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The Best Events and Festivals in Florida July 2024

The Best Events and Festivals in Florida

Are you searching for the best events and festivals in Florida in July 2024? 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.

I have listed events in date order.

 

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Best Events and Festivals in Florida July 2024 Key Lime Festival in Key WestKey Lime Festival                                            July 3-7  Key West

2024 is shaping up to be the best Key Lime Festival yet. We’re pleased to offer a full 5 days of culinary events for every taste, including favorites from past years like the Key Lime Cocktail Sip & Stroll and Key Lime Pie Hop and new favorites for Key Lime lovers! We’ve also added a few intimate culinary events for our VIP Key Lime lovers!

Want to know more about the history of the Key Lime Pie and how it came to be the dessert of Key West. Read David L. Sloan’s fascinating book, Key Lime Pie: An Intriguing History of Key West’s Native Dessert

 

New Smyrna Beach BBQ Challenge July 6, 2024BBQ Challenge on Flagler Avenue                          July 6 New Smyrna Beach

Like other food challenges on Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna Beach, the NSB Bbq Challenge guests will use their tasting passports to visit the host sites and taste sample sized bbq portions prepared in multiple different ways like chicken, beef, pork, seafood. Tasting passports and maps picked up at the Welcome corner of S. Cooper Street and Flagler Avenue on the day of the event. Passports will be for sale on the day of the event starting at 1230 pm however, we strongly suggest pre-ordering your passport on Eventbrite as WE WILL SELL OUT!

Tickets available in advance using the link provided. Tickets are $20 plus service charge.

 

Orlando Tiki Fest 2024 Orlando Tiki Fest July 9, 2024. Best events and festivals in Florida July 2024                                      July 9 Kissimmee

We are proud to present for the third consecutive year the Orlando Tiki Fest 2024 with great celebrities from the industry, where we will have tastings of Rum, and other spirits, including emerging experiences Master Classes, as well as the most important cocktail competition at the national level “Tiki League USA”, heading to the Grand Final of the Latin American Cocktail Championship (LACC) and for the first time more than 20 countries compete for the great BARTENDERS LATAM USA CUP 2024  with great prizes.

Buy your tickets online, starting at $14.99.

 

 

 

Best events and festivals in Florida July 2024 Mango Festival in Coral GablesMango Festival                                                 July 13 and 14 Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden in Coral Gables

Make your mango dreams come true at the 2024 edition of Fairchild Garden’s annual Mango Festival. This highly-anticipated, two-day mango fest showcases countless varieties of the succulent fruit as well as an exciting lineup of events and activities that include cooking demos, mango tastings, signature mango brunch, mango lectures, live music, lawn games and more. Food options abound with refreshing mango smoothies, an assortment of food vendors featuring mango-based menus and specialty mango cocktails. If you’d like to grow your own mangos, mango seedlings will also be available for purchase.

The festival is slated to run over the weekend from Saturday, July 13 through Sunday, July 14. Tickets for the Mango brunch, mango tasting, mango smoothie, mango cocktail flight and La Tropical Beer tasting must be purchased separately in addition to festival admission.new sTickets are about $25 per adult. Discounts for seniors and children.

While in the Miami area, be sure to take a visit to the Little Havana area. This incredible area is filled with music, food, history, and culture of all types. To make the most of your time, take a 2.5 hour guided walking tour. From the Bay of Pigs to Santeria to the story of cigar making to the famous chess players you see and hear it. Get  recommendations on where to eat and avoid the average, while enjoying traditional Cuban fare. Click the link for details and to reserve your tour.

 

 

Ballroom Bluesfest iin Cocoa, FL July 13 and 14. The best events and festivals in Florida in July 2024.Ballroom Blues Festival                                          July 13 and 14 Cocoa

Hosted by the Space Coast Convention Center in Cocoa, Florida, Ballroom Bluesfest is a two-day, indoor festival that includes all-day LIVE blues from your favorite national artists! Also, featuring VIP reserved and reserved seating, full liquor bar, food packages, secured VIP car and motorcycle parking, optional overnight accommodations, and no need to worry about the weather!

Featuring acts such as Pat Travers, The Robby King Band, Solomon Hicks, The Boneshakers, and many more, this is an event any blues fan will want to attend.

Tickets start at $66 per person.

 

Loxahatchee River Heritage Day

July 13 Jupiter Inlet

Join us at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum on July 13th for Loxahatchee River Heritage Day, a unique event designed for adults to explore and celebrate the rich history and natural beauty of the Loxahatchee River region.

Meet local history authors and representatives from various historical societies and museums at our vendor booths!

Admission to the lighthouse looks to be $12 with a  couple of discount programs for seniors, children, and veterans.

 

Hemingway Days

July 16-21 Key West

Ernest Hemingway look-alikes, writers, anglers, and fans of the late author’s work are to gather in Key West Tuesday through Sunday, July 16-21, 2024, for the annual Hemingway Days celebration. The festival honors the legacy of the American literary giant who lived and wrote on the island for most of the 1930s.

Hemingway Days events take place throughout Key West.

 

Lake Placid, FL Caladium Festival July 202433rd Annual Caladium Festival and Annual Car and Bike Show            July 26 through 28 Lake Placid (located near Sebring)

Lake Placid, Florida and the surrounding Sebring area are rich with natural beauty, excellent growing conditions, and talented people. While caladiums are the heart of our popular Caladium Festival, the event also highlights our creative community as well as our local heritage and culture.

In addition to caladiums, find a car & bike show, floral arrangement competition, art & craft booths, food, entertainment, and bus tours. The event looks to be free but there is a charge for the bus tours.

They advise not bringing your pet due to the July heat in Florida. The hot pavement can become dangerous for little paws.

 

 

To conclude, I want to thank you for reading my listing of the best events and festivals in Florida in July 2024. Check back every month otherwise you might miss out on a great event you did not know about. If you are sponsoring or hosting an upcoming event, drop me a line so I can include it. Maybe we can work together on a blog post and social media posts to promote the event. Let’s hear your ideas.

 

 

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This post may contain affiliate links. If you click these links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This commission does not affect any price that you pay. Affiliate programs or sponsors providing products do not influence  my views and opinions

 

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Visit Conquest Maps and let me Create My MapWhether you want to make family plans, create that once in a lifetime vacation, remember your travels, or just dream big, let Conquest Maps help you. Free shipping on orders over $99. Maps are made in the USA.

 

 

 

 

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How to Clean Your Chemex

How to Clean Your Chemex. Link to Chemex coffee brewer on Amazon.

 

How to clean your Chemex? This is a question that all lovers of the pour over coffee brewer ask themselves on a regular basis. Find the simple answers  below.

"</aWhat is the Chemex?

The Chemex is a staple in the world of third-wave coffee. The brewer works using the pour over method of extraction. Ground coffee is placed into a folded filter and water is poured over the grounds. Water pours through the grounds and filter, into the glass Chemex carafe, allowing for a smooth blend that won’t have the grit of coffee grounds as can happen with extraction methods such as the French Press.

Part of the appeal of the Chemex is the ease of use. That is not to say there isn’t a learning curve in order to get the best brew, there is. And it can be lengthy. Grind size, the coffee bean itself, bloom time, water pour, and more all play into the final cup you brew.

The Chemex is made from non-porous Borosilicate glass which will not absorb odors or chemical residues. The removeable wooden collar makes for easy and secure handling of the brewer when pouring your cup.

Design Details

Small details help make the Chemex continue to be a stand out in the world of specialty coffee brewing even after more than 80 years. First, is no doubt the look. This is a sharp looking appliance that when sitting on your counter will draw attention. Invented in 1941 by Dr. Peter Schlumbohm, a chemist who in his career obtained more than 300 patents, the Chemex design is so unique, and was so forward thinking at the time, a Chemex brewer is included in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. 

Second is the prior mentioned removeable wooden collar with rawhide tie. This collar is removable for cleaning purposes and is easy to replace. The bottom of the collar is an indicator of a full carafe. The pour spout provides air access, allowing for easy water flow through the filter, but also for an easy and safe pouring experience for the user. The small “belly button” located under the pour spout is a half-full marker.

The Chemex is available in multiple cup sizes, with the 6 and 8 cup variety being most popular. Cup size is measured at 5 ounces. If you purchase a Chemex, be sure to purchase the correct type filter. Regular batch coffee filters will not work and you will end up with a terrible cup of coffee and probably a mess when you try to pour.

 

Flat lay of Organic Fair Trade Indonesia coffee with pour over on a tablePure Origin Coffee is providing real life empowerment for coffee growers around the world. With (6) sustainably sourced single origin coffee bags, each premium coffee benefits a project in which you can learn about via an augmented reality (AR) experience on the packaging. Use code PURE15 for 15% off your order. Click the links or the photo for more information and to place an order.

 

How to Clean Your Chemex

Based upon your usage you may need a more targeted and thorough cleaning than if you just occasionally use this brewing method.

The easiest cleaning methods are quite simple. The first step is to remove the wooden collar from the glass carafe. Simply untie the leather cord and the two pieces of wood will release. You may want to pay attention to how this is originally put together so you can quickly replace the pieces after cleaning.  Once you do it a time or two, you’ll be a pro at it.

The first method is you can put the glass carafe in the dishwasher. Mine doesn’t really fit very well to be honest and is too tall to stand straight up. I worry about it knocking in to other dishes and cracking so this isn’t a method I use that often or personally recommend.

The second easy method involves simply filling the carafe with a few drops of unscented dish soap and water. Be sure to use unscented soap. While the carafe itself will not absorb the odor of the soap, if you don’t completely remove the residue, you will end up with a soapy taste in your cup. Nobody wants to spend five minutes or more making what should be a delicious cup of coffee, only to get a mouthful of soap. Anyway, mix the soap with water and swirl around so that the soap reaches as much of the glass as possible.

You can use a bottle brush or kitchen scrub brush to try and wipe down the inner walls, making sure the soap reaches everywhere. Pour out the mixture and give a thorough rinsing, making sure no soap bubbles still appear in the water. Turn it upside down on a kitchen towel and allow the carafe air dry. It will be ready for the next use in no time.

Barista Warrior Kettle for Pour Over coffee
From Barista Warrior, this Pour Over Coffee Kettle – Large 1.2 Liter / 40 fl oz is the perfect addition to your coffee routine. The built in thermometer allows you to keep a steady watch on how hot the water you are adding is. The long neck allows for greater control of the water flow which helps ensure all grounds are evenly wet. It’s a must have. Click the link above or the image for more information and to order.

 

When Your Chemex Needs a More Thorough Cleaning

So you regularly clean your Chemex and keep it as nice as hand washing allows. It may still develop some scaling and the glass may look a bit cloudy after considerable use. The oils from the coffee may be building up on the interior walls despite your best efforts. It happens over time. Depending upon the water you use, there may be mineral deposits that are left behind during the brewing or cleaning process. Again, it happens over time.

How do you remove this scale buildup from inside a carafe that is difficult to reach? This is again, a quite simple process.

The Deep Cleaning Process

The supply list is short.

  1. White Vinegar
  2. Warm Water
  3. A bottle brush or kitchen scrub brush
  4. Unscented dish soap

When your carafe is cool, remove the wooden collar and safely store for reattachment.

Fill the carafe to the top rim with equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Let the full carafe sit for a few hours, or even overnight. The glass will be fine and won’t absorb the vinegar odor. If the outside of the carafe is a bit dirty, particularly the area where the wooden collar sits, give it a quick scrub with the vinegar and water mixture.

When you are ready, pour out the vinegar and water mixture. Give the carafe a thorough rinse with running water to remove all the vinegar. Give it a good cleaning as you regularly do with unscented dish soap and warm water. Make sure to get the spout area where the vinegar mixture could easily be sitting. Allow the carafe to air dry. Next morning, give it a good sniff to make sure you have removed all the vinegar and soap residue, attach the collar, and you are ready to brew a delicious cup or two of your favorite coffee.

Chemex Brand Cleaning Products

I would be remiss to not mention that Chemex offers its own line of cleaning products including a brush and coffeemaker cleaning solution. Both are available on the Chemex website under the accessories tab. Normally I would refer you to Amazon, however these two products are cheaper directly from Chemex at the time of writing.

 

So there you have it, simple, easy, and effective ways to clean your Chemex coffee brewer. Using these simple methods, your Chemex brewer should provide you with years of delicious coffee.

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This post may contain affiliate links. If you click these links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This commission does not affect any price that you pay. Affiliate programs or sponsors providing products do not influence my views and opinions.

 

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Best Events and Festivals in Florida May 2024

The Best Events and Festivals in Florida

Are you searching for the best events and festivals in Florida in May 2024? 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.

I have listed events in date order.

Barista Warrior - Become a Barista at HomeBest events and festivals in Florida in April 2024.
We aim to build an authentic community of home baristas who are passionate about their morning coffee ritual. Whatever your brew method, french press or pour over, whether you need a kettle or filters, Barista Warrior has you covered. Shop now for great selection and prices. Shop now at www.baristawarrior.com or click the photo above.

 

28th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival

May 1 through 5

Key West Songwriters Festival May 1-5, 2024 Best Events and Festivals in Florida May 2024The Key West Songwriters Festival is the largest festival of its kind in the world, and known as a career starter for top country talent. The festival has kicked off the careers of household names such as Kacey Musgraves, Florida Georgia Line, Jake Owen, Michael Ray, Randy Houser and Maren Morris. In its 28th year, KWSF has grown into a top destination for music lovers who flock to Key West for five days and nights of live music and storytelling from veteran songwriters and the next big hit-makers

This event is held at various venues and tickets are required for each. Prices vary by venue and act. Check the website in advance to guarantee the best seats.

Performers this year include Cole Swindell, MacKenzie Carpenter, Robert Earl Keen, and dozens more. See your favorites, and find new acts before they hit the big time.

 

Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival

May 3 through May 5

Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival Fernandina BeachThis festival has something for everyone. Highlights include live entertainment including a parade and the Miss Shrimp Festival 2024 Pageant. Live music and fireworks are always crowd favorites. Maybe you want to participate in the best dressed pirate competition. On Sunday, there is a shrimp boat parade and a blessing of the fleet. Come hungry and join the ice cream eating contest. The kid zone has all type of activities for the younger ones.

The arts and crafts show is judged one of the top 100 shows by Sunshine Artist Magazine SubscriptionShop for antiques for the home.

Save room for the shrimp. That’s the whole reason you are here isn’t it. No commercial food vendors will be on site. These are booths run by local not-for-profit organizations. Enjoy great food and support a worthy cause. Win-win.

Miami Grand Prix

May 3 through May 5

The best racers, in the most technologically advanced cars will be competing at the 2024 Miami Grand Prix, which takes place over 57 laps of the Miami International Autodrome in Florida, USA, on Sunday, May 5.

With the Hard Rock Stadium at its epicentre, the 5.41km layout features 19 corners, three straights, three DRS zones, and top speeds of over 340km/h (211mph for those of us in the states). There are elevation changes too, the main one found between Turns 13 and 16, with the track heading over an exit ramp and under various flyovers across uneven ground. The Turn 14-15 chicane, meanwhile, has an uphill approach, with a crest in the middle, and then drops down on exit.

Nomatic

 

SunFest

May 3 through May 5 in West Palm Beach

In addition to all the great music, enjoy the floating cocktail bar, the Ford Experience, the Creative Arts Village, plenty of vendors with every type of food and drink you might want.

Music from Billy Idol, Cassadee Pope, Cole Swindell, The Fixx, Nelly, Matisyahu, Third Eye Blind, and dozens more great acts. Get your 1, 2, or 3 day pass online. Don’t forget your parking pass.

A few things to remember. This is a cashless event. Make sure you have your credit/debit card or Google pay or something similar. The event is rain or shine. No refunds due to weather.

Tampa Riverfest

May 3 through May 4

Riverfest is a public, two-day, FREE event that is held the first weekend in May each year.  The festival spans the entire length of the Riverwalk including several parks and features family-friendly activities and events showcasing Tampa’s cultural institutions, local musicians and restaurants.

The festival includes Taste of Riverwalk on Friday night and Taco Fest on Saturday.  There is also a full concert series of regional and local bands on the main stage in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and a balloon glow at sunset on both nights.  Other activities include a wiener dog derby, a lantern parade (please see the video below), yoga, a water ski show and a paddle invasion.

While the event itself is free, certain portions do have a charge. These include the VIP tent, the Taco Fest, and Taste of Riverwalk. Click the link for information and to purchase tickets.

Little Haiti Book Festival

May 5 in Miami

Little Haiti Book Festival May 5, 2024LHBF features a diverse program that spans storytelling and hands-on children’s activities, dynamic dance and music performances, traditional Haitian games, and a comedy showcase. Engaging panel discussions, complemented by interactive sessions, will delve into thought-provoking topics. A community meet-and-greet provides an opportunity to connect with esteemed guests and local leaders from Little Haiti. This curated selection of events is designed to both entertain and educate, reflecting the festival’s dedication to cultural celebration and intellectual discourse.

Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your products and services in this vibrant, engaging environment! You’ll connect face-to-face with thousands of attendees as they celebrate Haitian heritage and culture! Vendor and exhibitor applications may be submitted until April 15. We welcome publishers, authors, booksellers, literary organizations, and vendors selling food, art, crafts, and other items related to the theme of LHBF.

 

St. Augustine History Festival

May 8 through May 12

St. Augustine History Festival Best events and festivals in Florida May 2024Our goal is to showcase every era of St. Augustine’s long and storied past through over 30 Special Events and Historic Sites – from our founding in 1565 to the most advanced technology available in 2024 to research and study every year in-between.

Check the website for date, time, and location information of various talks and presentations.

Welcome to Rockville

May 9 through May 12 Daytona Beach

Welcome to Rockville Daytona Beach May 9-12, 2024 Best Events and Festivals in Florida May 2024Are you are hard rock music fan? Do you love attending music festivals? This is the event for you.

With headliners like Motley Crue, Judas Priest, Anthrax, and Foo Fighters, mixed with acts such as Mudvayne, Clutch, Machine Head, Drowning Pool, and dozens more this is the Florida concert event of the year. Make your plans to be at Daytona International Speedway, and bring your earplugs.

This one isn’t cheap. Single day ticket start around $150 plus parking charges of around $50 and up depending upon your preference and location. Multi-day passes are available. Don’t wait to get your tickets. With a lineup like this, it’s likely to sell out.

 

Trejo's Tacos book cover

Now, in Trejo’s Tacos,  Danny Trejo not only shares 75 recipes for cantina favorites like succulent carnitas, vegan cauliflower tacos, and pillowy-sweet cinnamon-sugar lowrider donuts, but offers insights into his life and pays respect to his hometown, his roots, and all of the colorful characters who helped him along the way, creating a delicious tribute to L.A. and the city’s vibrant Latino culture.

 

St. Pete Tacos & Tequila Festival

May 10 through May 11

St. Pete Tacos & Tequila Festival May 10 & 11, 2024 Best events and festivals in Florida May 2024A waterfront festival with tons of authentic tacos, premium margaritas and great live music is coming to downtown St Pete’s Vinoy Park on Friday & Saturday, May 10th & 11th. The St Pete Tacos & Tequila Festival will feature over 30 tacos vendors, many great margaritas and other cocktail options, many great live bands, live mural artists, cold beer, games, prizes and so much fun!

Join us for one of Tampa Bay’s Largest Taco & Tequila Festivals at one of the most beautiful waterfront parks in Tampa Bay!

Well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome!

Fort Lauderdale Air Show

May 11 through May 12

Join the Air Force Thunderbirds and more for this incredible show that takes place over the beach area. Tickets are required and traffic is not permitted to stop in the areas surrounding the show. Traffic is expected to be quite heavy and the event recommends arriving early due to congestion. Be sure to read the ticket refund and event cancellation policy on their page. It’s not the most user friendly policy particularly in light of Florida weather. Check the FAQ page on the website for details.

 

Mayfaire By the Lake

May 11 through May 12 in Lakeland

Mayfaire By the Lake art show in Lakeland, FL May 11 and 12, 2024Mayfaire by-the-Lake launched in 1971 as a small crafts fair on the lawn of the Lakeland Public Library, but, in the decades since, it has grown into one of Florida’s largest and most celebrated annual outdoor art festivals. Presented on Mother’s Day weekend each year, Mayfaire features more than 150 artist booths and is held on the shores of beautiful Lake Morton in downtown Lakeland.

One of the oldest arts festivals in Central Florida, Mayfaire has been ranked among Sunshine Artist Magazine’s “200 Best Art Shows” for ten years in a row. Admission is free.

Central Florida Railroad Museum Community Day

May 18 Winter Garden

Central Florida Railroad Museum Community Day May 18, 2024Six Central Florida historical organizations will be on hand to introduce you to their organization and answer questions. Come out and see the railroad museum and learn about other groups in the area. The day will also feature five drawings for great prizes. The event will last from 9a until 3p. Participating groups include

Umatilla Historical Society                                                        Clermont Historical Society                                                              Osceola County Historical Society                                                      Seminole County Historical Society                                              Orange County Regional History Center                                                                                                                  Tavares History Museum and Research Center

Thank you to Richard Cronin for providing information and a photo for this event.

 

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Deerfield Beach Ocean Brews & Blues Festival

May 18

Ocean Brews & Blues in Deerfield Beach Best events and festivals in Florida May 2024So come and spend a day at the beach and join us for an exciting craft brew festival, where you will sample an assortment of 170+ beers from some of America’s best craft breweries while listening to a variety of blues music entertainers. Along with the great brews and blues, there will be an assortment of local foods, cold beverages, and arts and craft vendors.

General admission tickets, including souvenir glass and unlimited tasting (well, as long as you are sober I imagine) look to start at $65. VIP tickets, which include a longer time in the festival, food samples, VIP beers, and a covered tent area, start around $95. Click the link for information and to purchase your tickets ahead of time. FREE for designated drivers and others not drinking. No wrist band, no beer.

This event will be held rain or shine. This is a pet friendly event. Please keep your dog leashed and be sure to clean up after them.

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Havana Reggae Fest

May 18 in Quincy

Plenty of live music, kids events, food, and games. Everyone is welcome.

We are here to share the rich mix of cultures with our community and our children so that it may be enjoyed, honored and passed on. In music, dance, poetry, arts & craft, and by our faith in God we endeavor to accomplish our goals.

 

Homosassa Mullet Toss & Spring Festival

May 18

Fun for the whole family! Register to toss a mullet. Prizes for longest distance in a variety of categories. Casting contest, vendors, punchboard, raffles and more! Proceeds benefit the Homosassa Civic Club, Community Club House, Learning Center, Community Charities, College Scholarships, Veterans groups and other like endeavors. Our festival also serves as a showcase for other non-profit organizations that serve as the foundation of our community.

Admission is $1.

Newberry Watermelon Festival

May 18

Newberry Watermelon Festival All things watermelon. Join in the parade, decorate your golf cart and join the competition. There’s even a Newberry Watermelon Festival Beauty Pageant.

Food, crafts, games, entertainers, and kids zone make this a fun way to spend a Saturday.

 

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Tupelo Honey Festival

May 18 in Wewahitchka

Tupelo Honey Festival May 18, 2024Home of the country’s finest Tupelo Honey, farmers from the area will have booths of honey at the festival in many different sizes and packages, accompanied by food vendors, art & crafts vendors, and live music right on the banks of mossy Lake Alice.

There will be a car show sponsored by the Sunshine State Corvette Club, a honey tasting contest, music, a blood drive, and the Miss Tupelo contest.

 

Jacksonville Jazz Festival

May 23 through May 26

Jacksonville Jazz Festival May 23-26, 2024Returning to its roots at Metropolitan Park and unveiling a fresh experience at the Daily’s Place Amphitheater, the Jacksonville Jazz Festival will fill the streets with beloved artists’ sweet sounds. For over 40 years, this festival has united music enthusiasts for a weekend of food, drinks, community, and, of course, music! Join us for a weekend kickoff with the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition on Thursday, followed by three days of FREE live music in Jacksonville’s Sports & Entertainment District.

VIP and preferred seating packages are available for purchase starting around starting around $100 per day.

This is a rain or shine festival and no refunds for preferred or VIP tickets will be offered unless the entire event is cancelled. Artists are subject to change. For a list of scheduled performers, click HERE.

Check out highlights from 2023 in the video below.

 

Palatka Blue Crab Festival

May 24 through May 26

Palatka Blue Crab Festival May 24-26, 2024 Best Events and Festivals in Florida May 2024The event features national headliners, full day concert line ups of regional musicians, dozens of vendors and food trucks, activities and entertainment for all ages, and a massive kids’ zone. Headliners this year include Mark Wills on Friday night and Trick Daddy on Saturday evening. 

This family-friendly festival (which has been around for nearly 30 years!) takes place the Friday, Saturday and Sunday before Memorial Day in downtown Palatka and along the scenic waterfront.

 

 

 

To conclude, I want to thank you for reading my listing of the best events and festivals in Florida in May 2024. Check back every month otherwise you might miss out on a great event you did not know about. If you are sponsoring or hosting an upcoming event, drop me a line so I can include it. Maybe we can work together on a blog post and social media posts to promote the event. Let’s hear your ideas.

 

 

Buy Me A Coffee donation link
Click the image or THIS LINK to support this site through Buy Me A Coffee. Your support helps pay for website fees and maintenance, research fees for blog and book writing, book purchases, photo usage and rights fees, and other associated costs. And maybe, it will go to buying a bag of coffee to help keep me focused on the research topic at hand. 

 

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click these links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This commission does not affect any price that you pay. Affiliate programs or sponsors providing products do not influence my views and opinions.

 

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Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site Book Review

Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site Images of America Book Review
Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site Images of America Book Review
Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site Book Review

Lipscomb, Colby and Derrick Brown. Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site (Images of America)Charleston: Arcadia Publishing. 2024. 128 pages, b/w photos. ISBN 9781467160766, $24.99.

The Images of America series from Arcadia Publishing provides readers/viewers with a formula ready way to learn a brief history of a selected topic. Some teach more history than others and some titles are more needed than others. I think the argument can be made that Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site is a photo history that is needed.

Authors Colby Lipscomb and Derrick Brown have decades of experience at the battlefield as visitors and, currently, as staff members and this experience shows in their treatment of the material. As the authors themselves note, the book is not meant to be a retelling of the Battle of Bentonville, nor is it meant to be a history of the Bentonville community. Rather, “it is the authors’ fervent desire that these images relay the story of the struggles, victories, and labor that went into the creation of Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site and making it the place it is.

 

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Chapters

Authors Lipscomb and Brown cover a wide swath of ground in a concise 128 pages that can easily be consumed in a single sitting. Chapter one is titled The Battlefield, as should be expected. Maps, period engravings, and photos of the primary players comprise the majority of the chapter.

The community of Bentonville and battlefield monuments and memorials are chapters two and three. These chapters contain a nice mixture of vintage and modern images. The Goldsboro Rifles monument takes center stage with several nice images throughout the years. This monument was erected by veterans of the battle years before the Historic Site was created . Begun in 1894 and unveiled in 1895, the marker is in memory of the Confederate dead.

The Harper House, built in 1855, served as the home to John and Amy Harper. During the  war, Union troops occupied the home. The use it as a temporary hospital for troops from Sherman’s XIV Army Corps. This structure is the only war era building still standing at the site and as such it plays a significant role in this book. Images include former inhabitants, grounds, the home through the years, and renovation efforts. For me, however, the chapter went on too long, reaching twenty-four pages.

The chapter titled Establishing a Historic Site brings to life the 1950s and 60s efforts to create the Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site. With images as diverse the signing of the property document, to parades, to fieldwork, and the development of the visitor’s center, this is a fascinating chapter. Several images show just how far museum exhibits have come in the last sixty years.

Programs and events are a key part of any historic site and Bentonville has been an active participant since inception. From a special Boy Scout badge to the development and expansion of annual reenactments, and the arrival of army staff rides, Bentonville is eager to share an accurate and true history of the battle and the events surrounding it. This enthusiasm leads to the final chapter, Bentonville in the 21st Century.

In 1999,  the opening of a new visitor’s center allowed the battlefield to welcome more guests than they had previously encountered. The “Dean of Civil War HIstorians,” Ed Bearss; “the unofficial mayor of Bentonville,” Tim Westbrook; and Eric Wittenberg, among others set the stage for the modern Bentonville park . With ongoing archaeological work, reinterpretations, and archival research, Bentonville is not an overlooked, end of the war, encounter. Visitors will learn of the 80,000 soldiers who fought here on March 19-21, 1865.

This book helps provide a gateway for readers wanting to learn more about the waning days of the Confederacy. Through this easy to navigate volume, readers will find themselves developing an interest in this late war conflict. They can then move to full battle treatments. Recommended.

 

 

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Recommendations

This book is not meant to be a retelling of the Battle of Bentonville. The authors do make two suggestions for readers interesting in learning more about this battle.

Mark L. Bradley authored the book Last Stand in the Carolinas: The Battle of Bentonville. Recommended by the authors as a companion book is Moore’s Historical Guide to the Battle of Bentonville. Both books are going on 30 years old.

For readers seeking a modern look at the battle in a concise and accessible format are referred to Calamity in Carolina: The Battles of Averasboro and Bentonville, March 1865. As part of the established Emerging Civil War series, this book is short, but full of detail, and comes with a budget friendly price of less than $20.

Thank you to Arcadia Publishing for providing a complimentary review copy of this book.

 

Click THIS LINK to read additional posts about books published by Arcadia Publishing/History Press.

If you are interested in soldiers from North Carolina, you should read my post on Charles George, a member of the East Band of the Cherokee Tribe who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Korean War. CLICK HERE to read more.

 

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Texas Coastal Defense in the Civil War Book Release

Texas Coastal Defense in the Civil War

Arcadia Publishing New Release

Arcadia Publishing continues their role of releasing geographically specific works of history with their new book release Texas Coastal Defense in the Civil War written by William Nelson Fox.

Texas Coastal Defense in the Civil War book releaseFrom the publisher

Navigate the often-overlooked history of the resolute defense of the Texas coast during the Civil War.

With volumes written on the Civil War, little attention has been given to the defense of the Texas coast. Most military-aged Texans had been dispatched across the Mississippi, but those left behind resolutely weathered naval bombardments and repulsed invasion attempts. It was only at the end of the conflict that Federal troops were able to make their way into South Texas, as the Confederacy prepared its last stand at Caney Creek and the Brazos River. From famous battles to obscure skirmishes, William Nelson Fox provides an account of the Lone Star State’s defensive strategies during the Civil War.

159 pages. Bibliography, index, notes, b/w photos. ISBN 9781467155618. Cover price $24.99.

 

 

Thank you to Arcadia Publishing for providing a complimentary review copy of this book. A review will be forthcoming.

Thank you for reading my post announcing Texas Coastal Defense in the Civil War. This new book release from Arcadia Publishing will add to the growing literature on the role of Texas and naval affairs during the Civil War years. Read my reviews of other Arcadia Publishing titles using THIS LINK.

 

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Galveston and the Civil War James M. Schmidt
For those interested in Galveston, TX during the Civil War, I recommend this excellent volume written by James M. Schmidt, and published by Arcadia Publishing.

 

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Little(r) Museums of Paris Book Review

Little(r) Museums of Paris book review
Little(r) Museums of Paris book review
Little(r) Museums of Paris Book Review

Jacobs, Emma. Little(r) Museums of Paris An Illustrated Guide to the City’s Hidden Gems. New York: Running Press. 2019. ISBN 9780762466399. $20. 192 pages. Index, bibliography, drawings.

Planning a trip to Paris can prove to be an overwhelming task. How much time do I need? How to get there? Where to stay? Where to eat? Should I rent a car? What are the must see destinations?

While she can’t answer those questions for you, author Emma Jacobs can provide you with some off the beaten path alternatives that most visitors to Paris will never even know about. If you crave the unknown, less crowded, local flavor type of destinations, this is a book you have to read before visiting Paris.

What to Expect

In a book that is whimsical, yet serious; travel guide, yet travel writing; and brief, yet thorough, Emma Jacobs holds our hand through some locations that Rick Steves will not guide you to. With that in mind, this guide (if you want to call it that) is ideal for travelers who have visited Paris and seen the major sites. Maybe you are one of those travelers who doesn’t care to see the Eiffel Tower (gasp and shame on you). Or maybe you want to see Paris like a local might. If this sounds like how you travel, step on in.

First, a couple of things that differentiate this book from a standard travel guide. The book is in hardcover format. It’s not a traditional hardcover size but it’s hardcover none the less and a bit more difficult to take with you during a days excursion. Second are the illustrations. This is not your standard travel guide that is packed with color photos. Rather, these are Jacobs own watercolor illustrations. I might have like to have some color photos included but the illustrations are charming and well thought out.

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What is Included

The book is divided into nine chapters, listed below

  1. Marvels & Machines
  2. History
  3. Architecture & Design
  4. Around the World
  5. Time Capsules
  6. Artists & Ateliers
  7. Stage & Page
  8. Science & Medicine
  9. On the Outskirts

Each chapter contains multiple listings. All listings contain some basic information. This includes the museum name in both French and English. The address, phone number, and website are listed as are the hours of operation and admission fees.

Perhaps the most useful piece of information however is that Jacobs provides readers with the nearest Metro location. This information is crucial in trying to actually visit each location. Remember above when I asked about renting a car. Having been to Paris, here’s my advice, DON’T. Public transportation is readily available. The Metro is more reliable than buses, which are often well off schedule. Traffic in Paris can be a nightmare. If you aren’t familiar with the city and don’t have a good handle on the language, do not rent a car.

 

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Examples

Musee Curie
The Curie Museum is located in the third and last laboratory used by Marie Curie, the Curie pavilion of the Paris Radium Institute, built between 1912 and 1915. Consisting of a permanent exhibition space and a resource center historical, it offers the public the opportunity to discover the history of the Curie family, radioactivity and its first applications.

So, one issue I did have with this book is trying to determine just what is meant by “little(r).” Jacobs doesn’t supply a true definition of the term. She kind of punts on a definition in her introduction. Here she states, “luckily, a city with a museum the size of the Louvre left me a lot of flexibility in defining small.” I worked at a true small museum. A small museum does not have millions of artifacts or the budgets many of these facilities would appear to have. Potato, potahto.

Museums such as Musee des Arts Forains (Museum of Fairground Arts) focus on the whimsical such as carousels, arcade games, wax figures, and the like.

If you are interested in fashion, a visit to the Musee Yves Saint Laurent (Yves Saint Laurent Museum) has to be on your list.

Paris is known for its art and art lovers will find plenty to enjoy in this book. A visit to the Musee Rodin (Rodin Museum) will satisfy any fan. You can see the famous Liberty Leading the People during a visit to the Louvre, or you can visit the Musee National Eugene Delacroix, and learn much more about the artist.

I could go on, but I think you are getting the picture here. There are museums for every style and taste in Paris. And while the author admits this book is no where near comprehensive, you could live for a year in Paris and not cover all the museums she has provided.

Some Cautionary Notes

As with any travel guide there are some cautions to be aware of. Travel guides can age poorly. This one is probably no exception.

Jacobs lists open hours and admission prices. Please remember, this book was published BEFORE the COVID-19 pandemic. Much of that information could have changed in the ensuing years. It’s best to check the official website for each museum to confirm. I spot checked about a dozen of the sites from the book and with only 2 exceptions, all translated automatically to English. The others showed the option to do so with a click of the mouse.

An issue with the set up of the book by topic becomes the difficulty in planning to see several museums in a single day. It takes some work to determine museums that are within reasonable proximity to each other. Jacobs does provide several brief itineraries to close out the book. You have to reference these back to the text. It might have been nice to have these nearby destinations referenced in the individual listings as well.

 

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Takeaways

Overall, I found this to be a worthwhile read. The book can be read cover to cover, as I did, or piecemeal based upon your interests.

This book is ideal for someone planning an extended stay in Paris, or for experienced visitors who are seeking adventure outside of the standard sites recommended everywhere else.

The price of the book is very reasonable at $20. The format makes it good for keeping on your shelf but maybe not for day to day wandering throughout the city. As with any travel guide, some information can become outdated, but you all know how to use Google to verify the information provided.

Recommended.

 

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Reserve your tickets to tour the Musee Yves Saint Laurent in Paris. Take a guided tour before the museum opens to the public. Click the image or THIS LINK for information and to book your tour.
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Roy Nelson New Smyrna Beach Police Officer: In Memory

Roy Nelson New Smyrna Beach Police Officer In Memory

In Memory Officer Roy L. Nelson New Smyrna Beach Police Department

This post is in memory of officer Roy L. Nelson of the New Smyrna Beach, FL Police Department. Officer Nelson and his police K-9 Caesar perished in an automobile accident while on duty, August 13, 2005.

I invite you to read my other blog posts for law enforcement officers from Volusia and Flagler counties in Florida, who have died in the line of duty. You may find the master list and links to individual posts using THIS LINK. Research is ongoing for this project. If you have information or photos you would like to share, please drop me a line. I would love to be able to give you credit for your contribution.

 

 

Officer Roy L. Nelson New Smyrna Beach Police obituary photoOfficer Roy Nelson New Smyrna Beach Police

According to NSBPD Sergeant Mike Brouillette, Officer Roy L. Nelson, K-9 handler and officer on the New Smyrna Beach police department was described as having a “heart of gold” and that “he loved his job and loved being a k-9 handler.” Volusia County Sheriff’s K-9 officer Jeff Harting added, “He was a good guy. He was good-hearted and very dedicated to K-9.”

Nelson’s death shook fellow officers deeply. He was the first New Smyrna Beach police officer to die in the line of duty. Not only did Nelson perish, his faithful K-9, Caesar, a companion of two years on the force, also perished in a terrifying, high-speed, single car automobile accident. The circumstances surrounding the accident, were slow in coming, and were often contradictory.

Roy L. Nelson grew up in Lakeland, FL where his father served as a corrections officer. According to family, Nelson became interested in law enforcement after stopping to assist an injured motorcyclist. After serving as a volunteer firefighter, he would later spend five years as a Polk County firefighter before realizing his career dream of law enforcement with the New Smyrna Beach Police Department. His mother recalled him as “a wonderful son, always the first to learn everything.”

Community support in the days after Nelson’s death was overwhelming. Residents and law enforcement throughout the state provided food, emotional support, and even patrol support in order to help the family and police force cope and recover. “People want to help in whatever way they can” said Commander Bill Schulz of the Port Orange police department. The Volusia County Sheriffs office also provided deputies to help cover shifts. The City of Edgewater provided patrol officers for the night of Nelson’s accident, allowing fellow officers to grieve.

Coronado Community United Methodist Church served as host for Officer Nelson’s funeral service. More than 600 law enforcement officers were in attendance. None left the services with a dry eye. More than 250 law enforcement vehicles served as an escort for the coffin containing the body of Nelson and the ashes of Caeasar.  Sea Pines Memorial Gardens is where Nelson and Caesar were laid to rest. The service featured a 21 gun salute, taps, and a four-helicopter flyover in the missing man formation.

The service ended with a traditional call over the police radio, “RCC to Kilo-2000, RCC to Kilo-2000, RCC to Kilo-2000. RCC to all listening units. RCC to all listening stations. This is to inform you that K-9 officer Roy Nelson and his faithful partner, Caesar, have reached their final resting place and will forever be 10-7.”

 

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The Fatal Accident

Officer Nelson and K-9 Caesar died in a violent automobile accident. The details surrounding the accident were at best sketchy and often times reported before all information was fully clear.

Officer Roy L. Nelson was on duty the evening of Saturday, August 13, 2005. He was beachside at the time when he took off at a high rate of speed crossing the south causeway bridge. Officer Nelson was not wearing his seatbelt. Officer Nelson was not flashing his emergency lights and did not have his siren on when he seemingly lost control of his vehicle, hitting a guardrail, before his cruiser flipped. Shortly after 11:45 p.m., Nelson and Caesar were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

In the immediate aftermath of the accident, the New Smyrna Beach police would state that Nelson was responding to a burglary call. The Florida Highway Patrol began to investigate the accident. An unnamed witness provided information that a white, late model pickup had been seen turning east on the South Causeway, before Nelson’s crash. There was no indication that Nelson’s patrol car made contact with this vehicle.

In the preliminary FHP report, they stated that Nelson was  responding to a “law enforcement call.” He was travelling in excess of 70mph in a 50mph zone. He was not wearing his seat belt and his flashers and siren were not activated. The report references a white pick up which pulled into Nelson’s path. Nelson swerved to avoid the truck, swerved back when he hit a guardrail, spun clockwise, flipped, and hit another guardrail, before coming to a stop.

The New Smyrna Beach Police Department provided contradictory information in the same newspaper article referenced above. A police representative states, “We are speculating as to what happened. There was no radio traffic.” No radio traffic threw into question the FHP report stating Nelson was responding to a “law enforcement call.” The NSBPD proposed several hypotheticals as to what Nelson was doing.

In the weeks following, 71-year-old Gordon Camp came forward as a person of interest. According Camp’s attorney at the time, he and his wife were returning from a party and were in the median turning east on the Causeway when Ms. Camp saw a police car “shoot” behind them at a high rate of speed with no lights or siren. They continued home, not realizing that Nelson had crashed his patrol car.

In early November, 2005, the Florida Highway Patrol recommended felony charges be filed against the Camps for leaving the scene of an accident involving death. The state attorney’s office responded, “Our review of the report requires that additional investigation is needed before we make any decision whether or not to file charges.” It is important to remember, the state attorney did not have a final report from the Florida Highway Patrol at that time and that the vehicles of Nelson and Camp did not collide.

Nearly a year and a half later, the state attorney’s office declined to pursue charges against Camp. Reasons included that “based upon physical evidence, eyewitness interviews, and accident reconstruction experts, investigators with the State Attorney’s Office determined Gordon Camp did not cause the accident that killed Officer Roy Nelson.” The state attorney’s office added that according to the final FHP report, Nelson was travelling in excess of 115 mph without his emergency lights or sirens activated.

Roy Nelson’s widow, Angie, filed a wrongful death lawsuit in the amount of $3 million against Gordon and Bonni Camp in May 2006. After the state attorney declined to press charges, the Camp’s attorney, Michael Lambert, stated, “It will become very expensive for Miss Nelson to bring the Camps in any greater than their policy limit. Its very unusual where you have a case of no contact. And if you look at the terrain down there, it would be very difficult for (Nelson) to maneuver at that speed.”

Volusia County Courts dismissed the case of Angelique R. Nelson vs. Gordon Camp and Bonni Davis Camp on January 7, 2009. The parties reached an out of court settlement.

The Aftermath

Officer Roy L. Nelson has not been forgotten.

Visit an online memorial to Nelson HERE.

Law Enforcement Memorial Volusia and Flagler Counties Roy Nelson New Smyrna Beach Police Officer In MemoryThe Law Enforcement Memorial to Volusia and Flagler Counties features Nelson’s name. This impressive monument is located outside the Indiana Avenue entrance to the Historic Volusia County Courthouse in DeLand, FL.

A small marker dedicated to Nelson and Caesar is located on the South Causeway Bridge near the location where both officers lost their lives. This marker can only be accessed safely on foot while crossing the bridge.

The memory of Roy Nelson New Smyrna Beach Police officer is never far from officers hearts and minds. Located at the NSB Police headquarters is an impressive memorial to Officer Nelson.

Roy Nelson New Smyrna Beach Police Officer In Memory
This beautiful memorial to Roy Nelson New Smyrna Beach Police Officer is located outside the NSBPD station. It serves as a fitting and lasting memorial to the beloved officer who gave his life on duty. The police station is located at 246 Industrial Park Boulevard, near the airport.

 

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Click the image to support this site through Buy Me A Coffee. Your support pays for web services, research trips, photocopies, and photo usage fees.

 

Sources

Daytona Beach News Journal–Numerous articles provide the basis for this post. I generously acknowledge their contribution.

The Ledger–This is the local newspaper in Lakeland. I discovered Nelson’s early interest in law enforcement from this newspaper.

Volusia County Clerk of Court

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click these links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This commission does not affect any price that you pay. Affiliate programs or sponsors providing products do not influence the views and opinions shared in this blog. 

 

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The Best Events and Festivals in Florida in April 2024

The Best Events and Festivals in Florida

Are you searching for the best events and festivals in Florida in April 2024? 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.

I have listed events in date order.

Barista Warrior - Become a Barista at HomeBest events and festivals in Florida in April 2024.
We aim to build an authentic community of home baristas who are passionate about their morning coffee ritual. Whatever your brew method, french press or pour over, whether you need a kettle or filters, Barista Warrior has you covered. Shop now for great selection and prices. Shop now at www.baristawarrior.com or click the photo above.

 

Antique Tractor and Engine Show

April 4th through 6th White Springs

Stephen Foster Folk Center Tractor and Engine Show Best Events and Festivals in Florida April 2024Compete in the tractor pulls and watch demonstrations of shingle milling, corn grinding, home canning and more. Unusual engines for everyday purposes with exhibits and collections of flywheels, hit and miss engines, water pumps, vintage pedal tractors, antique cars, and farm equipment.

On Saturday morning, an antique tractor parade will feature everything from customized lawn tractors to restored farm machinery. Try your luck at our raffle prizes, shop and eat with our vendors.  We have tons of family fun activities and a kid’s area on Saturday!

 

$5 per vehicle up to 8 people included.

 

 

Old Florida Celebration of the Arts

April 6 and 7 Cedar Key

Old Florida Celebration of the Arts held in Cedar Key April 6 and 7. Established in 1964 and formerly known as the Cedar Key Sidewalk Arts Festival, the Old Florida Celebration of the Arts returned to a juried fine art fair format in 2006. Over the past 15 years, the festival’s reputation has grown and it is now recognized as one of the top Small-Town Art Fairs in the nation. Welcoming only 100 high-quality artists and about 15-18,000 visitors annually, the event radiates a relaxed and friendly atmosphere often missing in larger venues. 

The event is free.

 

6th Annual Sebring Soda Festival

April 6-7 Sebring

Sebring Soda Festival Best events and festivals in Florida in April 2024This niche event has gained local, state, and national media attention thanks to its unique concept and the local Soda Shop that sparked the idea. It’s no wonder people flock to the festival each year to enjoy two days of old-fashioned fun in historic downtown Sebring.

Indulge in a wide array of traditional and unique sodas, including flavors like caramel apple, prickly pear, espresso, and candied bacon. Discover vintage favorites like Cheerwine, Moxie, and RC Cola, along with small-batch creations made with real sugar or honey from renowned companies across the US.

Festival admission is free. Soda tasting punch cards of varying value will be available for purchase on the website. This is a leashed dog friendly event!

 

St. Augustine Poetfest

April 11-13 St. Augustine

For the third year in a row, Flagler College, Ancient City Poets, and the St. Johns Cultural Council present a three-day poetry festival to celebrate literary heritage and to connect the creative community.

St. Augustine PoetFest 2024 takes place throughout the city at various cultural venues and includes events ranging from poetry readings to improv showcases.

All Poetfest 2024 events are free and open to the public. Click the link for details on locations, dates, and times.

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Tampa Bay Blues Festival

April 12-14 St. Petersburg

America’s finest waterfront blues festival, with great food vendors, full liquor bars, craft beers and wines. Please order tickets and VIP passes now for three great days of blues by the bay!

Single day, general admission tickets start at $70. Packages are available.

 

Delray Affair

April 12th through 14th Delray Beach

62nd annual Delray Affair April 12-14 Best events and festivals in Florida April 2024This isn’t just an ordinary art event—it’s an immersive experience that invites you to explore the extraordinary. Lose yourself in the diverse range of artistic expressions, from mesmerizing paintings to intricate sculptures, captivating photography, and beyond. Each step unveils a new discovery, a new opportunity to connect with the artists and their captivating stories.

As you stroll through the Delray Affair, you’ll be captivated by the infectious energy that permeates the air. Feel the pulse of creativity as the streets come alive with live demonstrations, engaging workshops, and interactive experiences that invite you to unleash your own artistic spirit.

The event is free but there may be charges to park in certain locations.

 

 

 

Pinellas Pepper Festival April 13 and 14 in Pinellas ParkPinellas Pepper Fest                                            April 13 and 14 Pinellas Park

Featuring all things related to spicy foods. Enjoy sauces, bbq, spices, peppers, and delicious food everywhere. Spicy music, food trucks, and more. This is a pet and family friendly event.

Admission is free.

 

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Sharks Tooth Festival

April 13 and 14 Venice

Venice Florida Sharks Tooth Festival April 13 and 14, 2024This unique events has something for everyone. Vendors, music, food, adult beverages, educational speakers, the Manasota Fossil Club. a kids zone, and more.

Venice is billed as the shark tooth capital of the world. This event looks like it is going to be huge. Review the website for all the activities and vendors.

This event is free to attend. Some parking facilities may have a charge. Free parking is available and a trolley service will be operating in the downtown area.

 

 

 

Florida Aquarium tickets. Click the image for details and to purchase.
You’ve seen the sharks teeth, now see real sharks. Get close to many of Florida’s aquatic and terrestrial animals and ecosystems, as well as others from around the world at the Florida Aquarium, including sea turtles and coral. Your ticket allows you to access all of the exhibits, which feature diverse creatures and habitats. Click the image or THIS LINK for details and to purchase tickets.

 

 

New Smyrna Beach Food Festival April 18, 2024 Best Events and Festivals in Florida April 2024New Smyrna Beach Food Festival                                    April 18 New Smyrna Beach

The New Smyrna Beach Food Festival is from 5-9 p.m., Thursday, April 18th 2024, along Flagler Avenue. Multiple eateries may sample taste-sized portions of Volusia County restaurants’ best dishes priced from $5 to $8. Enjoy live entertainment along the Avenue, shopping with the Merchants on Flagler Avenue and various vendors who sell their handmade items! Restaurants will be competing for the “Best on the Beach” award this year

 

 

Miami-Dade Countryfest

April 20-21 Miami

Miami-Dade Countryfest April 20-21, 2024 Best Events and Festivals in Florida April 2024The Miami-Dade CountryFest, formerly known as the Miami Agriculture, Horse and Cattle Show, has been a staple event since 2015. This FREE annual festival offers a weekend of entertainment for all ages and attracts cattle enthusiasts from around the globe.

Experience two days of non-stop fun with rodeos, vendors, live music, food trucks, kids zones, and other enjoyable activities. This year’s event will feature a thrilling professional rodeo show, adding to the excitement. Although the festival has a new name, it still retains many of its beloved traditions, making it an event you don’t want to miss.

General admission is free. Bleacher and VIP seating options are available for purchase.

 

Pompano Beach Seafood Festival

April 20-21 Pompano Beach

The Festival, a non profit event, was founded in 1984 by the Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo to support local charities in the Pompano Beach Area.  Featuring some of the greatest musicians and artists in South Florida, the annual event has become a staple in the community. The proceeds of the annual festival stay in the community benefiting 12 great local charities.

Featuring seafood and other foods, more than 100 vendor booths, and music.

This event is looks to be geared more toward adults with tickets running $15 per day or a two day ticket of $20. Kids under 12 are admitted free. Only 1 sealed bottle of water may brought into the event. No outside drinks, coolers, or large bags. As you would guess no dogs allowed. The wording on their website isn’t very friendly about these demands either.

 

Pensacola Crawfish Festival

April 26-28 Pensacola

The Pensacola Crawfish  Festival features thousands of pounds of boiled crawfish, fresh from Louisiana, brought to you by Pensacola locals, Cordova Crawfish Company. Cajun fare features include: boudin, jambalaya, etouffee, fresh and fried seafood, gumbo, and much more!

Plenty of seafood, non-seafood, music, and vendors will be on hand. Budweiser and Coca-Cola products will be available for purchase.

Adult admission is $5, kids ages 6-12 are $2, under 6 admitted free.

 

Floridiana Fest

April 27 Gulfport

The Floridania Fest is the ultimate marketplace for vintage Florida souvenirs, cool kitsch, advertising, art and ephemera. No matter what your vintage Florida interest is, you’ll probably find it at this show! All the leading dealers of vintage Florida items will be there, plus several leading Florida authors.

Admission is $5. Children under 14, free.

If the Floridiana Fest is of interest to you, you might consider reading my review of the book Florida Roadside Attractions History. This is a step back to the days when the landscape wasn’t dotted with Disney, Universal, and massive cookie cutter housing developments.

 

Sweet Corn Fiesta in West Palm Beach, FL April 28, 2024 Best events and festivals in Florida April 2024Sweet Corn Fiesta                                              April 28 West Palm Beach

Enjoy delicious sweet corn, foods, games, craft and other vendors, contests including corn eating and corn shucking, and more. This event has been called the kid friendliest event of the year.

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12, under 6 are free.

 

 

To conclude, I want to thank you for reading my listing of the best events and festivals in Florida in April 2024. Check back every month otherwise you might miss out on a great event you did not know about. If you are sponsoring or hosting an upcoming event, drop me a line so I can include it. Maybe we can work together on a blog post and social media posts to promote the event. Let’s hear your ideas.

 

 

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Historic Florida Churches Book Release Arcadia Publishing

Historic Florida Churches book release Arcadia Publishing

Arcadia Publishing New Release

Arcadia Publishing continues it’s role of releasing geographically focused works of history with their new book release, Historic Florida Churches, written by Joy Sheffield Harris.

Harris is the author of several prior Arcadia releases including A Culinary History of Florida: Prickly Pears, Datil Peppers, & Key Limes; The Florida Cracker Cookbook: Recipes and Stories from Cabin to Condoand Florida Sweets: Key Lime Pie, Kumquats, & Citrus Candy. All of these titles sound delicious don’t they?

 

 

Harris, Joy Sheffield. Historic Florida Churches. Charleston: Arcadia Publishing. 2024. ISBN 9781467155724, 24.99. 127 pages, 122 pages of text. Bibliography, b/w photos, color photos.

Historic Florida Churches book release Arcadia PublishingFrom the publisher:

Over 200 years have passed since the first Florida church was established and today the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine has been restored to capture its original beauty. Pioneer Village Church at Shingle Creek is home to a replica of one the first churches built in the Kissimmee, the St. John’s Episcopal Church. The former St. Paul’s By-The-Sea is now the deconsecrated Beaches Chapel at The Beaches Museum and History Park in Jacksonville Beach. Travel throughout the state or enjoy the beauty of these and many more churches without leaving home.

 

 

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Thank you to Arcadia Publishing for providing a complimentary review copy of this book. A review will be forthcoming.

Thank you for reading my post announcing Historic Florida Churches, a new book release from Arcadia Publishing. Read my reviews of other Arcadia Publishing titles using THIS LINK.

 

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