Events Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival Bacardi Miami Sailing Week Teams representing countries from all over the world will compete against the backdrop of beautiful Biscayne Bay. The marquis event is the Star Class race for the prestigious 90th Bacardi Cup. When: March 5-11 Where: Regatta Park, Coconut Grove Web: miamisailingweek.com Okeechobee Music & Arts 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. 22-26 Where: Various locations throughout South Beach and Fort Lauderdale Web: sobefest.com More than 100 bands on ve stages, but so much more: white-sand lakeside-swimming beach and bar, VIP camping, immersive art installations, craft beer makers, great food trucks and yoga and meditation sessions. When: March 2-5 Where: Sunshine Grove, Okeechobee Web: okeechobeefest.com Daytona 500 Concours D’elegance One of the top automotive events in the country, the features more than 250 rare and lovinglyrestored automobiles. When: March 10-12 Where: Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island Web: ameliaconcours.org Calle Ocho At 19-blocks long, it’s called the world’s largest street party – with good reason. It’s lled with musical stages, street performers, youth activities and a variety of food vendors. When: March 12 marking the conclusion of Carnaval Miami Where: Along SW 8th Street, Miami Web: carnavalmiami.com Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg The Verizon IndyCar Series opens the season at this challenging waterfront street course that turns St. Petersburg streets into a roaring festival of fun and entertainment all week. When: March 10-12 Where: Downtown St. Petersburg Web: gpstpete.com NASCAR’s hottest race returns for its 59th year following last year’s sold-out crowd, which comes not just for the main event, but for the day of fan activities, live music and more. When: Feb. 26 Where: Daytona Web: daytonainternationalspeedway.com APRIL Sun ‘N Fun International Fly-In & Expo Whether you’re an aviation geek or simply looking for something fun to do in the Florida springtime weather, Sun n’ Fun has something for everyone, including dazzling day and night air shows, learning expos, evening entertainment and lots of souvenirs. When: April 4-9 Where: Lakeland Web: sun-n-fun.org/sun-n-fun-intl-y-in-expo Daytona Bike Week Delray A air MARCH Cummer Garden Month Stroll through the museum’s acclaimed European-inspired gardens while they’re in full bloom before scoring a front row seat for a lecture or concert. When: March 1-31 Where: Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, Jacksonville Web: cummermuseum.org A half-million bikers descend on the sandy turf of Daytona Beach for the 76th year, making it one of the world’s largest biker events and lling Daytona’s streets with loud music, celebrities, classic cars and motorcycle rallies. When: March 10-19 Where: Daytona Beach Web: of cialbikeweek.com/daytonabikeweek Florida Strawberry Festival What began as an attempt to promote local strawberry crops nearly 90 years ago has blossomed into one of Florida’s best fests, complete with national touring musical acts, pageants, 4H animals and, of course, strawberry shortcake. When: March 2-12 Where: Plant City Web: strawberryfestival.com Grapefruit League When: March and April Where: Multiple locations, including Kissimmee, Jupiter, Tampa, Sarasota and Port St. Lucie Web: oridagrapefruitleague.com When: April 7-9 Where: Downtown Delray Beach Web: delrayaffair.com 74 4 VISITFLORIDA.com PHOTOS: PETER W. CROSS Enjoy the beautiful spring weather in the stands of a spring training game as more than a dozen teams, including the New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins, spread all over the state to warm up their skills. 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 included: concerts, street entertainers and great food.
Visit Florida Visit Florida 2017: Page 74
