The Great Brevard Duck Race is set for Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Cocoa Riverfront Park in Cocoa Village. This will be the first in-person event since 2019, when the pandemic forced organizers to cancel the festival. The Crosswinds Community Great Brevard Duck Race Festival will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring live music, food trucks, children’s activities, and a bounce house. The event is hosted by Crosswinds Youth Services, a nonprofit that provides mental health and substance abuse programs for Brevard County residents.
Organizers say the festival will include 500 rubber ducks for sale, each with a unique number. Ducks are sold for $10 each, and the winner of the race, which takes place in the park’s lagoon, receives a prize. Proceeds from the duck sales fund Crosswinds’ programs, which serve over 2,000 individuals annually. Last year’s virtual event raised $25,000, but organizers hope the return to in-person activities will boost donations.
The festival will also include a silent auction, vendor booths, and a petting zoo. Local businesses such as Cocoa Village Brewing Company and The Riverfront Café will sponsor food and drinks. Tickets for the event are free, but attendees are encouraged to bring reusable cups to reduce waste. Crosswinds Youth Services will have volunteers on site to explain the nonprofit’s mission and how the event supports local families.
The last in-person duck race was held in 2019, before the pandemic. Organizers say they’ve worked with local health officials to ensure safety measures are in place for 2026. The event is part of a broader effort to revitalize Cocoa Riverfront Park, which has seen increased community use since 2022. More details about the festival and duck sales can be found at crosswindsyouthservices.org.