South Florida pulses with energy and creativity, with an array of events to delight tourists and locals year-round. From sporting events to cultural and music festivals, you’re sure to find something happening on the South Florida annual events calendar.
Going south for the winter? Check out Art Basel for a mind-blowing celebration of contemporary art. Heading to Miami in the summer to soak up the sun? Dance the night away in Little Havana’s Calle Ocho or take in Key West’s Lobsterfest. Every month offers something to check off your Miami bucket list.
Here’s a comprehensive list of South Florida’s best annual events. Clear your schedule and mark your calendar; the only thing you’re left to decide is what event to plan around.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you buy something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Please read our full disclosure policy for more information.
2023 Miami & South Florida Events Calendar
January 2023 Events
January 5 – 8, 2023: South Beach Jazz Festival
Jazz lovers will love this festival takes place over three days and features musicians with disabilities from the entire spectrum of jazz.
January 8, 2023: King Mango Strut Parade
January 7, 2023: Las Olas Art Fair Part 1
Ft. Lauderdale hosts a unique three-part art festival. The first event is in January, with additional South Florida events in March and October. The fair feature a diverse showcase of over 300 national and international artists happy to discuss their work and techniques. FREE to attend.
January 12 – 15, 2023: Key West Literary Seminar
Readers, writers, and literary enthusiasts are welcome at this annual South Florida event and island getaway in Key West for four days of seminars, workshops, and author conversations.
January 12 – 26, 2023: Miami Jewish Film Festival
Independent films and international cinema screenings of over 100 films in various venues around the city. Experience the finest in both classic and contemporary Jewish films. Check the festival website for a full list of movies and tickets for single events or package pricing.
January 13 – 15, 2023: Art Deco Weekend
This free, three-day festival features more than 85 events in Miami Beach’s Art Deco District, including a retro fashion show, classic car show, street musicians, and public lectures dedicated to protecting the city through historic preservation.
January 14 – 15, 2023: Beaux Arts Festival of Art
A multi-event festival hosted at the University of Miami in support of the Lowe Art Museum. This contemporary festival features a juried art show and sale, a student art showcase, children’s events, and the glamorous Beaux Arts Ball.
January 19 – 23, 2023: Original Miami Beach Antique Show
Get your fill of antiques, jewelry, and other vintage estate items, as well as fine art and books, at this unique annual South Florida event.
January 21 – 22, 2023: A Festival of Chocolate
All things chocolate are explored at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden: lectures and demonstrations from chefs and chocolatiers, learn about the cacao bean, how to grow a tree, and sample lots of artisan chocolate at this decadent celebration.
January 21 – 22, 2023: Pinecrest Gardens Fine Arts Festival
A weekend juried art show featuring artists and artisans from around the world.
January 25 – 29, 2023: Key West Food & Wine Festival
January 26 – 29, 2023: Seed Food and Wine Festival
January 27 – 29, 2023: Homestead Championship Rodeo
This three-day day rodeo is one of the oldest sporting events in South Florida and has a great turnout, especially for the parade and classic rodeo pageant. Don’t worry; you’ll see your share of Broncos and barrel racing too!
January 27 – 29, 2023: Everglades Bluegrass Festival
The longest-running Bluegrass festival in the country, this is a great place to catch some low-key jams, learn about the rich history of bluegrass in Florida and enjoy some refreshments (BYOB).
January 6 – 29, 2023: The Key Largo and Islamorada Food & Wine Festival
Head to the Florida Keys for nine days of wine tasting, cooking demos, live music, and elaborate dinners that showcase the best of South Florida’s diverse cuisine. Experts will unveil their samples at more than 30 separate events.
January 28 – 29, 2023: Key West Craft Show
This is a juried art show nestled among historical attractions like Audubon House and the Mel Fisher Museum in Key West. Two blocks are closed to vehicle traffic so visitors can stroll through the more than 100 booths of fine art, crafts, and other handcrafted goods.
January 29, 2023: Miami Marathon and Half Marathon
World-class marathoners and beginners flock to this scenic race that spans downtown Miami and Miami beach. This massively attended marathon takes a route along the coast and offers a special kid’s run. Pushing your limits never looked so picturesque!
February 2023 South Florida Events
February 17 – 19, 2023: Everglades City Seafood Festival
Live music and fresh seafood make this family-friendly country festival one of the Everglade’s perks if you’re already heading out that way. No pets or coolers!
February 15 – 19, 2023: Miami International Boat Show
This massive boat show lets you tour more than 1,300 boats and luxury yachts docked at the Miami Marine Stadium. Make sure you catch some of the hands-on workshops and food vendors too!
February 16 – 19, 2023: Art Wynwood
This two-day festival focuses on giving back to the business and artists in the Wynwood community with a celebration of art, music, food, and fashion.
February 18 – 20, 2023: Coconut Grove Arts Festival
Held annually over the President’s Day Weekend, this three-day event takes place along the one-mile waterfront stretch of Coconut Grove. You will find work by internationally-acclaimed artists, booths, activities, food vendors, live music, and an entertainment lineup.
February 19, 2023: Gay8 Festival
February 23 – 26, 2023: Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival
Foodies, take note! This five-day event showcases wine, spirits, and gourmet-inspired samplings from some of the world’s finest chefs. You’re likely to see your favorite celebrity chefs and television personalities strolling around, too! A must for foodies!
February 10 – 12, 2023: Seminole Tribal Fair and Pow Wow
A Pow Wow is a gathering to join in dancing, singing, and friendship. All are welcome to participate in this free event celebrating Native American culture; festivities include food, live music, exhibition dancing, wildlife shows, alligator wrestling, and more.
Feburary 11 – April 8, 2023: Carnaval Miami
Multi-event celebration including music, fashion, art, food, and entertainment showcasing the city’s vibrant Latin, and Caribbean culture
February 18, 2023: Brew Miami
A festival devoted to craft beer and food pairings featuring local breweries, restaurant vendors, limited spirits, and live DJ entertainment.
February 26 – 27, 2023: South Miami Rotary Art Festival
This festival takes place in the heart of downtown South Miami on Sunset Drive (SW 72nd Street) from US 1 to Red Road (SW 57th Avenue). It features a juried art show, food court, beer garden, live jazz stage performances, and more.
March 2023 Events
March 1 – 7, 2023: Winter Party Festival
This LGBTQ fundraiser is a lively week-long series of dance, music, and social events in the name of charity. It’s fun and glamorous, and all are welcome!
March 3 – 12, 2023: Miami Film Festival
This is a ten-day film festival showcasing independent American and international films, as well as film-inspired events throughout the city.
March 4 – April 26, 2023: Florida Renaissance Festival
Travel back in time and visit the bawdy past with seven glorious weekends of entertainment, artisans, food, and drinks. Watch jousting matches and sword fights. Try your skills at ax throwing, archery, or scale Jacob’s ladder. Try the mead, wine, desserts, and other tempting victuals. Weekends only from 10 a.m to sunset!
March 4, 2023: Las Olas Art Fair
This two-day block party is Fort Lauderdale’s largest art celebration featuring a diverse showcase of over 300 national and international artists. The outdoor, pet, and child-friendly event is held on Las Olas Boulevard, which is convenient for dining and other shopping.
March 4, 2023: Asian Culture Festival
Celebrate the Asian culture in Miami with food and artisan vendors, as well as theatre and dance performances.
March 11 – 12, 2023: Original Marathon Seafood Festival
This two-day event is a wonderful way to experience the Florida Keys. Classic seafood, including stone crab and lobster tails, plus entertainment and kids’ activities, make it fun for the whole family.
March 11 – 12, 2023: Jazz in the Gardens
This soulful weekend event in Miami Gardens showcases jazz and R&B music for a laid-back Floridian feel.
March 11 – 12, 2023: Orchid in Bloom Festival
A two-day festival featuring an arraying display of orchid plants nestled throughout the garden. Join the fun with lectures, vendors, food, and more.
March 12, 2023: Calle Ocho Festival
This street festival marks the end of Carnaval Miami. It is the largest Hispanic festival in the United States and an all-out (20 blocks of fun) party featuring delicious Latin-inspired street food, dancing, art, and live music along Little Havana’s Calle Ocho.
March 16 – April 9, 2023: Miami Dade County Fair and Exposition
Also called the Youth Fair, this event has agricultural and educational exhibits, midway rides, as well as your typical carnival food. It’s held on sprawling fairgrounds and is one of the largest fairs in North America.
March 18, 2022: Florida AIDS Walk & Music Festival
Come together for a 5K walk, food trucks, drinks, and an epic concert! This event is a great way to give back to the community, as proceeds raised go to local AIDS service organizations. Be a part of the movement. Click here for tickets and more information. Use code: BEACH20 for 20% off registration!
March 18 – 19, 2023: Miami Sailing Week
A regatta and a full-week celebration of all things sailing, this action-packed event is a fun way to experience the waterfront.
March 20 – April 2, 2023: Miami Open
A world-class tennis tournament showcasing competition by the best players on the planet. An unforgettable experience for tennis fans!
March 24 – 26, 2023: Ultra Music Festival
A world-class electronic music festival that draws enthusiasts from across the globe featuring EDM DJs and cutting-edge visual effects.
March 26, 2022: Deering Seafood Festival
Hosted on the historic Deering Estate, this seafood-filled festival features live entertainment, chef demos, and activities for the whole family.
March 30, 2023: Fort Lauderdale Lexus Corporate Run
This 5k run and walk promote healthy living and raise funds for community involvement. It’s popular with workplace teams or groups, but solo runners are welcome too.
March 2023: Winter Music Festival
A week-long celebration featuring music, dance, and performances through a wide-ranging mix of talent. This festival is a must for electronic dance music enthusiasts!
April 2023 South Florida Events
April 1 – 2, 2023: Pinecrest Gardens Chili Cook Off
April 1 – 16, 2023: Miami Beach Pride
The city’s week-long celebration supports the spirit and culture of the LGBTQ community. Aside from the iconic parade, you’ll find dance parties, social events, beach parties, and plenty of food and drink. Love is love!
November 14 – 16, 2023: Rock the Ocean’s Tortuga Festival
Some seriously big names hit up this country music festival, which is also a fundraiser and educational event dedicated to marine conservation.
April 20 – 23, 2023: Miami Beach Polo World Cup
This version of the equestrian competition will see it played on sand. If you are interested in this dynamic sport, see it at its best during this event.
April 20 – 30, 2023: OUTshine Film Festival Miami
Experience culturally diverse films and media that offer historical and contemporary perspectives on the LGBTQ experience at screenings throughout the city. This is a well-loved event that has been running for over 30 years!
April 21 – 23, 2023: Pompano Beach Seafood Festival
A three-day festival situated with music, food, arts, and crafts area, all benefitting local Pompano Beach charities.
April 23 – 30, 2022: Fleet Week Port Everglades
This week-long event showcases sailors, marines, and Coast Guard professionals and their work. See live-action demos, tour Coast Guard and Navy ships, and learn about the day-to-day operations.
April 27, 2023: Downtown Miami Lexus Corporate Run
April 29 – 30, 2023: Fort Lauderdale Air Show
A classic air show featuring high-flying stunts, demos, and educational booths, any aviator enthusiast would be at home here.
April 2023: O, Miami Poetry Festival
A month-long community-based festival celebrating Miami through poetry
May 2023 Events
May 5 – 7, 2023: Sunfest
A waterfront music festival in West Palm Beach, this event has over 50 bands on three different stages along the beach, plus food and drink vendors. A perfect way to soak up the sun!
May 19, 2023: Redland International Orchid Festival
This is a large-scale event perfect for admiring orchids or picking up supplies from vendors around the world.
May 28 – June 2, 2023: Miami Fashion Week
June 2023 South Florida Events
June 14 – 18, 2023: American Black Film Festival
This independent film festival is your chance to participate in the largest gathering showcasing Black film and television productions in the United States. The five-day festival features screenings, panel discussions, and seminars encouraging resource sharing, education, and artistic collaboration.
June 30 – July 2, 2023: Florida Supercon
July 2023 South Florida Events
4th of July Celebrations
If you want to celebrate the 4th of July in Florida, there’s no shortage of events. Outdoor parties at Bayfront Park, South Beach, and Coral Gables are popular spots for food, drink, and fireworks.
July 21 – 23, 2023: Rolling Loud Miami
July 2023: International Ballet Festival of Miami
See local and international performers at this ambitious celebration of dance. With a focus on dancers and artists of Hispanic descent, this is a world-class event that will delight art enthusiasts and skeptics alike!
July 2023: Mango and Tropical Fruit Festival
Join some of the region’s best chefs as they prepare a variety of exotic fruit in ways you’ve never seen. You might even get introduced to some fruit you never knew existed!
July 2023: Key Lime Festival
This four-day festival celebrates all things key lime. You can expect unforgettable antics in addition to a pie-eating contest, book signing, cocktail sip and stroll, and a key lime scavenger hunt.
July 2023: Hemingway Days Festival
Celebrate the iconic author as look-alike fans, fellow writers, and literary enthusiasts gather to honor the former Key West resident.
July 2023: Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival
This unique festival uses pre-selected playlists streamed live from underwater speakers, so musicians play various underwater instruments in a whimsical setting. You’ve never seen anything like it!
July 2023: Miami Salsa Congress
August 2023 South Florida Events
August 1 – September 30, 2023: Miami Spice
This decadent restaurant promotion features the best of Miami’s world-class cuisine, with participating eateries offering three-course meals at affordable prices. A great time for a foodie tour!
August 10 – 13, 2023: Key West Lobsterfest
To celebrate the lobster season, Key West hosts a massive four-day party. Highlights include a street fair, concert, pub crawl, and of course, lobster served in more ways than you can imagine. If you are a lover of this crustacean, make plans now.
August 2023: Afro-Cuban Dance Festival
This massive party in Little Havana features traditional performances, classes, and seminars designed to celebrate Miami’s rich Afro-Cuban influence through dance and performance.
August 2023: National Rum Day Fest
September 2023 South Florida Events
September 2023: Brazilian Festival of Pompano Beach
You won’t need a passport to enjoy the delights of Brazil. Just head to Pompano Beach, and you will experience Brazil’s art, culture, culinary delicacies, music, and ambiance of the exotic South American country.
September 2023: Key West Brew Fest
Celebrate all things beer with beer dinners, boozy brunches, pool parties, and even brewing workshops at this weekend-long celebration in Key West. With over 200 beers, this is a must for the brewmaster!
September 2023: Urban Film Festival
October 2023 South Florida Events
September 30 – October 8, 2023: Miami Carnival
Traditional Caribbean music, dancing, and food are on display at this festival, which also happens to be one of the largest Caribbean Carnivals in North America.
October 12 – 22, 2023: OUTshine Film Festival Fort Lauderdale
Experience culturally diverse films and media that offer historical and contemporary perspectives on the LGBTQ experience at screenings throughout the Fort Lauderdale area.
October 20 – 29, 2023: Fantasy Fest
Key West’s Duval Street is the place to be during this impressive street fair and costume party. This 10-day festival features a parade, street fest, and tons of events for the creative and whimsically minded.
October 25 – 29, 2023: Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Experience the latest and greatest in yachts, ancillary gear, and nautical equipment. Whether you are there to buy or dream, it is well worth the experience. Tour luxury yachts, ask questions and attend hands-on workshops at this popular gathering.
October 15 – 16, 2023: Las Olas Art Fair
This two-day block party is Fort Lauderdale’s largest art celebration featuring a diverse showcase of over 300 national and international artists. The outdoor, pet, and child-friendly event is held on Las Olas Boulevard, convenient for dining and other shopping.
October 2023: Susan G. Komen Miami/Fort Lauderdale More than Pink Walk
October 2023: ZooRun 5K
October 2023: Kitetober Kite Festival
October 2023: South Beach Seafood Festival
Need more options? Here are a few more of our favorite Miami Fall events.
November 2023 Events
November 2023: North Miami BrewFest
November 2023: Miami International Auto Show
For the luxury auto enthusiast, this show will not disappoint. From vintage classics to contemporary models, this show spans ten days and is one of the country’s most attended for a reason.
November 2023: Miami Book Fair International
This annual South Florida event is one of the country’s most anticipated literary fairs. It features over 300 renowned international authors in Miami for a week of book signings, readings, and literacy events, including seminars, workshops, lectures, and kids’ activities.
November 2023: Santa’s Enchanted Forest
Christmas in Miami? You bet! This holiday theme park takes it to a new level, featuring over 100 rides, holiday displays, live music, shows, and games. It’s as fun for kids as it is for the young at heart.
November 2023: Miami Short Film Festival
December 2023 Events
December 7 – 9, 2023: Art Basel Miami
An experimental art show featuring contemporary and modern art, this international fair showcases work from galleries, seasoned artists, and emerging sculptors and painters across the globe.
December 2023: Seminole-Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
A one-of-a-kind parade featuring boats of all sizes as they cruise along the waterfront. Charter a private boat and see the parade up close or enjoy food and drinks along the promenade.
December 2023: Vegan Block Party
December 31, 2023: New Year’s Eve at Bayfront Park
This free event is a wonderful way to spend New Year’s Eve, featuring fireworks, music, and performers on the waterfront. Don’t be surprised if there’s a surprise celebrity appearance or two!
For more ideas, check out these things to do in December in Miami.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
35 Essentials to Pack for Your Florida Road Trip
20+ Charming Places to Stay in Miami: Best Hotels, Neighborhoods, & More
Family Activities South Florida: Top 45 Things to Do in Miami with Kids
Insider’s Guide to 15 Popular Miami Neighborhoods
Miami Packing List: Essential Items for the Perfect Beach Vacation
Let’s Stay Connected
Like it? Pin and save it for later!
8 comments
Wow, looks like tons of cool events coming for 2019! Wish I was headed to Florida this year to partake in the jazz festival. Great list!
Thanks Crystal! Finding something to do here is almost always never a problem. It definitely one of the perks of living in this vibrant city.
Fantastic list…! As a local, Im going to print this out and consider it a challenge taken
. Great checklist of what our beautiful region has on offer!
Thanks! It’s a great way to reacquaint with our own backyard. I’m challenging myself as well to keep finding and discovering new events so check back often as I’ll update regularly.
What a great list – thank you for compiling! Love SoFla!
Hi Cara, thank you for reading. I hope you get a chance to check out a few.
This is such a great blog and website. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you!