival recognizes a family that has contributed to LaBelle’s history. The 2025 honoree is Mrs. Bessie Lee Gregory and her family, known for their dedication to education, community service, and hometown pride.

🎖️ 2025 Grand Marshal: Myra Johnson
A proud Navy veteran and American Legion Commander, Myra Johnson has dedicated her life to honoring veterans and serving the LaBelle community. She leads veteran tributes, community outreach programs, and the annual Christmas Wreath program.

Both honorees represent the heart and soul of LaBelle, making this year’s festival even more meaningful.

A Festival for the Whole Family

The Swamp Cabbage Festival is more than just an event—it’s an experience. Whether you’re a longtime local or a first-time visitor, you’ll find something to love:
✔ Family-friendly fun with games, rides, and interactive exhibits
✔ Delicious food featuring local flavors, BBQ, and swamp cabbage specialties
✔ Handcrafted goods including cryptid gifts, Bigfoot hats, and Sasquatch stickers (from us)

And don’t forget to grab an exclusive festival t-shirt, designed by Southern Style Sweet Tees, as a souvenir of this unforgettable celebration.