30 Popular Festivals In Florida, USA

1. Florida Strawberry Festival

For eleven days, Florida Strawberry Festival celebrates this delicious harvest. The controversy of whether the strawberry is a fruit or berry is set aside during these days as visitors focus on the activities. About half a million guests attend the festivities. The event includes shows with livestock, exhibits, live entertainment by some of the country’s top musical artists, and a special focus on strawberry shortcakes. Children aged five and below are free provided they have a paying adult with them.

Florida Strawberry Festival

Address: 303 BerryFest Place, Plant City, FL 33563, United States

Website: Florida Strawberry Festival

Takes place: March

2. Florida Seafood Festival

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Thousands of guests, both local and foreign, attend the Florida Seafood Festival during November. Picturesque Apalachicola in Franklin County becomes a frenzy of poetic activities for two days, all dedicated to the bounty of the sea. Held on the first weekend of the month, the festival includes seven major activities to look forward to. These are a road race, shucking of oysters, oyster eating, a blue crab race, a carnival, and a parade. It also features booths selling arts and crafts centered on seafood. There is an unlimited supply of fresh seafood sold during the two-day festival. Come and get your fill.

Florida Seafood Festival

Address: 1 Bay Ave, Apalachicola, FL 32320, United States

Website: Florida Seafood Festival

Takes place: November

3. Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is one of the biggest festivals organized by Walt Disney World. Renowned all over the country, Disney is credited by some sectors for the popularity of food festivals. Small plates rule this event where cuisines from all over the world are on display for the taking. Old- and new-world wines come together in this huge gathering. Chefs extend their knowledge by providing cooking demonstrations to attendees. About 4,000 trays of food are served in this hugely successful extravaganza. Both experts and novices in food and wine are welcome to join this sumptuous feast held from September to November of each year.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Address: Epcot World Showcase, Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, FL 32830, United States

Website: Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Takes place: Usually held August to November

4. Florida Dance Festival [Last event in 2019]

If you are into dancing, this festival is for you! Designed for professionals and those who seriously want to learn dance, the festival holds daily sessions throughout the event. Organizers aim to conduct a personalized style of teaching by keeping the number of participants at a limited level. These classes are on a first-come, first-served arrangement. The key here is to register early. Several dance styles are taught during the festival, including jazz, hip-hop, and ballet. You can participate in as many as you can and become a better dancer. If you want to learn more about proper techniques, this is the dance event for you.

Florida Dance Festival

Website: Florida Dance Festival

Takes place: June

5. Key West Songwriter's Festival

This is the biggest event dedicated to people who create music. The Key West Songwriter’s Festival opened its doors in 1997 and has been one of the most attended festivals in the state. Local and foreign visitors troop to the festival venue each year and immerse themselves in beautiful harmonies and meaningful lyrics. For five straight days and nights, audiences hear new songs and learn about the musical talents behind these. Songwriters are the centers of attention during the event. Singers also get duly recognized for their contributions to these songs. It covers a wide range of music genres like blues, rock, pop, folk, and country.

Key West Songwriter’s Festival

Address: Smokin’ Tuna Saloon, Key West, Florida, United States

Website: Key West Songwriter’s Festival

Takes place: May

6. Florida Renaissance Festival

This is one of the quirkiest festivals you will ever see. The stage is set for the 28th Florida Renaissance Festival happening next year. Quiet Waters Park will be transformed from a beautiful park to a place back in the old days. Come and wear the most appropriate costume as you join the audience for endless fun and excitement. You and your family will have a lot of time bonding together while having fun. Aside from this, artist booths sell artworks related to the renaissance period.

Florida Renaissance Festival

Address: 401 Powerline Rd, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442, United States

Website: Florida Renaissance Festival

Takes place: February to March

7. Caladium Festival

Caladium Festival happens every July. Visitors look forward to giving honor to this lovely leaf classified under the Araceae family. This plant is known under several names like elephant ear, angel wings, and heart of Jesus. The festival includes a 5k run and floral arrangement contest. Artisans get to show their wares at the arts & crafts booths and the festival’s art contest. A wine showcase exhibits the areas’ rising grape production. Bus tours let you in the areas where Caladium grows prominently. Various cuisines will be served throughout the festival while some of the country’s top musicians provide live entertainment.

Caladium Festival

Address: Devane Park, Lake Placid, Florida

Takes place: July

8. Springing the Blues Festival

This one is for blues music lovers. Springing the Blues Festival is considered among the biggest music fests all over the world. Its 2020 rendition promises to be bigger and better. The outdoor festivities are dedicated to one of America’s homegrown genres of music. Lasting all of three days, the event features the best local and international artists. Two stages are set-up where these legendary performers regale the crowds with their favorite songs. Children will love the kids’ section filled with fun activities. Artisan booths showcase artworks from the best artists.

Springing the Blues Festival

Address: Seawalk Pavilion, Jacksonville Beach, Florida

Website: Springing the Blues Festival

Takes place: April

9. Fiesta of Five Flags

The Fiesta of Five Flags is held every year. It is dedicated to Pensacola’s founding. The year 1559 was when Spanish conqueror, Tristan de Luna led Europeans to settle in Pensacola, thus becoming the very first settlers in the country. Spain’s flag became the first to be raised in the city. Then came the French, British, Confederate, and finally, the American Flag. The culture-centric festival lasts for 10 days and is considered one of the meaningful ones in the state. Guests of all ages will find something interesting during the festivities.

Fiesta of Five Flags

Address: 2121 W Intendencia St, Pensacola, FL 32502, United States

Website: Fiesta of Five Flags

Takes place: May to June

10. Miami International Film Festival

Ibero-American films mixed with International flare take center stage at this festival. The Miami International Film Festival is where you will find the finest creations of the world’s upcoming and well-established filmmakers. Local and foreign guests will find delight in all the offerings in this beautiful and exciting event held every March. There are different awards given to category winners. About 45,000 to 50,000 people attend the festivities that include the works of over 300 filmmakers, actors, producers, and cinematographers from all over the world. Films come in all genres and numbers to about 170. These come from over 40 countries and territories.

Miami International Film Festival

Website: Miami International Film Festival

Takes place: March

11. Florida State Fair

There is a lot in store for people of all ages during this event. First of all, there are exciting rides for you to experience. An agricultural exhibit featuring more than 5,000 livestock promotes the states’ bounty. You can proceed to the fabulously tasting food at sold at the booths to fill your hunger. A line-up of games will have the kids entertained. You can shop for the best buys in the shopping area. If this is not enough, you can watch some of the best local and international musical artists perform live.

Florida State Fair

Address: Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US-301, Tampa, FL 33610, United States

Website: Florida State Fair

Takes place: February

12. Street Painting Festival

The Street Painting Festival opened its doors back in 1995. Proponents Maryanne Webber and Erin Allen intended this to become a cultural event. It has grown by leaps and bounds every year. Today, it is one of the much-awaited cultural festivals in the southern region of Florida. Held in Lake Worth every February, it is considered as the biggest free cultural event on earth. More than 600 artists congregate to create some of the fascinating works of art you will see. All works are done with chalk as their medium.

Street Painting Festival

Website: Street Painting Festival

Takes place: February

13. Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival

Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival has been running for 34 years. This is not like your ordinary film festival. What is special about this is it focuses on Indie-produced films. Presentations include various forms of this genre. This includes student-produced films and international Indie-movies. During the event, audiences are allowed to attend seminars and conferences regarding the movie industry. During these presentations, you will get the chance to meet Indie-filmmakers from all over the world. The festival also promotes new filmmakers to the South Florida crowd.

Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival

Website: Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival

Takes place: Usually held in November

14. Pensacola Seafood Festival

Pensacola Seafood Festival is all about the bounty of the sea. Seafood lovers delight at the sight of such beautiful offerings laid before their eyes. The area is known for harvesting and serving some of the best seafood in the world. Have a sampling of special recipes that center on seafood. Chefs from all over the area grab this opportunity to showcase their talents and what they can do with these luscious offerings. Culinary flavors and techniques mold flavors into fantastic tasting dishes that you will love.

Pensacola Seafood Festival

Website: Pensacola Seafood Festival

Takes place: September

15. Gasparilla Pirate Festival

The Gasparilla Pirate Festival is a quirky celebration of the life and times of Jose Gaspar, one of the famous pirates in the history of Florida. Started in 1904, the festivals boast of a huge parade and a long list of event activities everyone will love. All these centers on Gaspar’s activities at the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th. During the festival, you will see boats, and people wearing their pirate costumes while participating in various activities.

Gasparilla Pirate Festival

Website: Gasparilla Pirate Festival

Takes place: January

16. SunFest

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SunFest is all about art and music. The festival is held every May. The event becomes more exciting because of its waterfront venue. However, it is all about the talent that you see on stage that takes the cake. Since 1982, every type of music has been performed during the festival. Some of the popular attractions and activities are the floating bars and the 5-km (3 mi) marathon. The Battle of the Bands is one of the entertaining activities people await. Artists create artworks in front of audiences in the artist area. A colorful pyrotechnic display brings the event to a close.

SunFest

Address: West Palm Beach, Florida

Website: SunFest

Takes place: May

17. Everglades Seafood Festival

Seafood lovers unite! This festival is for you. So if you love fish and crustaceans, this is the event for you. People from all walks of life are welcome to join the festivities. At Everglades Seafood Festival, you will get to see endless servings of tasty seafood and other foods including fried alligator tails. Scrumptious lobsters are cooked and are waiting for you to scoop them up. Shrimps, prawns, and crabs shine on their own as well. Do some shopping at some of the handicrafts stores lined-up at the venue. Kids will love the rides laid out for them.

Everglades Seafood Festival

Address: 305 Collier Ave, Everglades City, FL 34139, United States

Website: Everglades Seafood Festival

Takes place: February

18. Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival

Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival has only one intention – to help other people and animals lead better lives. The star of this event is shrimp. The most-awaited event hosts live performances of the best musicians in the region. You can do your shopping in any of the clothing and craft stores lined-up at the event. Various food is served all throughout the festival with shrimp taking a starring role. Beneficiaries of the event include little league and youth soccer, high school students of Cypress Lake and Beach Elementary, local eye surgery missions, and Southeast Guide Dogs.

Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival

Address: 950 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931, United States

Website: Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival

Takes place: March

19. Florida Folk Festival

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Culture and heritage are what sets this apart from other festivals in the state. Florida Folk Festival is one of the longest-running fests with some presentations done in Mikasuki. Various forms of music performed in song and dance are at the forefront of this spectacle. Most of these were brought in by foreign settlers centuries ago. These have been passed on through generations ensuring that these practices are still followed today. About 300 live performances are hosted. So if you want to learn about the rich heritage of this area, make sure to schedule your next vacation in May.

Florida Folk Festival

Website: Florida Folk Festival

Takes place: May

20. International Mango Festival

The flavorful mango grabs the limelight at this annual meet. Each year, the festival celebrates the produce of a variety of mangoes from certain countries. The taste of the fruit is on full display through cooking demonstrations and mango-tasting events. You can score a few mango trees and fruits from booths that sell these. Get to see the largest collection of mangos in the whole world. Local vendors share their mango byproducts for everyone to taste. Food trucks fill your tummies with a wide range of dishes while live music performers entertain you throughout the festival.

International Mango Festival

Address: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL 33156

Takes place: July

21. Anime Festival Orlando

The Anime Festival Orlando focuses on Japanese pop culture and animation at Wyndham Orlando Resort. Since 2000, this festival has been regaling audiences from all over the world. It is considered Florida’s favorite anime convention. It is found in most ‘things to do’ in Florida. Tales of Orlandia is an original game created by the staff which guests can play during the festival. Traditional anime fare is offered during the festival. The convention tries its very best to stay true to its Japanese roots by bringing in guests from super sentai and anime worlds.

Anime Festival Orlando

Address: Wyndham Resort Hotel, 8001 International Dr. Orlando, FL 32819

Website: Anime Festival Orlando

Takes place: June

22. Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival

The Great Gulfcoast Arts festival has a lot in store for you. It lasts for 3 days where over 200 craftsmen, graphic artists, jewelry makers, sculptors, potters, and painters roll out their masterpieces. Live performers take to the stage and perform songs that will captivate you and everyone else. Cajun, blues, and jazz dominate the performances everyone will love. Folk people get their share of the bright lights while dance companies express their art in body movements. Bring your appetite as well, as regional cuisine comes in bunches at this festival.

Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival

Address: Seville Square, Pensacola, Florida

Website: Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival

Takes place: November

23. Florida Manatee Festival

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Florida Manatee Festival allows you and your family to see these gigantic animals in their natural habitat. There are several boat tours to choose from if you plan on seeing these wonderful creatures. The festival includes energetic concerts held on three stages. Artworks from the best local artisans are on full display. You can relax and while away time by having a cold one at the beer and wine garden. If you get hungry, all you have to do is head on to any of the two food areas that serve a wide range of cuisine for you to choose from.

Florida Manatee Festival

Address: Discover Crystal River - Visitors Center, Florida, United States

Website: Florida Manatee Festival

Takes place: January

24. Coconut Grove Arts Festival

The Coconut Grove Arts Festival is a much-awaited event held every February of each year. On tap are the works of some of the best local and foreign artists. Aside from this, you also get to enjoy live music performed by several famous regional entertainers. Do not forget to dig into the food as the culinary aspect of the festival is second to none. The event allows guests to bring home works of art they fancy. Close to four-hundred artists participate in the annual event. Classified into 14 categories, these artists bring out their best works and put these on full display.

Coconut Grove Arts Festival

Address: Mayfair in the Grove, 3390 Mary St Suite #128, Miami, FL 33133, United States

Website: Coconut Grove Arts Festival

Takes place: February

25. Calle Ocho Music Festival

Calle Ocho Music Festival happens during Carnaval Miami. This is considered the biggest festival centered on Hispanic culture and tradition. It stretches 15 blocks in the Little Havana area. The festival is divided into live entertainment, dancing areas, and cuisines from various Hispanic communities. All types of travelers are welcome to join the festivities, Hispanic or not. Novice musical performers take this opportunity to perform in the hope of making it big. Big-time American companies grab the chance to introduce new products to a live market during the festivities.

Calle Ocho Music Festival

Address: Máximo Gómez Park, Miami, Florida, United States

Takes place: March

26. Sebring Soda Festival

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This is your chance to show your appreciation for this wonderful and refreshing beverage. The festival has a wholesome vibe that families and friends will appreciate. Guests get the opportunity to taste over 200 crafted soft drinks during the event. Aside from soda, wine and craft beer tasting are also part of this festival. With great drinks come great food to create the perfect match. Live performers take to the stage and entertain you and your family. Traditional sodas are also present but with a limited role. Unique soda flavors will surely draw your attention.

Sebring Soda Festival

Address: Sebring Soda & Ice Cream Works, Sebring, Florida, United States

Website: Sebring Soda Festival

Takes place: April

27. Tupelo Honey Festival

Head on to Wewahitchka, Florida, and grab this rare opportunity to sample Tupelo Honey, a rare delicacy. Farmers use every technique in the book to come up with the best-tasting honey products. These are sold in various sizes and packed in high-quality containers. These farmers are backstopped by food sellers who intend to fill the bellies of festival-goers. Artists sell their artworks and crafts in booths located within the festival grounds. A stage is set for live music performers to entertain you and everyone else.

Tupelo Honey Festival

Address: Lake Alice Park, Wewahitchka, Florida

Website: Tupelo Honey Festival

Takes place: May

28. Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival

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Lower Keys Underwater Festival is held underwater. You can participate by diving toward Looe Key Reef and help the corals hear the music. This area is the only known live coral barrier reef in the country. Jump off point is Big Pine Key where a 6-mile (9.7 km) boat ride to the south brings you to the exact spot. This area is part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary where the waters are protected. The music is pumped from radio station 104.1 FM with the use of Lubell Labs specially designed underwater speakers.

Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival

Address: Looe Key Reef, Florida Keys, Florida

Takes place: July

29. Punta Gorda Sullivan Street Craft Festival

Arts and crafts hog your attention during Punta Gorda Sullivan Street Craft Festival. The well-attended event focuses on the artistic talents of crafters who come up with unique works and designs. The huge festival can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Artists and craftsmen bring their works that include jewelry, photos, graphics, wood carvings, glass sculptures, metal works, ceramic, pottery, paintings, and a lot more. The picturesque Punta Gorda provides the perfect background for this artistic affair. If you want to see the best works of regional craftsmen on full display, this is the event you should go to.

Punta Gorda Sullivan Street Craft Festival

Address: 331 Sullivan St, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, United States

Takes place: January

30. Electric Daisy Carnival

Experience the musical genius of dance music producers in a state-of-the-art display of lights and sounds. Unparalleled in every area, the event is a showcase of high-quality music everyone will love. Electric Daisy Festival is all about fun and excitement and this is what you will get once you reach Tinker Field, Florida. You get the chance to witness two days filled with music, art, traditional carnival rides, and a lot more. Technology and nature come together to build an exciting atmosphere for all revelers. All of the areas in the festival have this unique combination that resonates throughout the event.

Electric Daisy Carnival, Orlando

Address: Tinker Field, 287 South Tampa Ave., Orlando, Florida

Website: Electric Daisy Carnival

Takes place: November

Florida’s festivals are filled with so much fun

With all these festivals happening, you will never run out of fun activities to do in Florida. These festivals cover every kind of activity for every type of traveler will love. Come with your friends and your family, and you will have a great vacation in Florida.