EVENTS EVENTS & FESTIVALS FOR 2019 By Jennifer DeCamp, Emily Nipps and Daniel Alan Norman The Sunshine State has a wildly diverse array of landscapes and experiences, and the same goes for the kinds of happenings you’ll find throughout the year. Whether it’s a marquee sporting event in a big city, a rumbling motorcycle fest, a stylish wine shindig or a low-key songwriter gathering, you’ll find the perfect addition to your itinerary here. JANUARY Outback Bowl This SEC-Big Ten matchup is a crowd pleaser, from the early-morning pep rally party to the pre-game show (and flyover!) to the down-to-the-wire game. When: Jan. 1 Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Web: outbackbowl.com MLK Dream Big Parade & Family Fun Day The largest and longest-running MLK Day parade in the southeastern U.S. draws the region’s most talented youth bands and dance troupes. When: Jan. 21 Where: Downtown St. Petersburg Web: mlkdreambig.com Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival This star-studded affair showcases famous chefs, culinary personalities and wine and spirit producers. Tip: Book early for all events! When: Feb. 20-24 Where: Various locations throughout South Beach and Fort Lauderdale Web: sobefest.com Uncorked: The Key Largo and Islamorada Food & Wine Festival This food fest features some 30 events, including cooking demos, celebrity chef appearances, food and wine pairing classes, live music and the Grand Tasting, a multisensory experience not to be missed. When: Jan. 10-20 Where: Various locations in Key Largo and Islamorada Web: floridakeysuncorked.com FEBRUARY Florida State Fair Racing pigs, whirling rides, fried Oreos and live country music — this state fair is the real deal. When: Feb. 7-18 Where: Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa Web: floridastatefair.com Florida Strawberry Festival Come celebrate the ruby-hued fruit that helped put Plant City on the map. This event features live music from national acts, carnival rides, pig racing and, of course, strawberry-centric eating contests. When: Feb. 28-March 10 Where: Plant City Web: flstrawberryfestival.com DONNA Marathon Weekend This popular race benefits breast cancer care and research and takes place along four Atlantic beaches near Jacksonville. Runners and spectators don pink and put on a huge party throughout the weekend. When: Feb. 8-10 Where: Jacksonville Web: breastcancermarathon.com/ donna-marathon-weekend MARCH Carnaval Miami & Calle Ocho An eclectic series of events: Miami Cork & Fork, Carnaval on the Mile, a golf tournament, a dominoes tournament, a beauty pageant and, of course, its culmination, the fabulous Calle Ocho, one of the world’s largest street parties. When: March 2-10 Where: Various locations in Miami Web: carnavalmiami.com Art Deco Weekend More than 85 events: art exhibits, concerts, lectures, films, street theater, parades, antique autos, a variety of culinary offerings and, for doggie lovers, Bark Deco. When: Jan. 18-20 Where: Ocean Drive, Miami Beach Web: artdecoweekend.com Daytona 500 In its 61st year, NASCAR’s popular “Great American Race” brings its most adrenaline-inducing (and quick to sell out) annual 2.5-mile course to the Daytona International Speedway. When: Feb. 17 Where: Daytona Beach Web: daytonainternationalspeedway.com South Florida Fair With 17 days of national concert acts, midway rides, activities for kids, amazing livestock and yummy fair food, it’s no wonder over 500,000 folks attend each year. When: Jan. 18-Feb. 3 Where: South Florida Fairgrounds, West Palm Beach Web: southfloridafair.com Concours d’Elegance Admire 300-plus lovingly restored classic cars, one-off luxury autos and historic racing machines. When: March 8-10 Where: Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island Web: ameliaconcours.org OFFICIAL FLORIDA VACATION GUIDE ✹ 55
Visit Florida Visit Florida 2019: Page 54
