2026 St. Johns River Bartram Frolic & Festival
Every April, the city of Palatka transforms into a living museum of 18th-century Florida! The St. Johns River Bartram Frolic & Festival is an annual festival honoring the legacy of William Bartram, the renowned American naturalist, artist, and author who documented Florida’s wild interior in the 1770s.
Organized by the Bartram Trail Society of Florida, the event is a unique blend of ecotourism and historical storytelling, drawing visitors to the banks of the St. Johns River for a joyous celebration of Putnam County’s rich natural heritage.
Plan to Frolic with us on the Riverfront!
- When: The 2026 Frolic & Festival takes place April 24–26
- Where: Downtown Palatka Riverfront and the St. Johns River Center
- Cost: Most of the Riverfront activities and exhibits are free; however, guided boat cruises, recreational tours, and bus tours require tickets and advance registration.
Who Was William Bartram?
To understand the “Frolic,” one must understand the man. In 1774, William Bartram (often called “Billy” by his friends) traveled through what is now Putnam County. His subsequent book, Travels, became America’s first literary masterpiece and a scientific sensation in Europe.
What Happens at the Frolic & Festival?
The Frolic & Festival spans six days, with the first half of the week dedicated to immersive field trips for local students and the three-day weekend open to the general public.
Living History
The event is popularly known for its high-quality historical reenactors.
Visitors can interact with:
- William Bartram: Portrayed by historians (like Mike Adams) who discuss the flora and fauna of the 18th century.
- The Long Warrior: Representing the “King of the Seminoles,” providing insight into Native American life and the complex relationship with European explorers.
- Trader Job Wiggens: The legendary interpreter and guide who helped Bartram navigate the river’s social and physical landscape.
- Fort Mose Militia: Share stories and the experiences of the Freedom seekers who escaped slavery in Georgia and the Carolinas to seek the sanctuary in St. Augustine granted by the Spanish government.
- Seminole Indian Encampment
- Cracker Horse Cowboys
Passport to the Past
A highlight for families, this activity leads participants through 10–12 educational stations along the riverfront. Children collect stamps in a “passport” as they learn about alligator biology, 18th-century trading, the importance of river conservation, and, above all, Putnam County’s Bartram Heritage.
Eco-Tours & Recreation
The Frolic offers a variety of ways to explore the same vistas Bartram captured in his art and writing:
- Riverboat Tours: Cruises on the Pride of Palatka II often feature guided historical commentary.
- Guided Expeditions: Specialized tours for kayaking (on the St. Johns River), bicycling (historic murals and the Ravine Gardens), and hiking (Rice Creek Conservation Area, Mount Royal, and the Ravine Gardens State Park).
- Bus Tours: Travel by bus to 12 of Putnam County’s premier Bartram Sites along the shores of the St. Johns River.
Music & Story Telling
Vendors & Food Trucks
Bartram Art Exhibit
