Festivals In Fort Lauderdale You Don’t Want to Miss

Because there is tons to do, vacation planning in Fort Lauderdale can be an overwhelming job. But don’t worry, we’ve got the best part of your trip covered: Fort Lauderdale’s festivals. For your convenience, we have put together a list of Fort Lauderdale festivals that you absolutely do not want to miss. 

Some of the below-listed activities have been postponed or canceled as a result of COVID-19.

In the fall:

Harvest Weekends

Every Saturday and Sunday of October, Flamingo Garden turns into a lively  festival that hosts numerous activities. From costume contests and art exhibits, to pumpkin patches and hayrides, this music-filled festival is perfect for groups. The best part: this botanical wonder is a sanctuary for birds and diverse types of animals, so you can enjoy the festival surrounded by nature’s gifts. 

Las Olas Art Fair 

If you have a passion for art and thrive in sunny weather, this Mid-October festival is for you. Named one of the top 100 art festivals, Las Olas Art Festival offers art on display and meet-and-greets with artists, where attendees can chat about the pieces and enjoy conversations about art technique. 

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Boat aficionados from all over the world travel to this one event. Here, you’ll find professionals and yacht enthusiasts admiring the industry’s novelties in boats, yatches, and technology. For more than 60 years, The International Boat Show has allowed attendees to meet designers, creators, and vendors of top-line marine offerings. 

The Wilton Manors Neighborhood Halloween Block Party

One of the greatest Halloween Festivals of the country, this around-the-block style event is hosted in the renowned Wilton Manors Neighborhood. From 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., an average of twenty thousand attendees bask in Halloween-themed dancing, vibrant nightlife, and spooky Halloween tales. 

Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival

This 17-day festival is a cinema lover’s dream come true. Screening at the Savor Cinema and Cinema Paradiso, films from more than thirty countries are available for attendees, with chats with filmmakers and actors at creativity-filled parties and group discussions. 

In the winter:

Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade

Truly a winter wonderland for boat aficionados and just anyone who enjoys a good parade, this twelve-mile water-bound showing involves huge and festively decorated yachts and boats. This spectacle is completed with glowing surrounding kayakers and one-of-a-kind fireworks. 

Art Fort Lauderdale 

With bonus points for incomparable creativity, this four-day event hosts a water taxi cruising through the Intercoastal Waterway. Stops consist of internationally known conceptual art inside majestic waterfront properties. Here, you can witness art from eras across time and revel in the architecture of the properties they are held in. 

In the spring:

Las Olas Art Fair

Las Olas Art Fair goes for another round in March. So if you missed the first one, make sure to stop by this time!

Tortuga Music Festival 

Every April, locals wake up to the sound of popular country and rock music taking over the city. The Tortuga Music Festival takes place on Fort Lauderdale Beach Park and gathers thousands of fans every year.

In the summer:

Fort Lauderdale Air Show

The Fort Lauderdale Airshow takes place from the first though the third week of May. Really a spirit-lifting spectacle this high-flying aerial show has featured U.S Air force Thunderbirds, U.S. Navy Blue Angels and more. You’ll have a great view from either a tall-story balcony or the Drop Zone Beach. 

The Stonewall Parade

Celebrating the local and national LGBTQ+ community, The Stonewall Parade and Festival is held in the Wilton Manors Neighborhood. Filled with life, color, outdoor parades, food trucks and more, this is a great event to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and spend a day with friends. 

The 4th of July Spectacular

A day that attendees book with time, the 4th of July in Fort Lauderdale features sunny beaches and colorful fireworks. A public community event on Las Olas Boulevard, The 4th of July Spectacular exudes live live music shows, family-friendly games, and beautiful fireworks. 

All these festival options can make the difference between a good Fort Lauderdale trip and a great one. If you ever find yourself visiting the city during one of these unforgettable events, attend! You will not regret it. 

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