Boat shows in Port Charlotte, St. Pete, Daytona, Stuart, Naples and Jacksonville are all on tap in January. Even more shows set for February, March and April.
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:
Everglades Seafood Festival on tap this weekend
The Everglades Seafood Festival in Everglades City brings fresh local seafood, country music, carnival rides and arts and crafts to this historic outpost on the edge of the Everglades.
Florida Civil War reenactment at Olustee: Feb. 13-15, 2026
BLACK HISTORY MONTH: At Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park near Jacksonville, Florida’s largest Civil War battle will be reenacted, with gun smoke, booming cannons and cavalry. Three of the famous “Colored Regiments” were among 10,000 troops that fought here.
2027 Florida Strawberry Festival set for March 4-14
The big draw to the state’s most popular festival is a stellar entertainment lineup on the Wish Farms Stage.
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
Plan your holiday season with a hearty Ho Ho Ho and Florida Rambler’s comprehensive Boat Parades calendar. We have the dates and links to unique boat parades throughout the state.