There are all sorts of things to do in Florida in the summer, making it a great time for a visit. The kids are out of school, the adults are longing for a break from the everyday routine, and you can factor in the many great Florida events that are going on throughout the season to enhance your vacation.
June - Florida Events to Start the Summer Season
Every year in June in Coconut Grove, Florida, the Goombay Festival delights people of all ages and is one of the more interesting things to do in Florida. Known as the largest black heritage festival in the United States, the Goombay Festival has been running strong since 1977. The festival includes displays of Bahamian history, authentic arts and crafts, plus music and Junkanoo dance. Over 100,000 people are expected to attend each day, making this a delightful stop for any family.
Another of the unusual Florida events for the whole family is the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival, held in Fort Walton Beach. Pirates and pirate-related activities abound throughout this three-day festival, which includes a block party featuring performances by musical groups of various genres, as well as a torchlight parade and a treasure hunt that has participants scrambling to find two rare silver coins (one for adults, one for children). If you're hoping for pirate-related things to do in Florida, you shouldn't miss this.
For those looking for things to do in Florida that are more historical, for over 50 years, the Fiesta of Five Flags has been held in Pensacola to celebrate the city's founding as the first European settlement in the United States. This week of great Florida events includes treasure hunts, boat parades, and a sand sculpture contest. Don't forget to make time for the Grand Fiesta Parade, which includes pirates, clowns, and other colorful characters.
Still need more things to do in Florida in June? Other great Florida events include the Monticello Watermelon Festival in Jefferson County (a 50-year-old festival celebrating the juicy fruit with beauty pageants, dances, a parade, and more); Beethoven by the Beach in Fort Lauderdale (featuring activities celebrating the life of the great composer, including performances of his symphonies by various musical acts); and the Downtown Venice Craft Festival (a juried craft show featuring exhibits by over 100 artisans showing everything from jewelry to photography).
July - Things to Do in Florida on Independence Day and Beyond!
As the summer really gets going, there are even more fun Florida events during month of July. Of course, there are many celebrations for the 4th that you may want to attend, depending on where you and your family are staying. If you're looking for things to do in Florida near Jacksonville, you won't want to miss the "Freedom, Fanfare & Fireworks" event. Bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful fireworks on the 4th of July! If you're in Clearwater, check out "Clearwater Celebrates America," a multi-day festival of music, food, and fun, leading up to the 4th. And of course, if you're in Orlando, you will probably want to go to Walt Disney World to enjoy the grand show that the park puts on for the nation's birthday - although bear in mind that a lot of other families may have the exact same idea!
For music lovers seeking things to do in Florida in July, check out the annual Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival. This is one of the more remarkable Florida events. It features musicians performing - you guessed it - underwater! You can also dive down to visit an undersea art gallery while exploring the coral reef that makes the area famous. If you're lucky, you might even see a mermaid singing backup.
Toward the end of the month, the Hemingway Days Festival in Key West is one of the best Florida events for fans of literature. Make sure you check out the lookalike contest, where men compete to look the most like Ernest. There are also fishing tournaments and a short fun run for visitors to watch or participate in.
August - Celebrate the End of the Summer with Great Florida Events
The month of August means summer is winding to a close and it's time to take one last big vacation before school starts up. For memorable things to do in Florida in August, visit Wausau, which is the "Possum Capital of the United States," to participate in the annual Possum Festival and Funday. It's hard to describe, but it's worth checking out if you are seeking unique Florida events to tell people about when you get home.
If you prefer things to do in Florida that are a bit more mainstream, August is Miami Spice Restaurant Month. Restaurants throughout the city offer specially priced three-course meals at lunch and dinner for all to enjoy. It's a great way to sample some of the fare that this bustling city has to offer for a great price.
In addition, the entire month is devoted to Boca Festival Days in Boca Raton. Throughout the month, enjoy music, fun, and food in over 40 different locations around the city. Other Florida events that are a part of this festival include a three-day trade fair and a juried art exhibit that you won't want to miss. If you are looking for things to do in Florida at any time during the month, make Boca a stop on your journey and you'll find something to do that will delight every member of your family.
Conclusion
This is just a small sampling of the many things to do in Florida during the summer months. Make sure you take the time to investigate the Florida events taking place in your specific destination before you leave for your journey. Why settle for the same-old-same-old when you can explore a new festival or party every night of the week?
About the Author
Fraser Hannah spent eight years working as a freelance television production manager and researcher before leaving to join his family's business working with the elderly. He founded Traveling2Florida.com in 2003 after purchasing his own vacation home in Florida and being frustrated by the lack of vision shown by many of the existing vacation rental sites. Traveling2Florida.com, an online Florida vacation guide, now connects thousands of travelers directly with the owners of high-quality vacation rentals in Florida, from Orlando to the Florida Keys.
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