Florida: more than beaches, gators and Disney. This state loves a good festival! When you start with reliably sunny weather and you add in local communities determined to entertain visitors, you find there's always something happening somewhere: from the beaches, to the lakes to the pine forests! Whatever your passion, with more than 1335 festivals and events, the Sunshine State has something for you. Check out the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, Calle Ocho Festival and Florida Strawberry Festival next time you visit FL. Scroll below to discover more of the variety of culture, art, music and entertainment found at Florida Festivals, Art Shows, Music Festivals and Craft shows.
We have put together the most comprehensive list of markets, fairs, and music festivals across Florida that will keep you busy all year long. With a stunning coastline and all-year sunshine, Florida has a lot to offer in terms of culture, arts, and unbound nature.
One of the perks of the pleasant, sunny weather in the Sunshine State is that it makes a perfect spot for a never-ending party atmosphere. You can groove in Tampa, listen to smooth tunes in Jacksonville, or dance the night away in stylish Miami. Whether you’re looking for one-day parties, epic camping festivals, or world-renowned raves, Florida festivals have got it all.
The Beat Country & Craft Festival, St. Augustine
Held at Francis Field in Saint Augustine, the Beat Country and Craft Festival is about all things country, from food and music to exhibits and entertainment. It features a variety of smaller fests to celebrate different aspects of country culture, like The Craft Beer Festival, Country Fashion Festival, Country Crafts Fest, Country Music Fest, Kids Fest, and Bo’s Dog and Pet Fest.
With a VIP pass, you can get access to unlimited fine wine, craft beer, local spirits, and food samples. Not a bad way to enjoy this side of the northeastern coast of Florida!
Oktoberfest, Vero Beach
Oktoberfest is a two-week-long celebration of beer that originated in Munich, Germany in the early 19th century. Thanks to the Vero Beach community in Florida, you don’t have to go back in time or move to Germany to enjoy the entertaining fall festival.
Each year, Vero Beach Oktoberfest welcomes beer-drinking and food-loving crowds from across the state. Think pretzels, lederhosen, and beer steins. The cultural event takes place at the Indian River County Fairgrounds and features live music along with over 150 arts and crafts vendors. If you’ve been craving some real German beer and food, don’t miss Oktoberfest.
Wine Cheese & Chocolate Festival, Miami
If you love wine, cheese, and chocolate (who doesn’t?!), you’ll find heaven at this annual festival in Miami. It’s held in November and offers unlimited samples of more than 200 sparkling and fine wines from over 10 different countries. You’ll find wines from France, Italy, Australia, Argentina, South Africa, Portugal, Spain, Germany, US, and more.
Sip on some delicious South African reds, Australian whites, and Italian Prosecco while nibbling on an assortment of fine chocolate, charcuterie, cheese, and fruit.
People looking to discover new flavor combinations and pairings love the festival and who can blame them. The idea of 15 types of cheese and 20 chocolates alone is enough to land food connoisseurs in a mouth-melting coma.
Pirate Fest, Cocoa Beach
It’s exactly what it sounds like: a pirate-themed festival with live music and a ton of fun stuff that apparently pirates did back in the day. We are talking treasure hunts, water cannon battles, puppet shows, and much more.
In the past, bands like The Bawdy Boys, For Love Or Money, Rusty Cutlass, Keith Anthony Barbrie, and The Lazy Jacks have played at the fest. There is always a wide collection of nautical-inspired jewelry and crafts on display and available for purchase. A magic show has also been added to amp up the mysterious ambiance of the Pirate Fest. And of course, you can expect delicious seafood and other pirate-fare.
Ultra Music Festival, Miami
For over 20 years, Ultra Music Festival has been the mecca of electronic dance music (EDM) lovers. It is held in March at the Bayfront Park in downtown Miami. The festival moves around the world, but in the United States, it only happens in Miami. As EDM has become one of the world's largest styles of music, hundreds of thousands attend the festival every year.
Tortuga Music Festival, Fort Lauderdale
While Florida is home to several big music festivals, Tortuga Music Festival is considered the best country music event. From roots to bluegrass to rock, it brings all facets of country music fans together for a memorable beach weekend experience. The Tortuga Festival combines music with meaning to raise support and awareness for ocean conservation.
The 3-day, multi-stage event is held at the pristine Fort Lauderdale Beach Park overlooking a magical aquatic setting. With past headliners like Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Travis Tritt, Nelly, Thomas Rhett, Randy Houser, Jordan Davis, Brothers Osborne, and Laine Hardy, music lovers are guaranteed a good time.
Sunset Music Festival, Tampa
Held over Memorial Day weekend, the Sunset Music Festival has become one of the largest events in Tampa Bay. It’s a one-day-only event at the Raymond James Stadium and attracts big names like Major Lazer, Hardwell, Galantis, The Chainsmokers, Noizu, Trivecta, Moore Kismet, and more. In addition to amazing electronic music, you’ll also find hundreds of food vendors and retailers that sell a variety of gadgets and goodies.
SunFest, West Palm Beach
SunFest is held annually in West Palm Beach to celebrate music and arts in the first week of May. It is the largest waterfront music and arts festival in Florida that boasts of over 150,000 visitors each year. This is one of the few kid-friendly music festivals with a wide variety of activities designed to entertain the little ones. Plus, you’ll also get to see one of the largest fireworks displays in the southeast!
The 4-day festival also features floating bars, henna tattoo artists, hair stylists, the TGi5K race, and an extensive food menu.
Electric Daisy Carnival, Orlando
Imagine a dream-like experience with unique artwork, neon landscapes, thrilling carnival rides, and talented performers – that’s what EDC Orlando is all about. It’s an electronic music festival held over three days in November, making it one of the biggest wintertime events in North America. Some of the most celebrated names in EDM, techno, and house music perform to keep you on your toes throughout the event.
You can also binge on funnel cakes, watch your favorite acts from the top of a Ferris Wheel, or just wander around admiring the circus performers, glow-in-the-dark scenery, and three-dimensional structures.
Florida Folk Festival, White Springs
A 3-day celebration of arts and music, the Florida Folk Festival offers everything from techno to Irish fiddle tunes, where you can appreciate art demonstrations, folk music workshops, jam sessions, and storytelling performances. One of the oldest annual folk music festivals in country, it began in 1953. Now it’s held on Memorial Day weekend each year at Stephen Foster Cultural Center State Park on the banks of the Suwannee River in White Springs.
30A Songwriters Festival, South Walton
Over 175 artists and songwriters come to South Walton every January to perform in intimate venues and offer an in-depth look at their creative process. You can watch them at amphitheaters, local bars, and town halls throughout the 16 beach neighborhoods in the city. Showcasing genres from Americana, soul, blues, country, and folk, the festival offers a great opportunity to get up-close and personal with some of the most talented artists.
Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Jacksonville
For the last 30 years, the city of Jacksonville has hosted a Jazz Festival that has now become somewhat of a legend among the genre lovers. This is one of the largest free jazz festivals in the country. Dine at a jazz brunch at Omni Jacksonville, attend a piano competition at the Florida Theatre, or take yourself to one of the three stages featuring live jazz.
Live entertainment, food, drinks, and other vendors will keep you busy over this 4-day event. And while you can absolutely attend it for free, there are several upgrades available such as wine and beer packages and VIP passes.
Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival, Okeechobee
Held at the 600-acre Sunshine Grove estate in Okeechobee, this 4-day music and arts festival has welcomed some really impressive performers including Mumford & Sons, Kendrick Lamar, Kings of Leon, and more.
What sets this event apart from other Florida music festivals is that in addition to music, it also focuses on arts and wellness. You can join yoga and meditation classes, get a massage, experience body painting, or even get a tattoo to make your experience memorable.
The Country 500 Festival, Daytona Beach
One of the biggest country music festivals in the US, Country 500 is held every Memorial Day weekend at the Daytona International Speedway. Some of the biggest names in country, such as Toby Keith, Dierks Bentley, and Chris Stapleton have performed here in the past, making it a must-attend event for all country fans.
One perk of this festival is that you can camp on the field where artists are scheduled to perform, and all ages are welcome. Watching your favorite country singers belt out a tune under the shining stars is an experience you won’t forget anytime soon.
Rolling Loud Music Festival, Miami
Hundreds of thousands of hip-hop lovers descend on Miami every year for this 3-day festival at Hard Rock Stadium to see their favorite artists perform. The past two years’ lineups have set the bar extremely high, with just about every rapper you can think of: Travis Scott, Lil Wayne, Kendrick Lamar, Future, Gucci Mane, Lil Yachty, J. Cole and so many more.
Welcome to Rockville Festival, Daytona Beach
Anyone who loves Rock n' Roll knows this to be the biggest music festival featuring metal, classic rock, and modern rock bands. It is held in May at Daytona Beach with nearly 75 bands on four different stages. Over 50,000 fans show up for a weekend of non-stop rock fun at this World’s Loudest Month event.
Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam Festival, Panama City Beach
This is a 3-day fest to celebrate country and southern rock music at one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida. If you’re looking for weekend getaway in June, the clear blue waters of Panama City Beach along with the soothing country music are sure to uplift your soul. Fans from all around the world come to attend this event and revel in the music, local eateries, and sublimely soft sand.
