New Orleans rock band Cowboy Mouth will headline a 10-hour waterfront concert lineup when one of Tavares’ signature fall events returns Oct. 17.

Cowboy Mouth, The Dave Matthews Tribute Band, Matchbox Down and Rebel Soul will take the stage during the eighth annual Rocktoberfest and Monster Splash Seaplane Fly-In at Wooton Park. The free, all-ages event runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with live music beginning at noon.

Formed in 1990, Cowboy Mouth is known for high-energy performances led by drummer and front man Fred LeBlanc. The band scored a Billboard Mainstream Rock hit with “Jenny Says” and has built a following with songs including “I Believe” and “Everybody Loves Jill.”

The New Orleans alt-rock and roots band has performed thousands of concerts during its more than three decades together, including appearances at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

The Dave Matthews Tribute Band will bring the music of Dave Matthews Band to the waterfront. Formed in 2004, the Buffalo, New York-based group has played more than 2,000 shows in 46 states and 10 countries. Its performances span the Dave Matthews Band catalog and recreate the guitar, violin, saxophone and percussion-driven sound associated with the band.

Central Florida’s Matchbox Down turns to the late 1990s and early 2000s with music from Matchbox Twenty, 3 Doors Down and Rob Thomas. The tribute act performs familiar radio hits including “3AM,” “Push” and “Unwell.”

Rebel Soul, led by Joey Grillo, rounds out the lineup with rock ’n’ roll, Southern rock, country, R&B and Motown.

Rocktoberfest has brought regional and national acts to the Tavares waterfront in previous years. Sister Hazel headlined the event in 2023, while Hinder closed out the 2025 lineup.

Before the music gets underway this year, the Monster Splash Seaplane Fly-In will put Tavares’ aviation identity on display over Lake Dora.

Seaplanes will begin arriving in the morning, with flying competitions starting at 11 a.m. Pilots will compete in multiple challenges, including the popular Pumpkin Drop. Depending on participation, several heats may be held before an awards ceremony following the contests.

From 1 to 3 p.m., the action moves closer to shore for a pilot and spectator meet-and-greet, where visitors can see the amphibious aircraft up close, take photos, talk with pilots and learn more about seaplane aviation.

Food trucks and merchandise vendors open at 11 a.m., and downtown Tavares restaurants, shops and businesses will also be open throughout the day.

Guests may bring chairs or blankets for the waterfront entertainment, as seating is limited. Public parking is available in the downtown parking garage at 200 N Sinclair Ave.

Rocktoberfest featuring the Monster Splash Seaplane Fly-In takes place Saturday, Oct. 17, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Wooton Park, 100 E Ruby St., Tavares. Admission is free.