The big draw to the state’s most popular festival is a stellar entertainment lineup on the Wish Farms Stage.
Florida festivals
Prime festival season in Florida runs from fall to spring, with January, February and March being the peak. There are far fewer festivals in the steamy summer.
We offer many articles about individual outstanding festivals as well as several calendars of events:
Swamp Cabbage Festival on Feb. 27- 28, 2027: Tradition, swamp cabbage fritters & armadillo races
You can get gator tail and swamp cabbage at this festival. But the real reason to go is to revel in a last corner of small town America in Florida — beauty pageants, high school bands, armadillo races and a rodeo.
Florida State Fair: Feb. 5-16, 2026
Who doesn’t love the Florida State Fair, its magical midway, and food that is not very good for you — which, of course, is the appeal of a state fair!
January 2026 manatee festivals in Crystal River & Orange City
Manatee festivals celebrate Florida’s beloved manatee in January in Crystal River and Orange City. The family events include good spots to view manatees.
Top 75 Florida events, fairs & festivals in 2026
Our festival calendar is constantly updated and we’ve been following the festival scene for 15 years. Here are 75 hand-picked festivals around the state that range from off-beat local bashes to huge nationally known cultural events.
Best Christmas lights in Florida
These Florida destinations offer over-the-top holiday lights and decorations in quaint Old Florida settings. Several of the displays continue into the new year.
2026 Holiday Boat Parade Calendar
Saturday marks the last day you’ll be able to see a holiday boat parades in Florida for 2025.
Florida birding festivals: Where bird lovers flock
The first festival of the season is in Tampa this weekend and despite two hurricanes, it is ON, including a free nature expo. Florida birding festivals bring together experts, pros and beginners at winter events.
Yankeetown Seafood Festival: Nov. 22-23, 2025
The weather is perfect for getting outdoors, and there’s no better way to enjoy Florida in the Fall than a good, old-fashioned seafood festival. Free parking; Free admission. Camping, fishing, kayaking nearby.
Sugar Express: Sweet ride aboard a steam train
Tickets are on sale for rides beginning next week aboard the Sugar Express, a historic steam train sponsored by U.S. Sugar Company.