Lake Wales Pioneer Days Turns 50 With a Free Two-Day Heritage Festival
The Lake Wales History Museum marks 50 years of Pioneer Days on Oct. 24 and 25, and admission is free. The 50th Annual Pioneer Days Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days at Lake Wales Park, 499 E. Park Ave.
Hands-On History in the Heritage Village
The festival’s Heritage Village puts the demonstrations front and center. Blacksmithing and candle making both run there. Demonstrators include basket makers, leatherworkers, and pioneer reenactors. Local musicians, storytellers, and performers play throughout the festival.
The Craft Market and Family Activities
Local artisans fill the Craft Market with handmade goods, including pottery and woodworking. Nonprofit organizations set up alongside them with community activities of their own.
Families get petting zoos, pumpkin patch crafts, and interactive games. Traditional festival foods are sold all weekend, and Beers with Pioneers returns with craft beverages for adults.
Pioneer of the Year
The museum presents its Pioneer of the Year Award at the festival, honoring a local legend. Sharon Horton Kurschner received the 2025 award. The museum has named a Pioneer of the Year every year since 1978.
Nominees must have lived in Lake Wales for more than 50 years. They also must show significant contributions to the community and outstanding service to its quality of life. Self-nominations are not accepted, and the museum selects the recipient through a confidential process.
The museum has not yet named the 2026 recipient.
Vendors and Sponsors
Vendor and sponsor applications go through the Lake Wales History Museum. The Pioneer Days team takes questions about the festival, booths, and sponsorships at 863-676-1759 or [email protected].
The museum is at 325 S. Scenic Highway in Lake Wales, open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Your community. Your news. Your right to know. The Citrus Tea News.
Your community. Your news. Your right to know. Follow The Citrus Tea News for more across Polk County, or subscribe to our free e-Weekly newsletter at the link in our bio.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Lake Wales Pioneer Days 2026?
Saturday, Oct. 24, and Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.
How much does Lake Wales Pioneer Days cost?
Admission is free. Food, craft beverages, and goods sold by artisans and vendors are priced by those sellers.
Where is the Pioneer Days Festival held?
Lake Wailes Park, 499 E. Park Ave., Lake Wales. The Lake Wales History Museum, which hosts the festival, is at 325 S. Scenic Highway.
Is Pioneer Days family-friendly?
Yes. The festival has petting zoos, pumpkin patch crafts, and interactive games for families, plus hands-on demonstrations in the Heritage Village and live entertainment. Beers with Pioneers serves craft beverages for adults.
Who was the Lake Wales Pioneer of the Year?
Sharon Horton Kurschner received the 2025 award. The Lake Wales History Museum has named a Pioneer of the Year every year since 1978. Nominees must have lived in Lake Wales for more than 50 years and must show significant contributions to the community and outstanding service to its quality of life. Self-nominations are not accepted, and the museum selects the recipient through a confidential process. The 2026 recipient has not been named.
Sources: “Pioneer Days Festival in Lake Wales, FL,” Lake Wales History Museum, lakewaleshistory.org, undated; “Event Calendar,” Lake Wales History Museum, lakewaleshistory.org, undated; “Pioneer of the Year,” Lake Wales History Museum, lakewaleshistory.org, undated.
