***Pending Confirmation***
Everglades City will once again come together to celebrate one of Southwest Florida’s most important milestones when the 98th Annual Tamiami Trail Anniversary and Museum Birthday Celebration returns this spring.
On Saturday, April 25, 2026, the community is invited to gather at the Museum of the Everglades from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a free, family-friendly celebration marking the 98th anniversary of the completion of the Tamiami Trail and the Museum’s birthday. Open to locals, visitors, and families of all ages, the annual event brings together history, music, and uniquely Everglades City traditions.
Construction of the Tamiami Trail began in 1923 and was completed on April 26, 1928, permanently connecting Southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast to Miami and transforming travel, trade, and daily life across the region. The Museum of the Everglades opened in 1998 on the Trail’s 70th anniversary, and the two milestones have been celebrated together ever since on the Saturday closest to the historic completion date.
Only-in-Everglades City Traditions
The Tamiami Trail Celebration is best known for its mix of local history and lighthearted fun. Highlights typically include live music throughout the day, complimentary hot dogs and birthday cake, and classic car displays lining Broadway in front of the Museum.
The event’s most famous tradition — and a longtime crowd favorite — is the world’s only laundry cart races, held in front of the Museum along the historic roadway. Teams line up their carts, locals cheer from the sidelines, and the races deliver laughs and friendly competition year after year.
Stories, Music, & Memories
In addition to the races and festivities, the celebration often includes opportunities to slow down and reflect on the people who lived this history. Past events have featured the return of the Old Timers’ Talk, where longtime residents share memories, stories, and personal perspectives on life in the Everglades before and after the Trail’s completion.
For early arrivals, a complimentary historic walking tour gives visitors a deeper look at the town, the Museum, and the role the Tamiami Trail played in shaping Everglades City.
A Free, Family-Friendly Community Event
The Tamiami Trail Anniversary and Museum Birthday Celebration is free and open to the public, welcoming locals, visitors, and families of all ages.
