Travel

Events in Florida

Kari C. Barlow
| April 28, 2024 | 4 Minute Read
Illustration of landmarks in Florida Adam Grason

Enjoy all that the Sunshine State has to offer with these out-of-this-world happenings.

Don’t miss the astounding speed, power and precision of the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron that is stationed at nearby Naval Air Station Pensacola’s Forrest Sherman Field, as they soar across the skies above Pensacola Beach during the Red, White & Blues Air Show, July 10–13.

This annual air show promises elite aviators, vintage airplanes and stunt pilots all performing breathtaking aerial maneuvers for onlookers below. Bring the whole family out to enjoy the high-flying fun!

Calendar of Events

Check out our calendar for the best of Florida’s summer festivals, concerts, exhibits and more.

Now–May 19
Sporting Fashion: Outdoor Girls From 1800 to 1960
Explore the evolution of women’s sporting fashion at this first-of-its-kind exhibition at the Cummer Museum in Jacksonville. Inspired by a circa-1946 wool scarf inscribed with the word, “outdoorgirl,” the retrospective showcases the cultural developments that made it possible for women to enter the sporting world. Highlights include 19th-century bathing and bicycle garments and 20th-century clothing used for boxing, cheerleading and airplane piloting. 

Now–July 21
Megalodon: Largest Shark that Ever Lived
Explore a full-scale replica of the 60-foot-long apex predator that once ruled the world’s oceans. Learn about its massive diet, evolution and ultimate extinction—all at the Museum of Arts & Sciences in Daytona Beach.

May 3–4
Tampa Riverfest
Discover the best of Tampa at a two-day festival spanning the city’s entire riverwalk including several parks. This event is free and includes a concert series, local food vendors, a wiener dog derby, a lantern parade and a water ski show.

May 10
Magic of Motown
The Magic of Motown and its six-piece band take the stage at The Lyric Theatre in Stuart, recreating the music of The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and many others. This dynamic show includes hits like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “My Cherie Amour” and audience sing-alongs to Lionel Richie’s “All Night Long” and the O’Jays’ “Love Train.”

May 11–12
Air Dot Show Tour
Experience the pride, power and patriotism that comes with watching world-class aviators take to the skies at Air Dot Show Fort Lauderdale. The thrilling two-day show, which takes place over the region’s beautiful Atlantic beaches, has featured the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels, the F-22 Raptor Demo Team, the Red Bull Helicopter and the Air Force Reserve’s F-16 Vipers.

May 24–26
Florida Folk Festival
The 72nd annual Florida Folk Festival at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs celebrates everything that makes Florida unique—from food and music to art and culture. It features more than 300 performances by musicians representing folk, bluegrass, gospel, country, Latin and jazz along with workshops, educational exhibits and local food vendors.

May 31–June 1
The Music of Billy Joel & More
Charismatic crooner Michael Cavanaugh transforms the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts into a classic Billy Joel concert. With his high-energy stage presence and backed by the Jacksonville Symphony, Cavanaugh delivers all the hits, from “Piano Man” to “Uptown Girl.”

June 4–5
Miami Marlins vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Be there as Florida’s two Major League Baseball teams—the Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays—hit the diamond. The two clubs face off in back-to-back evening games at LoanDepot Park in Miami. (For AAA Member-exclusive discounts on baseball games and more, visit AAA.com/Tickets.)

June 11–16
Les Misérables
Still one of the most popular musicals of all time, Les Misérables will take the stage at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa. Enjoy the beloved music and lyrics that stand as a timeless testament to human kindness and survival in 19th century France.

June 12–16
American Black Film Festival
This five-day festival in Miami Beach showcases Black talent and a broad range of entertainment produced by and about people of African descent. Content creators, actors, writers and executives connect through screenings, workshops, networking events and exclusive parties.

June 15–16
Hooray for Hollywood
The nation’s largest community choir pays tribute to the music of Hollywood’s greatest films and TV shows at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando. With more than 300 voices, a 50-piece orchestra as well as dancers, soloists and actors, this sweeping production features everything from “Singin’ in the Rain” to “My Heart Will Go On.”

July 3–13
Peter Pan the Musical
Peter, Wendy, Michael and John come to life in this for-kids-by-kids summer camp production at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale. Join the journey to Neverland—and watch out for the menacing Captain Hook and his band of pirates!

July 4
July Fourth Celebration
Pack a blanket or chair and head to the Apopka Amphitheater to celebrate Independence Day in true American style. This free party features summertime treats, face painting, bounce houses, climbing towers and a fireworks finale.

July 13–14
SharkCon
It’s a frenzy of fun at this celebration of all things shark at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. Enjoy two days of entertainment and education along with art and jewelry vendors and guest speakers from National Geographic, Animal Planet and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

July 26–28
Caladium Festival
There’s something for everyone at Stuart Park, where visitors will find arts and crafts, local food vendors, live music, and a floral arrangement competition. Browse Florida-friendly plants and take a bus tour of Lake Placid’s caladium fields.

A view of Fort Lauderdale’s Museum of Discovery and Science building. Museum of Discovery and Science

July 27
Sloth Meet-and-Greet
Get up close and personal with the slowest animal on earth at Fort Lauderdale’s Museum of Discovery and Science. Learn all about these two-toed tree dwellers and the secrets of their survival at this exclusive VIP experience.

Aug. 1
Guided Nature Hike
Grab your backpack and plenty of water and head to Camp Helen State Park in Panama City Beach for a ranger-led hike through distinct natural communities. Explore a scrub oak forest filled with tree tunnels, palmettos, prickly pear, songbirds and bald eagles.

Aug. 4
Guided Walking Tour
Get to know the nation’s oldest city with the help of a knowledgeable guide. During this small-group stroll, you will hear in-depth stories of the people and events that shaped St. Augustine’s path from its origins as a Spanish colony to its current status as a modern-day historical treasure.

Aug. 8–11
Lobsterfest
Lobster is the star of the show at this crustacean celebration in downtown Key West. Enjoy a wide variety of culinary treats, live music and local vendors as you stroll popular Duval Street.

Aug. 10
Space Coast Back to School Bash
Get a head start on your back-to-school checklist at this resource-rich event at Melbourne Square Mall. Learn about after-school and year-round programs for children while kids enjoy balloon animals, a reptile petting zoo, crafts and an obstacle course.

Aug. 15
Read with the Dogs
Take your little ones to North Port Library, where they can cuddle up with a canine and a good book. Children are paired with certified pet therapy dogs to develop their conversation and communication skills.

Aug. 17–18
Florida Kids and Family Expo
Browse more than 200 exhibitors offering family-friendly resources in the areas of education, entertainment, home improvement, finance and health care at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center. Kids enjoy pony rides, games, and arts and crafts.

Aug. 23–24
Coke Zero Sugar 400
Head to Daytona International Speedway to watch NASCAR’s hottest drivers compete for a playoff spot in the NASCAR Cup Series championship. (For AAA Member-exclusive discounts on sporting events and more, visit AAA.com/Tickets.)

Sept. 7
Lake Bellevue Cleanup
Be part of the solution! Join the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Sea Turtle Conservation Program in keeping Lake Bellevue and Ed Wright Park healthy and clean.

Several hundred revelers sit on a lawn during a concert in Florida. NPI Productions

Sept. 13–14
Florida Fin Fest
Learn about the world’s marine life and ocean conservation through exhibits, touch tanks, guest speakers and more. The fun takes place at Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach.

Sept. 14
Family Day on Aragon
Coral Gables Museum offers free admission, guided tours and access to engaging workshops, and kids and families are invited to explore storytelling, music and mixed-media art making.

Sept. 15
Pensacola Blue Wahoos Family Sunday
Watch the Pensacola Blue Wahoos face the Montgomery Biscuits at Community Maritime Park. After the game, kids can run the bases and play catch in the outfield.

An aerial view of a swimming pool with the ocean and beach in the background.

Sept. 21
Guy Harvey: Give Kids the World Fundraiser
Guy Harvey Oceanfront Resort St. Augustine Beach hosts a pool party with games, food and live music to raise money for Give Kids the World, a 70-acre property in central Florida where children with life-threatening illnesses can enjoy free vacations.

Sept. 27–29
Pensacola Seafood Festival
Enjoy alligator, shrimp, crawfish, gumbo, catfish, scallops, grouper, crabcakes, calamari and more under the live oaks in Seville Square. A children’s area will offer games, face painting, and arts and crafts.

Sept. 28
Family Fun Day
Shop the local businesses, food trucks and crafters at Tradition Square in Port St. Lucie while your little ones enjoy bounce houses, face painting and fun photo ops.

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