by | November 4, 2026
What To Do in Florida This November
From the right whales' return to Florida's waters and high-stakes beach polo matches to book festivals and women's surf competitions, here's your guide to an action-packed November in Florida.
North
Seeing Red Wine Festival
Seaside
Nov. 5—8
Four days of world-class wine lines up perfectly with Seaside’s laid-back charm. Kick off the weekend at Bud & Alley’s, where expertly paired pours, a chef-crafted dinner and rooftop views of the Gulf set the tone for the festivities. The Battle of the Somms ignites a spirited competition between expert sommeliers before the Grand Tasting commences in Central Square, bringing in wine makers from around the world to serve alongside area chefs. The weekend concludes with the Celebration of Bubbles, where local celebrity chef Jim Shirley pairs champagne, cava, and prosecco with a brunch menu worthy of the sparkling lineup.
Blue Angels Homecoming Show
Pensacola
Nov. 6–7
Watch the Blue Angels swoop and soar during NAS Pensacola’s biggest event of the year. After the airshow, visit the world’s largest aviation museum to see over 150 historic aircraft and S.T.E.A.M exhibits across the Navy base for hands-on science activities for kids.
Super Girl Surf Festival
Jacksonville Beach
Nov. 7–8
WSL surfing meets a major music fest at this two-day celebration of women in sports. Watch some of the world’s top professional women battle for the Super Girl cape, then head to the Seawalk Pavillion for free concerts with headliners Switchfoot, Lupe, Fiasco, B.o.B and more. The vibes continue with a skateboard comp, female-only DJ showcase, art exhibit, fitness classes, beach sports and local food trucks.
Right Whale Festival
Fernandina Beach
Nov. 7–8
Every fall, North Florida welcomes some of its biggest seasonal visitors as North Atlantic right whales arrive to calve in the area’s warm coastal waters, and in honor of this endangered species, as an annual two-day celebration kicks off. “What keeps people coming back is the hope that we can make a difference,” says Cheryl Munday, festival founder and coordinator. Step inside a life-size inflatable whale, climb aboard U.S. Coast Guard and other research vessels used to study and protect right whales or stretch into downward dog during beach yoga. In a crossover of ocean conservation and sport, a skateboard competition featuring local talent shares the lineup with live music, a marine-themed dog parade and hands-on activities that inspire visitors to help protect one of the world’s rarest whales.
PorchFest
Jacksonville
Nov. 8
Wander the historic Springfield neighborhood, just north of downtown Jacksonville, where more than 20 bands perform from the front porches of historic homes. Stroll the streets, grab a bite from local food trucks like The Court Urban Food Park, sip craft beer and shop the arts market during this family friendly event.
Tom Petty Weekend
Gainesville
Nov. 13-15
Honoring the legacy of Gainesville’s hometown hero, Tom Petty, Heartwood Soundstage presents a weekend full of live storytelling and musical tributes to commemorate the late rock and roll legend. Since its inception in 2017, thousands of fans from across the nation flock to the event to revel in great music and a heartfelt remembrance all weekend long. This year, enjoy performances from Stan Lynch & The Speaker Wars, White Denim, Jake Thistle Band and more.
Central
Cows ‘n Cabs
Winter Park
Nov. 7
Taste your way through chef-curated bites from 35-plus restaurants and more than 200 pours of wine, beer and cocktails while boot-scootin’ to live country music. The event benefits several Central Florida children’s charities.
Savor St. Pete
St. Petersburg
Nov. 7—8
With a slew of new eateries and cocktail bars in the St. Pete and Tampa Bay area, it’s hard for even the most ardent foodies to keep up. This two-day epicurean fest at Vinoy Park serves as a cheat sheet to the best spots around town and features newcomers like Quiote Tequilaria and Hail Mary Social Club. For 14 years, the region’s top restaurants and bars have put on a spread anchored by a Grand Tasting Village, along with luxury sampling experiences, a VIP lounge, live entertainment and appearances and demos by local and celebrity chefs like Mark Wahlburg of Wahlburgers and Jing Gao of cult-favorite Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp.
Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot
Tampa
Nov. 9—14
Whether you can tell a single malt from a blended whiskey with just one sip, or are new to the spirits scene, this annual Tampa fundraiser is designed for seasoned enthusiasts alike. Whisk(E)y Tampa Foxtrot is put on by the Laxer Family Foundation, which serves at-risk and aspiring youth, honored veterans, and culinary artists. This year’s event consists of a series of exclusive dinners hosted by Bern’s Steak House, each including a multicourse menu and beverage pairings. With partners like Willett, Rare Character, Booker’s and WhistlePig, it’s an event–and a charity– worth raising a glass to.
St. Pete Run Fest
St. Petersburg
Nov. 13—15
Hit the ground running for a weekend of races through downtown St. Pete, historic neighborhoods and scenic stretches overlooking Tampa Bay. Starting near the Dali Museum, runners can choose the 5K or 10K on Friday or tackle the half-marathon on Sunday for a different way to see the Sunshine City, one step at a time.
Florida Hot Air Balloon Festival
Lakeland
Nov. 21
Watch dozens of vibrant hot air balloons float away from dawn until dusk. Held at SUN n’ FUN Expo Campus, take flight on tethered air balloon rides, play carnival games, and listen to live music from Audio Exchange, Damon Fowler and more. After sunset, dine on food from local food and beverage vendors, and observe Lakeland’s sky light up during the signature Twilight Balloon Glow.
Daytona Turkey Run
Daytona Beach
Nov. 25–29
Since 1974, one way to combat a tryptophan hangover has been to slip away from the Thanksgiving festivities and head to the Daytona International Speedway. The Daytona Turkey Run is the nation’s largest combined classic car show and swap meet, and this year’s event is on track to have its highest turnout yet. With over 7000 cars on display, from vintage to muscle cars to trucks and other four-wheeled rides, even the biggest motorheads will find their favorite models. While the car show area in the Speedway’s infield is reserved for the eligible show-quality vehicles, most 30 years or older, there’s also the swap meet with 2000 vendors offering everything from auto parts and accessories to memorabilia and gifts (some collectors wait all year to visit for hard-to-find parts) and an expensive car corral for those looking to buy or sell. What really sets this high-octane gathering apart is that it’s not just for locals––swoon-worthy vehicles with license plates from Nevada to Massachusetts cruise the grounds.
South
Galbani Feast of Little Italy
Jupiter
Nov. 6—8
Get a taste of Italy without leaving South Florida at this three-day fete of Italian food, culture and traditions. Sample Italian favorites from cannoli and zeppole to sausage and peppers, fried ravioli and arancini, then browse the Italian market, enjoy complimentary wine tastings, catch cooking demos and leave with a little taste of la dolce vita.
Miami Beach Polo World Cup
Miami
Nov. 12–15
Hooves thunder across the sand as global polo stars face off just steps from the Atlantic on the iconic oceanfront at Collin’s Park. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the world’s largest and most notable beach polo event welcomes eight international squads, with players representing more than 10 nations over four days of play. Throughout the weekend, stop by a curated retail village or join satellite events around town, including an Apres Polo event at the Setai Miami Beach and a Meet the Players event at the lively jazz cocktail bar Medium Cool. Free admission is available, along with VIP tickets featuring shaded lounge zones and premium bites and bevs.
Miami Book Fair
Miami
Nov. 15—22
Florida’s most vibrant book fair returns to the 305 for another year of bookish fun. Start the weekend off at the Opening Day Block Party, where DJs celebrate the sounds of Miami with music from Cuban classics to house music and more. During the rest of the week join authors like Margaret Atwood and Judy Blume for literary seminars, participate in creative writing workshops and stroll the tent-lined streets packed with book vendors to find your new favorite novel.
Ocean Key Resort & Spa: Thanksgiving by the Harbor
Key West
Nov. 26
Gather with friends and family and soak up breathtaking waterfront views at this elevated holiday event. Indulge on hand-crafted cocktails and a curated four-course meal of Thanksgiving classics with an elegant twist. Celebrate new and cherished traditions this season and dine on delicious island cuisine.
