Things to Do Archives - Robert Redd Historian & Author

Posted on March 20, 2024 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.

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

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.

Buy Me A Coffee donation link — Click the image 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, 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

Posted on March 3, 2024March 2, 2024 by Robert — Leave a comment

The Best Events and Festivals in Florida in March 2024

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

Plant City Florida Strawberry Festival

February 29 through March 10

Strawberries and more strawberries are the theme of this amazing annual festival. Enjoy agriculture, industry, livestock, commerce, fine arts, horticulture, arts & crafts, and strawberries. Live music from groups such as the Oak Ridge Boys, the Beach Boys, Black Eyed Peas (though it doesn’t look like Fergie is with them), ZZ Top, Foreigner, Flo Rida, and many, many more. Enjoy over 80 games, attractions, and rides at the Belle City Midway.

Family fun, a date night, or an evening with friends, the Plant City Strawberry Festival has something for everyone. Click the image to check the website for ticket prices.

Pigapalooza

March 8 & 9 in Mulberry

The City of Mulberry is pleased to announce the return of Pigapalooza!, an FBA sanctioned BBQ competition. But this isn’t just BBQ, it’s Pigapalooza! We will host vendors, a kid zone, live music, and of course the opportunity to purchase award winning barbecue. This year we are launching Pigapalooza’s first Kids-Que!

Will McLean Music Festival

March 8 through 10 in Brooksville

A premier event that will entertain you with 80 folk music groups performing on 3 covered stages. Music styles include original and traditional songs, in Americana, Blues, Celtic, Bluegrass, Country, and Modern Folk. Besides performances, there are workshops, several jam areas, a young musician’s program, a children’s area and a performance of the winners of The Best New Florida Song contest. Food and craft vendors supply all your cravings.

South Florida Food Fest and Craft Fair

March 9 & 10 in Boca Raton

Two days of delicious foods priced from $1-$5 so sample everything. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be available. Music from popular local musicians, artisans, and a craft fair round out this amazing weekend in Boca Raton. Click the link or the image to buy your tickets in advance. Only $15 for a 2-day pass.

Tarpon Springs Fine Arts Festival

March 9 & 10

49 years strong, the Tarpon Springs Fine Arts Festival is one of the leading arts events in Florida.

More than 150 artists will have their work on exhibit. Works will be judged but also will be for sale. Music, craft beer, and foods will be available.

THIS EVENT IS NOT PET FRIENDLY!!! They are using the old tired excuse of “insurance.”

Clewiston Sugar Festival

March 16

Over the years our festival has grown into a multi-day event, beginning with sports tournaments and a Miss Sugar Pageant leading up to the main festival day, followed by a Friday Night Kickoff concert with food trucks on festival weekend.

The event, including the concert lineup are free, making this a great family event.

On Saturday, the main festival day, attendees can enjoy free live music concerts, an antique tractor display, a car show, a free kids play park, visit a local baking contest and a professional baking display, plus enjoy the offerings of various food and crafts vendors present.

Marco Island Seafood & Music Festival

March 22-24

Enjoy stone crab, shrimp, and more, along with your favorite adult beverages. Live music will be performed throughout the event. Join more than 60 arts and craft vendors and let the kids play in the Kids Zone. Fun for the entire family. Tickets are $10 for adults, under age 12 are free.

Venice Book Fair and Writers Festival

March 22 & 23

This is a unique event, featuring writing and publishing workshops, and a special day when local and national authors sell and sign books at a festival market in a beautiful downtown park.

About 35 authors and not for profit organizations are currently signed up to attend. Be sure to support your local authors.

Pints n’ Paws Craft Beer Festival

March 23 in Sanford

Pints n’ Paws Craft Beer Festival is annual fundraiser you bring your dog to featuring over 100 breweries, food trucks, vendors, live entertainment and community in beautiful Historic Downtown Sanford, Florida. Each year one of the activities that everyone looks forward to is our Annual Poster Dog Contest to see who’s furry friend will shine on next year’s poster and event marketing.

Now in its 12th year, it has raised over $600,000 to date for local pet rescues!

It is hosted by the Sanfording Event Production Group of West End Trading Co., Celery City Craft and Historic Downtown Sanford® and is one of the premier events in Sanford, Florida!

The event is free to attend. Beer tasting tickets are available online in advance and I imagine can be purchased the afternoon of the event.

Florida Wildflower and Garden Festival

March 23 in DeLand

A forum to promote environmentally-friendly and sustainable gardening practices featuring an array of vendors and presentations by wildflower and gardening experts. Vendors and speakers will be on hand. Free admission and free parking is available throughout DeLand.

Islamorada Island Fest

March 23 and 24

Island Fest returns to Islamorada on March 23 & 24, 2024 featuring a juried art show, live music, great food, classic cars and much more. The annual Islamorada Chamber of Commerce fundraiser, now in its 32nd year, will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at Founders Park, mile marker 87 bayside.

Around 100 artists will be taking part in the show. Delicious food can be found everywhere, including the smoked fish dip contest on Saturday. Try your hand at the homemade boat race with multiple categories for prizes. Musical guests and a large car show make this an event with something for every member of the family.

Free admission and on-site parking is $5.

Panacea Beer and Oyster Festival

March 30

The Panacea Beer and Oyster Festival is held along Dickerson Bay at Woolley Park in Panacea, Florida. The festival features unlimited samplings of local and national craft beers in the beer garden and will host local oyster farmers who will have their delicious oysters available for purchase!

The festival will also feature food & craft vendors, live music, and a beautiful view for sipping and shucking!

All proceeds benefit the Panacea Waterfronts Florida Partnership. Tickets are $25 and are only necessary if you would like to participate in the beer tastings held in the BEER GARDEN, or would like to accompany someone in. The rest of the event is open to the public to enjoy.

To conclude, I want to thank you for reading my listing of the best events and festivals in Florida in March 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 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 January 12, 2024January 12, 2024 by Robert — Leave a comment

The Best Events and Festivals in Florida in February 2024

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

54th Annual Everglades Seafood Festival

February 2-4, 2024 in Everglades City

Enjoy three days of live country music, carnival rides, arts, crafts, and tantalizing seafood, right here in the Stone Crab Capital of the World.

Everglades National Park Airboat Tour and Wildlife Show — Discover the Everglades National Park, a diverse landscape providing crucial habitats for numerous rare and endangered species. Take an airboat ride, and view alligators, turtles, and even the elusive Florida panther. Click the photo or **HERE** for more information and to reserve your tickets for this amazing adventure in the wilds of the Florida Everglades.

49th Annual Mount Dora Arts Festival

February 3 and 4, 2024 in downtown Mount Dora

Experience 300 fine artists lined along the streets to showcase a vast array of incredible talent in this juried event. There will be entertainment, beer, wine, cocktails, music and festival food to round out the amazing weekend. The event runs 9am-5pm on Saturday and 9am-4pm on Sunday and is FREE to attend.

While you are deciding whether to addend, I recommend you watch this video from the 2023 festival to see what is in store for you.

Mount Dora Images of America book — Visitors flock to Mount Dora, not only for the tranquil setting, but also for the community’s old-fashioned charm, antique district, and architectural distinctiveness. Enjoy dozens of historic images in this book, part of the Images of America series from Arcadia Publishing. Click the photo to order your copy today!

Florida State Fair

February 8-19, 2024 in Tampa

Everything you would ever want in a fair: food, entertainment, rides, exhibits, and more.

Free parking is provided while admission and ride charges are separate. Check online for pricing. Pets are not permitted.

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 in Tampa, 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.

Cuda Bowl Barracuda Tournament

February 8-10, 2024 in Sugar Loaf Key

The toothy barracuda are prey for competitors in this annual challenge. This is an all-release flats tournament. The name of the tournament is because it is scheduled each year just before the Super Bowl NFL football championship. The event is headquartered at South of the Seven Restaurant on Sugarloaf Key, mile marker 17. The top angler and guide in spin and fly divisions receive prizes. Recognition is given to the top scoring female and junior anglers.

Love Your Shorts Film Festival

February 15-18 in Sanford

The Love Your Shorts Film Festival is an annual showcase in Sanford, Florida, of short films from around Florida, the United States and the world. During the festival, film fans can view films up to 30 minutes each in a variety of categories and attend film workshops.

Click the link or image for details and to purchase tickets.

Gasparilla Music Festival

February 16-18 in Tampa

For music lovers, this is one of the best events and festivals in Florida in February 2024. The 2024 Gasparilla Music Festival takes place in Julian B Lane Riverfront Park on Feb 16-18, featuring musical acts from a wide variety of genres on several stages and cuisine from the region’s top restaurants. You will without doubt have an amazing time. The organization is involved throughout the year in several initiatives including providing scholarships and instruments to music students.

16th Annual Fiddler Crab Festival

February 16-18 in Steinhatchee

Live music, car and truck show, craft vendors, fishing tournament, a parade, food vendors, beer and wine garden, poker run, and finally, cap off the excitement with an incredible fireworks display. Fun for the entire family, this event is unlike any you have attended before.

60th Coconut Grove Arts Festival

February 17-19, 2024 in Coconut Grove

For 60 years, the mission of the Coconut Grove Arts & Historical Association has been to nurture a future generation of artists. Proceeds from the Coconut Grove Arts Festival help to fund our year-round programs, create a positive impact on our community and touch the lives of many throughout the year.

31st Annual Black Heritage Festival

February 24 at Pettis Park in New Smyrna Beach.

Enjoy singing, dancing, historical demonstrations, food, and much more. This is a signature event every year in New Smyrna Beach produced by the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum.

Art and Seafood on the Waterfront

February 24 and 25 in Safety Harbor

Featured events include juried fine art, fish taco competition, delicious local seafood, interactive art activities, kids zone, entertainment for all ages and a full music stage.

General admission to the event is FREE! VIP tickets are available for purchase.

Key West 13 stop hop on hop off trolley tour. Click to book tickets. — This tour covers the entire city. You can avoid the trouble of driving and parking in a new place. You can hop-on and off the trolley and explore the city on your own, at any of the 13 stops. Your ticket is valid for all day, so you can tour at your own speed. Click the photo above or **HERE** for more information and to reserve your tickets.

59th Annual Key West Art & Craft Festival

February 24 and 25, 2024 in Key West

The Key West Craft Show and The Old Island Days Art Festival are now combined as the The Key West Art and Craft Festival. The event dates are February 24th & 25th, 2024. Old Town at The Truman Waterfront Park is home to the combined show.

This promises to be a tremendous show for artists and crafters. Seek out your new, favorite artisan and then support their efforts while in beautiful Key West.

58th Annual Swamp Cabbage Festival

February 24 and 25, 2024 in LaBelle

Car show, parade, Swamp Cabbage Queen and Princess, musical entertainment, a rodeo, bass fishing tournament, artisans, and plenty of food including swamp cabbage. The Swamp Cabbage Festival is undeniably fun for the entire family.

To conclude, I want to thank you for reading my listing of the best events and festivals in Florida in February 2024. Check back every month otherwise you might miss out on a great event you did not know about.

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.

OrthoFeet Pain Relief Sneakers and Technology — Walking around the Best Events and Festivals in Florida in February 2024 requires the proper footwear. Orthofeet will provide you with comfort, protection, and fashion. If you have foot problems, Orthofeet is a great place to start looking for relief. Click the link or image for all their options. Be sure to look for the savings offer.

Posted on October 22, 2023 by Robert — Leave a comment

November 2023 The Best Events and Festivals in Florida

The Best in Florida Festivals and Events November 2023

Use this post to find the best in Florida festivals and events in November 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.

Posts are listed in date order.

November 2-12 Volusia County Fair DeLand

Founded in 1923, the Volusia County Fair offers the chance to show livestock, horticulture, and home and craft products. Participants are able to compete for awards. Highlights of the fair include rides, games, live entertainment, and the Miss Volusia County Fair competition.

Buy tickets online or at the gate.

November 3-5 Cedar Key Pirate Invasion

Come, celebrate with the pirates! See how they lived on land when ashore. Learn from some of the finest re-enactors on the East Coast. Watch and listen as the pirates set up an outpost in the city park. The park will be open from 12:00 noon on Friday November 3th. Come and purchase wares and clothing from Vendors Row. Listen to rousing, toe tapping sea shanties. Friday evening roam the town with the Pirates eating and drinking in the local establishments! Pirates YE BE WARNED! No open containers in public!

November 3-4 Florida Seafood Festival Apalachicola

The festival features delicious seafood, arts and crafts exhibits, seafood related events, Musical Entertainment. Some of the notable events include Oyster Eating and Oyster Shucking contest, Blue Crab Races, Photo Contest, Parade, 5k Redfish Run, The Blessing of the Fleet, History of the Festival Exhibit and Tonging for Treasure.

This is a NON-PET FRIENDLY event.

November 3-5 Orlando Greek Fest

Fun for the whole family! Come out and enjoy authentic Greek foods, dancing, live music, church tours, iconography presentations, and much, much more! Free admission but be advised, this is a cashless event.

November 4 Jacksonville Porchfest Historic Springfield

The ninth annual Jacksonville PorchFest, a music festival held on the welcoming front porches of Historic Springfield, will take place on Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 12 pm to 8 pm. The free, family-friendly event will feature musicians from a wide variety of genres. Afternoon entertainment will include more than twenty performers on porches throughout the historic district. Attendees will stroll from porch to porch and “camp out” on front lawns and sidewalks as they enjoy live, local talent. Food, drink, and arts vendors are to be found throughout the event.

This is a dog friendly event!

November 4-5 Mount Dora Plant and Garden Fair

Vendors and nurseries from all over the state come to Mount Dora, Florida. With a wide variety of Florida native and exotic plants, garden ware along with arts & crafts at this annual event you will find something you need to take home. Get gardening advice from Experts and let our volunteers help you take your plants to your car.

November 9-11 Palatka Fall Bluegrass Festival Palatka

Featuring Rhonda Vincent and dozens of other acts, this is a bluegrass lovers dream event. Multiple ticket options available online.

November 10-12 Electric Daisy Carnival Orlando

Under the Electric Sky, we come together to celebrate life, love, art, and music. From the stages and the sound to the pyrotechnics and the performers, so many unique elements go into bringing this world to life. We invite you to wander, explore, interact, and connect. Imagination and positive energy are the currency of this place.

Buy your tickets online ahead of time.

November 10-12 Super Girl Surf Pro Jacksonville

Established in 2007 as a showcase for women in action sports, the Super Girl Pro Series is the only large-scale all-women’s action sports, esports and lifestyle series in the world. Developed as a celebration of female strength and empowerment, the platform has grown into a series of five incredible festivals centered around providing social, athletic, cultural, educational, business, and entertainment opportunities for young women in areas where they are traditionally underrepresented.

November 11 Boca Raton Wine & Food Festival

As you stroll through the Festival on Saturday feeling the balmy breeze while the sun sets you will be embraced in sensory delight as your journey takes you through a variety of Culinary Cuisines; a Welcome Reception, Italian, American, Mediterranean, Asia Pacific, Spanish, Sweet Endings Village, Spirits and BBQ Village, and the fan favorite Villages; Craft Brew, Fine Wine & Artisanal Cheese Village and Specialty Foods Village, Retail and Business Shopping Bazaar. The festival’s featured wines can be purchased during the event.

Buy your tickets online in advance.

November 12 South Florida Seafood Festival Miami

30+ Local Seafood Favorites, 10+ of Miami’s Finest Chefs fire up our Kitchen Lab, Amazing Cocktails by Miami’s top Mixologists, Live Music All Day, Big Kid Yard Games, Curated Nautical Market, Family Fun Zone with Huge Inflatables, Slides, Games & More!

Buy your tickets in advance to save. This event is rain or shine, no refunds.

November 18 Palatka Craft Beer Festival

Breweries from all over north and central Florida. Beer tastings of more than 20 different beers. Live music, food trucks, and free admission for designated drivers. VIP or General Admission tickets are available online. The proceeds benefit the Rotary Club of Palatka.

November 18 & 19 Fall Festival of the Arts DeLand

Their 30^th annual fine arts, juried festival held in the downtown area. Downtown DeLand will be full of artists, vendors, food, and live entertainment. This is a free event.

November 18 & 19 Eau Gallie Arts Festival Melbourne

Established in 1996, the festival is now in its 27^th year. Artists from across the state bring their talents, passion, and wares. Live music on Sunday.

November 23-26, 50^th Daytona Turkey Run Daytona Beach

Held annually at Daytona International Speedway, this event is a car lover’s dream. Here you can see amazingly restored cars, buy and sell cars, parts, and memorabilia, enjoy fellow enthusiasts, visit the handmade craft vendor section, and enjoy food and drink. This year, enter for a chance to win a 1932 Ford Roadster. Funds raised by the Turkey Run are kept within the local community.

November 25 Island Art Festival Big Pines Key

Come from 9am-3pm to celebrate the holiday season at this family-friendly event. Enjoy local arts and crafts with live music and delicious food at MM 31. Experience original one-of-a-kind Island art and a wide array of crafts. FREE ADMISSION & PARKING!

I hope you have found interesting things to do in this look at the November 2023 Best Events and Festivals in Florida. Be sure to bookmark my site and check back for fun things to do in December in Florida!

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 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 September 18, 2023October 11, 2023 by Robert — Leave a comment

October 2023 The Best Events and Festivals in Florida

The Best in Florida Festivals and Events October 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.

Posts are listed in date order.

I have purposefully not included Oktoberfest and Halloween related events in this post.

October 6-8 Destin Seafood Festival Destin

This event which features seafood, music, art, and more serves as a fundraiser for the Destin Charter Boat Association, a not-for-profit organization formed in 1954. More than 70 vendors, five music stages, and seafood galore.

October 7 Boots, Bulls & Barrells Kissimmee

An intense event that combines the thrill of bull riding with the fast agility of barrel racing. This tournament-style event brings together professional bull riders and skilled equestrians in a competition of adrenaline and skill.

The annual Silver Spurs Rodeo is one of the top rodeos in the country so this event promises to be excellent.

Take a video tour of the history of the Silver Spurs Rodeo below.

October 7 Green Cove Springs Soul Food & Music Festival

Enjoy an amazing day of southern cooking, live music, dancing, children’s activities, local artists, specialty vendors, and more.

October 7-8 Autumn Art Festival Winter Park

The Winter Park Autumn Art Festival is the only juried fine art festival exclusively featuring Florida artists.

The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the festival on the second weekend in October each year. The community-oriented sidewalk show presents quality visual art and live entertainment the whole family can enjoy. The festival is held in beautiful Central Park located along historic Park Avenue in downtown Winter Park.

The festival is open from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. both days.

Admission is free!

October 12-15 Florida Birding & Nature Festival Apollo Beach

Four days of field and boat trips, expert seminars, keynote speakers, and a free nature expo with more than 20 vendors and organizations. There October are charges for certain portions of this festival.

October 14 McIntosh 1890s Festival McIntosh

Named for the decade when the community began to flourish, this festival has grown to more than 200 vendors with tens of thousands of visitors. Enjoy music, food, shopping, arts and crafts, jewelry, and more while enjoying local Victorian charm.

October 19-22 Biketoberfest Daytona Beach

Motorcycle enthusiasts come together during the four-day rally each year to enjoy beautiful Florida weather, live music, motorcycle racing at Daytona International Speedway, and miles of scenic rides along famous A1A, historic Main Street or the scenic Loop. Come experience the Southeast’s best motorcycle rally featuring motorcycle shows, custom bike builds and hundreds of the industry’s top vendors throughout Daytona Beach.

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October 21 Sanford Jazz in the Park Sanford

Come out to the 6^th annual Jazz in the Park at Centennial Park. This family oriented events features live music, food trucks, vendors, and a cash bar. This music festival is presented by Ladies 327 in association with Historic Downtown Sanford.

October 21-22 Cedar Key Seafood Festival Cedar Key

Now it’s 53^rd year, this year’s festival will celebrate the year of the clam. The festival features seafood, more than arts and crafts vendors, music, and an amazing Saturday morning parade you won’t want to miss.

Renowned for its delectable seafood offerings, vibrant arts and crafts scene, and lively live music performances, the Cedar Key Seafood Festival promises visitors an unforgettable weekend full of fun and flavors.

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October 25-29 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

With plans for multiple show locales, more than 1,300 boats, 1,000 brands, and 100,000 attendees, this is the boat show for any marine enthusiast. Buy your tickets in advance online (HINT, HINT, they aren’t cheap).

October 27-29 Naples Stone Crab Festival Naples

A Naples tradition for more than a decade, enjoy stone crab, other seafood, live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, and more.

October 28 Florida Territory Living History Dade City

A living history event depicting Florida history before 1845: pre-history/archeological, pre-Columbian (15th Century and before), Spanish Colonial Period, Seven Years/Revolutionary War, Patriot War/War of 1812, Seminole Wars.

Tickets at the Gate Only.

Florida Territory Living History Day at Pioneer Florida Museum and Village

October 28-29 Mount Dora Fall Craft Fair Mount Dora

Consistently voted in the top 5 craft fairs across the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine Subscription

The downtown streets come alive with almost 400 of the best exhibitors in the country ready to show and sell their fine and fun crafts at this annual event. Festival food, music, beer, wine, cocktails and some special guest appearances will round out the event.

October 28-29 Lake Wales Pioneer Days Festival

Happening in Lake Wailes Park, this event will feature reenactors and historic demonstrations, more than 60 craft market vendors, local food vendors, community partners, and be sure to nominate someone for “Pioneer of the Year.”

October 29 Tavares Trailblazers Tavares

Join historian Richard Lee Cronin at the Tavares History Research Center for a presentation celebrating some of the exceptional individuals and the roles each played in the development of the town.

Thank you to Bob Grenier for alerting me to this event! Remember, if you have an event that you would like me to include in future posts, drop me a line with the information. It’s free!

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.

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 on this blog.

Posted on June 9, 2023June 11, 2023 by Robert — Leave a comment

July 2023 The Best Events and Festivals in Florida

The Best in Florida Events and Festivals July 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.

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, including a website, as you can. I’ll be glad to include your suggestions in future posts.

Posts are listed in date order.

June 30-July 4 Key Lime Festival Key West

2023 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!

July 1-July 5 Key West Mermaid Festival Key West

Welcome To the home of the 2023 Key West Mermaid Festival!

Join Key West native, Mermaid Kristi Ann, her Pod, and her crew, for 4 days of splish-splashing mermaid fun! Come swim with us as mermaids from around the nation take over the enchanted island of Key West.

July 5-July 8 Pensacola Beach Air Show Pensacola

Locals and visitors from all over look forward to the annual Pensacola Beach Air Show held in the summer. The show highlights our hometown heroes — the Blue Angels — the U. S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron stationed at Forrest Sherman Field aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola.

The Blue Angels hold several practice sessions along the beach in the days leading up to the big event on show day.

You can follow the Blue Angels on their YouTube channel HERE or sample their videos through the embedded video below.

July 8-July 9 Mango Festival Miami

Fairchild Garden is home to The Tropical Fruit program and the world’s largest mango collection. Our annual Mango Festival is a celebration of the more than 400 varieties of mangos in our prized collection, and it all culminates in a dazzling weekend filled with mango madness.

You can keep up with Fairchild Garden on their YouTube channel HERE.

July 14-July 16 Trailblazer Country Music Festival Elkton

A celebration of all things country from crafts to music to food, the festival will present exhibitor booths featuring exhibits, crafts, fashions, truck art, and food. The Trailblazer Country Music Festival includes the Trailblazer Craft Beer Fest. Those who purchase a ticket for this festival within a festival may enjoy unlimited samples of beer, wine, and spirits.

July 18-July 24 Hemingway Days Key West

The annual celebration salutes the Nobel Prize–winning author’s writing achievements, sporting pursuits and enjoyment of the island’s easygoing lifestyle.

The festival’s undisputed highlight is the Hemingway® Look-Alike Contest at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, 201 Duval St., a frequent hangout for the writer during his 1930s residence in Key West.

Looking for that perfect Hemingway book for yourself or as a gift? Look no further, click HERE to find everything Hemingway.

July 21-July23 Rolling Loud Miami

Everything is bigger for this Miami festival. Featuring 100+ of your favorite hip-hop artists from all over the world. This is a festival lineup built uniquely for our fans.

Find the best prices and get your tickets to the Rolling Loud Miami festival by click the image above or using THIS LINK.

July 22-July 23 Cool Art Show St. Petersburg

The Professional Association of Visual Artists was formed in 1988, when a group of artists on a social outing, discussed the idea of hanving an indoor art festival to pass the time in the hot Florida summer. On a couple of cocktail napkins, the Cool Art Show was born.

July 28-July29 Caladium Festival Lake Placid

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.

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.

April 4th through 6th White Springs

April 6 and 7 Cedar Key

April 6-7 Sebring

April 11-13 St. Augustine

April 12-14 St. Petersburg

April 12th through 14th Delray Beach

Pinellas Pepper Fest April 13 and 14 Pinellas Park

April 13 and 14 Venice

New Smyrna Beach Food Festival April 18 New Smyrna Beach

April 20-21 Miami

April 20-21 Pompano Beach

April 26-28 Pensacola

April 27 Gulfport

Sweet Corn Fiesta April 28 West Palm Beach

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

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

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.

The Best in Florida Festivals and Events November 2023

November 2-12 Volusia County Fair DeLand

November 3-5 Cedar Key Pirate Invasion

November 3-4 Florida Seafood Festival Apalachicola

November 3-5 Orlando Greek Fest

November 4 Jacksonville Porchfest Historic Springfield

November 4-5 Mount Dora Plant and Garden Fair

November 9-11 Palatka Fall Bluegrass Festival Palatka

November 10-12 Electric Daisy Carnival Orlando

November 10-12 Super Girl Surf Pro Jacksonville

November 11 Boca Raton Wine & Food Festival

November 12 South Florida Seafood Festival Miami

November 18 Palatka Craft Beer Festival

November 18 & 19 Fall Festival of the Arts DeLand

November 18 & 19 Eau Gallie Arts Festival Melbourne

November 23-26, 50th Daytona Turkey Run Daytona Beach

November 25 Island Art Festival Big Pines Key

I hope you have found interesting things to do in this look at the November 2023 Best Events and Festivals in Florida. Be sure to bookmark my site and check back for fun things to do in December in Florida!

The Best in Florida Festivals and Events October 2023

October 6-8 Destin Seafood Festival Destin

October 7 Boots, Bulls & Barrells Kissimmee

October 7 Green Cove Springs Soul Food & Music Festival

October 7-8 Autumn Art Festival Winter Park

October 12-15 Florida Birding & Nature Festival Apollo Beach

October 14 McIntosh 1890s Festival McIntosh

October 19-22 Biketoberfest Daytona Beach

October 21 Sanford Jazz in the Park Sanford

October 21-22 Cedar Key Seafood Festival Cedar Key

October 25-29 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

October 27-29 Naples Stone Crab Festival Naples

October 28 Florida Territory Living History Dade City

October 28-29 Mount Dora Fall Craft Fair Mount Dora

October 28-29 Lake Wales Pioneer Days Festival

October 29 Tavares Trailblazers Tavares

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.

The Best in Florida Festivals and Events August 2023

August 3 New Smyrna Beach Shrimp and Seafood Festival New Smyrna Beach

August 4th-6th DanceAfrica Miami Miami

August 4th-6th Jurassic Quest Daytona Beach

August 10th-13th 26th Annual Key West Lobsterfest Key West

August 11-12 Fernandina Beach Kingfish Tournament and Fishing Rodeo

August 12 16th Annual Parade & Commemoration of the 2nd Seminole War St. Augustine

August 19 Plaid in the Park Mount Dora

August 19th-20th Central Florida Home Expo Orlando

August 26 Coke Zero Sugar 400 Daytona Beach

August 26 FAMU Florida Grape Harvest Festival Tallahassee

August 26 Tallahassee Beer Festival Tallahassee

August 31-September 4 Key West Brewfest 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.

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 on this blog.

The Best in Florida Events and Festivals July 2023

June 30-July 4 Key Lime Festival Key West

July 1-July 5 Key West Mermaid Festival Key West

July 5-July 8 Pensacola Beach Air Show Pensacola

July 8-July 9 Mango Festival Miami

July 14-July 16 Trailblazer Country Music Festival Elkton

July 18-July 24 Hemingway Days Key West

July 21-July23 Rolling Loud Miami

November 23-26, 50^th Daytona Turkey Run Daytona Beach

August 4^th-6^th DanceAfrica Miami Miami

August 4^th-6^th Jurassic Quest Daytona Beach

August 10^th-13^th 26^th Annual Key West Lobsterfest Key West

August 12 16^th Annual Parade & Commemoration of the 2^nd Seminole War St. Augustine

August 19^th-20^th Central Florida Home Expo Orlando