Nation’s largest, FREE, one-day event for people with disabilities–both seen and unseen– returns to Boca Raton on March 15, 2025
BOCA RATON, FL — The 16th Annual Boating & Beach Bash for People with Disabilities – the nation’s largest, free, one-day event for people with disabilities, both seen and unseen – will again welcome back families who love the beach, boat rides and fun! Presented by the American Disabilities Foundation (ADF), the Bash returns to Boca Raton’s Spanish River Park, which is conveniently located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway to give guests easy access to the beach and free boat rides.
Always a highlight are the free boat rides, safely held by volunteer boat captains who donate their vessels for a day of fun. On the other side of the park, special Mobi-Mats are rolled out on the sand, making the beach accessible to guests in wheelchairs. YMCA’s water safety team and physical therapists will be on-hand to give everyone access to the water and other recreational activities on the beach.
The 16th Annual Boating & Beach Bash for People with Disabilities will be held from
10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Spanish River Park, 3001 North Ocean Blvd. (A1A), Boca Raton, FL 33431.
The committee is currently accepting applications for volunteers, sponsors and vendors at www.BoatingBeachBash.com.
Designed as a Spring Break vacation for all people with disabilities, their family members and supportive caregivers, the Bash has welcomed guests from around the world. It is the only event of its kind, offering complimentary, scheduled boat rides, special access to the beach and ocean with Mobi-Mats, a Kids Fun Zone, therapy workshops led by trained specialists, wheelchair yoga, music, costumed dance parties, therapy ponies and dogs, a BBQ lunch, and more. Everything is free and geared toward the guests’ special needs.
The 16th Annual Boating & Beach Bash for People with Disabilities is generously supported by The City of Boca Raton, celebrating 100 years of rich history and vibrant culture in 2025; Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton; Coldwell Banker Realty Cxsares Foundation; Collective Impact Group; and Soroptimist International of Boca Raton.
ABOUT THE BOATING & BEACH BASH FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES:
The Bash was started in 2009 as an event hosted by the City of Boca Raton Advisory Board for People with Disabilities. The City relinquished the Bash in 2011 to the management of the late Bash Executive Director Jay Van Vechten and his wife, Lowell. Since then, through community support and donations, the couple and the Bash’s planning committee have pushed the event’s growth beyond wildest expectations. The Bash grew to become the largest, free, wholly disability-friendly event in the country with a full schedule of entertainment, recreation, boat rides, beach access, vendors, exhibitions, workshops and food in the nation. The event has grown from a community gathering to a beacon of inclusion and joy that draws attendees from across the nation. It has also become a Spring Break destination event in South Florida. Learn more at www.boatingbeachbash.com
IF YOU GO:
16th Annual Boating & Beach Bash for People with Disabilities
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Spanish River Park, 3001 North Ocean Blvd. (A1A), Boca Raton, FL 33431 www.BoatingBeachBash.com; (561) 899-7400
The Bash is the nation’s largest free festival for people with special needs – both seen and unseen – their family members and caregivers. Festivities include boat rides, beach access, sporting events, ponies for petting, costumed action heroes, a Kids’ Fun Zone, food, and live entertainment.
