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 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:
Florida State Fair: Feb. 4-15, 2027
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.
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.
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. 21-22, 2026
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.
Mount Dora: Eight big weekend festivals plus year-round charm
Mount Dora is a historic town that has figured out how to keep people visiting: Maximize the natural beauty and develop arts and antique festivals. Oct. 25-26 is the very popular craft fair.
2026-27 Florida RV Shows and Buyers Guide
RV Shows in Florida are an opportunity to view various classes and models of recreational vehicles offered by multiple dealers. Learn about RVs and find upcoming RV shows in Florida.
Craft sodas are stars of the show at the 2027 Sebring Soda Festival, April 3-4
Sebring, a small town along the lovely Lake Wales Ridge in Central Florida, is staking a claim for something new — Florida’s first (and only) craft soda festival, the Sebring Soda Festival. Local small-batch sodas made with real sugar are making a comeback, partly as an outgrowth of the craft beer phenomenon. This Sebring festival is a good opportunity to taste what it’s all about.
Cortez Fishing Festival: Feb. 13-14, 2027
This tiny fishing village wedged between Bradenton and Anna Marie Island celebrates its rich heritage as a commercial fishing hub.
Homestead Rodeo, southernmost rodeo in the continental U.S.
Florida has a surprisingly rich history of rodeos in its small towns, and the one is Homestead is special. It’s the first rodeo of the year where professional cowboys can earn points.
Grant Seafood Festival: March 6-7, 2027
The Grant Seafood Festival is put on by community volunteers and has been held every year since 1966 in this riverside enclave between Melbourne and Sebastian.