CLEARWATER, Fla. – Coachman Park is about to get a whole lot bigger and brighter this weekend. “Mama Duck,” the world’s largest rubber duck, is set to make her grand debut in downtown Clearwater on Friday, Jan. 9, kicking off more than two weeks of waterfront festivities.
Standing six stories tall, the giant inflatable has become a global spectacle, drawing crowds wherever she docks. Her visit to Clearwater runs through Jan. 26 and brings with it a lineup of “Duck Days” events designed to draw locals and tourists alike to the city’s renovated waterfront park.
The fun actually begins before Mama Duck officially inflates. Her 10-foot-tall baby, “Timmy,” has already been making rounds in the area. Until Jan. 7, Timmy is stationed at the Hampton Inn & Suites on South Gulfview Boulevard, where visitors can snap a selfie for a chance to win a two-night stay. Once the main event starts, Timmy will rejoin his mother at Coachman Park for the duration of the visit.
The city has curated a packed schedule to accompany the towering yellow icon. The festivities launch Friday with an exclusive Jeep photo opportunity, which organizers say has already sold out all 100 slots.
The opening weekend continues Saturday, Jan. 10, with The Market Marie, featuring local artisans, a DJ, and entertainment for kids. On Sunday, runners can don their best yellow gear for the Duck Dash 5K and Duckling Waddle Fun Run, beginning at 7:30 a.m. Participants will race past the giant duck and receive a finisher medal, with a “bubbly pond” waiting for those over 21.
Other highlights on the calendar include:
- Rubber Ducky’s Birthday Bash (Jan. 17): A free family event featuring concerts by children’s entertainers Mr. Brad and Jack Hartmann, alongside a petting zoo and face painting.
- Movies on the Green (Jan. 23): An outdoor screening of the animated film Migration.
- Duck ‘n’ Drive Jeep Invasion (Jan. 24): A festival for Jeep enthusiasts featuring live music from a Phil Collins tribute band, axe throwing, and food trucks.
Viewing hours for Mama Duck vary daily, generally opening in the morning and running until 10 p.m. or later on weekends. For a full schedule of viewing times and parking information, visitors can head to MyClearwater.com/Duck.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
