Jennifer DeCamp, Emily Nipps And Daniel Alan Norman 2017-12-13 07:17:21
Search {Events} at VISITFLORIDA.com The Sunshine State is home to a long lineup of events you can’t find anywhere else. Make the most of your Florida experience by putting one or more of these events on your must-do list. JANUARY Outback Bowl Ring in the new year with the fanfare of a college football bowl game! The annual SEC-Big 10 matchup is often a nail-biter. When: Jan. 1 Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Web: outbackbowl.com Uncorked: The Key Largo and Islamorada Food & Wine Festival There are some 30 events, including cooking demos, wine pairing classes, live music and the Grand Tasting, a multi-sensory experience not to be missed. When: Jan. 4-14 Where: Various locations in Key Largo and Islamorada Web: fioridakeysuncorked.com Art Deco Weekend More than 80 events: art exhibits, concerts, lectures, films, street theater, parades, classic cars, a variety of culinary offerings, and for doggie lovers, the Bark Deco Dog Show. When: Jan. 12-14 Where: Along Ocean Drive in Miami Beach Web: artdecoweekend.com 30A Songwriters Festival More than 175 nationally recognized singer/songwriters and 225 performances. When: Jan. 12-15 Where: Various venues along Hwy. 30A Web: 30asongwritersfestival.com South Florida Fair Join about 500,000 folks for 17 days of national concert acts, midway rides, activities for kids, amazing livestock and yummy fair food. When: Jan. 12-28 Where: South Florida Fairgrounds, West Palm Beach Web: southfloridafair.com MLK Dream Big Parade & Family Fun Day Watch talented college and high school marching bands and dance troupes in the largest MLK Day parade in the southeastern United States. When: Jan. 15 Where: Downtown St. Petersburg Web: mlkdreambigcelebration.com U.S. Sport Aviation Expo See aircraft ranging from luxurious to homebuilt, plus drones and other technology at this educational expo. When: Jan. 24-27 Where: Sebring Regional Airport, Sebring Web: sportaviationexpo.com FEBRUARY Florida State Fair Rides, livestock and deep-fried everything are the mainstays of this state fair. When: Feb. 8-19 Where: Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa Web: floridastatefair.com South Florida Garlic Fest Billed as the “best stinkin’ party” in South Florida. You’ll sample great garlic-fused recipes, from Argentinean garlic BBQ to garlic ice cream, and enjoy top-notch live entertainment. When: Feb. 9-11 Where: John Prince Park, Lake Worth Web: sfflgarlicfest.com Art Wynwood More than 60 international galleries will showcase the work of almost 500 top artists. This event continues to show why the Wynwood Arts District is a flourishing international cultural destination. When: Feb. 15-19 Where: One Herald Plaza, Miami Web: artwynwood.com Battle of Olustee Reenactment Hundreds don gray or blue to reenact Florida’s largest Civil War battle. Includes memorial service, barn dance and artillery night firing. When: Feb. 16-18 Where: Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park Web: battleofolustee.org Daytona 500 NASCAR’s popular “Great American Race” celebrates its 60th year with its thrilling main event, plus fan activities and big-name music acts. When: Feb. 18 Where: Daytona Beach Web: daytonainternationalspeedway.com The Honda Classic The best golfers in the world go for $6.6 million in prize money and try to rack up early points in the race for the FedExCup title. When: Feb. 19-25 Where: PGA National Resort & Spa, Palm Beach Gardens Web: thehondaclassic.com Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival This star-studded affair showcases the talents of famous chefs, culinary personalities and wine and spirit producers. Suggestion: Book early for all events. When: Feb. 21-25 Where: Various locations throughout Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale Web: sobefest.com MARCH Carnaval Miami An eclectic series of events–Miami Cork & Fork, Carnaval on the Mile, a golf tournament, a dominos tournament and, of course, concluding with Calle Ocho, one of the world’s largest street parties. When: March 3-11 Where: Various locations in Miami Web: carnavalmiami.com Concours D’elegance One of the nation’s top automotive shows with more than 250 rare and exotic collectible cars on display on Sunday. When: March 9-11 Where: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island Web: ameliaconcours.org Daytona Bike Week In its 77th year, the world’s largest biker event takes over Daytona’s streets with music, bike shows and organized rides. When: March 9-18 Where: Daytona Beach Web: officialbikeweek.com/daytonabikeweek 12 Hours Of Sebring Recently voted as one of the world’s 10 best motorsports races by the USA TODAY 10Best travel site. When: March 17 Where: Sebring International Raceway, Sebring Web: sebringraceway.com Palm Beach International Boat Show You’ll see an amazing array of vessels – Cigarette, Comanche, Super Cat, inflatables, cruisers, runabouts, fishing boats, high performance, bow riders and, of course, 150-foot super yachts. When: March 21-25 Where: Lake Worth Lagoon in downtown West Palm Beach Web: showmanagement.com APRIL Bradford County Strawberry Festival Down-home, berrylicious celebration with 5K, live music and children’s activities. When: April 7-8 Where: Starke Web: bradfordcountystrawberryfestival.com Delray Affair It’s pedestrians only, so join the throngs who cram 12 city blocks and side streets for all kinds of fun, highlighted by one of the largest arts and crafts festivals in the Southeast. Also featured: concerts, street entertainers and great food. When: April 13-15 Where: Downtown Delray Beach Web: delrayaffair.com Beach’n Food Truck & Music Festival This family-friendly event is a celebration of music, food and arts and crafts. It also includes a great classic car show and a Kids’ Zone chock full of activities for the youngsters. When: April 14 Where: Coquina Beach, Anna Maria Island Web: annamariaislandchamber.org South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival Meet winemakers, rub elbows with local chefs, enjoy live entertainment, attend wine seminars and choose samples during the Grand Tasting. When: April 26-29 Where: Town Center of Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach Web: sowalwine.com Stay In May Festival Formerly the ArtsNaples World Festival, it still will feature a stunning array of opera, symphony, chamber music, jazz, cuisine, film, recitals, cabaret and great food and wine. When: Late April through mid May Where: Various locations throughout Naples Web: stayinmay.com MAY Sunfest You and about 175,000 other folks can see great national musical acts and a whole lot more: Art District, three floating bar barges, fireworks, lots of kids’ activities and great food. When: May 3-6 Where: Flagler Dr., downtown West Palm Beach Web: SunFest.com St. Augustine’s Romanza Festivale of the Arts Celebration of art, dance and music, as well as St. Augustine’s heritage and cuisine. When: May 4-13 Where: Various venues, St. Augustine Web: romanzafestivale.com Fort Lauderdale Air Show See the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and more, including some the nation’s most popular military jets and civilian aerobatic acts. When: May 5-6 Where: Fort Lauderdale Beach Web: fortlauderdaleairshow.com/2018-air-show The Players Championship The course’s famed island green will break hearts and crown champions when the PGA Tour’s biggest stars take their best shot. When: May 8-13 Where: TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach Web: pgatour.com/tournaments/ the-players-championship Tupelo Honey Festival Celebrate the annual harvest with the generations of beekeepers who produce the purest Tupelo honey in the United States. When: May 19 Where: Lake Alice Park, Wewahitchka Web: tupelohoneyfestival.com Florida Folk Festival Florida’s cultural history and traditions come to life through music, dance and stories. When: May 25-27 Where: Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, White Springs Web: floridastateparks.org/folkfest St. Armands Seafood & Music Festival Taste fresh, delectable seafood dishes prepared by Sarasota’s best chefs. Hear local and regional bands and browse crafts in a marketplace. When: May 26-27 Where: St. Armands Circle Park, Sarasota Web: seafoodfestivals.com/S-25-St.+Armands +Seafood+%26+Music+Festival JUNE Florida African Dance Festival Performers from Guinea to Senegal and the Congo lead dance and drum workshops spanning the continent’s cultural styles. When: June, TBD Where: Various venues, Tallahassee Web: fadf.org Wild Blackberry Festival Enjoy small-town charm, pageant and sweet treats in the Wild Blackberry Capital in Florida. When: June 9 Where: Jasper Web: facebook.com/wildblackberryfestival Juneteenth Family Festival Kids of all ages love this African-American history-themed day filled with activities, crafts, music and food. When: June 16 Where: Cypress Park, Daytona Beach Web: facebook.com/Daytona-Beach-Juneteenth- Celebration-1606089799708410 Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin Set your reel and your heart on landing the largest blue marlin, dolphin, tuna or wahoo in one of the Gulf’s big-money fishing tourneys. When: June 20-24 Where: Bay Towne Marina at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Miramar Beach Web: fishecbc.com St. Pete Pride St. Pete Pride has become known for its dazzling night parade and lively street festival. When: June 23-24 Where: St. Petersburg Web: stpetepride.com Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Powerboats will race at speeds up to 150 miles per hour, but this 12-day event includes much more: a golf tournament, classic car show, personal watercraft “fun run,” a fishing tournament, block party, and a meet-and-greet with race drivers. When: June 23-July 4 Where: Sand Castle Resort at Lido Beach and other locations in Sarasota Web: sarasotapowerboatgrandprix.org The Key Lime Festival Includes, of course, pie eating and pie making contests, but much more, including the Key Lime Pie Hop, the Key Lime Cocktail Sip & Stroll, baking demonstrations, rum distillery tour and scavenger hunt. When: June 30-July 4 Where: Various locations in Key West Web: keylimefestival.com JULY Red, White and Blues Week Blue Angels perform aerial acrobatics on their home turf in a series of Blues-centric events including the Pensacola Beach Air Show. When: July 11-14 Where: Pensacola Beach Web: visitpensacolabeach.com/ whats-happening-blue-angels Caladium Festival For nearly three decades, Lake Placid has hosted this gorgeous, plant- and flower-filled weekend. When: July 27-29 Where: Stuart Park, Lake Placid Web: lpfia.com/caladium.ht AUGUST Tampa Bay Comic Con Geek out while gawking at elaborate cosplay and getting autographs from your favorite comic and Hollywood celebrities. When: Aug. 3-5 Where: Tampa Convention Center, downtown Tampa Web: tampabaycomiccon.com Harvest Grape Stomp What better way to close out the summer than squishing grapes between your toes and tasting Florida-made wine? When: Mid- to late August Where: Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, Clermont Web: lakeridgewinery.com SEPTEMBER St. Augustine Spanish Wine Festival Swish, sip and spit at Spanish-only wine tastings before leaving your dignity at the door for a red wine super soaker battle. When: September Where: Various venues, St. Augustine Web: spanishwinefestival.com New Smyrna Beach Jazz Festival Intimate venues throughout the heart of New Smyrna Beach host jazz bands from Central Florida plus some great special guests. When: Sept. 20-23 Where: Various venues, New Smyrna Beach Web: nsbjazzfest.com Pensacola Seafood Festival Fresh-off-the-boat seafood pairs with live music, chef-led cooking demos and children’s zone. When: Sept. 28-30 Where: Seville Square, Fountain and Bartram parks, Pensacola Web: pensacolaseafoodfestival.com OCTOBER Corn Maze Nine acres of winding twists and turns. When: October TBD Where: Sykes and Cooper Farms, Elkton Web: sycofarms.com St. Augustine Spanish Wine Festival Swish, sip and spit at Spanish-only wine tastings before leaving your dignity at the door for a red wine super soaker battle. When: October TBD Where: Various venues, St. Augustine Web: spanishwinefestival.com 39th Annual Fantasy Fest Costumed celebration includes lavish floats, parade, Masquerade March, Zombie Bike Ride, Goombay, adult-themed parties, costume and mask competitions (including one for pets), street fairs and island bands. When: Oct. 19-28 Where: Various locations in Key West Web: fantasyfest.com Bayfest Pine Avenue turns into a festival with antique cars, arts and crafts, live music and a children’s zone. When: Oct. 20 Where: Pine Avenue, Anna Maria Island Web: annamariaislandchamber.org John’s Pass Seafood & Music Festival Part seafood extravaganza and part dance party, this event showcases the flavors of the Gulf Coast. When: Oct. 25-28 Where: John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk, Madeira Beach Web: johnspassseafoodfest.com NOVEMBER Florida Seafood Festival Feast on fresh seafood and country music while cheeering for contestants in the oyster shucking contest or bluecrab races. When: Nov. 3-4 Where: Apalachicola Web: floridaseafoodfestival.com Halifax Art Festival Florida’s second-oldest continual art festival enters its 56th year with more than 250 artists on display. When: Nov. 3-4 Where: Historic downtown Riverfront Park, Daytona Beach Web: halifaxartfestival.com Orlando Veterans Day Parade Honor the county’s veterans at this two-hour parade of bands, floats and veterans groups from all branches. When: Nov. 10 Where: Downtown Orlando Web: cityoforlando.net/veteransparade Nights of Lights Experience holiday magic when millions of lights turn the historic district into a twinkling wonderland. When: Nov. 17, 2018-Jan. 31, 2019 Where: St. Augustine Web: floridashistoriccoast.com/nights Florida Seafood Festival Feast on fresh seafood and country music while cheering contestants in the oyster shucking contest or blue crab races. When: November TBD Where: Apalachicola Web: floridaseafoodfestival.com Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Where else but the Venice of America would you find this amazing event? You’ll see thousands of vessels, including some of the largest luxury yachts in the world and a host of other nautical activities. When: November TBD Where: Various locations in Fort Lauderdale Web: showmanagement.com DECEMBER Gingerbread House Extravaganza An icing and candy-coated spectacle of intricate structures that celebrate pop culture, landmarks and Christmas. When: December Where: Old St. Andrew’s, Jacksonville Web: jaxhistory.org Art Basel Top galleries from all over the world will showcase works by masters of modern and contemporary art and emerging stars. See large-scale artwork, films and performances outdoors in nearby parks. When: Dec. 6-9 Where: Miami Beach Convention Center and other various locations Web: artbasel.com Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade There are many Florida holiday boat parades, but this one–known as the “Greatest Show on H20”–is the leader of the pack. When: Dec. 15 Where: Fort Lauderdale to Pompano Beach Web: winterfestparade.com Celebration of Lights Get into the holiday spirit by strolling through this synchronized light and music show in the Garden of the Springs. When: Mid- through late December Where: Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park Web: floridastateparks.org/park-events/ Homosassa-Springs New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop Officials release 10,000 inflated beach balls before an 800-pound, LED-lit beach ball descends. When: Dec. 31 Where: Pier Park, Panama City Beach Web: visitpanamacitybeach.com
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