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Travel
Events in Florida
Chris Rand
| October 9, 2024 | 4 Minute Read
Adam Grason
Editor’s Note: Some events may be affected by recent storms in various Florida counties, please call ahead before traveling to any of the events listed.
Get ready to rev up your engines and embark on an unforgettable road trip through the Sunshine State! From October 2024 to February 2025, Florida transforms into a playground of excitement, offering a dazzling array of events that cater to every taste and interest.
Whether you're a foodie, an art enthusiast, a music lover, or an adventure seeker, these must-visit happenings will have you zigzagging across the state, creating memories that'll last a lifetime.
Calendar of Events
Check out our calendar for the best of Florida’s summer festivals, concerts, exhibits and more.
Aug. 29 – Nov. 23 | ORLANDO
EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival
Embark on a global culinary adventure at EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival, featuring over 30 international food booths, cooking demonstrations and live entertainment. Sample innovative dishes and drinks from around the world while enjoying Disney magic.
Oct. 5, 11–13 | MIAMI
Take in the pulsating rhythms and dazzling colors of the Caribbean at Miami Carnival, featuring elaborate costumes, soca music and a grand parade of masquerade bands. This 40th anniversary extravaganza showcases the best of Caribbean cuisine, arts and entertainment.
Oct. 12 | MIRAMAR
Madame Gougouse Caribbean Culture Fest
Experience the vibrant rhythms and flavors of the Caribbean at this lively festival in Miramar Regional Park. Enjoy live music performances, authentic Caribbean cuisine, craft drinks and a festive atmosphere showcasing the best of Caribbean culture.
Oct. 12–13 | FORT MYERS
Edison and Ford Winter Estates Orchid Symposium
This annual event celebrates the beauty and diversity of orchids in Fort Myers, Florida. Explore the lush gardens where Thomas Edison once cultivated orchids while learning cultivation tips and admiring the vibrant blooms.
Oct. 17 – 20 | TAMPA
Don’t miss an opportunity to hear great jazz musicians perform in Tampa’s Coachman Park. The four-day festival showcases live jazz artists on multiple stages—from classic and smooth to contemporary and funk. Each day will include a festival preparty before the headliners hit the main stage.
Oct. 18–19 | KEY WEST
Bahama Village Goombay Festival
This family-friendly event in Key West’s Bahama Village showcases the rich cultural heritage of the African diaspora through energetic performances, traditional costumes and a festive atmosphere that will transport you to tropical islands.
Oct. 18–20 | MIAMI
Miami Home Design & Remodeling Show
Explore the latest home design and renovation techniques at South Florida's largest home expo. Featuring hundreds of exhibitors, expert demonstrations and exclusive deals, this event offers inspiration for every aspect of home improvement.
Oct. 18–27 | KEY WEST
Fantasy Fest transforms Key West into a wild adult playground with 10 days of outrageous costume parties, parades and themed events. Let your inhibitions go at this anything–goes celebration featuring body painting, fantasy–inspired outfits and non-stop entertainment throughout the island.
Oct. 19 | OCHOPEE
Swamp Celebration at Big Cypress National Preserve
Commemorating the 50th anniversary of Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida, this unique fundraiser offers adventures for all ages, from family-friendly nature tours to challenging waist-deep swamp treks, all while supporting environmental education programs.
Oct. 19–20 | FORT LAUDERDALE
Experience one of the nation's top art festivals on Las Olas Boulevard, featuring over 200 artists showcasing diverse mediums. This free event offers the chance to meet artists, purchase unique pieces and enjoy Fort Lauderdale's vibrant dining and shopping scene.
Oct. 25–26 | ORLANDO
Rocktoberfest at Central Florida Fairgrounds
Experience the ultimate fusion of rock and Oktoberfest at Rocktoberfest, featuring live performances from top tribute bands alongside traditional Bavarian music and beer. With craft brews and authentic German cuisine, Rocktoberfest celebrates the best of rock and roll and Oktoberfest traditions.
Oct. 25 – 27 | NAPLES
This weekend-long event features fresh stone crab claws, live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors and family-friendly activities, all centered around the city of Naples’ waterfront areas.
Oct. 30 – Nov. 3 | FORT LAUDERDALE
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS)
Enjoy the world's largest in-water boat show with over 1,000 vessels, from superyachts to fishing boats. Indulge in cutting-edge marine technology and luxury lifestyle exhibits.
Oct. 31 – Nov. 11 | PENSACOLA
The Pensacola Foo Foo Festival is a 12-day celebration of art, culture, and creativity in Pensacola, Florida. This vibrant event features diverse performances, art shows, live entertainment and unique cultural experiences, showcasing the city's rich cultural heritage and artistic talent.
Nov. 2–3 | MOUNT DORA
Mount Dora Plant & Garden Fair
This free festival features over 12,000 plants from top growers, including orchids, butterflyattracting perennials and unique garden decor, making it a paradise for plant enthusiasts and gardeners.
Nov. 3–10 | KEY WEST
Race World Offshore World Championship
Experience the thrill of high-speed offshore powerboat racing at the Race World Offshore World Championship in Key West. Watch cutting-edge boats reach speeds over 160 mph as teams compete for the world title on a challenging course that showcases Key West's beautiful waters.
Nov. 6 – Dec. 24 | PENSACOLA
Explore a magical holiday wonderland in downtown Pensacola with stunning light displays, festive trolley tours and live performances. Meet Santa and other holiday characters, enjoy events like the Elf Parade, and create unforgettable family memories in this charming coastal city.
Nov. 14, 2024 – Jan 5, 2025 | MIAMI
Discover the world’s largest holiday theme park with over 100 rides, shows, games and attractions. Enjoy stunning light displays, meet Santa, savor carnival treats and create magical memories in this 40-acre festive wonderland.
Nov. 17–24 | MIAMI
One of the nation’s largest literary festivals, the Miami Book Fair features hundreds of acclaimed authors, engaging panels and a lively street fair. Enjoy eight days of author readings, signings, cultural performances and activities for all ages in downtown Miami.
Nov. 23, 2024 – Jan. 26, 2025 | ST. AUGUSTINE
St. Augustine Nights of Lights
Experience one of the world's greatest holiday light displays as St. Augustine glows with millions of tiny white lights. Explore the illuminated historic district by foot, trolley, boat, or carriage ride, enjoying the magical atmosphere of the Nation's Oldest City.
Nov. 26 – Dec. 25 | KEY WEST
Discover tropical holiday magic at Key West Holiday Fest, with the Harbor Walk of Lights, lighted boat parade, historic inn tours and festive island events. Enjoy celebrations blending Key West's charm with holiday cheer, from beachside Santa sightings to New Year's Eve "drops."
Nov. 2 – Dec. 1 (Weekends and Veterans Day) | SARASOTA
Step back in time at the Sarasota Medieval Fair, featuring jousting tournaments, human combat chess matches and over 100 shows daily across 13 stages. Enjoy period music, shop at the artisan marketplace and feast on turkey legs while immersed in 47 acres of stunning natural surroundings.
Nov. 21–23 | DELRAY BEACH
The Southern Handcraft Society Annual Art & Craft Show
Stop by for an Olde Fashioned Holiday in the Vintage Gym (Fieldhouse) of Old School Square. You'll find jewelry, cards, shell art, gourds, wood, headbands, local honey, hand-knit items, ornaments and more—all made by local artists and crafters. Admission is free.
Dec. 2–31 | WEST PALM BEACH
Experience the world's only 700-ton Christmas tree made entirely of sand at Sandi Land in downtown West Palm Beach. Marvel at the 35-foot-tall Sandi tree, enjoy nightly music and light shows, and explore festive sand sculptures celebrating a tropical holiday paradise.
Dec. 5–15 | KEY WEST
See a magical island version of The Nutcracker at the Tennessee Williams Theatre. This delightful production features sugarplum fairies trading tutus for sea fans and local flair, creating a perfect holiday tradition with a vibrant Key West twist.
Dec. 6–8 | MIAMI
Discover North America's most comprehensive contemporary art fair, featuring over 280 galleries from 34 countries and works by thousands of artists. Enjoy cutting-edge exhibitions, performances and events across Miami, with the main show at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Dec. 14 | FORT LAUDERDALE
The "Best Show on H2O" features 100 decorated boats parading along a 12-mile route through Fort Lauderdale's waterways. This beloved holiday tradition features music, entertainment and celebrity appearances, drawing over a million spectators for a magical evening of festive cheer.
Nov. 29, 2024 –Jan. 4, 2025 | LARGO
Florida Botanical Gardens Holiday Lights
Witness a magical winter wonderland at the Florida Botanical Gardens, illuminated by over one million twinkling LED lights. Stroll through vibrant displays, enjoy laser light shows and marvel at lighted figures while supporting the gardens' mission through suggested donations.
Jan. 9–12, 2025 | KEY WEST
Celebrate literature at the four-day Key West Literary Seminar, featuring renowned authors, readings, lectures, and panel discussions. Held at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater, this event explores a unique literary theme each year, offering book signings and opportunities to engage with celebrated writers in a tropical paradise.
Jan. 16–19 | FELLSMERE
Experience the world's largest frog leg festival featuring mouth-watering frog leg and gator tail dinners, carnival rides, live music, and unique crafts. Held in January, this quirky four-day event attracts over 80,000 visitors and holds two Guinness World Records, offering a taste of authentic Florida culture and cuisine.
Jan. 18 | TAMPA
Children's Gasparilla Extravaganza
Ready for a swashbuckling adventure for the whole family? Tampa's Children's Gasparilla features a bicycle safety rodeo, preschooler's stroll, air show and alcohol-free parade along Bayshore Boulevard. The day ends with a spectacular "Piratechnic" fireworks display, offering fun for all ages in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Jan. 18–19 | KEY WEST
Key West Half Marathon & Runfest
Watch or join one of America's top "bucket list" half marathons in beautiful Key West. Run a scenic 13.1-mile course past historic landmarks and along the waterfront, enjoying the island's balmy winter weather.
Jan. 18–19 | CRYSTAL RIVER
Explore the manatee capital of the world at this two-day festival featuring guided kayak tours, boat rides, live music, food vendors, and free shuttles to Three Sisters Springs. Enjoy family-friendly activities, local crafts, and learn about Crystal River's gentle giants in a vibrant waterfront setting.
Jan. 18–20 | MIAMI
Explore Miami Beach’s vibrant Art Deco heritage at this free three-day festival on Ocean Drive. Enjoy architectural tours, classic car shows, live music, an artisan marketplace, and lectures amid the world’s largest collection of preserved Art Deco buildings.
Jan. 21–25 | KEY WEST
Enjoy performances by over 60 artists at venues across the island, including evening shows at the waterfront amphitheater. The festival offers intimate daytime events, sunset cruises and a vibrant atmosphere blending Key West's laid-back vibe with live music.
Jan. 24–25 | ORLANDO
Rock The Universe at Universal Studios Florida
Enjoy two nights of live Christian rock, pop, and hip-hop across three stages at Universal Studios Florida. Experience concerts by top artists, ride attractions, and take part in faith-based activities like candle-lighting ceremonies and worship services.