Alafia River Rendezvous 2021

Sam and I recently had the wonderful opportunity to attend the 50th Alafia River Rendezvous in Homeland, FL, which took place January 13-24, 2021. Now, you might be wondering… what the heck is the Alafia River Rendezvous? If you haven’t heard of the Alafia River Rendezvous, don’t worry, you’re not alone!

“The rendezvous”, as it’s known to the locals, is a pre-1840s living history encampment hosted by Florida Frontiersmen, Inc. During this annual week-long event people from all over the country (and even Canada) gather to recreate what life was like in pre-1840 America by living in white canvas tents set up on the 325-acre grounds, wearing period clothing, cooking over open fires, making and trading goods, and participating in group events.

You can check out the Florida Frontiersmen website here! On the last weekend of the month the encampment is open to the public, where visitors can interact with the reenactors and participate in a variety of scheduled classes and events. Below are some of the key highlights from the Alafia River Rendezvous 2021.

Things to do at the Alafia River Rendezvous:

Walking around the grounds you’ll see pirates, natives from varying tribes, settlers wrapped in animal pelts, fair maidens in handmade dresses and bonnets, and so many other types of pre-1840s settlers. You can visit their camps and experience what their lives would have been like, and participate in workshops such as woodcarving, spinning (on a spinning wheel), blacksmithing, pottery making, corn husk doll making, and dreamcatcher making.

Our favorite must-see things:

Native Dancing and Camp Display

Live Music

Shops with Hand-Crafted Items for Sale

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Things to consider:

• Great event for school-aged children, but use your best judgement with toddlers and infants.
• Lots of walking on dirt and grass
• Limited seating (may want to bring a folding chair)
• Potential to be very sunny with limited shade (we recommend bringing water, sunscreen, hat, etc)
• Portable toilets, although they were quite plentiful
• Most vendors are cash only
• Consider bringing a wagon if planning on purchasing a lot of items

But where the heck is Homeland, FL?

Homeland is located in Polk County off of US Highway 17 between Bartow and Fort Meade. It is approximately 70 miles from Orlando with a one hour and 15 minute drive, and approximately 50 miles from Tampa with a one hour drive.

The address of the Florida Frontiersman property and the Alafia River Rendezvous is 1000 Old Fort Meade Rd, Homeland, FL 33847.

Be sure to catch the 2022 Alafia River Rendezvous, you wont want to miss it!