Festivals and Events
Hot days and sizzling nights have more to do with exciting events than the warmth of summer! Scan the skies for the Blue Angels of Pensacola, go salsa dancing in Miami, or eat some sweet lobster in Key West.
Miami Spa Months
July 1 - August 31
Greater Miami and the Beaches
After all the stresses of last year, it’s nice to look forward to a spa day - or, better yet, a spa month! Greater Miami and the Beaches are renowned for luxury spas that rank among the “Best Spas in America,” and anyone who really appreciates relaxation should take advantage of Miami Spa Month, which runs throughout July and August. You can enjoy rejuvenating special treatments for as low as $109 at Miami’s premier spas, with many spas giving locals and visitors up to 50% off.
miamispamonth.com
Red, White and Blues Week featuring the Pensacola Beach Air Show
July 7-10
Pensacola Beach
What’s that in the sky? Is it a bird, a plane? No, it’s several planes! Watch the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, as they perform daring aerial acrobatics in the skies above the Gulf of Mexico and Santa Rosa Island. Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, sunblock, and $1 for the bridge toll! The Blues hold several practice sessions along the beach in the days leading up to the big event on show day, which creates a whole week of excitement leading up to the big show.
blueangels.navy.mil
Underwater Music Festival
July 10
Looe Key
Welcome to the most unique concert venue - under the sea! Taking place at the Looe Key Reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the Underwater Music Festival is a nationally-acclaimed, submerged songfest involves divers and snorkelers going beneath the waves to hold a quirky concert that brings attention to reef preservation - and fun! The event is held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and staged by Keys radio station US1 Radio 104.1 FM. The music is broadcast underwater via Lubell Laboratory speakers suspended beneath boats positioned above the reef.
lowerkeyschamber.com
Miami Salsa Congress
July 21-25
Miami Beach
Things are heating up at the Eden Roc Hotel! The Miami Salsa Congress is a gathering of the world’s top salsa talent and international touring artists, award-winning dancers, world-class dance instructors, top industry DJs and great Latin bands. Choose from several pass options, from full VIP and five-day to regular weekend passes. Get your tickets or passes now and salsa on!
miamisalsacongress.com
Hemingway Days
July 22-24
Key West
You may have to do a double take when you attend Hemingway Days in Key West. This celebration of one of history’s most memorable authors includes a Hemingway look-alike contest, gathering of writers, and of course, fans of the author. Enjoy readings of prose and poetry, a special museum exhibit featuring rare Hemingway memorabilia, and even a bull run!
fla-keys.com/hemingway-days
Tampa Bay Comic Con
July 30-August 1
Tampa
Tampa Bay Comic Con is packed with everything you’d expect at weekend devoted to comic book junkies: cosplay, celebrity guests, toys and graphic novels, an electronic gaming arena, and a “game cave” with tabletop and board games, foam sword fighting, a kids’ play zone, and more. Special celebrity guests of the past include Tom Felton from the Harry Potter movie series, actors Kel Mitchell and Walter Jones, and more! There will also be comic creator guests like famous artists and writers.
tampabaycomiccon.com
Key West Lobsterfest
August 12-15
Key West
Celebrate the opening of lobster season with the delicious annual Key West Lobsterfest! Florida’s spiny lobster is known for its sweet, delicious meat, but its season is quite short; hence, an epic celebration to commemorate this short, sweet time. Divers and snorkelers only have two days to catch their limit of lobster, and the celebration opens with a beach party, lobster boil, free concert and street fair, and much more in the southernmost city in the continental U.S., Key West!
keywestlobsterfest.com
Events to enjoy each month
Monthly Art Stroll & Artisan
July 3 and Aug 7
New Smyrna Beach
Join hundreds of fellow art enthusiasts in the historic district of New Smyrna Beach to stroll Canal Street and explore local art and the products of local artisans on the first Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition to the arts, enjoy downtown dining and live entertainment. For more details, visit:
canalstreetnsb.com
Weekends at the Winery
Saturdays and Sundays
Clermont
Make your weekends extraordinary at Lakeridge Winery with their Weekends at the Winery event - come rain or shine. Come out and enjoy our expansive vineyard green, including delicious food from some of the area's best live entertainment, food trucks, and of course your favorite Lakeridge wines by the glass at our outdoor bar.
lakeridgewinery.com
Turtle Treks
Now - September
Fort Lauderdale
Connect with nature and do something to save sea turtles with Turtle Treks. This fantastic event is hosted by the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale. Join them on select evenings in June through September to discover and identify sea turtles while uncovering the natural history and the myths and truths of the life of a turtle. With weather permitting, you might see a 300 lb. loggerhead venture out from the waves to lay her eggs on the beach! All of the Turtle Trek proceeds fund rescue operations for turtles.
seaturtleop.com
