Beyond the sun, warm Atlantic waves, and sugar-white sand beaches, Fort Lauderdale is known for its rich and vibrant culture. Fort Lauderdale is host to everything from world-class art events and music festivals to holiday celebrations and seasonal activities. Start planning your vacation and experience the most anticipated events each year in Fort Lauderdale with Sextant Stays.
Due to COVID-19, some of the events listed below are canceled, postponed subject to change.
Top Seasonal Events and Festivals in Fort Lauderdale
FALL EVENTS IN FORT LAUDERDALE
1. Harvest Weekends throughout October
Dates: Postponed
Flamingo Gardens, a 60-acre tropical botanic garden, sanctuary, aviary, and zoo, hosts the Harvest Festival Weekends every Saturday and Sunday throughout October. This family-friendly festival features costume contests, music, exhibits, themed crafts, free hayrides, a pumpkin patch, and much more.
2. Las Olas Art Fair
Dates: Mid October
Ranked as a top 100 art festival in the U.S., Las Olas Art Festival is perfect for the art aficionado who craves some time in the sun. Attendees of this juried art experience enjoy works on display and can meet the artists and discuss technique or even commission pieces.
3. Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Dates: October 28 - November 1, 2020
The International Boat Show attracts professionals and enthusiasts the world around to the “Yachting Capital of the World.” Now in its 61st year, this annual festival exhibits the industry’s latest and greatest in boat and yacht designs and technology. Ticket holders can meet and mingle with designers, builders, brokers, and purveyors of marine products and accessories.
4. The Wilton Manors Neighborhood Halloween Block Party
Dates: Postponed
This highly anticipated Halloween celebration, taking place in the charming Wilton Manors Neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale, is presented by the Pride Center of Fort Lauderdale. The block party-style festivities happen from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. and attract upwards of 20,000 costumed revelers annually. Enjoy spooky and fun-filled dancing, nightlife, and much more.
5. Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival
Dates: November 6 - 22, 2020
Fans of the silver screen should put the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival on their list. Now in its 35th year, this long-running celebration of film features 17 days of screening at the Savor Cinema and Cinema Paradiso. Submissions range from documentaries to shorts from 30+ countries. Participants are not only immersed in these unique film experiences but have the opportunity to meet with filmmakers and actors at unforgettable parties and panel discussions.
WINTER EVENTS
1. Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
Dates: December 2020 events canceled
For nearly 50 years the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade has been a cherished holiday tradition in the Fort Lauderdale area. Locals and visitors alike line the 12-mile water’s edge to view the water-bound parade featuring enormous yachts, boats, and barges bedecked in festive lights and decorations. Glowing kayakers and SUPers marshal the entourage, and the fun kicks off with the first firework.
2. Art Fort Lauderdale
Dates: TBD, traditionally late January
This four-day curated and exclusive art fair includes a water taxi along the famed Intracoastal Waterway to vacant multi-million dollar waterfront properties and yachts housing artworks and exhibits. Renowned for unique, conceptual art spanning eras and styles, this annual art experience is not to be missed if you’re a collector or enthusiast.
SPRING EVENTS
1. Las Olas Art Fair
Dates: March
If you missed the first round in January, be sure to catch the second part of the Las Olas Art Fair in March.
2. Tortuga Music Festival
Dates: Postponed, November 12-14, 2021
Every April, Fort Lauderdale is awash in the sounds of the Tortuga Music Festival. This popular festival is something that South Florida residents look forward to all year. Country, rock, and roots define Tortuga Music Festival, which is held right on Fort Lauderdale Beach Park. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales benefits local conservation efforts. To date, $2,000,000 has been given back to our Conservation Village partners.
SUMMER EVENTS
1. Fort Lauderdale Air Show
Dates: May, first week through the third
Summer in Fort Lauderdale kicks off high in the sky. The annual Fort Lauderdale Air Show is a beloved event that the young and young at heart look forward to. Few things can compete with the thrill of watching a high-flying aerial show, especially the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Whether you’re on a penthouse deck or at the Drop Zone Beach, you have a great show.
2. The Stonewall Parade
Dates: mid-June
The Stonewall Parade and Festival is another celebration of the local and national LGBTQ+ community members you don't want to miss. Held in the Wilton Manors Neighborhood, this event includes a colorful, lively parade along Wilton Drive, as well as outdoor festivities, food trucks, and entertainment.
3. The 4th of July Spectacular
Dates: July 4, 2021
If fireworks, fun, sun, sand, and festivities in Fort Lauderdale are how you want to spend Independence Day, you’ll want to book far in advance. This popular holiday in Fort Lauderdale includes a free community event on Las Olas Boulevard, featuring live music, family activities, and a spectacular firework showcase.
