This fall, stroll through an authentic Bahamian marketplace and jam to the toe-tapping sounds of junkanoo at the Jensen Beach Pineapple Festival, which also showcases top recording artists on four stages.
At the VNA Air Show in Stuart, see high-performance military demonstration teams, witness pilots pull off acrobatic maneuvers, and embark on a kid-friendly scavenger hunt.
Fall in love with food all over again at the Taste of Jensen, or get in the holiday spirit with two Christmas parades – one by sea, the other by land. And the fun continues into 2010…
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| This fall, stroll through an authentic Bahamian marketplace and jam to the toe-tapping sounds of junkanoo at the Jensen Beach Pineapple Festival, which also showcases top recording artists on four stages. |
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Conveniently located off Interstate 95 just north of Palm Beach, Martin County serves up an array of outdoor concerts and art exhibitions, festivals, green markets and an air show.
November
The festivities kick off Nov. 6-8 with the ultra popular Jensen Beach Pineapple Festival, one of South Florida’s few remaining street festivals.
Wander through a Bahamian Market teeming with island music and crafts or dance to live melodies from one of four stages. Headliners include top new country artist Julianne Hough, who was a professional dance champion on “Dancing with the Stars.”
The Pineapple Festival, which drew nearly 50,000 attendees last year, also features midway rides, street performers and arts and crafts. Visit www.pineapplefestival.info for ticket information.
The following weekend, Nov. 13-15, check out high-flying feats at the VNA Air Show in Stuart. Prepare to be amazed as the "Black Daggers," the U.S. Army Special Ops Parachute Team, plummet from the sky and the AeroShell Aerobatic Team executes graceful loops and rolls.
Learn about space exploration from astronaut Story Musgrave or explore Kidz Zone, which offers miniature golf, rock wall climbing and treasure hunts. Visit www.vnaairshow.com for ticket information.
December
Foodies won’t want to miss the Taste of Jensen on Dec. 1. Sample cuisine from 25 top-rated restaurants and listen to live entertainment in downtown Jensen Beach. Last year’s line-up included mouth-watering fare from Conchy Joe’s Seafood Restaurant and The Copacabana Grill.
Slip into the holiday spirit with back-to-back Christmas parades. Floats, bands and decorated automobiles will proceed through Stuart during the 49th annual Soroptimist Christmas Parade on Dec. 4. This year’s theme is “Christmas Under the Sea.”
The following evening, the Martin County Boat Parade sets sail on the St. Lucie River. Sit back, relax and enjoy the view from Sandsprit Park, Twin Rivers Park and participating businesses.
January
Mark the new year by perusing pieces from 100-plus artists at the Jensen Beach Fine Art & Craft Show, the area’s first major art show of the year and one of the state’s premier exhibitions.
About 15,000 customers are expected to attend the free event, which runs Jan. 16-17.
February
Art enthusiasts also will delight in two other free, wintertime events. On Feb. 6-7, admire life-size sculptures, paintings and ceramics at the 9th annual Hobe Sound Festival of the Arts. The event transforms four blocks of A1A into a living art gallery.
Later in the month, check out the Howard Alan Art Show, Feb. 27-28 in Stuart.
Finally, February wouldn’t be complete without a lively Mardi Gras celebration. Visit Crawdaddy’s N’awlins Café & Raw Bar Feb. 12-16 in Jensen Beach. Sample signature dishes like Louisiana barbecued shrimp and jambalaya as live music plays. It’s as close to being in the French Quarter as you can get…in Florida.
This fall and winter, experience fun at festivals of all kinds in Martin County. Visit www.martincountyfla.com/events for more information.
