St. Augustine Archives - Robert Redd Historian & Author

Posted on February 19, 2025 by Robert — Leave a comment

The Best Events and Festivals in Florida March 2025

Are you searching for the best events and festivals in Florida in March 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.

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.

February 28 through March 9 84th Annual Bike Week Daytona Beach

Come to Daytona Beach and celebrate the 84th annual Bike Week. It’s a week of riding and enjoying life. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, shopping, people watching opportunities, and attractions to keep you busy for the entire event.

March 1 Habitat Ocala Strawberry Festival Ocala

The 11th annual Habitat Ocala Strawberry Festival is coming to the McPherson complex on Saturday, March 1, 2025. The festival begins at 9 am with FREE admission and ends at 5 pm. Volunteers from Marion Therapeutic Riding Association (MTRA) will assist with traffic control and parking for the festival. Proceeds collected from parking ($5 per vehicle) will benefit the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association and Habitat for Humanity of Marion County. The festival starts with over 235 unique and exciting vendors, a kid’s zone with a petting zoo, strawberry food items that melt in your mouth, a bigger-than-ever car show with cool cars, trucks, and motorcycles, a pie-eating contest, a BMX show, and a variety of live entertainment throughout the day.

March 7 through 9 Swamp Fest Weeki Wachee Spring Hill

The website is pretty vague as to what this event is.

100+ vendors, entertainment, food, swamp monster contest. $5 admission.

NO PETS!

March 8 and 9 South Florida Food Fest & Craft Fair Boca Raton

Two Day Event, from Noon – 8 PM on Saturday, March 8th and 11 AM – 6 PM on Sunday, March 9th, 2025 at South County Regional Park, Boca Raton FL! (Near Sunset cove amphitheater)
South Florida’s most diverse Food Festival featuring EVENT SPECIAL A LA CARTE TASTING MENUS priced at only $1-$5 per item, offering you the opportunity to sample a vast variety of all the best from South Florida and Beyond all in one place!
HUGE CRAFT FAIR Marketplace featuring Local Businesses, Crafters, Artists, Specialty Artisans, and Activities.
Large variety of Alcohol, including domestic and craft beers, hard seltzer, specialty cocktails, and Non-Alcoholic Beverages!
free kid zone with obstacle courses and bounce houses
Enjoy live contests and prizes hosted by our MC, plus thrilling games like axe throwing and so much more!

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March 8 and 9 Tarpon Springs Fine Arts Festival

The 49th Tarpon Springs Fine Arts Festival, which is located in beautiful Craig Park , offers more than 150 exhibiting artists, selected by a Jury of discriminating art professionals.

Visitors enjoy a full schedule of music, sample craft beers, and taste a variety of crowd-pleasing international foods.

No pets!

March 16 Destin Mac & Cheese Festival

Thought macaroni and cheese was just for kids? Think again! Join us at the 7th Annual Mac & Cheese Festival presented by Cox & Publix Charities on Sunday, March 16th, 2025 at the Destin Commons! This family-friendly event will feature gourmet, chef-inspired twists on the South’s favorite comfort food. Local restaurants will compete for the best mac in town. Be there to sample everything for yourself and cast your vote!

Adult tickets start at $40 each in advance and increase on the day of the event so this is not a cheap event.

March 14 and 15 Clewiston Sugar Festival

SOMETHING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Our family-friendly event has various attractions for people of all ages! Some people are drawn to our car show and antique tractor display, others to the free kids play park and gator wrestling show, and some just love to watch local performers on the community stage.

The event is free.

March 21 through 23 Spring Turkey Run Daytona Beach

A car enthusiasts dream come true.

Over 2,000 vendors are anticipated for the Swap meet, over 5,000 show cars, car corral, and so much more. Everything possible from the finest of show cars to parts to your very own restoration project.

$15 admission on Friday and Saturday, $10 on Sunday.

March 22 and 23 Wellington Bacon and Bourbon Fest

Bacon and bourbon! Do I have to say more?

The two-day event features artist & crafters, an eclectic menu of bacon infused culinary delights and a collection of over 30+ bourbons and whiskeys for your tasting pleasure. For those of you whom cannot be convinced to partake in Bourbon, we will have a full liquor bar, wine, and ice-cold beer too.

Our menu of bacon and pork related dishes will include the sublime Forever Roasted Bourbon BBQ Pork & Bacon Sandwich to the insane candied bacon on a stick and other amazing desserts. Menu items developed by local chefs explore the boundaries of New American Cuisine and good old-fashioned comfort foods, just like Mom used to make!

Free admission. There is a cost for food and drinks. See the menu on the website.

No pets. No outside food or drink.

March 29 Railroad Day Festival and Car Show Callahan

This 20th annual celebration is an all-day event held in and around the historic 1881 Callahan Train Depot, the adjoining 1856 Florida Railroad bed and inside the Depot Museum. Callahan Cruisers will host the classic car show next door to the historic depot at Cochrane’s Collision Center.

There will be arts/crafts vendors, food vendors, local live entertainment, and the kids area will include Joel Pace hands-on music zoo and a scavenger hunt. Various citizens and sponsors will be honored and car show and contest winners announced during the festivities. Antique machines, tractors, and scaled trains will be exhibited outside the depot while model train layouts will be on display inside the Depot Annex.

This is an outdoor event so please bring your lawn chairs. Admission is free and open to the public but donations are always gladly accepted.

March 29 and 30 St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival

$10 admission and everything looks to be al a carte pricing, in addition.

Live music, games, fire trucks, face painting, arts and crafts village, plant sale, rock wall, $5 entry for the 50/50 drawing, and more. Oh, and plenty of food to purchase.

No pets, no outside food or drinks, no coolers.

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Posted on February 7, 2025 by Robert — Leave a comment

Great Floridians 2000 General Edmund Kirby Smith and Frances Kirby Smith

The Great Floridians 2000 program recognizes individuals who distinguished themselves through their philanthropy, public service, or personal or professional service, and who have enhanced the lives of Florida’s citizens. The Great Floridians 2000 program honors General Edmund Kirby Smith and Frances Kirby Smith.

Members of the public nominated individuals by submitting a Great Floridians 2000 application to the state. The Great Floridians 2000 Committee, a group of seven distinguished historians from throughout Florida, was responsible for periodically reviewing and approving applications.

The program began in 1998 and was completed in 2000.

The distinctive blue plaques honor the men and women in the program. Plaques are attached to buildings or structures in the cities where the designee left their mark. The plaques do not contain biographical information. Many plaques have been removed and are no longer on display.

The official biographies published as part of the Great Floridians 2000 program are shown below. The information published by the state may or may not be accurate.

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General Edmund Kirby Smith

Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith courtesy Library of Congress

General Edmund Kirby Smith, was born in 1824 in St. Augustine, graduated from West Point in 845 and served in the army during the Mexican War. He resigned from the U. S. Army to join the Confederacy. He served under generals Joseph Johnston, Gustave Beauregard and Braxton Bragg and was instrumental in Confederate success at the First Battle of Bull Run in Virginia.

In 1863, he was promoted to Lieutenant General commanding the Trans-Mississippi Department, the highest-ranking Confederate officer in the western campaign. On May 26, 1865, he surrendered his troops, the last major Confederate army to surrender. Following the war, Kirby Smith served as president of a telegraph company, then of the Western Military Academy in Nashville, and became a mathematics teacher at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. General Edmund Kirby Smith died in 893, the last surviving full general of either army.

His Great Floridian plaque is located at the Sequi-Kirby Smith House, 12 Aviles Street, St. Augustine.

St. Augustine and the Civil War book cover — St. Augustine and the Civil War

I recommend my book, St. Augustine and the Civil War if you are interested in the role of St. Augustine during the Civil War. Signed copies are available directly from my shop. You may also purchase copies through Amazon. Use THIS LINK to find other histories of St. Augustine.

Frances Kirby Smith

Frances Kirby Smith, born in 1785, was St. Augustine’s most successful Confederate spy. Though born in Connecticut, she and her husband Judge Joseph Lee Smith moved to St. Augustine about 1820. For months before and during the Union occupation of Fort Marion (Castillo de San Marcos) she orchestrated the transport of mail to Confederate troops. At the same time, she entertained Union officers and learned of planned maneuvers, passing the knowledge to the Confederate Army. In the spring of 1863, the federal government ordered the removal of Southern sympathizers from their homes. After the war Smith returned to St. Augustine and lived for another decade, a Confederate supporter until the end. Francis Kirby Smith died in 1875.

Her Great Floridian plaque is located at the Sequi-Kirby Smith House, 12 Aviles Street, St. Augustine.

The distinctive blue Great Floridians 2000 markers may be see at the Segui-Kirby Smith House, located at 12 Aviles Street, in St. Augustine.

General Edmund Kirby Smith is buried in the University of the South Cemetery, located in Sewanee, TN. An online memorial can be found HERE.

Frances Kirby Smith is buried in the Huguenot Cemetery in St. Augustine, FL, located adjacent to the Visitor’s Center. An online memorial can be found HERE.

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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 who provide products do not influence the views and opinions shared in this blog.

Posted on January 10, 2025May 16, 2025 by Robert — Leave a comment

Florida Surfing History References With Links

If you are wanting to learn the history of Florida Surfing you have come to the right spot. Here you will find references and links that will help you trace the origin of surfing in the Sunshine State. So, come along and learn by following my Florida Surfing History References.

This project is a work in progress. You no doubt know of other resources that should be included. Drop me a line with information and the link so that I can update this page periodically.

Books

Aho, Paul. Surfing Florida: A Photographic History. Gainesville: University Press of Florida. 2014.

Camp, Hunter. The Glide: Confessions of a Florida Surfer. Self Published. 2022.

Cumiskey, Kate. Surfing in New Smyrna Beach. Charleston, Arcadia Publishing. 2010. (Click the link or image to order your own copy of this terrific book.)

Nawrocki, Robert F., editor. “Surf Culture Saint Augustine.” El Escribano: The St. Augustine Journal of History. St. Augustine: St. Augustine Historical Society. 2021.

Miscellaneous

Florida Surfboard Exchange--A Facebook group for buying and selling surf equipment.

Jimmy Lane Surfing Academy- the Jimmy Lane Surfing Academy has been New Smyrna Beach’s premier surf school, with private lessons, spring and summer camps, and group classes for all skill levels and ages for years. Learn from the best.

Ron Jon Surf Shop–with multiple locations and billboards throughout Florida, this is one of the iconic surf shops in the world.

Smyrna Surfari Club-Founded in 1979, this club provides college scholarship money with funds raised through an annual surfing tournament.

Surfing Santas is an annual Cocoa Beach event which features hundreds of surfing Santa Claus’s and thousands of spectators each Christmas Eve day. Funds raised benefit the local community. Surfing Santas has raised more than $100,000 over the years.

**Shop Fat Boy Surf Club today!** Shirts, hoodies, hats, and more. Casual surf gear for EVERYONE. Click the link or the image to order.

Museums and Exhibits

East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame 210 2nd Avenue #30 Asbury Park, NJ 07712

Florida Surf Museum 4275 N. Atlantic Avenue Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

New Smyrna Museum of History hosts the New Smyrna Beach Museum of East Coast Surfing 120 Sams Avenue New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168

Hawaii Magazine coverFlorida Surfing References — Plan your Hawaii getaway and catch amazing waves. **Click to subscribe** to Hawaii Magazine at a great price.

Oral and Video History

Florida Surf Film Festival– showing the best surf films and documentaries from around the world

St. Augustine Historical Society. Surf Oral History Collection.

Vintage Florida Surfing–YouTube Channel devoted to Florida surfing videos

Web Sites and Posts

American Surf Magazine highlights Surfing St. Augustine in a 2023 article.

Central Florida Surfing--A Facebook group

Central Florida Surfing Photos--A Facebook group

Florida Atlantic University online exhibition: Surfing Florida: A Photographic History. Also see HERE.

Florida Frontiers radio program, hosted by the Florida Historical Society, offers “Surfin’ FLA: Celebrating Surfing in Cocoa Beach and the Sunshine State.”

The Orange County Regional History Center has an interesting post on Pat O’Hare: Shaping Cocoa Beach Surf History.

St. Augustine Historical Society Blog Page. THIS LINK will take you to their blog page and I have used the term SURF as the search word. Some of these posts are definitely surfing related while some may not be. You may wish to try other terms in the search box on their page.

St. Augustine Surf Culture and History Museum, an online offering from the St. Augustine Historical Society, is packed with photos, articles, oral histories, and more.

Surf 64 documents the days of surfing that were recorded on 8mm film.

Surfing Florida: A Photographic History–A non active Facebook page.

Surfing Florida Museum-Is an online project founded in 2008 with a mission “To preserve and exhibit the history of surfing in Florida with an emphasis on Palm Beach County.

So there you have it, a collection of Florida Surfing History References. As stated, this is a work in progress. Do you know of other sources that can make this list better? Please drop me a line and if possible a link, so that I can share with others.

Click to save this as a pin on your Pinterest board so you can easily find it or share with others.

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.

Posted on December 23, 2024 by Robert — Leave a comment

The Best Events and Festivals in Florida January 2025

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.

I have listed events in date order.

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.

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 Key

The 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 Festival

Now 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 Miami

What to Expect:

Enjoy chocolate tastings, cooking demos, and chocolate-inspired activities and classes
Enjoy chocolate pairings, chocolate-themed drink specialty flights and tastings, and a variety of chocolate infused foods all aimed at unlocking flavors
Visit chocolate and artisanal vendors!
Listen to live music
Watch your little ones ride the Chocolate Express!
Enjoy spectacular butterflies at Wings of the Tropics, our exotic butterfly exhibit
Sit in the shade and watch your little ones run, play and explore at The Children’s Garden
Cool down in the misty cloud forest and National Orchid Garden in the only tropical rainforest in the continental U.S.
And so much more!

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.

Do you want to learn even more about chocolate? Take a drive to Orlando and visit the Chocolate Museum & Cafe. Click the link to read my review!

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 Beach

IMAGES 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 City

Open to public 9:00am to 5:00pm Saturday and Sunday
Continuous Entertainment for the Whole Family
Arts & Crafts Show with Over 100 Booths
Music and Dancing!
Manatee Viewing
Disc Connected K9s – World Famous Frisbee Dogs
Children’s Area with: Shows – Face Panting – Games
Environmental Conservation Displays

Proceeds 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.

The coast of southwest Florida, with its shallow waters, inlets, and mangrove islands provides the setting and backdrop for a variety of pirates, privateers, and independents. Piracy has a long and rich tradition in this area dating from before the formation of America through the infamous prohibition era. Telling the tales of Anne Bonny, Calico Jack Rackham, Civil War smugglers and prohibition rum runners, the authors provide a compelling narrative of the historically dangerous waters around Southwest Florida and beyond. **Click the image to order.**

January 25 Kumquat Festival Dade City

Come 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 Eatonville

The 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.

Their Eyes Were Watching God Zora Neale Hurston Festival — One of the most important and enduring books of the twentieth century, **Their Eyes Were Watching God** brings to life a Southern love story with the wit and pathos found only in the writing of Zora Neale Hurston. Click the image to order your copy!

To conclude, I want to thank you for reading my listing of the best events and festivals in Florida in January 2025. 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.

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.

Find the best tickets, for the best concerts and performances, at the best prices, using TicketNetwork. Just select your city, or maybe the date or performer, from the drop down menu and let the program do the rest. These are resale tickets but are covered by TicketNetwork’s 100% guarantee. See their website for details.

Posted on August 19, 2024 by Robert — Leave a comment

The Best Events and Festivals in Florida September 2024

Are you searching for the best events and festivals in Florida in September 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.

I have listed events in date order.

Emerald Coast Beer Festival September 6 Pensacola

The Emerald Coast Beer Festival is back for its 28th year! Pensacola’s largest and oldest craft beer tasting event. This year’s craft beer festival will be held on September 6th, 2024 at Seville Quarter in Pensacola, Florida. The beer fest will feature breweries all around the Gulf Coast area, including 50+ microbreweries and another 50-100 represented by their distributors. In addition to the microbreweries, there will be 10+ homebrew clubs providing beer.

VIP Admission gets early access at 5:00pm, and General Admission starts at 5:30pm. The festival will also feature live music, food trucks, and a variety of other activities.

This is the perfect opportunity to sample some of the best beers from the Emerald Coast and beyond. With over 200 craft beers to choose from, you’re sure to find something you love. So come out and enjoy the festivities!

$30 general admission, $75 VIP tickets in advance. $40 and $100 day of the event.

Fuzzy Pineapple Food Festival September 7 Tallahassee

Running from noon until 8pm, the Fuzzy Pineapple Food Festival offers food of all varieties, no matter what your favorite is.

Pet friendly, child friendly, and FREE to enter, this is an event for the whole family.

Blues Burgers & BBQ Festival September 7 and 8 Fort Pierce

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable event that brings together the best in food, music, and community. Whether you’re a blues aficionado or just looking for a great day out, the Breaking News Blues, Burgers, and BBQ Festival has something for everyone.

Check the website for performers and the schedule.

$10 admission, food costs are additional.

Florida Fin Fest September 13 and 14 Jacksonville Beach

2024 Florida Fin Fest presented by Natural Life is a FREE two-day Ocean Conservation, Education, and Music Festival happening in Jacksonville Beach, FL on September 13th & 14th, 2024. VIP ticket options are available for purchase.

See artists like St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Paco Versailles, Stop Light Observations, Vincent Antone, Prizilla, Faze Wave and more!

Ancient City Con September 13-15 St. Augustine

Meet stars from Star Trek, X-Files, Pirates of the Caribbean, and many more. Learn about the voices behind your favorite shows. Come dressed in costume and participate in the cosplay. Enjoy the gaming.

Check the website for tickets and prices. There are multiple options as is common for these type events. If you are staying over, be sure to look at the special room rates offered at the World Golf Village.

Punk in the Park Orlando September 14 Orlando

The initial lineup for Punk In The Park Orlando includes punk rock legends Alkaline Trio, The Vandals, Dead Kennedys, Black Flag, T.S.O.L., Down By Law, Swingin’ Utters, and Dwarves, with more to be announced. The festival will feature band performances on two stages, with no overlapping set times.

In addition to a day full of music, festival attendees 21+ can enjoy tastings of delicious craft beers and other craft beverages, including award-winning local and regional favorites with the added tasting pass ticket.

Tickets start at $59. VIP tickets start at $149. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Sips and Salsa Festival September 21 Clermont

Bring the whole family for Chihuahua races, a Domino tournament, a kids’ zone, and more. It’s an evening that unites residents, local businesses, and visitors in a celebration of music, dance, and delicious food. Immerse yourself in the lively Latin-inspired ambiance with colorful decorations, sparkling lights, and captivating music. Savor a wide variety of local food and drinks, and explore the offerings of diverse vendors.

Sips and Salsa fosters a sense of community, offering networking opportunities and strengthening bonds. It’s a night of celebration, bringing people together to enjoy South Lake’s rich diversity.

Clearwater Latin Jazz Fest September 27 Clearwater

Musicians from Brazil, Cuba, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Venezuela and the U.S. come together in a FREE concert of Latin Jazz at the BayCare Sound!

Check the website for performers and to see how to reserve your admission. Did we mention FREE!

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Destin Seafood Festival September 27 through 29 Destin

One of Destin’s most celebrated traditions, the Destin Seafood Festival kicks off the Destin Fishing Rodeo that extends the entire month of October. The event was started in 1978 by the Destin Charter Boat Association Women’s Auxiliary. While the festival has grown into its new home on the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, the Destin Seafood Festival remains the primary fundraiser for the Destin Charter Boat Association.

Admission to the festival is free and more than 60,000 are anticipated over three days. VIP tickets, which include special chef prepared dishes, private music stage, separate restroom facilities, cash bar, and more, are available at $75. Purchase tickets online.

Pensacola Seafood Festival September 27 through 29 Pensacola

SEAFOOD, SEAFOOD, and more SEAFOOD. From local restaurants and caterers to food trucks and cart vendors. Delicious food will be everywhere. Don’t like seafood, well don’t miss out as there are foods for the landlubber as well.

In addition, don’t miss the arts and crafts vendors, commercial vendors, and promotional opportunities. From paintings to ceramics, clothing, metal work, gourmet goods, and more, you will find it on display and ready for your purchase.

Want live music. The Pensacola Seafood Festival has you covered and the lineup will be posted soon. The children’s area will feature face painting, crafts, games, and more.

Admission is free. There may be charges for parking at some lots. Food is available for purchase. This event is NOT PET FRIENDLY! The event is rain or shine.

Tampa Bay Latin International Film Festival September 28 Largo

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Latin cinema at the Tampa Bay Latin International Film Festival, a thrilling two-day event at Creative Pinellas celebrating the rich tapestry of films inspired by Latin culture. Join us in Largo for an unforgettable cinematic journey filled with captivating stories, compelling performances, and cultural exploration.

PLEASE CONFIRM THIS DATE BEFORE ATTENDING. I HAVE SEEN CONFLICTING DATES OF SEPTEMBER 14 AND SEPTEMBER 28.

Anime St. Pete September 28-29 St. Petersburg

Anime, gaming, voice actors, celebrity appearances, and more. If you are into anime, this is the event for you.

$25 for Saturday, $20 for Sunday, weekend pass is $40. VIP passes are $125 for two days admission plus more. Check the website for details.

Need tickets? Visit Ticketnetwork, or click in the box above and find tickets to the best events at great prices!

To conclude, I want to thank you for reading my listing of the best events and festivals in Florida in September 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.

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

Visit Conquest Maps and let me **Create My Map.** Whether 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.

Posted on April 26, 2024April 12, 2025 by Robert — Leave a comment

Best Events and Festivals in Florida May 2024

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.

I have listed events in date order.

28th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival

May 1 through 5

The 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

This 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 Subscription. Shop 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.

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

LHBF 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

Our 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

Are 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

A 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 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

Six 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.

Deerfield Beach Ocean Brews & Blues Festival

May 18

So 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.

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

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.

Tupelo Honey Festival

May 18 in Wewahitchka

Home 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

Returning 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

The 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.

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.

Posted on March 20, 2024April 12, 2025 by Robert — Leave a comment

The Best Events and Festivals in Florida in April 2024

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.

I have listed events in date order.

Antique Tractor and Engine Show

April 4th through 6th White Springs

Compete 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

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

This 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.

Poetry Magazine Subscription
from: Magazine Values

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

This 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 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.

Habanero Bacon Salsa from Traverse Bay Farms. Click for information and to order. — If you like hot/spicy foods, try this habanero-bacon-salsa from Traverse Bay Farms in Michigan. Try it on all your favorites including nachos, burgers, potatoes, and more. **CLICK HERE** or the photo for details and to order. Mix and match 8 products for free shipping.

Sharks Tooth Festival

April 13 and 14 Venice

This 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 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

The 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 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.

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

Posted on August 13, 2023January 31, 2025 by Robert — Leave a comment

September 2023 The Best Events and Festivals in Florida

The Best in Florida Events and Festivals September 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.

Events are listed in date order.

September 1-10 Miami International Auto Show Miami Beach

Our show provides an excellent opportunity for consumers to view the latest models and newest technologies within the auto industry. The focus for the show in 2023 will mirror that of the industry with a special emphasis on electric vehicles and sustainability.

Several indoor EV tracks will introduce South Floridians to the newest electric vehicles on the market. For the first time in the Auto Show’s history, the Camp Jeep activation will be moving inside the Convention Center. The vehicles on the thrill-ride tracks will be electric.

Admission is $15 for adults. Several discount programs are available. Check the website for details.

September 7-10 Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival Islamorada

REEF’s 14th annual event will include two full days of lionfish fishing, followed by a family-friendly festival at picturesque Postcard Inn Resort & Marina. The festival is open to the public and will include lionfish scoring, fillet and dissection demonstrations, lionfish tastings, lionfish games and crafts, raffle prizes, plus booths from environmentally-minded vendors. Chefs will be providing lionfish cooking demonstrations and special dishes and drink specials will be available.

While in Islamorada, you don’t want to miss out on the incredible snorkeling and diving, where you can experience coral reefs, tropical fish, and other marine life. Relax on this two-hour guided catamaran tour and enjoy all that Islamorada has to offer. Click THIS LINK for details and to book the snorkeling adventure of a lifetime.

September 8 Emerald Coast Beer Festival Pensacola

Emerald Coast Beer Festival returns for our 27th year on September 8th, 2023 at Seville Quarter in Pensacola, Florida. There are 50+ microbreweries present and another 50-100 represented by their distributors. In addition to the microbreweries, there are generally 10+ homebrew clubs providing beer.

Online ticket prices start at $35.

September 9 Founder’s Day St. Augustine

Pedro Menendez and his troops landed in St. Augustine on September 8, 1565, and the city celebrates each year with a Founder’s Day Commemoration. For the 458th anniversary, the observance is on Saturday, September 9, 2023. Activities start at 10:00 a.m. at the Mission Nombre de Dios and continue at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, concluding at 5:00 p.m.

Admission to Nombre de Dios is free.

Admission to the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is $19.95 for adults and is free on Founder’s Day for residents of St. Johns County with valid ID.

September 9-10 I Like it Hot Festival Largo

The Largest Hot Sauce & Taco Festival in Florida!

Amateur hot sauce competition, amateur bbq sauce competition, amateur salsa competition, jalepeno eating contest, live music, food vendors, and more.

Worldwide Hot Sauce Cookbook--click to order — Click **THIS LINK** or the photo to order your copy of The Worldwide Hot Sauce Cookbook! 150 recipes from all over the world selected for true hot sauce fans.

September 15 & 16 Florida Fin Fest Jacksonville Beach

Florida Fin Fest is a FREE two-day Ocean Conservation, Education, and Music Festival happening in Jacksonville Beach, FL on September 15th & 16th, benefiting OCEARCH.

Education, music, food trucks, and more.

September 16-17 Jax Taco Fest Jacksonville

Mucho fun, tacos, and beer!

Get ready for an action-packed day filled with a variety of tacos, margaritas, delicious churros, guacamole, elotes, live entertainment, KIDS ZONE and Other Taco themed activities! Plus upgrade your admission to VIP to get access to the Restricted VIP Area with hard drinks and margaritas for purchase.

September 16 SWFL SteamCon Cape Coral

SWFL SteamCon is a small-scale Steampunk & Fantasy convention in Fort Myers, FL featuring authors & craft makers, steampunk themed activities, costume contests, live music and more! Attendees are encouraged to dress up and have fun. This is a family friendly event, fun for all ages!

September 22 Orlando Salsa Festival Orlando/Amway Center

Get ready for the ultimate salsa extravaganza! The Orlando Salsa Festival is coming to Amway Center on September 22, featuring the legendary Willie Colón and El Gran Combo! Prepare to dance the night away to the electrifying rhythms of salsa and experience a once-in-a-lifetime concert event. Tickets are on sale now!

Sip mojitos and enjoy tasty bites while learning to dance Salsa and Bachata in Miami. After the Salsa experience guests ages 21 and over are invited stay for the nightclub and enjoy live music, tropical performances, and dancing all night. This is a fun activity for singles, couples and groups and perfect for celebrating your birthday, anniversary, bachelorette party or vacation. Click the photo for details and to purchase — Sip mojitos and enjoy tasty bites while learning to dance Salsa and Bachata in Miami. After the Salsa experience guests ages 21 and over are invited stay for the nightclub and enjoy live music, tropical performances, and dancing all night. This is a fun activity for singles, couples and groups and perfect for celebrating your birthday, anniversary, bachelorette party or vacation. **CLICK HERE** or the on the image for information and to book your incredible night out in MIAMI!

September 29-October 1 Pensacola Seafood Festival Pensacola

This free festival takes place in downtown Pensacola. THIS IS NOT A PET FRIENDLY EVENT!

Arts and crafts, commercial vendors, food vendors, and food trucks will all have items available for purchase. REPEAT, THIS IS NOT A PET FRIENDLY EVENT!

September 29-October 1 St. Augustine Songwriters Festival St. Augustine

Get ready to immerse yourselves in a musical extravaganza at the St. Augustine Songwriters Festival. Picture yourself amid captivating performances, where top-notch hitmakers come together to unravel the untold stories and inspirations behind their sensational chart-toppers. From heartwarming anecdotes to unexpected twists, this festival is a treasure trove of secrets that will leave you enchanted and craving for more.

September 30 Lake Nona VegFest Lake Nona

Plant-Based + Wellness Festival where you can enjoy food, drinks, free fitness and yoga classes and more

This completely vegan festival will have over 60 vegan vendors including local businesses and special guests from out of town. You can expect live music, speakers, dance classes, yoga classes and other entertainment all free.

This is a family and pet friendly event where all are welcome.

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. All views and opinions provided are my own and are never influenced by affiliate programs or sponsors providing products.

Posted on July 14, 2023April 15, 2024 by Robert — Leave a comment

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.

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 4^th-6^th 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 4^th-6^th 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 10^th-13^th 26^th 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 16^th Annual Parade & Commemoration of the 2^nd 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 19^th-20^th 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 12^th 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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