EVENTS Harvest Grape Stomp, photo by Peter W. Cross Sebring, photo by Steve Beaudet Panhandle Watermelon Festival Chipley’s annual fete pairs national country music acts with its much-anticipated watermelon harvest. When: June 28-29 Where: Chipley Web: panhandlewatermelon.com AUGUST Tampa Bay Comic Con Comic book and cartoon geeks get decked out in elaborate and creative cosplay while meeting fan-favorite celebrity guests. When: Aug. 2-4 Where: Tampa Convention Center, downtown Tampa Web: tampabaycomiccon.com Island Hopper Songwriter Fest There’s a talented singer-songwriter behind every great country music hit. Get to know the backstories behind country’s biggest hits and see them performed by the writers. This popular event has been expanded to three locations over 10 days. When: Late September Where: Captiva Island, downtown Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach Web: fortmyers-sanibel.com/island-hopper JULY Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament & Festival Anglers cruise the coast hoping to hook a winner in the city’s largest fishing tournament. When: July 15-20 Where: Jacksonville Web: kingfishtournament.com Harvest Grape Stomp Celebrating 25 years of Florida’s sweet grape harvests, stompers of all ages can experience the summer squish on the rolling hills of Central Florida. When: Aug. 17-18 Where: Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, Clermont Web: lakeridgewinery.com New Smyrna Beach Jazz Festival This ever-expanding event brings local and nationally renowned musicians together for seaside jam sessions. Nearly 30 venues lined up from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian River host jazz bands from all over the country. When: Late September Where: Various venues, New Smyrna Beach Web: nsbjazzfest.com Hemingway Days The annual Papa-fest features readings, an exhibit of rare Ernest Hemingway memorabilia, a zany “Running of the Bulls” event, a marlin tournament, a short story competition, a street fair and, of course, the famous Look-Alike Contest. When: July 16-21 Where: Various locations in Key West Web: fla-keys.com/hemingway-days Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam Over 20,000 country music fans jam this gulf-front park for a symbolic end-of-summer bash. When: Aug. 30-Sept. 1 Where: Frank Brown Park, Panama City Beach Web: gulfcoastjam.com OCTOBER 1890’s Festival Turn back time in Victorian McIntosh for a day of spoon chime crafting, glassblowing and candlemaking. When: October TBD Where: McIntosh Web: friendsofmcintosh.org Caladium Festival Known as “the caladium capital of the world,” Lake Placid showcases some of its most gorgeous agriculture. When: July 26-28 Where: Stuart Park, Lake Placid Web: lpfla.com/caladium.htm SEPTEMBER Bruval Craft Beer Fest Sample some of the Sunshine State’s best craft brews with live music, food truck eats and a kids’ zone. When: September TBD Where: Seawalk Pavilion, Jacksonville Beach Web: bruvaljax.com OFFICIAL FLORIDA VACATION GUIDE ✹ 57
Visit Florida Visit Florida 2019: Page 56
