Black Gold Jubilee

“Her Soil is Her Fortune!” This is how locals describe the historic city of Belle Glade, with its dark, rich, and incredibly fertile ground. To celebrate the annual end of the harvest season, the entire Glades Region – Belle Glade, Pahokee, and South Bay – come together with friends and family for an all-day affair.

About the Black Gold Jubilee: Dates & Location

Date: April 18, 2026

Location: Torry Island Recreation Center & Campground, 5000 West Canal Street North, Belle Glade, FL 33430

Belle Glade’s annual Black Gold Jubilee has become a cherished tradition with origins dating back to the 1976 Bi-Centennial celebration. Organized by the City of Belle Glade to commemorate the nation’s 200th anniversary, the event inspired a group of local residents to create a festival that would celebrate the area’s rich agricultural heritage. Drawing inspiration from the region’s renowned “Black Gold” soil, known for its fertile richness, the festival honors the foundation of Belle Glade’s abundant harvests.

Things to Do at the Black Gold Jubilee: Entertainment & Activities

In 2026, the Black Gold Jubilee marks its 48th anniversary! This vibrant celebration features a variety of events, including a volleyball tournament, the Harvest Queen Pageant, a parade, a car show, and more. While kids enjoy free games and rides, adults can relax with live music and browse a diverse selection of vendors.

Live Music

The Black Gold Jubilee Festival features performances by local and international artists. Don’t miss Saturday’s headliner, Confederate Railroad, who made their debut on the national country music scene in the early ’90s with a distinctive style and sound that captivated audiences across the country.

Volleyball Tournament

The best teams in the Glades will be competing in this exciting tournament! Come watch the action unfold, it’s always a thrilling experience. Interested in joining the fun? Sign up your team and get in on the competition!

Harvest Queen Pageant

The Harvest Queen Pageant has been a key feature of the Black Gold Jubilee for 46 years. This year, the pageant celebrates its 62nd anniversary, a beloved tradition that has become a cornerstone of the community.

The pageant’s history is as rich as the soil it honors. The first Harvest Queen was crowned with a crown made of vegetables, symbolizing the Glades’ agricultural roots. Over the years, these vegetable crowns evolved into the stunning official pageant crowns seen today.

Mainstreet Parade

No festival is complete without a parade! Enjoy a vibrant procession featuring marching bands, floats, antique cars, and more. Come out and experience the excitement for yourself!

Car Show

The Glades area is home to some of the best vintage cars, trucks, and motor vehicles! Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the chance to check them out!

5K Walk/Run

The Black Gold Jubilee 5K & 10K offers runners a chance to experience some of the most scenic views in Belle Glade. The course starts at the Drawbridge Restaurant, winds through the golf course, and ascends the Herbert Hoover Dike for a unique running experience.

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More Things to Do in The Glades

Explore Belle Glade’s history at the Lawrence E. Will Museum and enjoy cultural events like concerts, theater productions, and art shows at the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center. For outdoor enthusiasts, Lake Okeechobee offers premier bass fishing, and Pahokee Marina and Campground provides boat access, RV hookups, and a lakeside pool. Glades Pioneer Park features sports courts, a bike path, playgrounds, splash parks, and an aquatic center. For a unique adventure, take a Black Gold Airboat Tour from Slim’s Fish Camp and experience the thrill of a high-speed ride across the waters of Torry Island.

Places to Stay in The Glades

When visiting The Galdes, you’ll find a range of accommodations to suit your needs. Pahokee Marina and Campground offers a unique lakeside experience with tent and RV hookups, a swimming pool, and easy access to the lake. For a more traditional stay, consider booking a room at the Best Western Lake Okeechobee, which provides comfortable amenities and a convenient location near the lake and local attractions. Check out our Places to Stay page for more options.