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.
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.
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.
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.
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