23 Festivals In FLORIDA (Lively, Colorful & Energetic)
Welcome to the exhilarating realm of Florida’s festivals!
Florida has a reputation for having various interesting and exciting festivals that serve multiple interests and passions due to the state’s rich culture, gorgeous weather, and thriving arts scene.
Everyone may find something to appreciate, whether it be in the realms of music, art, cuisine, or culture.
So if you love to party with many people, indulge in entertainment, or enjoy the views of Florida, this article is for you!
Let’s go right into an overview of some of Florida’s most well-known celebrations.
Together, let’s dive in and see what festivals in Florida we can find for you.
And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Attractions in Florida.
Festivals in Miami, Florida
1. Art Deco Weekend
Art Deco Weekend is a yearly celebration in Miami Beach, Florida, that honors the city’s distinctive Art Deco buildings and decor.
The event presents a one-of-a-kind fusion of cultural heritage and entertainment with its brightly painted façade, elaborate embellishments, and elegant fashion.
There will be guided tours of the buildings, entertainment, fashion shows featuring vintage clothing, classic automobile displays, art and vendor displays, and delectable food and drinks.
The whole family can enjoy plenty of things to do at the festival.
Art Deco Weekend is a lively celebration of the Art Deco era, transporting visitors back to the 1920s and 1930s and providing them with a unique and unforgettable experience.
So what are you waiting for?
January is fast approaching, and this is your time to enjoy one of Florida’s festivals.
Address: 15th Street in South Beach, Miami Beach
2. Coconut Grove Arts Festival
This well-known event constitutes one of the biggest and most popular outdoor art events in the United States, and it takes place directly on the water’s edge.
The Arts Festival ranks as one of the most prestigious art celebrations in the United States since it takes place in the picturesque waterfront community of Coconut Grove every year over the weekend of Presidents Day.
A jury chose more than 270 artists known internationally to participate in the exhibition to display the stunning works they have created with Biscayne Bay as the background.
In addition, there will be a designated area for families, gastronomic events, and musical concerts.
If you want to visit Florida Miami and join this festival, on-site public admission is $25 per day, but children under 12 get in for free.
Address: 3390 Mary St, Suite #128, Miami, FL 33133
3. Calle Ocho Music Festival
The Calle Ocho Music Festival is an exciting monthly celebration of Latin music and culture in Miami, Florida.
Thousands worldwide flock to the annual festival, which gets its name from the well-known Calle Ocho (8th Street) in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood.
Famous Latin musicians will perform live during the festival, displaying various Latin music styles.
The event is more than just a music festival; it also features dancing competitions, vendors selling authentic Latin food and handmade goods, and fun for the whole family.
Calle Ocho Music Festival is an exciting and lively festival of Latin music and culture that unites the neighborhood in good spirits.
You don’t have to worry as this festival is welcome for all family members making it perfect for those tourists traveling in packs.
Address: 1400 SW 1st St Miami, FL, US 33135
4. Wynwood Pride Festival
Wynwood Arts District of Miami, Florida, hosts the annual Wynwood Pride Festival, a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.
The LGBTQ+ community and its supporters are honored at this multifaceted and open-minded festival.
Live soundtracks, DJ packages, drag acts, art exhibitions, and interactive exhibits highlight the talents and variety of the members of the LGBTQ+ community at this year’s festival.
Many entertaining and educational panels, training sessions, and conversations on LGBTQ+ rights and challenges are present during this year’s Wynwood Pride Festival.
The Wynwood Pride Festival is a safe and affirming place for people of the LGBTQ+ community and those who support them to gather, share their experiences, and celebrate love and acceptance.
If you want to share the same experience or you are a person who supports the LGBTQ+ community, this festival is best for you.
Address: 550 NW 24th St, Miami, FL 33127
5. MEGARUMBA
MEGARUMBA festival in Miami, Florida, is an exciting celebration of Latin music that draws in attendees worldwide.
The yearly festival appreciates Latin American culture, featuring high-energy entertainment and a lively ambiance.
With genres ranging from salsa and bachata music to reggae and kizomba, MEGARUMBA boasts an excellent roster of famous Latin singers.
The wide variety of musical genres represented at the festival is a testament to the depth and variety of Latin music. MEGARUMBA is more than just a concert venue; it also has Latin American cuisine, lively dance performances, cultural displays, and audience participation.
Also, the festival is an absolute must for anyone interested in Latin music and sharing the excitement and passion of Latin American culture.
The dynamic blend of melodies, lifestyle, culture, and camaraderie that it fosters makes for a fantastic experience.
Address: 2250 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL
Also see our article on Christmas in Florida.
Festivals in Orlando, Florida
1. Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival
The Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival is a yearly festival in Winter Park that is well recognized as a premier venue for showcasing the talents of local and international artists.
Since its inception in 1960, it has become one of the oldest and most prominent outdoor art events in the United States.
Around the festival, more than two hundred creative artists from around the country will show and sell their original works of art.
Thousands of art lovers and collectors attend the event to view and acquire unique exhibits.
The festival is great for families since it includes art exhibits, live music, excellent food, and fun activities for kids.
Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival is a must-attend event for art lovers and enthusiasts because of its dedication to displaying exceptional work, establishing a dynamic arts society, and promoting an understanding of culture.
Address: 328 N Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
2. Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Every year in March, Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, hosts the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, one of the world’s most spectacular and engaging events.
Since its inception in 1994, this lively event has become known for its stunning floral displays, beautiful gardens, and unique gastronomic opportunities.
The event takes place all around Epcot, transforming the park into a colorful and flowering utopia thanks to the gorgeous topiaries, exquisite arrangements of flowers, and patterned gardens on display.
Moreover, the festival includes training courses, lectures, and seminars by gardening professionals, culinary stalls selling delectable farm-to-table meals and drinks, and beautiful botanical exhibits.
This festival attracts those interested in nature, gardening, and Disney with its live music concerts, fun-filled play areas, and family-friendly activities.
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival combines Disney magic and botanical wonders, celebrating nature’s beauty and gardeners’ inventiveness.
Address: 4600 World Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
3. Anime Festival Orlando
The yearly Anime Festival Orlando in Orlando, Florida, is a fascinating and interactive event honoring the thriving world of Japanese animation, manga, and popular culture.
First held in 2000, AFO has grown to become one of the largest anime conventions in Florida, attracting attendees of all ages who share a love of the medium.
There will be live concerts, gaming tournaments, cosplay competitions, and panel discussions at the festival.
Fans of Japanese animation will have a blast at this convention, where they can mingle with celebrities from the field, stock up on exclusive swag, and see everything Japan offers.
If you’re an anime fan, AFO is a great place to meet other fans and share your passion for the medium.
Anime Festival Orlando guarantees an exciting, creative, and communal experience for all attendees, from the most casual fan to the most dedicated otaku.
Address: 8001 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
4. Electric Daisy Carnival
The nighttime scene is never the same after an Electric Daisy Carnival, an internationally recognized electronic dance music festival.
EDC was established in Las Vegas and has since spread to other cities worldwide, including Orlando.
The event is a multi-day celebration with an incredible lineup of electronic dance music’s finest performers, jaw-dropping stages with cutting-edge production, magnificent visuals, and hypnotic art pieces.
Also, the electric vibe at EDC allows music fans from all walks of life to mingle and party the night away to throbbing sounds in a full-body experience.
This year’s festival’s carnival rides, interactive activities, and cutting-edge technology make for an unforgettable sensory adventure.
An EDM fan’s paradise, EDC promises an unparalleled voyage of sights, sounds, and sheer explosive thrill for those who share a love of electronic dance, music, art, and togetherness.
Address: 1612 W Church St, Orlando, FL 32805
Also see our article on Hidden Gems in Florida.
Festivals in Fort Myers, Florida
1. Artfest Fort Myers
Each year, Fort Myers, Florida, hosts Artfest Fort Myers, a lively art festival that features the works of both local and international artists.
Since beginning in 2000, Artfest Fort Myers has become one of the most anticipated yearly celebrations in the region.
Over 200 artists from all walks of life will showcase their original works of art at the event.
At Artfest Fort Myers, art lovers may mingle with their favorite creators, find one-of-a-kind works, and participate in exciting art activities.
Live music, creative demonstrations, and fun events for kids are all part of the festival’s lineup.
Art enthusiasts, collectors, and people curious about Southwest Florida’s innovative culture should attend this festival because of its prime location on the sea and exciting vibe.
Address: 1375 Jackson St #401, Fort Myers, FL 33901
2. Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival
Every year, residents and visitors of Florida’s Fort Myers Beach gather for the festival’s signature event: the Shrimp Festival.
The festival’s long tradition and unique flavor have made it popular with residents and tourists.
Also, this festival celebrates the shrimp and all things shrimp-related with a procession, an eating contest, and culinary competitions when local chefs present their best shrimp dishes to the public.
The festival has delectable seafood, musical performances, arts & crafts, and fun for the whole family.
Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival is a dynamic and vibrant festival that celebrates the shrimp legacy of the Gulf Coast through the sharing of cuisine, fun, and friendship.
Address: 950 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Also see our article on Tourist Places in Florida.
Festivals in Pensacola, Florida
1. Flora-Bama Lounge Mullet Toss
This festival is an annual tradition on the beaches separating Florida and Alabama, allowing tourists and locals to enjoy a day at the beach for this well-known gathering.
This unusual custom is carried out at the Flora-Bama Lounge, a famous beach bar with a long history and a reputation for good times and great music.
Moreover, the day’s major event consists of throwing mullet, a fish native to the Gulf of Mexico, from Florida into Alabama.
The event is exciting and intense as contestants compete for trophies.
It would be best if you did not miss this occasion for the fish tossing alone but for the great music, delicious cuisine, and fun beach party atmosphere.
Every year, thousands of people go to the Gulf Coast to participate in this festival because of its reputation as a celebration of the region’s distinctive culture and character.
Address: 17401 Perdido Key Dr. Pensacola, FL
2. The Pensacola Beach Air Show
Aerobatic performances performed by some of the world’s best defense and civilian pilots are the highlights of the Pensacola Beach Air Show, a spectacular yearly event held in Pensacola, Florida.
Over the beautiful white sands of Pensacola Beach, spectators may watch an impressive array of aviation, featuring fighter jets, helicopters, antique planes, and more.
The show demonstrates velocity, agility, and accuracy.
Thrilling feats, high-speed passes, and defiance of gravity at the Pensacola Beach Air Show never fail to amaze spectators.
The event is great for families because it features static displays of various aircraft, hands-on exhibitions, food stalls, and live music.
Pensacola Beach Air Show is an event that everyone would love, from aircraft buffs to those just wanting a fantastic day out, should attend.
Address: 150 Hase Rd, Pensacola, FL 32508
3. Pensacola Seafood Festival
The Pensacola Seafood Festival is a much-loved yearly event that honors the city of Pensacola’s maritime history and food traditions.
Foodies, music fans, and families attend this three-day event in Pensacola’s historic downtown area.
The freshly caught seafood from the Gulf of Mexico featured by local dining establishments and vendors is the main attraction during this annual event.
Pensacola Seafood Festival is a foodie’s dream, with everything from fresh shrimp and oysters to tender fish and crab cakes.
There will be live music, handmade goods sellers, an area for kids with fun games and interactive activities, and an exciting ambiance that captures the essence of Pensacola in addition to the delicious food.
If you’re in the mood for some delicious seafood and want to experience Pensacola’s rich culture, the Seafood Festival is a must.
Address: 125 S Alcaniz St, Suite 3, Pensacola, FL 32502
4. Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival
Each year, the best of the Gulf Coast’s artistic creations are displayed at the Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival in Pensacola, Florida.
On the festival’s three days, local artists and regional craftspeople will gather to showcase their work in various disciplines.
Over two hundred artists will have booths during the festival, and attendees may talk to them, learn about their work, and even buy original works to take home.
Outstanding musical performances, culinary booths selling delectable regional dishes, and artistic events for people of all ages make the Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival the ideal family event.
This festival has quickly become a favorite of locals and visitors alike thanks to its exciting energy, impressive displays of talent, and appreciation of the arts.
Address: Pensacola, FL, US 32502
Also see our article on Outdoor Activities in Florida.
Festivals in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
1. Fort Lauderdale Air Show
Every year, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, hosts the spectacular Fort Lauderdale Air Show, and top-tier army and private aircraft execute breathtaking aerobatics and flyovers that will amaze viewers.
This opportunity is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for aviation fans, those looking for excitement, and their families.
The breathtaking seaside setting provides a spectacular backdrop for the high-flying action.
Visitors can interact with exhibitions at the Fort Lauderdale Air Show, tour static aircraft displays, and meet real pilots.
The Fort Lauderdale Air Show is a world-renowned aviation event, and its jaw-dropping acrobatics and expertly executed maneuvers never fail to impress spectators.
Address: 18th Street to Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL, US
2. The Hukilau
The Hukilau is a much-loved yearly festival held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida that honors the history and culture of Polynesia.
In a multi-day celebration brimming with thrilling adventures, performances on stage, and sentimental recollections, this festival draws together tiki fans, Polynesian dance and music fans, and retro drink lovers.
The Hukilau, whose origins may be traced back to tiki culture in the mid-twentieth century, features a fusion of Polynesian-inspired music, art, dress, and cuisine.
This event takes guests to a golden era of tropical fantasy with its classic hula dancing, exotic beverages, vintage fashion shows, and participatory conferences on tiki culture.
Anyone interested in Polynesian culture or the tiki lifestyle should make it a point to visit The Hukilau for the carefully planned entertainment schedule and the friendly, relaxed vibe.
Address: 320 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432
3. Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
Fort Lauderdale, Florida’s waterways are brought to life yearly by the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, a cherished yearly event known for its spectacular light and art displays.
This famous boat parade, known as the “Greatest Show on H2O,” has become a beloved custom for over 50 years.
Every year in December, the Intracoastal Waterway becomes a spectacular vision of color and excitement as boats of different sizes and shapes travel along it decorated in extravagant holiday-themed ornaments and glittering lights.
Lively entertainment, famous chief marshals, and the holiday spirit make the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade a must-see for boating enthusiasts of all ages in South Florida.
Fort Lauderdale’s residents look forward to this special event every year because it brings neighbors together and spreads cheer and the season’s festive mood.
Address: Fort Lauderdale, FL, US
4. Las Olas Art Fair
Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida, becomes an open-air gallery for the annual Las Olas Art Fair, a prominent art festival that features the works of local and international artists.
The art mentioned above exhibition occurs on two occasions annually.
It is greatly anticipated by art enthusiasts, collectors, and visitors looking to see a wide variety of original works of art in many media.
Attendees will get a one-of-a-kind and all-encompassing art experience as the festival takes over the famous Las Olas Boulevard, home to chic shops, fine dining, and a lively ambiance.
The Las Olas Art Fair is a cultural feature of Fort Lauderdale and a must-see for art lovers thanks to its beautiful location and the excellent caliber of the works on display.
Address: 600 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL
5. Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival
The Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival is a yearly celebration in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and honors the cinematic medium.
Since its start in 1986, the Florida International Film Festival (FLIFF) has grown to establish itself as one of the most prestigious film events in the region.
Florida International Film Festival (FLIFF) has earned a reputation for showcasing innovative world premieres, provocative documentaries, and entertaining independent films, attracting movie buffs and professionals alike.
The festival is a great place to meet other movie buffs, learn about the filmmaking process from industry professionals, and immerse yourself in the cinematic experience.
FLIFF offers an energetic environment that promotes creativity, craftsmanship, and the influence of films through its red-carpet events and small screenings.
This festival’s dedication to exhibiting intriguing stories and encouraging a love of cinema has made it a hallmark of Fort Lauderdale’s artistic scene and an essential gathering for film enthusiasts.
Address: Fort Lauderdale, FL, US
Also see our article on Planetariums in Florida.
Festivals in West Palm Beach, Florida
1. South Florida Garlic Fest
Delray Beach, Florida, hosts the South Florida Garlic Fest every year, honoring the tasty and adaptable garlic that is locally grown.
Attending this festival has become traditional for many who enjoy garlic and other culinary delights.
South Florida Garlic Fest is a unique culinary and cultural celebration featuring musical performances and a lively party atmosphere.
The festival celebrates this standard bulb’s extraordinary adaptability and richness by showcasing garlic-inspired dishes from local chefs and garlic-themed contests and demos.
Visitors can sample garlic-infused foods like garlic pizza, pasta, and shrimp infused with garlic, peruse arts and crafts booths, watch entertainers perform live, and participate in kid-friendly activities.
The South Florida Garlic Fest is a one-of-a-kind extravaganza honoring garlic’s culinary benefits through food, music, and community.
Address: 140 NE 1st St, Delray Beach, FL 33483
2. Sunfest
Music and art enthusiasts from all over the United States gather in West Palm Beach, Florida, every year for SunFest, an annual music and arts event.
SunFest is rapidly growing into one of Florida’s most popular music festivals because of its picturesque waterfront setting, eclectic mix of top-tier musical acts, and exciting arts scene.
Festival-goers can hear music from established and emerging performers on numerous stages over five days.
SunFest is known for its exciting array of water sports, excellent food vendors, vibrant handmade goods market, and stellar musical lineup.
This festival is an unforgettable experience for music and art lovers thanks to its scenic environment, thrilling outcomes, and lively ambiance.
Address: West Palm Beach, FL, USA
3. Palm Beach Food And Wine Festival
This event takes place in December and features culinary displays, tastings of wines, and meals made by local and renowned chefs to honor the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Palm Beach Food And Wine Festival is a tribute to the fantastic chefs working in South Florida, offering many different tastings and competitions.
Some of the best chefs in the area will demonstrate their skills and host dinners during the festival.
Workshops and panels covering culinary and wine business issues are also available.
People from all over the country interested in food and wine flock to Palm Beach for the festival to sample the city’s delicious fare.
Check the festival’s website for further details and to make appropriate preparations, as certain activities may require additional tickets or reservations.
Address: 650 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
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