What's Up In Florida
February and March 2025
FEBRUARY
SWAMP CABBAGE FESTIVAL – This will be the 57th year that the authentic Florida town of La Belle just east of Fort Myers has been celebrating swamp cabbage in this down home festival. You can sample dishes made with swamp cabbage (also known as hearts of palm). The many activities include armadillo races, a rodeo, beauty pageants, a parade with floats, live music, a fishing tournament, a car show and a lawn mower race. There is a circus theme to all the festivities this year: Under the Big Tree Top.
When: Feb 22-23
Where: Various locations in La Belle
Web: labelleswampcabbagefestival.org
LAKE WORTH BEACH STREET PAINTING FESTIVAL – It’s the chalk of the town, so to speak. See how the pavement becomes a canvas and the street becomes a museum for fine works of traditional, contemporary and 3D art. Lasting only until the next rain drops, these masterpieces (made with environmentally-friendly chalk) are a true beauty to behold. Some 600 artists will participate at one of the largest street painting festivals in the country. There will also be food, live music and street performers.
When: Feb. 22-23
Where: Downtown Lake Worth Beach
Web: spf.lakeworthbeachfl.gov/
PLAY BALL! – Hankering for some baseball? Not to worry. SoFla’s six teams in the Grapefruit League (a.k.a. Major League Baseball’s spring training season) will scratch your itch. Pitchers and catchers are the first to report in mid-February and full rosters soon after that. Then, in March, the games begin and go on all month.
When: Starting about the third week in February and then throughout the month of March
Where: For the St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Marlins, Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter. For the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros, Ball Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach. For the Boston Red Sox, JetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers. For the Minnesota Twins, Lee Health Sports Complex in Fort Myers.
Web: rogerdeanstadium.com for the Cardinals and Marlins; ballparkpalmbeaches.com for the Nationals and Astros; redsox.com/jetbluepark for the Red Sox; mlb.com/twins/spring-training/ballpark for the Twins.
TURTLEFEST – Some 15,000 folks are expected to attend the 20th iteration of this annual gathering which focuses on promoting ocean conservation through interactive fun and educational exhibits. An outdoor sea turtle hospital will be open, so pop on by and see the hard-shell cuties that are currently being treated. There will also be live music, good eats, art, shopping, games and other family-friendly activities.
When: Feb. 22-23
Where: Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach
Web: marinelife.org/turtlefest/
SOUTH FLORIDA GARLIC FESTIVAL -- Folks come from near and far to visit the Gourmet Alley and feast on more than 100 garlic-infused delights, ranging from Argentinean garlic BBQ to garlic ice cream to flaming garlic shrimp scampi. But wait, there’s more: live music, full beer and liquor bars, a children’s zone and about 180 exhibitors selling art, homemade goods and other products. No wonder it’s called the “Best Stinkin’ Party in South Florida.”
When: Feb. 1-2
Where: Village of Wellington Town Center & Amphitheater
Web: GarlicFestFL.com
DAYTONA 500 – Along with experiencing the adrenaline rush of the main event, auto racing fans flock to Daytona Beach days before The Great American Race to take part in the meet-and-greet Fanzone experience, VIP driver appearances, interactive displays and a special pre-race concert, with Pitbull headlining this year’s show. In its 67th year, this historic event has grown into one of the most memorable experiences in the world for auto racing enthusiasts, and campground space is available for those looking to make a weekend of it.
When: Feb. 16
Where: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach
Web: http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/
BATTLE OF OLUSTEE REENACTMENT AND ANNUAL OLUSTEE FESTIVAL — Lake City hosts its biggest party of the year when during the reenactment of Florida’s largest Civil War battle. More than 25,000 visitors arrive in Lake City for two days of live music and its annual arts and crafts festival leading up to the 48th annual reenactment. The Olustee Festival is Friday and Saturday and features over 200 arts and crafts vendors, live music, a parade, the Miss Olustee court and food vendors. Guests looking to jumpstart their Saturday can participate in the Olustee Blue/Grey 5K which traverses downtown Lake City’s historic neighborhoods. On Sunday, everyone heads to the historic battlefield for the “official” reenactment on the 161st anniversary of the Battle of Olustee. The Battle of Olustee annually attracts more than 1,700 reenactors (including children!) and boasts one of the country’s best marketplaces for purchasing authentic period goods, uniforms and accessories. The battlefield area also hosts the artillery inspection, medical demo, period music concert, battle reenactment and ball on Saturday.
When: Feb. 14-16
Where: Olustee Battlefield State Park (reenactment), downtown Lake City (festival)
Web: www.olusteefestival.com, http://www.battleofolustee.org
FIDDLER CRAB FESTIVAL — Steinhatchee’s annual salute to Southern hospitality and fun includes Friday and Saturday night fireworks, live entertainment, a car and truck show and more than 200 arts, craft and food vendors. The family-friendly highlight is always the parade which features decorated floats, boats, horses and golf carts.
When: Feb. 14-16
Where: Steinhatchee
Web: https://steinhatcheechamber.com/fiddler-crab-festival
30A WINE FESTIVAL — Even though Saturday’s grand tasting throughout the picturesque streets of Alys Beach is the festival highlight, who wouldn’t want to attend Sunday’s Rose & Croquet? Or Thursday’s Tapas and Tequila? And Friday’s Bourbon, Beer and Butts? Yes, the beachfront community’s annual event goes beyond red, white and bubbly. The grand tasting includes 80 wines from around the globe. Meanwhile, the croquet tournament might feature the most unique dress code with attendees encouraged to wear croquet whites, berets and sashes.
When: March 20-23
Where: Alys Beach
Web: http://30awinefestival.com
WORLD OF NATIONS CELEBRATION — Jacksonville’s annual cultural celebration encourages attendees to show off the artistry of their cultural heritage by dressing up during its annual showcase of international arts, dance, fashion, cuisine, storytelling and music. Some of the 2025 participating countries include Argentina, the Bahamas, Cambodia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, France, Indonesia, Israel, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Sierra Leone, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey and Venezuela.
When: Feb. 22-23
Where: Tailgaters Parking, Jacksonville
Web: https://specialevents.coj.net/Special-Events/World-of-Nations-Celebration.aspx
MANATEE SPRINGS STATE PARK TRAIL RUN — Lace up your trail running shoes for this inaugural run that winds along Manatee Springs crystal clear turquoise waters and then underneath the park's dense tree canopy. Plus, there's a chance you might spot a manatee ... or three. It definitely features one of Florida's more unique race courses. Racers can choose between three distances: 5K, 10K and the Half Marathon. This family-friendly run includes multiple on-course aid stations and restrooms. Runners will receive race swag, post-race food and medals.
When: Feb. 15
Where: Manatee Springs State Park, Chiefland
Web: https://www.thefloridarun.com/
MARCH
WUFFSTOCK — Fido gives Lake City’s annual Saturday salute to canines — and the humans that dote on them — two paws up! Seriously. Winners of the K9 challenge, a timed, dog/owner challenge, get the coveted Fire Hydrant Award. Think your small dog is speedy? Enter them in one of the Doxie Derbies! If you know that your dog is not speedy or lacks the willingness or discipline to finish an obstacle course, there’s most likely a contest — Best Nose, Best Trick, Best Costume — paw-fect for them. The event also includes Chicken Poop Bingo, the Skippy J Wheelchair Race, Juggernaut Training Demo and more.
When: March 1
Where: Lake City
Web: https://www.covenantpettrust.org/wuffstock
THE PLAYERS — Professional golf’s unofficial fifth major celebrated 50 years in Jacksonville with its first back-to-back champion, Scottie Scheffler. Scheffler, the top player in the world, finished the season with six more wins, including his second Masters, and was named the 2024 PGA Tour Player of the Year. Could Scheffler be The Players’ first three-peat champion? We’ll have to wait and see. As always, fans will flock to the bleachers and hilly grass seating around hole 17’s infamous island green which wields the power to make or break championship dreams. Don’t forget to sample some of Jax’s best eats at various locations around the stadium course or go souvenir shopping at the fan experience. Guests with disabilities have access to golf cart shuttles that run between seven locations on the course. Tickets are always easier to score than on-site parking passes on Thursday through Sunday. Stay tuned for information on off-site parking or shuttle services to and from the course closer to the tournament’s start.
When: March 11-16
Where: TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach
Web: https://www.theplayers.com/
PENSACOLA GRAND MARDI GRAS PARADE — Elaborate floats, outlandish costumes and Florida-style pageantry will delight gulf coast revelers during the city’s largest Mardi Gras parade that celebrates the region’s French roots. The Grand Mardi Gras Parade, hosted by Pensacola Mardi Gras, attracts more than 6,000 participants including local Krewes, marching bands, organizations and Scout groups. More than 100,000 spectators line the streets for the family-friendly parade. It’s broadcast live on local tv and radio stations and on social media. There is a children’s viewing area that is alcohol and tobacco free.
When: March 1
Where: Pensacola
Web: https://pensacolamardigras.com/
FLORIDA LUXE ARTS FESTIVAL — Watch art come to life when local and national chalk artists use their creativity and vision to deck the streets of downtown Panama City. The art installations begin on Friday, with the finished projects ready for viewing on Saturday. Also includes art, craft and food vendors, live music and buskers.
When: March 7-8
Where: Panama City
Web: https://www.flluxeartsfestival.com/
CALLE OCHO AND CARNAVAL MIAMI – As always, this series of events showcases the best of art, music, food, fashion and sports. It attracts about a million attendees each year. Here are the various events in March and April:
- Carnaval on the Mile, March 1-2 on Miracle on the Mile, Coral Gables: It features the best of local art, live music, yummy food and children’s entertainment.
- Domino Tournament, March 3-5 at Domino Park, Miami: This is a classic Little Havana cultural experience that attracts domino enthusiasts from around the country. Don’t let the laid-back atmosphere fool you – the competition is fierce!
- Calle Ocho, March 9, between SW 12th-27th Avenues in Little Havana, Miami: It’s one of the largest Latin music festivals in the world, stretching across 15 city blocks and filled with multiple stages, international food, sampling sites, folkloric dances and family-oriented fun.
- Soccer 5v5 Challenge, April 19, at a location to be determined: Some 4,000 participants from the ages of 8-19 will compete.
Web: carnavalmiami.com
FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL – A longtime tradition in the Central Florida heart of Plant City, this famous festival has marked the beginning of spring by honoring one of Florida’s most prized gems: The sweet, juicy strawberry. Aside from all the whipped cream-topped shortcake and berry-flavored treats, this 11-day fair showcases the state’s agricultural accomplishments, prized livestock and historical legacies. Guests of all ages can enjoy carnival rides, magic shows, racing pigs and other sideshow entertainment. This year’s headlining musical performances include Reba McEntire, Boys II Men, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Nelly, Lauren Daigle, Nate Smith, The Beach Boys and more.
When: Feb. 27-March 9
Where: Plant City
Web: https://flstrawberryfestival.com/
REGGAE RISE UP – Bringing a whole vibe to St. Pete’s beautiful Vinoy Park for four days, Reggae Rise Up Florida features top-tier bands and artists on multiple stages, as well as immersive art installations and interactive activities. Festivalgoers can shop among an array of local craft and retail vendors and food trucks, drink stations and perfect springtime weather as they enjoy acts by Sting & Shaggy, Slightly Stoopid, Jesse Royal, Rebelution, Dirty Heads and dozens of other musicians and entertainers. Kids are welcome, and attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets.
When: March 13-16
Where: Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg
Web: https://reggaeriseup.com/florida/
WEEKI WACHEE SWAMP FESTIVAL – Get in touch with your mossy and monstrous side at Swamp Fest, a 31-year tradition that grew from a parking lot party to what is now a major event celebrating Florida’s wetlands, wildlife and Weeki Wachee weirdness. Shop among hundreds of arts, crafts, food and gift vendors and sample state delicacies such as fried gator. Watch some clog dancing or dance to live folk music and enter the Swamp Monster costume contest for a chance to win one of the hundreds of prizes donated by local businesses.
When: March 7-9
Where: Linda Pederson Park, Spring Hill
Web: https://swampfestweekiwachee.com/
RIVER O’GREEN FEST – The highlight of this free, family-friendly festival is the striking emerald green Hillsborough River – dyed with nontoxic, biodegradable coloring – as well as an Irish-themed art walk, two stages featuring music, dancing and other entertainment through the day in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. There are also food vendors, a variety of beers, a pet costume contest, hurling demonstrations, cabbage tossing and other games, plus free boat rides on the river. Be sure to stick around for the parade capping off the festivities.
When: March 15
Where: Downtown Tampa
Web: https://www.tampasdowntown.com/neighborhood-programming/river-ogreen/
LOWER SUWANNEE ART & NATURE FEST — Combine the natural waterfront beauty of the Hidden Coast with dozens of North Florida artisans and crafters for a perfect Saturday day trip. The Art and Nature Fest puts an emphasis on displaying (and selling) paintings and photographs of the Sunshine State’s coastal landscapes, water birds and aquatic life. After getting your fill of shopping and local festival food, take time to explore one of the park’s scenic trails either on foot or two wheels.
When: March 8
Where: Glen Dyals Park, Suwannee
Web: http://suwanneeartfest.com/