If you have ever been to one of the many unique Florida festivals, you know how fun they can be! Florida is warm and sunny almost all year round, making it a perfect host for festivals of all kinds. There are events for kids, adults, friends, and families. Long story short, these Florida festivals make for some great destinations to escape and take a break from your daily life. For those planning to visit Florida anytime soon, we have you covered. We’ve rounded up some of the best Florida festivals that you shouldn’t miss!
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1. Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in Orlando
First thing first, let’s start with food! The exciting Epcot International Food & Wine Festival takes place from July and runs through November. If you are a food and wine lover, you’ll have access to plenty of each when exploring Florida festivals like this one. The festival also features a nightly concert series, culinary demonstrations, and cheese seminars. There are also so many fun activities for kids. You will require Epcot admission to attend this festival. Buy a reloadable card to make your visit and delicious purchases more hassle-free.
READ MORE: FUN FLORIDA RESTAURANTS FOODIES WILL FLIP OVER
2. Gasparilla Pirate Fest in Tampa
If you are a pirate or like to hang out with pirates, this is one of those Florida festivals you won’t want to miss. This festival is very popular for its live stage music, pirate invasion, and massive pirate parade. It all starts with the Gasparilla Invasion. The participants strictly follow the pirate theme during the entire festival. The best thing about this festival is its four-mile parade of pirates, unloading the treasures for participants to plunder. Arrrgghh!
3. Florida Manatee Festival in Crystal River
Are you looking for Florida festivals to enjoy with your entire family? Look no further; Florida Manatee Festival is there for you. The festival is in its 35th year and is celebrated warmly by the masses. It has live music and entertainment for adults and a large kid zone to keep the little ones entertained. The festival also features an animal education area with live animals, which is the point of attention for both kids and adults. Take a guided boat or kayak tour to optimal manatee viewing, and be sure to groove on over to the Hippie Village before you leave!
4. Strawberry Festival in Plant City
The Strawberry Festival is near the top when we talk about significant Florida festivals made for foodies! This is an 11-day event that happens in March, and this event is to celebrate the strawberry harvest of Eastern Hillsborough.
The festival features carnival rides, livestock shows, and art and craft exhibitions. You will also get to enjoy the strawberry shortcakes and many other tasty festival treats, like apple fries loaded with (you guessed it…) strawberries! There are also special musical performances for music loverd who came to Plant City from near and far for this awesome event.
READ MORE: 10 OF THE BEST RIDES AT AMUSEMENT PARKS IN FLORIDA
5. Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival
While talking about the best Florida festivals, let’s give a nod to art and culture, shall we? One of Central Florida’s oldest and largely celebrated outdoor art events is the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival. Arguably, it is the most prestigious festival for the people living there, and it is a must-attend for you. The event’s main goal is to bring local artists and art lovers to one place. Whether you are an art lover or not, we’re pretty sure you will love this one.
6. Cocoa Beach Pirate Fest
This annual pirate invasion in Cocoa Beach is another popular pirate festival. (Seriously, you can never have too many, right?) Pirates from all around the country gather here to celebrate the Blackbeards, Redbeards, and Captain Jacks in Cocoa Beach. The event has pirate ships and interactive treasure hunt activities for all the participants. Grab your best pirate garb, because on Saturday night, adults can participate in the swashbucklingly fun Pirate Ball.
7. Florida Lighthouse Day in Ponce Inlet
Florida Lighthouse Day is another one of the Florida festivals that’s fun-filled and ready for enjoying with your family. This small town community party features presentations by docents, hands-on activities, children’s take-home crafts, and more, all included in your regular admission. When it’s not festival time, this fantastic find features a museum, gift shop, educational programs, and even an awesome evening event, Climb to the Moon, with a private sunset tour to the top of the lighthouse!
READ MORE: THE FLORIDA POINTS OF INTEREST YOU CANNOT MISS
8. Rhythm & Ribs in St. Augustine
If you are a barbeque fan, say no more. Here is another one of the state’s extraordinary Florida festivals for foodies. Here, you can taste barbeque from seven regions and sample the fine food of many past and present BBQ champions. This Florida festival also features craft vendors, kids’ games and rides, other fun activities, and an amazing concert series. You will have to pay a fee to attend this amazing event, but we assure you it will be worth it.
9. Tortuga Music Festival in Ft. Lauderdale
All music lovers, listen up! If you are visiting Florida, keep this festival in mind. It brings together some of the best and most loved music artists for you to enjoy a great day at the beach alongside your favorite bands performing live. Every year, the festival’s management comes up with a new exciting lineup of trending musicians to energize the audience. Get your pass early when you’re searching for Florida festivals and have the experience of your lifetime.
READ MORE: 7 HIDDEN GEMS OF FLORIDA
10. Fantasy Fest in Key West
While compiling a Florida festivals list, how can we forget the islands? This classic festival in the Florida Keys is for grown-ups only, and you can attend it alone or with a big group of friends. The 10-day festival has a different theme every year that is followed by participants. Florida festivals like Fantasy Fest that are a complete escape from reality should definitely be on your bucket list.
11. Mount Dora Craft Fair
This is one of the beautiful and fun-filled Florida festivals for people who are into crafting. This festival, hosted by historic downtown Mount Dora, features huge arts and crafts shows. From the crafts of more than 400 best exhibitors from around the country, you will definitely be able to find something that’s going to touch your heart or make a great gift. In addition, you will also benefit from great entertainment and delicious food.
From exciting music, art, and food festivals, this state has something to offer to people with many different tastes. Florida festivals have something for everyone! Enjoy this list of Florida festivals that celebrate the sights, sounds, and tastes and all-around fun of the Sunshine State. You may even consider booking your next trip during some of these popular times, to explore something different and unique!
WANT TO READ MORE?
Interested in taking your fascination with Florida festivals up a notch? Check out 10 of the Most Thrilling County Fairs to Visit in North America!
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