August 2023 The Best Events and Festivals in Florida
The Best in Florida Festivals and Events August 2023
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. Let’s look at the best events and festivals in Florida during August 2023 so you can make the most of the waning days of summer.
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.
Posts are listed in date order.
August 3 New Smyrna Beach Shrimp and Seafood Festival New Smyrna Beach
The best restaurants in New Smyrna Beach will be offering sample size portions priced at an economical $5-$8 each, allowing you to try all your favorites. No admission fees.
August 4th-6th DanceAfrica Miami Miami
Includes West African dance and drum instruction, concerts, food trucks, a kid’s village and more. Performers from Senegal, Haiti, Congo, and more are anticipated to participate.
August 4th-6th Jurassic Quest Daytona Beach
The largest and most realistic Dinosaur Exhibit on tour, featuring true-to-detail (and size!) dinosaurs, including a 60 foot long, sky-scraping Spinosaurus, the 80-foot-long Apatosaurus, and the gigantic LIFESIZE T. Rex.
August 10th-13th 26th Annual Key West Lobsterfest Key West
Seafood lovers can chow down on Florida’s clawless lobster during a tasty “feast-ival” with a savory and packed schedule of events ranging from a traditional lobster boil to special dinners, and a lively street fair. The flavorful festivities celebrate the bounty of the Florida Keys lobster season that opens Aug. 6.
August 11-12 Fernandina Beach Kingfish Tournament and Fishing Rodeo
With many of North Florida’s big fishing contests held in June and July, Fernandina’s annual family-friendly event also includes an inshore fishing contest. The Kingfish division pays out $10,000 for first place, the inshore Fishing Rodeo pays out for four species: flounder, sea trout, redfish and sheepshead. There are also contests for female and junior anglers.
August 12 16th Annual Parade & Commemoration of the 2nd Seminole War St. Augustine
From 9 a.m.-2 p.m., the Florida National Guard will host the 16th annual Parade & Ceremony commemorating the end of the 2nd Seminole War and those who perished. Free and open to the public, at 10:45 a.m. historians will march to the National Cemetery where the commemoration ceremony will take place at the pyramids and Dade Monument.
August 19
Plaid in the Park Mount Dora
Mount Dora’s beautiful Sunset Park transforms into a scene of Celtic revelry as bagpipe bands, drummers and dancers celebrate the city’s Scottish heritage. Don your kilts and tartans and head downtown for an evening of entertainment, vendors selling teas, jams, pastries and gifts, and other food and drinks for sale. It’s a great way to experience this cute Florida small town and feel immersed in a faraway culture while also supporting small businesses in the downtown district.
August 19th-20th Central Florida Home Expo Orlando
The Central Florida Home Expo features exhibitors with fabulous ideas for consumers. At this show you’ll find the latest in products and services for home improvement. Visitors meet with professionals to make your next remodeling, renovation, landscaping, patio, or decorating project a big success. Free admission.
August 26 Coke Zero Sugar 400 Daytona Beach
The regular season finale before the Chase for the Cup starts, provides that last chance for drivers to qualify for the biggest prize in NASCAR.
August 26 FAMU Florida Grape Harvest Festival Tallahassee
Celebrate family, food, fun, and agricultural discovery in recognition of FAMU’s role as a national leader in viticulture research. Featured activities include the vineyards trailer ride, grape and wine sampling, popular grape stomping contest, water slides, a grape throwing competition, a hula hoop competition, live entertainment, fun vineyard run and walk-a-thon (MAP), grape picking, a health fair, and more than 60 community exhibitors and vendors.
August 26 12th Annual Greater St. Pete Cupcake Contest St. Petersburg
The Morean Arts Center invites you to our city-wide search for St. Petersburg’s BEST CUPCAKE!
The contest will be hosted at the Morean Center for Clay located in the Warehouse Arts District at 420 22nd Street South.
August 26 Tallahassee Beer Festival Tallahassee
General Admission: GA grants you access to the two main sample rooms. And by rooms we mean the entire arena and exhibit space at the Tuck. Beer is everywhere. Soft drinks and water are available for free. Food available for purchase.
August 31-September 4 Key West Brewfest Key West
Brewfest is a multi-day festival hosted by Southernmost Beach Resort! It includes beer pairing dinners, pool parties, tap takeovers, and culminates with a signature tasting event with over 150 beers available for tasting. Events take place at many restaurants, hotels, and bars around town making Brewfest a great way to experience Key West!
Thank you for taking time to review my post of the Best Events and Festivals in Florida during August 2023. Check back each month for more exciting things to do in the Sunshine State.
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