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For a better future, study the past.
Are you searching for the best events and festivals in Florida in January 2025? Thanks for visiting. Please use the links below to find fun events for all ages.
Florida hosts some amazing events and festivals. Each month I hope to take a look at a dozen or so of these in hopes of bringing you fun, exciting, and unexpected ways to enjoy our state.
If you have an event or know of one coming up that you feel should be highlighted, please drop me a line with as much information as you can, including a website. I’ll be glad to include your suggestions in future posts. Maybe we can work together and put together a promotional post for your event.
I have listed events in date order.
January 3rd through 5th Sarasota Seafood and Music Festival Join us at J.D. Hamel Park along the beautiful Sarasota Bayfront for a weekend of January 3rd, 4th and 5th. Enjoy live music from amazing local artists, fresh seafood and a variety of delicious food booths, games and activities for the kids, dog-friendly vibes, plus a fantastic shopping area for unique finds!
Bring your family, friends, and pups for a weekend of sun, food, and fun in one of Sarasota’s most scenic spots. The event hours: January 3rd from 4PM to 10PM, January 4th from 11AM to 10PM and January 5th from 11AM to 6PM. Address: J.D. Hamel Park, Sarasota Bayfront at 199 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota Florida
The event is free but there are charges for food and at vendor booths. Check the website for parking information.
January 11th and 12th Florida Keys Celtic Festival Marathon KeyThe Florida Keys Celtic Festival features family-friendly Celtic rock and Traditional music, Irish & Scottish Dancing, Pipes and Drums, a Children’s Glen with games, face painting and fun activities, and fabulous Celtic (and Keys) foods and crafts vendors. Highland Athletics, the original Strongman sport, features a sanctioned Woman’s Highland Athletics Competition and for a little Sunday Funday, locals can sign up for our Marathon “Celtic Games” Competition. The Florida Keys Celtic Festival was recently voted a Best of Florida Regional Winner for Festivals.
Click the link and purchase your tickets ahead of time on the website.
January 9th through 12th St. Augustine Film FestivalNow in it’s 15th year, the St. Augustine Film Festival will present 40 films from 25 countries at multiple locations throughout town.
Check the website for the full listing of films and venues. Get your tickets early for this event. The all-film pass will run you $125, or splurge and pick up the all access badge which includes all films and special event parties. This costs $275.
January 18th and 19th A Festival of Chocolate MiamiWhat to Expect:
Click the link to buy your tickets ahead of time. General admission tickets start at around $25. Several discount options are available and there are add on options available as well.
January 16-20 30A Songwriters Festival Walton County More than 125 performers at more than 30 venues throughout Walton County. Headliners include Melissa Etheridge, The Devon Allman Project, and The Jayhawks. Check the website for a full list of performers and venues.
The 30A Songwriters Festival is the major fundraiser for the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA), a private, non-profit 501(c)3 organization that champions the arts through leadership, advocacy, funding, programs and education. The Festival’s success is critical to the success of the CAA, and your support as a ticket-buyer, partner or volunteer helps us provide an abundance of programs, services and support to the community.
January 24th through 26th IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts New Smyrna BeachIMAGES is a free, public art festival that offers $30,000 in cash awards to artists and has one of the best Patron Programs in the Southeast. Visitors enjoy the work of over 250 artists, food trucks, live entertainment, Creative Education activities for children, and much more.
After visiting the artists, be sure to stroll through the Canal Street area and visit the many shops who call New Smyrna Beach home.
January 25 and 26 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire Gainesville Artisans and craftspeople shall ply their trades with skill, olde world demonstrations shall enchant, and the clash of swords in stage combat shall resonate through the air. Medieval music and dance shall life thy spirtis, and a living chessboard shall unfold its strategic dance. Witness royal knighting ceremonies with the King and ueen, indulge in food court favorites, and savor the timeless delight of turkey legs.
Rain or shine. Leashed dogs are allowed. No smoking. Outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are permitted to be brought in.
The Faire is being held in Depot Park, 874 SE 4th Street.
January 25 and 26 Blue Spring Manatee Festival Orange CityProceeds benefit Friends of Blue Spring State Park, provide educational scholarships, and assist great Orange City organizations.
January 25 Gasparilla Pirate Fest Tampa
Pirates, parades, music, food, drinks, and more. It’s a full day of fun and parties. Dress in your finest pirate apparel and join close to 300,000 pirates for a day you won’t forget.
Some events are ticketed so check the website for details. Learn more about the event sponsor, Seminole Hard Rock Tampa HERE.
January 25 Kumquat Festival Dade CityCome enjoy the unique, quaint and family fun of “old Florida” during our 2025 Annual Kumquat Festival® – it’s one of a kind! You’ll have the opportunity to listen to eat delicious food, visit hundreds of arts and crafts vendor booths including our Sponsors and learn about kumquats, “the little gold gems of the citrus industry”. We are pleased to hold this event every year in downtown Historic Dade City. Enjoy the Kumquat Festival and come back and visit Dade City again!
January 31 through February 2 Zora! Festival of the Arts EatonvilleThe 2025 ZORA! Outdoor Festival of the Arts is a cultural, educational, and entertainment experience like no other. From January 31 to February 2, 2025, Eatonville will come alive with vibrant performances, interactive art, and a celebration of the cultural contributions people of African ancestry have made to the United States and to the world. Through a powerful combination of music, education, and live performances, including an extraordinary Tribute to the Legends, the festival aims to inspire and connect people from all walks of life. Learn more about Zora Neale Hurston HERE. Discover Eatonville HERE.
Events range from free to ticketed. Check the website for details on the full Zora Neale Hurston festival.
