Contest – Weeki Wachee Swamp Festival

Unleash Your Inner Beast

Join us on stage at Linda Pedersen Park during the festival weekend to show the crowd your best, wildest, and swampiest creations.

The Swamp Fest Costume Contest!

Get ready to showcase your talent and win amazing prizes! Whether you are a master crafter designing a towering moss-covered legend, a family putting together a cute marshland creature, or you want to try your hand at replicating our legendary new glowing-hearted swamp mascot, this is your time to shine.

The Swamp Monster contest is a yearly costume contest where contestants of all ages come dressed as their version of a swamp monster.

Sign in for the contest will be located at the information booth.
Contestants must be at the stage dressed in their costumes no later than 10:30am on SATURDAY.
Contestants are encouraged to make as much of their costume as possible. You will be asked questions (see below) during the contest to help the judges make their final decisions.
Contestants are encouraged to remain in costume and circulate throughout the festival as much as possible.
Photos of all contestants may be used in Swamp Fest promotions and advertising.
Judge’s decision will be final.
It is encouraged to show up early and interact with the community.

Monster Contest Application

Are you brave enough to show your fangs? Fill out the form below to be entered into the Monster contest.

Your Name

Email Address

Home Address

Your Phone

Preferred Contact Method

Are you entering the Adult or Child Competition?

(If applicant is under 18) Parents Name:

(If applicant is under 18) Parents Phone Number:

Swamp Monster Costume Contest Rules & Information

This contest is held on Saturday during the event, and all entries must be submitted by 11:00 AM on the day of the contest. Late entries may be accepted at the discretion of the Contest Coordinator.

Prizes & Eligibility

The contest is open to all ages.
Registration ends at 11:00 AM.
Swamp Monsters are crowned at Noon and cash prizes are awarded.

Contestants Ages 13 and Up

1st Place: $100
2nd Place: $50
3rd Place: $25

Contestants Newborn to 12 Years Old

Children will be judged in a separate category.
1st Place: $50
2nd Place: $25
3rd Place: $10

Young children will receive a coloring book featuring entries from the Swamp Fest T-Shirt Design Contest. Additional copies will be available for purchase.

Pre-Registration

Contestants are encouraged to register online in advance at www.weekiwacheeswampfest.org . We will have a copy of your registration available when you check in at the Information Booth. Simply let us know that you pre-registered.

You may also register at the festival the day before or on the day of the contest.

Contest Requirements

Contestants must check in and sign the registration form at the Information Booth by 11:00 AM Saturday to receive an entry number and have photos taken.
At 11:30 AM, contestants must report back to the Information Booth to line up for the parade to the Entertainment Stage, approximately 15 minutes before the crowning ceremony.
Contestants are encouraged to pose for photos and interact with festival guests before the contest.
Participants are encouraged to create as much of their costume as possible themselves.
Judging is based on creativity, originality, amount of work involved, and how well the costume fits the swamp theme.
Contestants may be asked questions to assist judges in making final decisions.
After the contest, participants are encouraged to remain in costume and circulate throughout the festival.
A costume that wins a prize is not eligible to win the same prize the following year without noticeable costume changes.
Contestants may continue entering and winning until they have earned 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards.

Photo & Media Release

By signing below, you acknowledge and agree that all photographs and images of contestants become the property of Swamp Fest and may be used in future Swamp Fest promotions, advertising, publications, and marketing materials.

The decisions of the judges are final.

Participant Signature:

Date:

I have read and accept the terms and conditions shown above.

I accept the terms, Privacy Policy and authorize the use of my data for this request., If contestants are under 18 a parent or Legal Guardian Must acknowledge this.

Additional Comment?

Prefer to submit a paper application?

Please select your application type from this list and download to submit your application via email or mail it to the specified address located on each application.

Winners Showcase

Explore the highlights from previous contests. Get inspired by the talent and creativity of our amazing winners!

2026 Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest T-Shirt Design Contest Winner

Show off your creativity and become part of Swamp Fest history! The Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest T-Shirt Design Contest gives artists, creators, and swamp enthusiasts the opportunity to create the official design featured on the 2027 Swamp Fest commemorative t-shirt.

Whether your inspiration comes from Florida wildlife, legendary swamp creatures, Weeki Wachee traditions, or the natural beauty of the marshlands, this is your chance to leave your mark on one of the festival’s most recognizable keepsakes.

Contest Information:

Entries should reflect the spirit, history, nature, and unique character of Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest.
Original artwork is encouraged and designs should be suitable for reproduction on festival apparel and promotional materials.
Winning artwork will be featured as the official 2027 Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest T-Shirt Design.
The winning artist will receive recognition during the festival and promotional opportunities associated with the design.
Submitted artwork may be used in Swamp Fest promotions, advertising, and future festival materials.
Final design selection will be determined by the Swamp Fest committee and judges. Their decision will be final.

We encourage participants to embrace the creativity, community spirit, and wild charm that make Swamp Fest a favorite tradition each year. Create something unforgettable and help define the look of Swamp Fest 2027.

T-Shirt Design Contest Application

Let your creativity shine, submit your T-shirt design for next year's Swamp Fest!

Download our T-shirt Contest Application

All T-Shirt Contest entries must be physically mailed along with the original artwork. Digital submissions, emailed files, social media messages, or photographs of artwork will not be accepted. Like a message carried through the winding waters of the swamp, your artwork must make its journey by mail so judges can fully appreciate every detail, color, and creative touch. Whether your design features a legendary swamp monster, native wildlife, or the natural beauty of Florida's wetlands, submitting the original artwork ensures it can be properly reviewed and considered for this year's Swamp Fest T-Shirt Contest. All entries must be received by the stated deadline to be eligible for judging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about our contest.

What days does the contest take place?

The contest will be held on Saturday, March 6th, giving everyone plenty of time to participate. Mark your calendar for an exciting weekend!

How do I purchase tickets?

You can easily buy tickets through our website and on site the days of the festival.

Can vendors apply to join?

Yes! Vendors can participate. We welcome great ideas and local businesses!

What if I have other questions?

If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to us through the Contact Us page. We’re here to help!

What are the categories?

Little Sprites (Children’s Division)

Ages: 12 and under.
What we love to see: Bright colors, whimsical marsh creatures, woodland fairies, and pint-sized swamp monsters.

Legends of the Bayou (Adult Division)

Ages: 13 and up.
What we love to see: Detailed, textured, and highly creative designs using natural-looking elements like Spanish moss, marsh grass, netting, and swamp-themed prosthetics.

How to Enter & Guidelines

To keep the swamp safe and fun for everyone, please keep the following rules in mind:

Family-Friendly Only: All costumes must be appropriate for a family-friendly audience. Please, no excessively scary, gory, or graphic horror themes.
Handcrafted is King: While store-bought elements are allowed, our judges heavily favor homemade, creative, and upcycled materials (especially real-looking swamp flora!).
Registration: Signup takes place at the main information booth prior to the contest. Arrive early to secure your spot in the lineup!
Safety First: Ensure your costume allows you to safely navigate the park terrain and steps leading up to the main stage.

See you at SwampFest!

Still wondering something?

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re happy to clarify and ensure you have the information you need for a great experience.