8 Upcoming Florida Festivals You Won’t Want to Miss This Year

Florida’s festival scene is heating up with exciting events that showcase the state’s vibrant culture, delicious food, and entertainment. From music and arts to seafood and boats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy across the Sunshine State. Mark your calendars and gather your friends – these eight fantastic Florida festivals promise unforgettable experiences that capture the essence of Florida’s unique charm.

1. Sing Out Loud Festival (St. Augustine)

Music lovers flock to America’s oldest city for this free music celebration that transforms St. Augustine into a melodic paradise. Local and national artists perform across multiple venues throughout the historic district, creating an atmosphere of artistic unity.

The festival showcases various genres, including folk, rock, country, and blues. Visitors can wander between performances while exploring charming cobblestone streets and ancient architecture.

Beyond music, the event features art installations, workshops, and local food vendors. The combination of timeless surroundings and contemporary sounds makes this festival a unique cultural experience that honors St. Augustine’s rich heritage while embracing modern creative expression.

2. Orlando Booze & Bites Fest (Orlando)

Foodies and drink enthusiasts gather at this flavor-packed celebration where Orlando’s best restaurants and beverage providers show off their most mouthwatering creations. Sample signature cocktails, craft beers, and wine alongside delicious food pairings that highlight Florida’s culinary diversity.

The festival atmosphere buzzes with live cooking demonstrations from local chefs who share their secrets and techniques. Visitors wander between tasting stations, collecting new flavor experiences with each stop.

Live music provides the perfect backdrop for socializing while discovering new favorite restaurants and drinks. The event typically features special VIP experiences for those seeking an elevated tasting adventure with exclusive offerings not available to general admission attendees.

3. South Beach Seafood Festival 2025 (Miami Beach)

Fresh catches and ocean breezes define this seafood extravaganza that kicks off stone crab season in style on Miami’s iconic South Beach. The festival transforms the famous oceanfront into a seafood lover’s paradise where Florida’s top chefs showcase their most innovative oceanic creations.

Competitions like the Chef Showdown create friendly rivalries as culinary masters battle for seafood supremacy. Attendees enjoy everything from classic stone crabs to elaborate seafood dishes while taking in stunning Atlantic Ocean views.

Between bites, visitors dance to live music, participate in cooking demonstrations, and enjoy beach games. The festival perfectly captures Miami’s blend of culinary excellence, cultural diversity, and beachfront luxury that makes South Beach a world-renowned destination.

4. R&B Wing Fest Tampa (Y2K EDITION) (Tampa)

Nostalgia meets flavor at this unique festival, combining early 2000s R&B music with Tampa’s best chicken wings. The Y2K edition brings back the sounds that defined a generation while local restaurants compete for the title of best wings in categories like hottest, most creative, and fan favorite.

Visitors groove to classic hits performed by tribute artists and DJs spinning Y2K playlist favorites. The festival atmosphere recreates the early 2000s with fashion throwbacks, themed decorations, and photo opportunities that transport attendees back in time.

Beyond wings and music, the event features specialty Y2K-inspired cocktails and desserts. This perfect pairing of nostalgic sounds and savory wings creates a multi-sensory experience that celebrates Tampa’s food scene while honoring the musical era that many attendees grew up loving.

5. Riverwalk Fall Festival (Fort Lauderdale)

Autumn comes alive along Fort Lauderdale’s picturesque waterfront during this family-friendly celebration that embraces the season despite Florida’s eternal summer. The Riverwalk transforms with fall decorations, pumpkin displays, and harvest-themed activities that create a festive atmosphere for all ages.

Children enjoy pumpkin decorating stations, face painting, and seasonal crafts. Parents appreciate the artisan market featuring local vendors selling handmade goods, fall-inspired treats, and unique gifts.

Live music floats through the air as visitors stroll along the water, taking in beautiful views of boats passing by on the New River. The combination of Florida’s natural beauty and autumn festivities makes this event a refreshing seasonal experience that brings the community together in one of Fort Lauderdale’s most scenic locations.

6. Stone Crab Festival (Naples)

Seafood enthusiasts celebrate the start of stone crab season at this beloved Naples tradition where the star of the show is Florida’s most prized crustacean. The festival centers around the historic fishing village of Tin City, where fresh stone crabs are served alongside other seafood delicacies.

Local fishermen share stories about harvesting these sustainable delicacies – only one claw is taken before releasing the crab back to the ocean to regenerate. Cooking demonstrations teach visitors the best ways to prepare and enjoy this Florida specialty.

Live music, waterfront activities, and boat tours round out the experience. The festival showcases Naples’ rich maritime heritage while supporting local fishing industries that form the backbone of this Gulf Coast community’s economy and cultural identity.

7. Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (Fort Lauderdale)

Nautical dreams come to life at the world’s largest in-water boat show that transforms Fort Lauderdale into a floating showcase of maritime luxury. Over 1,000 exhibitors display everything from superyachts and fishing boats to marine accessories across seven waterfront locations connected by water taxis.

The event attracts serious buyers and dreamers alike who marvel at vessels worth millions alongside innovative marine technology. Industry professionals offer seminars on boating skills, maintenance tips, and ocean conservation.

Beyond boats, visitors enjoy gourmet food, cocktail lounges, and entertainment that capture Fort Lauderdale’s reputation as the “Yachting Capital of the World.” The economic impact exceeds $1 billion annually, highlighting how this spectacular show has become not just an event but a defining celebration of South Florida’s maritime identity.

8. Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (Fort Lauderdale)

Cinema enthusiasts gather for one of the longest film festivals in the world, spanning 17 days of screenings that showcase independent productions from across the globe. The festival transforms multiple venues throughout Fort Lauderdale into theaters featuring everything from thought-provoking documentaries to avant-garde shorts.

Filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals participate in Q&A sessions and workshops that provide behind-the-scenes insights. Red carpet premieres bring glamour to the city with celebrity appearances and gala events celebrating the art of filmmaking.

Between screenings, attendees enjoy filmmaker parties, panel discussions, and special events that foster connections within the film community. This cultural cornerstone has helped establish Fort Lauderdale as a significant destination for independent cinema while providing locals and visitors access to films they might otherwise never experience.