If you thought mermaids were just the lively imaginings of lonely sailors, think again -- and come to Weeki Wachee Springs, the City of Live Mermaids, on the Gulf Coast of Florida at the intersection of U.S. 19 and State Road 50.

Weeki Wachee Springs will become a state park on Saturday, November 1. As one of Florida’s original roadside attractions, the mermaids of Weeki Wachee have entertained visitors since 1947. With air tubes for breathing underwater, the mermaids appear to live in the crystal-clear waters.

The famous spring head of Weeki Wachee Springs is a first magnitude spring that feeds the 12-mile Weeki Wachee River. Adventure down the river on the River Boat Cruise or paddle a canoe or kayak.

During November, the park’s hours are Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Many of Florida’s state parks offer musical concerts. Join us for great events across the state.

• Barnacle under Moonlight
  The Barnacle Historic State Park
  Thursday, November 13, 6:00 p.m.
  Join us for an evening of live music at The Barnacle as the full moon shines down. Jennings and Keller take the stage for an evening of Fusion Folk Americana. Blankets and picnics welcome. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. and the concert will be held from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Regular park admission fees apply. For more information, call (305) 442-6866.
• Suwannee Dulcimer Retreat
  Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
  November 14 and 15
  Come experience and enjoy the Suwannee Dulcimer Retreat for a weekend of workshop sessions taught by foremost mountain, hammer dulcimer and autoharp players and special concerts at 7:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings. Concerts are open to the public for $10.00. For more information, call (386) 397-4478.
• Music in the Park Concerts
  Highlands Hammock State Park
  Saturday, November 15, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  Join the Friend’s of Highlands Hammock’s the Eddie and Renee Band in the park’s picnic area as part of the Music in the Park Concert Series. Picnic baskets and coolers are welcome and refreshments will be available at the Hammock Inn restaurant in the picnic area. Tickets are $5.00 for adults and children 12 and under are free with all proceeds to benefit park improvements via the Friends of Highlands Hammock. For more information, call (863) 386-6094.
• Bluegrass Music
  John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
  Sunday, November 16, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  Bill Rich and the Untold Riches bring their foot-stompin’ and hand-clappin’ bluegrass music to the park’s amphitheater. The concert is free with park admission of $4.00 per carload. For more information, call (561) 624-6952.
• Jammin’ in the Park
  Faver-Dykes State Park
  Saturday, November 22, 3:00 p.m.
  Local artists will display their talents in an acoustical setting, while the friends of Faver-Dykes State park serve up hot dogs, chips and drinks. Music will include various styles from folk to contemporary styles. Regular park admission fees apply. For more information, call (904) 794-0997.