by | December 29, 2025
What to Do This January in Florida
A statewide bucket list of can’t-miss hits, featuring frog legs, race cars and polo champs—plus some pirate mischief.
North
St. Augustine Film Festival
St. Augustine
Jan. 7–11
The stage is set for 50-plus independent films by international and local directors, filmmaker Q&As and insider-packed soirees delivering more movie magic than any multiplex.
Amelia Island Festival of Stories & Songs
Amelia Island
Jan. 29–Feb. 1
Filled with live storytelling, intimate concert sets and hands-on workshops—plus kids’ StoryTime sessions and whimsical events like an “Alice in Wonderland” tea party—this literary fest is sweeter than fiction. Take cues from acclaimed creatives like singer Andy Offut Irwin and author Carmen Deedy as they spark your next project, read or playlist.
MammothMarch
Pomona Park
Jan. 31
Hike through 20 miles of canopy-covered trails at this untimed communal trek in Dunns Creek State Park, featuring refreshment stations and a finisher medal to prove you put in the work.
30A Songwriters Festival
Walton County
Jan. 16-19
Every January, the 28.5-mile stretch of the Panhandle known as 30A showcases more than 100 singer-songwriters across 30 venues. Headliners include gospel and R&B legend Mavis Staples, Toad the Wet Sprocket and 10,000 Maniacs. From Seaside to Santa Rosa, surprise artist collabs and seamless shuttle service keep the good vibes flowing.
Central
2026 Ocala Winter Spectacular Show Series
Ocala
Dec. 31–Jan. 4
(Don’t) hold your horses! Week one of the World Equestrian Center’s Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper circuit gallops into town with some of the world’s top riders competing for big cash.
Florida Manatee Festival
Crystal River
Jan. 17–18
Celebrate the sea cows at this two-day festival, featuring manatee tours, local bites and vendor wares inspired by the beloved gentle giants.
Rolex 24 at Daytona
Daytona
Jan. 22–25
Centered around the famed 24-hour endurance race, autophiles can experience four days of racing, driver meet-and-greets and up-close car encounters.
daytonainternationalspeedway.com
Kumquat Festival
Dade City
Jan. 31
Grab a kumquat—or two—in one hand, a glass of sweet spirits in the other, and toast this tiny, playful fruit in big, playful style. Downtown streets buzz with artisan booths, a classic car show, kids’ activities and live music, alongside countless kumquat creations. From citrus pies to tangy wines, taste Florida’s quirkiest harvest.
Gasparilla Pirate Fest
Tampa
Jan. 31
Batten down the hatches! Pirates are expected to invade Tampa Bay by boat, then parade down Bayshore Boulevard alongside hundreds of thousands of rowdy costumed revelers as they search for the key to the city and toss beads at the parrrrtiers.
South
Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius
Miami
Now–April 5
From flying machines to the “Mona Lisa,” explore da Vinci’s brilliance via rare artifacts, quirky inventions and interactive exhibits on display at the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science in collaboration with Rome’s Museo Leonardo da Vinci.
Woody De Othello’s “Coming Forth by Day”
Miami
Now–June 28
Pérez Art Museum Miami hosts Magic City native Woody De Othello for his first museum solo exhibition. His work features playful mosaics and sculptures in which everyday objects sprout legs and arms, bursting with life.
Key West Literary Seminar
Key West
Jan. 8–11
Join acclaimed authors like Billy Collins and Patricia Lockwood in this legendary literary town for spirited conversation on how novelists are tackling the modern phenomenon of shrinking attention spans.
Art Deco Weekend
Miami Beach
Jan. 9–11
Time travel into Miami’s golden era during this festival of guided tours exploring iconic properties like The Villa Casa Casuarina and other architectural works along Ocean Drive.
Boca International Jewish Film Festival
Boca Raton
Jan. 14–March 15
Revel in powerful stories and vibrant culture through events like the Cinebash Opening Celebration and a three-week showcase of international Jewish and Israeli films.
Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival
Fellsmere
Jan. 15–18
You’ve heard of Florida’s frog leg and gator tail dinners—but not like this. Dig into fried favorites by dining in or swinging through the Festival drive-thru, where Southern staples are served on the go. Add in carnival rides and live sets from acts like Doolin Dalton, and you’ve got a bite brimming with Florida’s small-town flavor.
National Polo Center Winter Season
Wellington
Now–May 3
Don the fabulous hats this winter as top players storm U.S. Polo Association Field One for a premier tournament lineup—culminating in marquee moments like the Heritage Cup. Make a day of it with the club’s world-class Sunday brunch, toasting the sport of kings with Champagne and caviar.
