Welcome to the Top 10 Events in Florida
Explore the selection of the top 10 annual events and festivals, fairs and celebrations (listed in calendar priority) across the State of Florida, including events in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Pensacola, Orlando, and Daytona Beach.Art Deco Weekend Festival
January
Miami Beach, Florida
The Art Deco Weekend® Festival was started in 1976 by the Miami Design Preservation League to attract visitors to Miami Beach’s Art Deco Historic District and to raise awareness and appreciation of the arts and culture of the Art Deco era (approx. 1925-1945).
In 2007, the festival attracted almost half a million visitors.
Activities include art and crafts, guided tours, musical attractions, annual "Light Up the Drive" opening night parade and "Arf Deco Weekend" dog promenade, food vendors, as well as performances and hands-on events for children.
For more information visit:www.mdpl.org/ADW/2009/index.php
Florida State Fair
February
Tampa, Florida
A tradition since 1904, the annual Florida State Fair, held in Tampa in February, is a celebration of the state's best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement.
One of the Florida fairs attracting over seven million visitors each year, the music, programs, exhibits, rides and games offer amusement and entertainment for people of all ages and interests.
For more information visit: www.floridastatefair.com
Springtime Festival
March
Tallahassee, Florida
Springtime Tallahassee produces one of the largest festivals in the Southeast and is voted one of the top 20 Events in Florida. The festival includes a Parade with over 70,000 participants, Jubilee in the Park featuring hand crafted items, a Children's Park, four local entertainment stages, and national entertainment acts.
The festival brings over 200,000 visitors to the Tallahassee area.
For more information visit: www.springtimetallahassee.com
Jacksonville Jazz Festival
April
Jacksonville, Florida
The second largest, and considered one of the best jazz festivals in the US, the Jacksonville Jazz Festival weekend is held at Metropolitan Park.
Part of the fun is The Great American Jazz Piano competition, Art at the Met, and wine tasting.
Past artists include Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, George Benson, the Count Basie Orchestra, Diana Krall, Herbie Hancock, Chris Botti, Rippingtons, Kenny G, and Harry Connick Jr.
Sunfest
May
West Palm Beach, Florida
Billed as Five days of fun in the sun, Florida's largest music, art and waterfront festival has been a local tradition for over 25 years. Attracting more than 275,000 guests each year, the festival takes place annually in downtown West Palm Beach on busy Clematis Street and Flager Drive from Banyan Boulevard to Lakeview Avenue.
Past artists appearing at Sunfest include Jazz Attack, Ludacris, Todd Rundgren, Robin Thicke, Sean Paul, and Mat Kearney.
For more information visit: www.sunfest.com
Florida Folk Festival
May
White Springs, Florida
An annual festival of music, food, and traditional arts celebrating Florida's many folk cultures and traditions, the Florida Folk Festival began in 1953 in White Springs and it has since become one of the nation's oldest continuous folk festivals.
Held at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, festival showcases talent on more than five stages. Attractions include folk life demonstration areas, food booths, and activity areas.
For more information visit: www.floridafolkfestival.com
Pensacola Beach Air Show
July
Pensacola, Florida
The Navy’s famous flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, are joined by an exhilarating line up during the annual Pensacola Beach Air Show, the biggest event of the year in Pensacola.
Thousands of visitors flock to Pensacola Beach in July and Pensacola Naval Air Station in November to watch the world-famous Blue Angels practice awe-inspiring aerial maneuvers in the skies above. The Blue Angels practice most Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at the Pensacola Naval Air Station, from March to November.
For more information visit:
www.visitpensacolabeach.com/what/airshow.asp
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
September
Walt Disney World Orlando, Florida
This culinary celebration features cuisine and beverages from more than 25 countries. Appetizer-sized portions average in the $3 to $7 range and can be found in kiosks around the World Showcase at Epcot, Walt Disney World. It’s the perfect opportunity to try traditional cuisines from around the world. Your Epcot admission is all that’s needed to participate in this popular venue.
For more information visit:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/special-events/epcot-international-food-and-wine-festival/
Biketoberfest
October
Daytona Beach, Florida
Biketoberfest® is a fun-filled, family event that attracts 75,000 to 100,000 motorcycle enthusiasts from throughout North America and Europe.
Festivities include street festivals, concerts, charity rides, expos, seminars and celebrity appearances. Popular annual activities include motorcycle shows and rallies that showcase new, vintage and custom bikes, demonstration rides on the newest machines from top manufacturers, and on-track motorcycle action at the world-famous Daytona International Speedway.
For more information visit: www.biketoberfest.org
Winterfest
December
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Wining several awards, Winterfest is best known for it’s one of a kind Boat Parade but is also known for the Coral HUMMER Golf Tournament; the dazzling Winterfest Black Tie Ball presented by Patron and Southern Wine & Spirits, the Shoreline Decorating Extravaganza, an exciting Grand Marshal Reception, Winterfest White Party, Family Fun Days, and the culminating Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade.
Winterfest has been voted as top 20 events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.
For more information visit: www.winterfestparade.com
The Winter Festival - A Celebration of Lights, Music and the Arts
December
Tallahassee, Florida
The premier holiday event in Tallahassee and surrounding counties in the Florida panhandle and South Georgia, The Winter Festival - A Celebration of Lights, Music and the Arts has been a tradition for over 22 years and attracts more than 150,000 visitors each year.
The festival celebrates Tallahassee, an All-America City, and its immensely talented, diverse population. The evening officially begins with the traditional Lighting Ceremony. Other featured events include the Jingle Bell Run and the fabulous Nighttime Holiday Parade, highlighted by Santa and Mrs. Claus riding in the City of Tallahassee Fire Department's shiny, red fire truck.
For more information visit: http://www.talgov.com/parks/winter/
