by the Editors | December 30, 2024
What To Do This January in Florida
This January in Florida, board a pirate ship, run a personal best or sample the coast’s best seafood bites.
North
Donna Marathon Weekend
Jacksonville
Jan. 31–Feb. 2
Lace up your running shoes, pin your bib and shuffle the custom iHeart Radio Donna Marathon Weekend playlist for a weekend full of personal bests and dollars raised for The Donna Foundation, a nonprofit focused on providing financial relief for families fighting breast cancer. Choose a 5K, ultra, full, or half-marathon in support of families fighting breast cancer.
St. Augustine Film Festival
St. Augustine
Jan. 9–12
Ladies and gentlemen, silence your cellphones and take your seats as you explore 40 films from 25 countries with nightly parties, guest speakers and Q&A sessions. Settle in as the big screen brings captivating stories from around the world.
30A Songwriters Festival
Walton County
Jan. 16–20
Feel the magic of 30A as more than 175 artists light up intimate beachside stages. From folk to rock, this music festival is the ultimate coastal getaway with a soundtrack to match.
Apalachicola Oyster Cook-Off
Apalachicola
Jan. 24–26
Indulge in a coastal feast while stoking Apalachicola’s firefighting efforts. Enjoy local brews, live music, a 5K and a silent auction with oyster-themed items—all while funding essential firefighting equipment.
Jacksonville Boat Show
Jacksonville
Jan. 24–26
Discover the latest ski boats, fishing boats, cruisers, personal watercraft and more. Explore hundreds of models and connect with vendors for everything you need to fuel your boating passion.
Central
Gasparilla Pirate Festival
Tampa
Jan. 18, Jan. 25
Unlock a treasure trove of thrills with Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, and search for the key to the city at this swashbuckling celebration. Hoist the colors and prepare for an acrobatic airshow, fireworks and a parade filled with beads and booze on Bayshore Boulevard.
Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival
Tampa
Jan. 10–17
Celebrate 25 years of empowering and honoring the Black community during the Bay Area’s largest African American festival, featuring seminars for business and leadership growth, a 5K run/walk and a week of cultural experiences leading up to MLK Jr. Day.
34th Annual Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival
Fellsmere
Jan. 16–19
Hop into a weekend packed with live music, carnival rides and artisan tents during this 34-year tradition. The real adventure begins when you sink your teeth into frog legs or gator tail on a stick.
Florida Manatee Festival
Crystal River
Jan. 18–19
Embark on a guided manatee boat tour along Kings Bay, where sightings of these gentle giants are almost certain. Back on shore, stop by craft vendors offering sea cow-themed art and wares.
Images: A Festival of the Arts
New Smyrna Beach
Jan. 24–26
Step into a world of creativity with over 250 artists, food trucks and live music from local legend Steele Pan Man and Paisley Moon Trio. Explore stunning sculptures by feature artist Jack Hill.
Kumquat Festival
Dade City
Jan. 25
Stroll through Historic Dade City while tasting the flavors of these “little gold gems.” Savor citrus delights such as kumquat-infused pie, peanut butter, ice cream and more while exploring a maze of artisan tents at this family-friendly Old Florida fruit festival.
90/90 Benefit Dinner
Orlando
Feb. 28 (Get Your Tickets Early)
Join award-winning chef Norman Van Aken for a 5-course culinary journey featuring top local chefs at Van Aken’s iconic restaurant, Norman’s. Support the Jacques Pépin Foundation and help cook up change with every bite.
South
Padel For Brain Cancer
Miami
Jan. 18
Serve up support for brain cancer research as 30 teams compete in a men’s and women’s padel tournament. It’s a rally for a cause with food, drinks, and funding for glioblastoma research.
6th Annual Visit Fort Lauderdale Food and Wine Fest
Fort Lauderdale
Jan. 13–19
Savor the best of Broward County’s culinary scene with top chefs, restaurateurs and local food spots. Enjoy dishes from five guest chefs while supporting Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital with every bite.
AFWC’s One Thousand Bottles
Miami
Jan. 19
Raise your glass and indulge in an evening of wine discovery as over 1,000 exclusive bottles from top U.S. winemakers are uncorked alongside creative bites from local culinary talents. Proceeds benefit End Childhood Hunger and The Joel Feigenheimer Endowment Fund.
americanfinewinecompetition.org
Art Palm Beach
Palm Beach
Jan. 22–26
Immerse yourself in a curated collection of global contemporary and modern art. Experience exclusive galleries, rare masterpieces and a sophisticated atmosphere that defines South Florida’s premier cultural event of the season.
Homestead Rodeo
Homestead
Jan. 24–26
Giddy up for a thrilling three-day rodeo showcasing top-tier PRCA athletes and livestock. Watch cowboys and cowgirls compete while supporting a local tradition that’s been bucking since 1949.
Port Saint Lucie Seafood Festival
Port Saint Lucie
Jan. 25–26
Set sail on a two-day adventure tasting fresh seafood, finding coastal crafts and sipping tropical drinks. Explore unique nautical art and vendors while supporting the Treasure Coast Food Bank.
portsaintlucieseafoodfestival.com
