Tickets now on sale for The Alliance for Florida's National Parks' Big Cypress Celebration
The Floridant/10345305

CORAL GABLES, Fla. - Floridant -- Tickets are now on sale for The Alliance for Florida's National Parks' annual Big Cypress Celebration, taking place Oct. 10, 2026, at Burns Lake Campground in Big Cypress National Preserve.

The family-friendly event invites participants to explore one of South Florida's unique ecosystems while supporting conservation, education and visitor engagement programs across Florida's national parks. The event this year also marks a special milestone, as Big Cypress National Preserve celebrates its 52nd anniversary on Oct. 11, the day after the event.

"This year's celebration is especially meaningful as we honor the 52nd anniversary of Big Cypress National Preserve," said Lulu Vilas, CEO of The Alliance for Florida's National Parks. "Big Cypress Celebration not only showcases the beauty and importance of this ecosystem but also highlights the work being done to ensure it remains protected and accessible for generations to come."

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The event, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., combines outdoor exploration and educational experiences, featuring a variety of guided hikes led by experienced naturalists. Participants of all ages can enjoy live music from Gator Nate, nature-based activities and opportunities to learn more about the wildlife and landscapes that make Big Cypress National Preserve a treasured part of Florida's natural heritage.

As one of The Alliance's signature fundraising events, proceeds from Big Cypress Celebration directly support education, exploration, conservation and visitor engagement programs in Everglades, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas National Parks, and Big Cypress National Preserve.

Funds raised through the event help sustain long-standing education initiatives, including the Big Cypress education program, which has provided free field trips to Collier County sixth-grade students since 1999. These programs connect students with National Park Service rangers for science-focused learning experiences in the preserve's wetland, prairie and pineland environments.

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Contributions also support programs such as the Swamp Water And Me Program (S.W.A.M.P.), which introduces students to conservation science and the importance of protecting Florida's national parklands.

Big Cypress Celebration will take place at Burns Lake Campground, located at 18495 Burns Road in Ochopee.

Since its founding, The Alliance for Florida's National Parks has served as the official philanthropic partner supporting Everglades, Biscayne and Dry Tortugas National Parks and Big Cypress National Preserve. Through fundraising events and community engagement, The Alliance creates opportunities for the public to experience and support these nationally significant natural resources.

To buy tickets for Big Cypress Celebration, please visit BigCypressOct26.givesmart.com For sponsorship opportunities, contact Lulu Vilas at lvilas@floridanationalparks.org.