by The Editors | January 31, 2025

February Festivals and Fetes Across the State

Rev your engine at the Daytona 500, party with garlic heads in Wellington, cheer on tennis pros in Delray and savor strawberry shortcake in Plant City.

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North

Pete’s Bar Donna Crawl

Jacksonville Beach
Feb. 2

Lace up, drink up and join marathoners at Pete’s Bar. Run or stroll a scenic two-mile course then earn a medal that doubles as a bottle opener and toast with cold beers—all for breast cancer awareness. 

breastcancermarathon.com


Meet author Carl Hiaasen at The Florida Forum Speaker Series. Photography by Elena Seibert.

The Florida Forum Speaker Series 

Jacksonville 
Feb. 12

Join bestselling author and journalist Carl Hiaasen as he explores Florida’s quirks, weaving humor and sharp commentary while supporting pediatric care at Wolfson Children’s Hospital through an evening of storytelling and conversation.

womensboardwch.com


Experience Mardi Gras on the Emerald Coast at Panama City Mardi Gras and Music Festival. Photography courtesy of Panama City Beach Mardi Gras and Music Festival.

Panama City Beach Mardi Gras and Music Festival 

Panama City Beach 
Feb. 14–15

Get ready to let the good times roll with live music from Chubby Carrier, Chris Janson and more, parades, a Mardi Gras 5k, fireworks and plenty of beads. This festival brings the vibrant spirit of New Orleans to Florida with Cajun flair, high-energy zydeco and all the festive traditions that make Mardi Gras.

visitpanamacitybeach.com


Get ready to chow down on some good ‘ol Gulf Coast gumbo at the Sandestin Gumbo Festival. Photography courtesy of Sandestin Gumbo Festival.

37th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival

Miramar Beach
Feb. 21–22

Dig into the Gulf Coast’s best gumbo as live music sets the vibe and the cook-off turns up the heat. Sip Bloody Marys, catch cooking demos and savor two days of flavor.

sandestingumbofestival.com


Seawalk Music Fest

Jacksonville Beach
Feb. 22–23

Kick back and soak up the sounds of 12 incredible local artists over two days, from the Southern rock energy of Duval County Line to the ultimate Kiss Alive tribute. Parrot Heads can sway to Trop Rock, Yacht Rock and a full-on Jimmy Buffett tribute while enjoying local mouthwatering eats.

communityfirstseawalkmusicfest.com


Amelia Island Book Festival

Amelia Island
Feb. 28

Find your next great read and help support literacy across Northeast Florida, with proceeds going towards programs like Authors in Schools. Meet bestselling authors like David Baldacci, enjoy workshops and explore New York Times best-sellers.

ameliaislandbookfestival.org


Central

Get ready for the race of a lifetime at Daytona 500. Photography by Brian Cleary.

Daytona 500

Daytona
Feb. 16

Buckle up for an unforgettable day at the Daytona International Speedway. A pre-race performance featuring Pitbull will get adrenaline pumping before NASCAR’s top drivers rev their engines and go head-to-head in the Great American Race.

daytonainternationalspeedway.com


Arts Weekend 2025

Winter Park
Feb. 20–23

Let creativity flourish at this four-day arts festival, featuring a plein air concert by the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park, stretch out and rejuvenate during yoga in the Mead Botanical Garden and enjoy exhibitions at the Rollins Museum of Art.

cityofwinterpark.org


Enjoy a good time paired with some great tunes at Sanford Porch Fest. Photography by Benevolence Photography.

Sanford Porch Fest

Sanford
Feb. 22

Tune into Sanford’s backyard stage where 18 porches and 70 bands bring music to the streets. Support the community while jamming out to live tunes and helping fund arts education and youth scholarships.

sanfordporchfest.org


90th Annual Florida Strawberry Festival

Plant City
Feb. 27-March 9

Get ripe and ready to celebrate this sweet start to strawberry season. The annual fruit-themed fair is filled with musical performances, carnival rides (like the “berry” big Ferris wheel) and, of course, strawberry shortcakes, milkshakes, jams, cheesecakes and more.

flstrawberryfestival.com


South

Jam out to the tunes at South Florida Garlic Fest. Photography courtesy of South Florida Garlic Fest.

South Florida Garlic Fest

Village of Wellington
Feb. 1-2

The “Best Stinkin’ Party in South Florida” returns to the Wellington Amphitheater, where revelers don their cloviest costumes, relish in garlic-infused dishes and groove to a mix of eclectic musical acts. 

garlicfestfl.com


Delray Beach Open

Delray
Feb. 7–16

Turn off the Tennis Channel. While the world watches the Legends event and ATP 250 from their couches at home, sit courtside with more than 60,000 other spectators as today’s top-ranked tennis pros volley for victory.

delraybeachopen.com


55th Annual Everglades Seafood Festival

Everglades City
Feb. 7-9

Consider BYOB (bringing your own bib) to this fresh-off-the-boat seafood fest in the Stone Crab Capital of the World. Enjoy live country music, carnival rides and more at this three-day fest, supporting local fishermen and communities.

evergladesseafoodfestival.org


Experience interactive art at Ignite Broward. Photography courtesy of Ignite Broward.

Ignite Broward

Dania Beach & Fort Lauderdale
Feb. 14–23

Experience the fusion of art and technology at Ignite Broward. Explore 30 installations, 3D projection mapping, interactive displays, workshops and performances across Fort Lauderdale and Dania Beach in this free 10-day event.

ignitebroward.com


Florida Keys Seafood Festival 

Key West
Feb. 15–16

Get ready to shell out some fun with lobster platters, fried fish, conch fritters and rumaritas all while listening to great music. Feast on fresh seafood, shop unique art, enjoy live entertainment and the chance to win $250 worth of seafood from Fish Busters right to your front door.

floridakeysseafoodfestival.com


Coconut Grove Arts Festival

Coconut Grove
Feb. 15-17

This sun-kissed winter celebration of creativity and culture will feature more than 280 artists in over 15 mediums. Highlights include an Arts & Drafts Beer Garden and a 360-degree art projection experience not to be missed.

cgaf.com


Delicious drinks await at South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Photography courtesy of South Beach Wine & Food Festival.

South Beach Wine & Food Festival

Miami Beach
Feb. 20-23

From burgers to fine dining, don’t miss four days of exceptional foodie fun, where celebrated chefs and epic eats take over the sands of Miami Beach and beyond.

sobewff.org


For more events across Florida, click here