The annual Sebring Soda Festival in Florida has grown to be one of the city’s most anticipated events, and it’s dog friendly to boot.
I attended Florida’s Fizziest Festival with my dog, Miles, and we were delighted by the variety of activities, vendors, and sodas.
Here’s what you need to know to plan your visit.
Sebring’s Soda Ties
Variety of sodas on the shelf at Sebring Soda & Ice Cream Works
(Jen Ruiz)
The idea for the festival came up when owner of the local soda shop, Sebring Soda & Ice Cream Works, saw a similar festival taking place in Illinois.
Inspired, they decided to replicate it in Sebring. The first festival launched in 2018 and was so successful that it has evolved into a 2-day, annual event with over 100 vendors in attendance.
Sebring, Florida’s downtown historic district is uniquely centered around a circular park. Like a hub with spokes, the park lies at the center and the city streets emanate out from it. Vendors are set up around the circle and throughout the streets. The area is blocked off and is pedestrian only for the festival.
Soda for a Cause
Tasting cards and souvenir glasses
(Jen Ruiz)
Attendees can purchase tasting cards of 10, 28, or 48 tasting slots. The money made serves as a fundraiser for the Sebring Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses and community organization members are the ones serving soda samples. Tables are manned by organization members, who are happy to tell you more about what they do.
Prior to the festival, the soda shop disperses its soda varieties among the tables randomly.
Guests are given a small glass at check-in that they can use for samples and keep as a souvenir. Otherwise, sodas are served in disposable paper cups which lend more towards tasting than drinking.
I tried everything from cream sodas, to grape sodas, to sodas I’d never heard of with unusual names.
Dock Diving
Dog mid-leap during dock diving competition.
(Jen Ruiz)
Dog lovers will be delighted to hear there’s a dock diving competition on the activity schedule, wherein dogs chase a target off a dock into a pool with the goal of being the fastest to do so.
There were dogs that jumped off the dock without hesitation, and others that deeply contemplated their life decisions and paced back and forth several times. The competition went on throughout the day, with the winners announced after the final round.
There are several dog-friendly restaurants in the area. The patio at Gavaghans Irish Pub is spacious and well positioned during the festival. They have a legendary dessert room open on weekend evenings, and still serve their biggest hits throughout the day otherwise.
Shopping Local
Pork arepa prepared by a local vendor on site.
(Jen Ruiz)
There is a mix of local entrepreneurs, companies, and food trucks in attendance. You’ll have plenty of dining options. I had a traditional pork arepa and it was filling and easy to walk with. There are also performances and shows throughout the day, from magic shows to dances.
Look out for the festival mascot walking around to take pictures with folks or take advantage of set photo times at the gazebo. For game lovers, there’s a free scavenger hunt, ending at a station where you can mix your own soda.
HGTV in Sebring
Sebring mural in city center.
(Jen Ruiz)
When walking around the Sebring historic downtown area, you’ll see signs welcoming HGTV fans. That’s because the city was featured on HGTV’s Home Town Takeover season 3, remodeling and adding artwork to the area.
Today, you’ll find vibrant murals and a town that resembles something out of a pleasant sitcom.
Host Hotels
View from the balcony of my hotel room at Inn on the Lakes.
(Jen Ruiz)
The Soda Fest had participating partner hotels for anyone wanting to spend a night or two in the area. I stayed at Inn at the Lakes, and it was so serene. The views from my balcony were flower framed, overlooking a lake and pristinely maintained pool.
My room was comfortable and came with a complimentary room service breakfast. I would highly recommend staying here while in Sebring, particularly when looking for a pet-friendly hotel.
Ready to attend? Next year’s dates are already set. Save the date for April 3-4, 2027.
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