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.
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.

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.

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.

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.
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.
Central

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.

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.
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.
South

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.
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.
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.

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.
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.

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.