2026 HERITAGE FESTIVAL
REGISTRATION FORM
Thursday, April 23 to Sunday, April 26, 2026

SALUDOS

Amigos,

The Hosting Committee of the Hernando de Soto Historical Society, together with President Jeff Nance and General Chair Paul Webb, would like to officially invite you to join us for our 87th Annual De Soto Heritage Festival. The official dates of the festival are Thursday, April 23 to Sunday, April 26, 2026. We warmly welcome all members of your group to participate in the exciting events of our festival.

Once again, the Courtyard by Marriott - Bradenton Riverfront, will be the official host hotel of the De Soto Heritage Festival. Host hotel accommodations are offered to all guests that attend the entire weekend and purchase one of our packages.

Finally, the Hosting Committee would like to extend our genuine gratitude for your participation, as without you, our friends from near and far, there would be no celebration. Registration for Official Visiting Royalty and all guests is due by Tuesday, March 31, 2026. After this date, reservations will be made on a first come, first served basis. The final schedule of events will be electronically submitted to your designated representative just prior to festival week.

With warm regards,

Troy Moore
2026 Hosting Committee Chair

 

DE SOTO HOSTING CONTACT INFORMATION 

Hosting Chair:	Troy Moore
Mobile:	941-809-8975
Email:	ThrottleJockeyMafia@gmail.com
President:	Jeff Nance
Email:	jnance1025@aol.com
Mailing address:	Hernando De Soto Historical Society
	605 17th Avenue West
	Bradenton, FL 34205
Phone:	941-747-1998
E-Mail:	info@desotohq.com
Web Address:	www.desotohq.com

 NOTE:  Your group’s host will contact you prior to your festival arrival.

HOTEL INFORMATION

We are thrilled that the Courtyard by Marriott - Bradenton Riverfront, 100 Riverfront Drive West, Bradenton, Florida 34205 is the official hotel of the De Soto Heritage Festival. 

Room availability is limited, and bookings are offered to our festival dignitaries and guests, who purchase packages by Friday, March 31, 2026.  After that, rooms will be released to all Krewe friends who also purchase one of the festival packages. Unfortunately, due to the size and nature of our event we cannot guarantee individual requests.  The Marriott requires a three-night minimum stay. 

Room rates vary from $175 to $205 double occupancy, plus taxes and fees.  A minimum stay of three nights is required.

When you submit your package, you will automatically receive a link to reserve your room online. 

PLEASE NOTE: The Hernando De Soto Historical Society is not and will not be responsible nor involved in any booking disputes.

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Our local airport is Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) and we encourage all guests to schedule their arrival at our beautiful and charming airport.  Tampa International Airport (TPA) is also an option.  We ask that guests joining us from land afar first coordinate with their fellow members for alike flight arrangements.

This year, Tampa International Airport pickups will only be conducted at designated times.   Once flight arrangements have been received, the pickup times will be announced. De Soto Hosting Committee members will arrange transportation to and from the airport, so it is crucial to complete the attached form or provide us with your flight numbers as soon as possible.  

For our late arriving guests, please consider that our De Soto Investiture and Queen’s Coronation Ball is on Friday evening and we would like all members of our hard-working hosting committee to be able to enjoy it, therefore, we ask that all flight arrangements be made before noon on Friday, April 24, 2026.  PLEASE NOTE: THERE WILL NOT BE ANY COMPLIMENTARY PICKUPS AFTER THIS TIME.

The link for airport arrangement information, if needed, will be forwarded to you upon submission of this form.

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2026

WELCOME GATHERING ~ Join us for a toast as we welcome friends from near and far.
All ticketed guests, Casual Dress, Hospitality Room (Rio Vista), Light hors d'oeuvres, Open Bar

DIGNITARY RECEPTION ~ Help us officially kick off the De Soto Heritage Festival. Ticketed Event, Crewe Casual, Dinner Included, Open Bar

GOAT PARTY ~ Hosted by the Old Goats. A great time is expected, who will be the next goat...

 

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2026

PUB CRAWL ~ Join the Old Goats as they “break-in” their newest addition at downtown Bradenton’s local establishments. Complimentary with Package Purchase, Crewe Causal, Breakfast hors d'oeuvres, Cash Bar

DE SOTO VIP ROYAL RECEPTION (FESTIVAL VIP PACKAGE ONLY) ~ Hosted by the past Hernando de Soto’s Society and the De Soto President’s Council. Invitation Only. Ball Formal or Krewe Uniform, Convention Center, Hors d'oeuvres, Open Bar

CORONATION BALL ~ The Investiture of Hernando de Soto the 78th and the Coronation of his Queen. Ticketed Event, Ball Formal or Krewe Uniform, Bradenton Area Convention Center, Dinner included, Open Bar

 

SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026

POOL-A-PALOOZA ~ A poolside splash bash to help refresh us all from the night before. Complimentary with your package purchase. Marriott Pool, food included with your packages.

BLOCK PARTY ~ Join the festivities at the staging area before the Grand Parade. Shuttles will continue to run from the host hotel to staging and downtown area. Cash Bar.

GRAND PARADE ~ Our illuminated parade entries light up the night with color, music, and fanfare like you’ve never witnessed before. One of the largest and most prestigious parades in the Southeastern United States. Transportation to staging is included with package purchase. Wristband required, Krewe Uniform.

THE AFTER PARTY ~ Time to relax and unwind after an electrifying festival. Ticketed Event, Krewe Casual, Marriott Rio Vista Banquet Room, Heavy Hors d'oeuvres, Open Bar

 

SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2026

ADIOS MY FRIEND BREAKFAST & GIFT EXCHANGE* ~ We would like to extend an invitation to all our guests to join the newly invested Hernando de Soto and his Royal Family at this delightful breakfast and Royalty Gift Exchange.
Ticketed Event, Casual Dress, Marriott Rio Vista Banquet Room

*For all VIP guests that are participating in the gift exchange, gifts are traditionally presented to our Hernando De Soto, his Queen, Captain, and Princess.

Non-VIP guests. If you would like to be introduced and participate in the gift exchange, we ask that you please indicate in advance so that we may provide you with a gift from our organization’s president.

 

PACKAGES

Transportation to all events and full access to our Hospitality Suite all weekend long is included with the package purchase.

 

FESTIVAL ROYALTY VIP PACKAGE ~ $550.00
This package is offered ONLY to your festival past or present Royalty (King, Queen, President…) and their significant others.

Thursday ~ Welcome Gathering, Dignitary Reception, and the infamous Goat Party
Friday ~ Pub Crawl, Royal VIP Reception, Dinner and Coronation Ball
Saturday ~ Pool-A-Palooza, Grand Parade, and After Party
Sunday ~ Adios My Friends Breakfast and Gift Exchange

 

FESTIVAL GUEST PACKAGE ~ $500.00
This Package is for all visiting Krewes, organization members, and their guests
who are joining us from Thursday to Saturday.

Thursday ~ Welcome Gathering, Dignitary Reception, and the infamous Goat Party
Friday ~ Pub Crawl, Dinner and Coronation Ball
Saturday ~ Pool-A-Palooza, Grand Parade, and After Party

 

FESTIVAL CONDENSED PACKAGE ~ $450.00
For those unable to attend Thursday’s events, this Friday/Saturday only package may be purchased.

Friday ~ Pub Crawl, Dinner and Coronation Ball
Saturday ~ Pool-A-Palooza, Grand Parade, and After Party

 

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 – Queen Selection Program, $35.00
Saturday, April 25, 2026 – After Party, $50.00
Sunday, April 26, 2026 – Adios My Friends Breakfast & Gift Exchange, $45.00

 

NOTE:  ANY CANCELLATIONS MUST BE MADE PRIOR TO APRIL 5, 2026.  REFUNDS WILL NOT BE ISSUED AFTER THAT DATE.
Registration Deadline is Friday, March 31, 2026

ORDER FORM

GRAND PARADE REGISTRATION

If you are bringing a float to participate in our parade, please read the following:

The De Soto Heritage Festivals Grand Parade is truly a sight to see. With over 150 illuminated parade entries that light up the night with color, music, and fanfare, it is ranked as one of the largest and most prestigious parades in the Southeastern United States.

If your organization or Krewe is planning on attending with your float and participating in the Grand Parade, please visit https://desotohq.com/grand-parade and complete the Parade Entry Form.  For our guests outside the Tampa Bay area, please call for special pricing OR possible complementary entry.

Up to date details may be obtained from our website.  Please make arrangements with your float safety staff and allow sufficient time for staging operations.  

If your Krewe is not entering a float and you would like to participate in the parade, please inform us so that we can assign you to a float.  You must be in a Krewe uniform.

NOTE:  ANY CANCELLATIONS MUST BE MADE PRIOR TO APRIL 5, 2026.  REFUNDS WILL NOT BE ISSUED AFTER THAT DATE.