What's Up in Florida
June and July 2025

JUNE

BATTLE OF BLOODY MOSE — Some of Florida’s pivotal battles came not only before statehood, but before the United States became an independent nation. One of these, known as the Battle of Bloody Mose, occurred when British forces, led by General Oglethorpe, tried to wrest control of Florida from the Spanish militia. If you know your St. Augustine history, you know it didn’t go well. The decisive battle, which took place in Mose, resulted in 75 dead British troops (out of 175) and 35 captured. Afterwards, the British turned tail and headed back to Georgia and South Carolina. This annual event commemorates the lives lost and battle won through two reenactments (11 a.m. and 1 p.m.).
When: June 28
Where: Fort Mose, St. Augustine
Web: https://fortmose.org/battle-of-bloody-mose-2022

WATERMELON FESTIVAL — This annual event represents a slice of Americana family fun. Don’t get us started on the Great American Bed Race. We’re not talking about a kind of bed, but flatbed carts. Teams of adults or teens (two pushers, one rider), build their “bed”, decorate it, don costumes and race their way through the streets of Monticello to be first to the finish line. If you don’t think the Great American Bed Race isn’t quite your “speed”, maybe reserve a spot (plus a commemorative t-shirt!) in the Monticello Kiwanis Club 5K Watermelon Run or plop down a chair along the route of the 74th annual festival parade. Of course, there’s also a car show, pageant, dog and baby photo contests, live music, art and craft vendors and watermelon. Lots of watermelon.
When: June 13-14
Where: Monticello
Web: https://www.monticellowatermelonfestival.com

WILD BLACKBERRY FESTIVAL — Hamilton County, the Wild Blackberry Capital of the Sunshine State, has a jam-packed day planned for families starting with the blackberry pancake breakfast. Other entertainment throughout the day includes a concert by Teddy MacElvis and the Legends, craft vendors, the Miss Blackberry pageant, kids games and food vendors. Of course, all things blackberry have a starring role. Imagine homemade cobblers, jams, jellies and pints of fresh-picked blackberries. Want to try your hand at cultivating your own harvest. There also will be plants for sale!
When: June 9
Where: Jasper
Web: https://www.naturalnorthflorida.com/events/wild-blackberry-festival-2

KINGFISH SHOOTOUT — If you want the sun in your face, wind in your hair and a little bit of hope dangling from your fishing line, Carrabelle’s fishing tournament might be calling your name. The annual event, which has raised more than $1.5 million for the Leukemia Research Foundation, pays out $5,000 for the biggest kingfish. The largest red snapper also will reel in $5,000, with $2,000 going to the first place Spanish mackerel. The tournament has a guaranteed payout of $24,000 and includes divisions for Calcutta, target weight, youth angler (ages 16 and under) and Lady Angler. Youths and women must net their catch unassisted.
When: June 14
Where: Carrabelle
Web: https://c-quartersmarina.com/events/22nd-annual-kingfish-shootout

ORLANDO SEAFOOD FESTIVAL – What better way to start the summer than with sunshine, boats and fresh seafood? This two-day, family-friendly fest will feature a variety of vendors serving up shrimp dishes, sandwiches, fried delights and other forms of sea-caught goodies, along with live bands and entertainment, a pirate show, a marine exhibit, a boat show and a children’s zone. Check out the seafood market to bring home some dinner, or shop for handmade arts, crafts and gifts while enjoying the outdoors in spacious Festival Park.
When: June 7-8
Where: Festival Park, Orlando
Web: https://orlandoseafoodfestival.com/

SAVOR SARASOTA – Celebrating Savor Sarasota’s 20th anniversary, more than 50 restaurants throughout Sarasota County will offer multi-course menus showcasing the area’s diverse culinary landscape and talented chefs, from the barrier islands of Longboat Key and Lido Key to the downtowns of Venice, Sarasota and Englewood. Satisfy your foodie palate by hitting multiple restaurants over the three-week period, choosing from classic comfort food to contemporary creations, all for $25 per person for lunch of $45 per person for dinner.
When: June 1-20
Where: Throughout Sarasota County
Web: https://www.visitsarasota.com/savor-sarasota

WATERLILY CELEBRATION – For 20 years, McKee Botanical Garden has drawn horticultural enthusiasts, photographers, artists, and visitors from across the state to gaze upon dozens of varieties of the beautiful waterlily and take part in a full day of immersive activities. Learn from waterlily reporting demonstrations, shop for unique plants, wire art and handmade African baskets, and watch plein air artists capture the beauty of the gardens in real time. Get there at the 8:30 a.m. opening time to see a rare and breathtaking display of night-blooming waterlilies alongside their day-blooming counterparts.
When: June 14
Where: McKee Botanical Garden, Vero Beach
Web: https://mckeegarden.org/class/20th-annual-waterlily-celebration-2/

OTAKUFEST – Otaku is a Japanese word that describes people with consuming interests, such as anime, video games, computers or other highly enthusiastic hobbies. It’s the perfect word to describe this three-day nerd-a-thon that celebrates the best in geek culture, including anime, animation, cosplay, gaming, manga (comics and graphic novels with a distinct style) and pop culture. On tap: hundreds of exhibitors, venders, craftspeople, celebrities, publishers, artists, writers, panels, costume competitions, concerts, video game tournaments, role-playing games and karaoke.
When: June 6
Where: Miami Airport Convention Center
Web: otakufest.com

ELECTRIC BLUES EXTRAVAGANZA – There are many sub-genres of blues, including Memphis, New Orleans, Chicago, Texas, Delta, British, West Coast, Country, Boogie Woogie and Psychedelic to name just some. You’re likely to hear and see at least some of these at this noon-until-9 p.m. gathering on two stages, maybe along with some southern soul, funk, neo-pop and hip hop thrown in for good measure. Performers will be Sp3ctacle, The Cedrick Talton Experience, Rockin’ Jake Band, Reggie “King” Sears, JW Gilmore, Ronny Hill and Josh Roland. Plenty of diverse and yummy food options (six restaurants are on the property) are available, too,
When: June 14
Where: Fishermen’s Village, Punta Gorda
Web: www.fishermensvillage.com

JULY

MEL FISHER DAYS -- The admission-free event features three days of treasure-filled fun, romance, and adventure. Expect a variety of activities including a scavenger hunt, bar crawl, food trucks, local brewery and distillery samplings, and a dress-like-a-pirate contest with a booty prize. 
When: July 18-20, 2025.
Where: Sebastian, Florida.
Web: https://www.melfisher.com/mobile/site/melfisherdays.html

SWAMP STOMP MUSIC FESTIVAL — Spread your blanket under the Spanish moss dripping from the live oak canopy for an evening of music in the museum’s outdoor natural amphitheater. This year’s eclectic live music lineup spans folk, blues and contemporary genres and includes festival favorites like Carol Ann Mathews, Eddie Mac & Ken and the event’s organizer, Del Suggs. Although the live music doesn’t begin until 4 p.m., families can enjoy their day by arriving early to explore the museum’s 52-acre park. Like the music fest’s genre-spanning lineup, the museum has something for everyone and includes an opportunity to walk gorgeous nature trails, to explore historic buildings and an 1880s working farm or to view Florida’s native species like black bears and grey wolves in their native settings. Includes a craft beer cash bar for guests ages 21 and up.
When: July 12
Where: Tallahassee Museum
Web: https://tallahasseemuseum.org/events/swamp-stomp

RED, WHITE AND BLUES WEEK — Just when you think the Independence Day festivities are over, the Blue Angels soar through the skies over the city’s gulf coast beaches for four days of high-flying acrobatics. The Navy’s flight demo squad call Pensacola Beach home and put on one of their biggest shows of the year each July. The event kicks off with “Breakfast with the Blues” on July 9, includes two days of rehearsals and then concludes with the Pensacola Beach Air Show on Saturday, July 12. Other acts joining them in the skies include Redline, Kevin Coleman, RJ Gritter, the Titan Aerobatic Team, Veterans Flight Stearmans, Julian MacQueen and the Red Bull Air Force Team. Saturday’s air show is one of the community’s marquee annual events and visitors are encouraged to arrive early to nab a prime viewing spot at Casino Beach. The Blue Angels take to the sky at 2 p.m. for the daily rehearsals and on the show day. If you miss the festivities during Red, White and Blues Week, you can still catch the Blue Angels during one of their regular practices at 10:30 a.m. on July 15-16, 22-23 and 29. 
When: July 9-12
Where: Gulfside Pavilion at Casino Beach, Pensacola Beach
Web: https://visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-blue-angels

STAR-SPANGLED FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL — What do you get when you combine a melting pot of international eats, live music and lots of fireworks? The perfect Independence day pre-party! Destin’s July 3rd event includes dozens of food trucks, live music by Duchess and the Tobacco Rd Band and a coastal fireworks extravaganza. 
When: July 3
Where: Destin Commons
Web: https://destincommons.com/happenings-events/star-spangled-food-truck-festival-2

CALADIUM FESTIVAL – This three-day fest honors Lake Placid’s beloved caladium plant and highlights this little-known local farming industry as well as the creativity of this beautiful, small Florida town. Take a bus tour of the vibrant caladium fields, enjoy live bands and regional dance troupes, learn about Florida’s grape industry and wineries, buy some one-of-a-kind plants and crafts and check out the floral arrangement and art competitions. There’s also a Saturday car and bike show filled with rare and antique vehicles and classic motorcycles, as well as a Friday afternoon Tiny & Little Miss Caladium pageant.
When: July 25-27
Where: Stuart Park, Lake Placid
Web: https://www.caladiumfestival.org/

FISHERMAN’S VILLAGE INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION – The action kicks off at noon, way before the fireworks show. From noon to six, family-friendly activities and vendors will be on the property’s Village Promenade. Here is the entertainment schedule: The Cedrick Talton Experience (funk and blues) will be on the Center Court stage from noon to 4 p.m.; acoustic guitarist Mark Gorka (pop, rock and country) will be on the same stage from 5-9, and the From the Edge band (rock, country and dance music) will be on the Dry Beach stage from 5-9. Fireworks begin at about 9 p.m. and the best viewing is on the west side of the property. You can take a King Fisher Fleet sunset/fireworks cruise that departs from Fisherman’s Village at 7:30.
When: July 4.
Where: Fishermen’s Village, Punta Gorda
Web: fishermensvillage.com and kingfisherfleet.com

RED, WHITE & BOOM – If you are an early riser, and a jogger, there is the Freedom 5k run for adults and a shorter Kid’s Fun Run, both starting at 7 a.m. The music begins at 5:15 p.m., with two yet-to-be announced opening acts and then up-and-coming nationally known country singer George Birge taking the stage at 8:15. The fireworks begin at 9:30. Also on tap: plenty of venders offering a variety of food and drink and arts and crafts. The Boom Zone is a VIP option to enhance your experience.
When: July 4.
Where: Downtown Cape Coral right before the Cape Coral Parkway Bridge
Web: www.capeboom.com

KEY LIME FESTIVAL – This annual affair is a mega-celebration of Florida’s official state pie. If you think you can devour a 9-inch pie faster than anyone else, make sure to enter the always hilarious pie-eating contest. Other events include: The Key Lime Kick-Off (sip champagne on the veranda of the 1869 mansion where key lime pie was first created), the Key Lime Sip & Stroll (sample key-lime infused drinks from local bars and vote for your favorite), the Key Lime Pie Hop (sample different variations of pie), a Key Lime Scavenger Hunt, a cooking contest, a Key Lime rum sampling and distillery tour and the zany Key Lime Pie Drop from the top of the Key West Lighthouse.
When: July 2-6 
Where: Various locations in Key West
Web: keylimefestival.com

BUGFEST – A question: Is Bugfest: A) a festival in the Everglades honoring the mosquito, which some Floridians jokingly call the state bird? B) An expo featuring the latest surveillance devices? C) An event for divers wanting to take part in what is called Florida’s mini-lobster season? Of course, the answer is “C.” The mini-lobster season is always the last Wednesday and Thursday in July and it’s for folks who just can’t wait for the regular lobster-hunting season, which starts on Aug. 6 and runs through March 31. And, for the uninitiated, lobsters are known as bugs to divers. Bugfest is a one-day event in Pompano Beach hosted by the South Florida Diving Headquarters. Once the diving and the weigh-ins are over, there will be a fun after-party. There will also be a raffle and you get one ticket for each lobster you catch.
When: The mini-season in general is July 30-31 and Bugfest is on July 30.
Where: Sands Harbor Resort & Marina, Pompano Beach.
Web: southfloridadiving.com