EVENTS essential art fests By Kelli Harris Biketoberfest Drawing more than 100,000 visitors, this fest is beloved among motorcycle enthusiasts who come to watch the pros compete and cruise the streets. When: Oct. 17-20 Where: Daytona Beach Web: biketoberfest.org NOVEMBER Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival More than 200 award-winning singer-songwriters tell the stories behind their hits during live performances. When: November TBD Where: Perdido Key and various other locations Web: frankbrownsongwriters.com From sophisticated to groundbreaking, these annual festivals afford art lovers unique and creative experiences. Clearwater Jazz Holiday One of the Tampa Bay region’s most highly anticipated live music events, this four-day festival brings world-famous acts to Coachman Park on Clearwater’s downtown waterfront. Previous performers have included The Temptations, Grace Potter and Trombone Shorty. When: Oct. 17-20 Where: Clearwater Web: clearwaterjazz.com Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival You can hardly believe that these incredibly detailed artistic masterpieces are made out of Siesta Beach’s famous, powder-soft white sand. When: November TBD Where: Siesta Beach, Sarasota Web: siestakeycrystalclassic.com Mainsail Arts Festival Browse and buy unique pieces from 200+ artists and enjoy live entertainment at this free event. When: April 20-21 Where: Downtown St. Petersburg Web: mainsailart.org Fantasy Fest Leave the young’uns at home and head for this non-stop, adult-themed mega-party in the Florida Keys. The festival features lavish floats, parades, costume contests (one for pets, too!), a street fair and island bands. When: Oct. 18-27 Where: Key West Web: fantasyfest.com Digital Graffiti Mural art is taken to the next level here, with world-renowned digital artists projecting their works on the white walls of Alys Beach in a stunning two-day happening. When: May 17-18 Where: Alys Beach Web: digitalgraffiti.com Nights of Lights The nation’s oldest city sparkles with millions of white lights. Events include the Christmas Parade, Luminary Night and Holiday Regatta of Lights. When: November–January Where: St. Augustine Web: floridashistoriccoast.com/nights-lights Orlando Fringe Theatre Festival Immerse yourself in hundreds of live theater performances and kid-friendly programs at this 14-day event. When: May 14-27 Where: Orlando Web: orlandofringe.org Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Head to the “Venice of America” to see thousands of vessels, including some of the largest luxury yachts in the world. Enjoy culinary events, fishing seminars and a host of nautical activities. When: Oct. 30-Nov. 3 Where: Various locations in Fort Lauderdale Web: flibs.com Orlando Veterans Day Parade Honor U.S. veterans at this spirited two-hour parade full of bands, floats and fanfare. When: Nov. 9 Where: Downtown Orlando Web: cityoforlando.net/veteransparade Miami Book Fair The nation’s largest literary gathering features an eclectic lineup of famous authors in all genres. Don’t miss the Street Fair, Children’s Alley and the Porch, the ultimate urban community hangout, and a stage for live music and interdisciplinary performances. When: Nov. 17-24 Where: Miami-Dade College Wolfson Campus, Miami Web: miamibookfair.com Foo Foo Festival Pensacola’s arts scene brings a smorgasbord of delights, from digital art to a songwriting festival to a Blue Angels air show. When: November Where: Pensacola Web: foofoofest.com Art Basel Miami Beach Browse the premier art show of the year to discover works from masters of modern and contemporary art. When: December TBD Where: Miami Beach Web: artbasel.com To find more Florida events, go to VISITFLORIDA.com/events . 58 ✹ VISITFLORIDA.com
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