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Your can’t-miss cultural calendar for Florida’s most exciting time of year, with events spanning performing arts, food fests, music weekends, art fairs, holiday extravaganzas and more.
SUPER GIRL SURF PRO
JACKSONVILLE BEACH
Nov. 8–10
Catch the wave of female empowerment as the World Surf League’s fiercest women compete for the iconic red cape. Enjoy beach yoga, a live concert series, a bustling festival village and more. supergirljax.com
SPIRIT IN THE LAND
JACKSONVILLE
Nov. 9–Feb. 9
Step into “Spirit in the Land,” a world-class exhibit in which vibrant outdoor art celebrates the wild beauty of nature and its deep connection to humanity, now on display at Jacksonville’s Cummer Museum. cummermuseum.org
PENSACOLA EGG FEST
PENSACOLA
Nov. 10
DONNA MARATHON WEEKEND
JACKSONVILLE AND THE BEACHES
Jan. 31–Feb. 2
Tighten the laces on your running shoes, pin your bib and press shuffle on the custom iHeart Radio
Donna Marathon playlist for a weekend full of personal bests and dollars raised for The Donna Foundation, a nonprofit focused on providing financial relief for families fighting breast cancer.
Founded in 2003 by Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan—a three-time breast cancer survivor—the organization partners with the Mayo Clinic Breast Cancer Genomics Program as they diligently search for a cure. Start with a 5K, or sign up for a challenge with an ultra, full or half-marathon next to thousands of racers as they jog up and down the idyllic neighborhoods throughout Jacksonville, Atlantic and Neptune Beaches. Every step you take supports the foundation’s mission to provide hope and relief
30A SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL
WALTON COUNTY
Jan. 16-20
festival. Enjoy carolers, festive and sweet treats as the charm
Feel the magic of 30A as more than 175 artists light up intimate beachside stages. From folk to rock, this music festival celebrates 16 years as the ultimate coastal getaway with a soundtrack to match.
30asongwritersfestival.com
Above: Pensacola’s Snowball Derby
Above: Run through the seaside neighborhoods of Jacksonville Beach at Donna Marathon Weekend.
Brooke Armstrong, Shoulders Like Wings, Porcelain, wire, silk, steel, 46x30x14 in.
ORANGE BLOSSOM REVUE
LAKE WALES
Dec. 6-7
Sway in the shade of towering oaks and palmetto trees as blues, soul, folk and country music transport you to simpler times. Between sets from artists such as JJ Grey & Mofro, The War and Treaty, Robert Earl Keen and Emily Nenni, grab bites and brews from local food trucks and craft beer vendors. orangeblossomrevue.com
TAMPA BAY BLACK
HERITAGE FESTIVAL
TAMPA
Jan. 10-17
Celebrate 25 years of empowering and honoring the Black community during the Bay Area’s largest African American festival, featuring seminars for business and leadership growth, a 5K run/ walk and a week of cultural experiences leading up to MLK Jr. Day. tampablackheritage.org
FELLSMERE FROG LEG FESTIVAL
FELLSMERE
Jan. 16-19
Hop into a weekend packed with live music, carnival rides and artisan tents during this 34-year tradition. The real adventure begins when you sink your teeth into frog legs or gator tail on a stick. froglegfestival.com
FLORIDA MANATEE FESTIVAL
CRYSTAL RIVER
Jan. 18-19
(CENTRAL)
Embark on a guided manatee boat tour along Kings Bay, where sightings of these gentle giants are almost certain. Back on shore, stop by craft vendors offering sea cow-themed art and wares, and take the free shuttle to Three Sisters Springs for a quick dip. gomanateefest.com
SURFING SANTAS
COCOA BEACH
Dec. 24
GASPARILLA PIRATE FESTIVAL
TAMPA
Jan. 18, Jan. 25
Unlock a treasure trove of thrills with Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla and search for the key to the city at this pirate party. Hoist the colors and prepare for an acrobatic airshow, fireworks and a parade filled with beads and booze on Bayshore Boulevard. gasparillapiratefest.com
IMAGES: A FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
NEW SMYRNA BEACH
Jan. 24–26
Celebrate creativity in diversity at the 49th year of this premier juried art festival, located in Riverside Park. Admire ceramics, paintings, textiles, photographs and sculptures from more than 230 artists from across the country, all vying for $30,000 in cash prizes. imagesartfestival.org
Suit up, paddle out and hang ten in a sea of Santas on the morning of Christmas Eve. During this annual tradition hosted by the Florida Surf Museum, ride the waves alongside more than 800 surfers or watch from the shore with upward of 10,000 spectators. Catch the sunrise and set up for a day of holiday stoke and festivities, featuring an annual costume contest, a performance by the Brevard Hawaiian Dancers, live music and the first Surfin’ Mingle street party, a line of food vendors and local makers along Minutemen Causeway. This jingle-bell-rocking surf session raises money to support the Florida Surf Museum and Grind For Life, a nonprofit that provides financial support to patients and families fighting cancer. surfingsantas.org
Above: Listen to folk musicians at the Orange Blossom Revue.
Above: Surf with hundreds of Santas on Christmas Eve morning in Cocoa Beach.
XIMENEZ-FATIO HOUSE MUSEUM
Every room has a story
Discover 226+ Years of History!
Immerse yourself in the 19th-century lives that once thrived here through our captivating Guided and SelfGuided Audio Tours. With specialty events and everevolving exhibits, there's always something going on at the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum!
Join us from November 23rd to January 26th for our "100 Years of Music" exhibit, a creative collaboration between the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum and the St. Augustine Art Association. Artists will transform our fireplaces with displays inspired by music from 1924 to 2024, highlighting genres, instruments, artists, or albums. This unique exhibit is featured on both self-guided and guided tours.
20 Aviles Street, St. Augustine, FL, 32084 904-829-3575
At MOCA Jacksonville, creativity has no age limit! From budding young artists to seasoned creatives, the museum has a class for you. Dive into diverse art-making programs, including fun seasonal camps for kids and teens, engaging classes for children and specialized courses for adults in ceramics, figure drawing and more.
EXPLORE NEW SKILLS AT MOCA JACKSONVILLE!
Jacksonville
MOCA
TIFFANY CHAPEL: 25 YEARS AT THE MORSE
WINTER PARK
On going
What better way to celebrate 25 years of “Tiffany Chapel,” an intricate glass mosaic by Louis Comfort Tiffany, on exhibition at the Morse Museum, than with another magnificent work?
Witness “Fathers of the Church” by Tiffany on view this season. morsemuseum.org
WRITERS OF SURREALISM: SALVADOR DALÍ
ST. PETERSBURG
Now–Jan. 5
Known for the power of his paintbrush, Dalí also packed a punch behind his pen. Learn the artist’s inner thoughts at this presentation of writings such as “Diary of a Genius” and “The Secret Life of Salvador Dalí.” thedali.org
GASPARILLA MUSIC FESTIVAL
TAMPA
Feb. 14-16
Belly up to the stage as homegrown talent and nationallyknown bands belt out their best hits. Enjoy music from artists like Aidan Bissett all in support of Recycled Tunes, a program that helps to keep music education alive in the Tampa Bay area. gasparillamusic.com
ARTS WEEKEND 2025
WINTER PARK
Feb. 20–23
90TH ANNUAL FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
PLANT CITY
Buckle up for an unforgettable pre-race performance featuring
pumping before NASCAR’s top drivers rev their engines and go head-to-head in the Great
Let creativity flourish at this four-day arts festival, featuring a plein air concert by the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park. Stretch out and rejuvenate during yoga in the Mead Botanical Garden, enjoy exhibitions at the Rollins Museum of Art and catch shows at the Winter Park Playhouse. cityofwinterpark.org
Feb. 27-March 9
Get ripe and ready to celebrate this sweet start to strawberry season. The annual fruit-themed fair is filled with musical performances, carnival rides (like the “berry” big Ferris wheel) and, of course, strawberry shortcakes, milkshakes, jams and more. flstrawberryfestival.com
Above: Spend the Gasparilla Pirate Festival on the Jose Gasparilla II, the only fully-rigged pirate ship in the world.
Above: Matt Shultz at the Gasparilla Music Festival.
TIFFANY CHAPEL
Celebration begins October 15, 2024
The Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company (1892–1902) exhibited a magnificent chapel interior as the centerpiece of its display for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. On exhibition at the Morse since 1999, the Museum proudly celebrates the 25th anniversary of its installation at the Museum.
407-645-5311 | morsemuseum.org
SARASOTA INT’L CHALK FESTIVAL
SARASOTA
Nov. 8-10
Watch as global artists transform the streets into stunning canvases featuring mesmerizing chalk art, interactive 3D illusions and intricate flower “carpets” by master artisans. chalkfestival.org
COUNTRY BAY MUSIC FESTIVAL
MIAMI
Nov. 9-10
The 305 goes country as it welcomes an unforgettable festival lineup featuring the Zac Brown Band on Miami’s stunning waterfront. countrybaymusicfestival.com
MIAMI BOOK FAIR
MIAMI
Nov. 17-24
Celebrate the 40th Miami Book Fair with captivating author talks and lively discussions featuring legends like author and performer Patti Smith, as well as a vibrant street festival. miamibookfair.com
HOLIDAY IN PARADISE
WEST PALM BEACH
Dec. 1-31
Catch the holiday spirit with Sandi, the world’s only 700-ton Christmas tree made entirely of sand. A nightly light show takes place throughout December. thepalmbeaches.com
ART BASEL
MIAMI BEACH
Dec. 6-8
(SOUTH)
The global art scene converges on Miami Beach, where 238 remarkable exhibitors will showcase their works. Discover innovative galleries and immerse yourself in the dynamic celeb-studded atmosphere of exclusive parties and Miami’s thriving art culture at this world-class event. artbasel.com/miami-beach
IGNITE BROWARD
PALM BEACH FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
PALM BEACH
Dec. 12-15
Feast, sip and mingle at this year’s four-day fest, featuring dishes from 60plus restaurants, multicourse dinners, over 100 top wineries and a thrilling chef competition. Taste plates from chefs like Clay Conley, Michelle Bernstein and more. pbfoodwinefest.com
DANIA BEACH & FORT LAUDERDALE
Feb. 14–23
KUMQUAT FESTIVAL
DADE CITY
Jan. 25
Stroll through historic Dade City while tasting the flavors of kumquats, affectionately known as “little gold gems.” Savor citrus delights such as kumquat-infused pie, peanut butter, ice cream and more while exploring a maze of artisan tents at this familyfriendly fruit festival. kumquatfestival.org
Experience this immersive fusion of art and technology as Dania Beach and cities in Fort Lauderdale come alive with the fourth annual Ignite Broward, presented by the Broward County Cultural Division in partnership with Mad Arts. Witness cutting-edge creativity through massive 3D projection mapping, interactive art displays and innovative light sculptures. Transforming Broward County into an electrifying art scene, the 10-day free event promises its biggest edition yet, spanning nearly four locations. With over 20 talented artists and 30 installations, guests can immerse themselves in performances, artist-led talks, workshops, hands-on experiences and more. Don’t miss a chance to witness art transcend its canvas and technology redefine creativity at one of Broward’s premier cultural events. ignitebroward.com
Above: Light up your imagination at Ignite Broward, an immersive art exhibition in Dania Beach and Fort Lauderdale.
Above: Miami’s Art Basel showcases 238 global exhibitors.
L’ABBINAMENTO PERFETTO FEAT. DUCKHORN WINES
CORAL GABLES
Nov. 19
Savor the elegance of renowned reds and indulge in a five-course dining experience by chef Vladimir Blanes at The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, featuring sophisticated pairings, glazed beef short ribs and gourmet cheeses such as caciotta al tartufo and more. biltmorehotel.com
QUINTESSENTIALLY WE
LAKE WORTH BEACH
Nov. 22–Jan. 18
Dive into culture, heritage and identity at Palm Beach’s latest artist exhibition. Curated by Cultural Council for Palm Beach County Director of Artist Services Jessica Ransom, this viewing brings personal stories to life in a dynamic celebration of what connects us all. palmbeachculture.com
BUGS
MIAMI
Nov. 23-April 20
Step into the curious world of insects with the Frost Science Museum’s newest exhibition, revealing the secret world of these tiny titans and their surprising impact on technology and innovation. Learn the physics behind dragonfly flight,
THE SEMINOLE HARD ROCK WINTERFEST BOAT PARADE
FORT LAUDERDALE
Dec. 14
Set sail into the magic of the holidays with this annual maritime procession. Watch as dazzling, decked-out boats light up the water, bringing cheer to the Intracoastal Waterway. winterfestparade.com
OH, FLORIDA!
PALM BEACH
Jan. 21–April 20
Step into Old Florida’s lush, untamed beauty with The Harn Museum’s Vickers Collection, on view at the Flagler Museum. Through paintings, experience the state’s exotic landscapes as Henry Flagler once did. flaglermuseum.us
SOUTH FLORIDA
GARLIC
FEST
WELLINGTON
Feb. 1-2
The “Best Stinkin’ Party in South Florida” returns to the Wellington Amphitheater, where revelers don their cloviest costumes, relish in garlic-infused dishes and groove to a mix of eclectic musical acts. garlicfestfl.com
55TH ANNUAL EVERGLADES
SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
EVERGLADES CITY
Feb. 7-9
COCONUT GROVE ARTS FESTIVAL
COCONUT GROVE
Feb. 15-17
Consider BYOB (bringing your own bib) to this fresh seafood fest. Enjoy live country music, carnival rides and more at this threeday feast, supporting local fishermen and communities. evergladesseafood festival.com
This sun-kissed winter celebration of creativity and culture features more than 280 artists in over 15 mediums. Highlights include an Arts & Drafts beer garden and a 360-degree art projection experience in the heart of Coconut Grove. cgaf.com
SOUTH BEACH
WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
MIAMI BEACH
Feb. 20-23
From burgers to fine dining, don’t miss a weekend of foodie fun, where celebrated chefs, such as Kenny Gilbert, Michelle Bernstein and Bobby Flay, craft epic eats that take over the sands of Miami Beach, attracting celebs like Charlie Day and Neil Patrick Harris. sobewff.org
Above: The Country Bay Music Festival in Miami
Above: Dine at more than 60 restaurants at the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival.
Flagler’s Footprint
Celebrate the Florida magnate’s lasting impact.
Walk the heralded halls of Henry Flagler’s 100,000-square-foot estate at the Flagler Museum, Palm Beach’s center for preserving and protecting the magnate’s legacy. Learn what it was like to sit in Flagler’s private Railcar No. 91 and explore Whitehall’s polished Beaux-Arts style architecture. View more of the visionary’s accomplishments at the museum’s latest exhibition, “In the Golden Dreamland of Winter: Henry Flagler’s FEC Hotel Company,” which takes guests up and down Florida’s coast, highlighting iconic destinations such as Hotel Royal Poinciana, The Breakers and Hotel Royal Palm, and is open until Dec. 29. For more information, visit flaglermuseum.us.
This page from top: Hand-colored photograph of Henry Flagler’s first hotel, the Hotel Ponce de Leon in St. Augustine, opened in 1888; Whitehall, Henry Flagler’s Gilded Age estate in Palm Beach, now the Flagler Museum
Weekending In Winter Park THE ART OF A PERFECT GETAWAY
Old World charm isn’t a phrase you hear often when describing Florida cities, but those three words encapsulate what Winter Park is all about. With its oak tree-lined neighborhoods, brick streets and Spanish revival architecture, the quaint village is a breath of fresh air from the surrounding hustle and bustle of the greater Orlando region. While the heart of Winter Park is anchored around Park Avenue, a haven for al fresco dining and boutiques, it’s also home to one of the Sunshine State’s most vibrant art scenes. Winter Park provides a different sense of charm than the shows of Art Basel, the street murals of Wynwood Walls, or Sarasota’s Cultural Coast. The concentration of Winter Park’s visual and performing art hubs, within a 10-square-mile radius, puts the city on par with the state’s other top players in terms of culture and creative ventures.
Zoom In
The interesting thing about the city is at first glance you don’t notice just how deeply embedded the arts are within it. Between its serene chain of lakes and lush treetop canopies, it’s easy to get distracted by Winter Park’s surface beauty, but like sitting with a painting, the longer you look, the more you’ll find. Take The Alfond Inn. With an idyllic rooftop pool, first-rate Floridainspired accommodations and posh lobby, it’s hard to beat. But as you soak in your surroundings, you’ll notice how it’s truly a work of art unto itself, from the mosaic of more than 300,000 sculpted yellow flowers leading the way to the spa to other eye-catching installations and paintings in the atrium. Not to mention, The Alfond Inn is the only hotel in the country that serves as an extension of an art museum, and it’s always featuring new pieces that are a part of The Alfond Collection of Contemporary Art from the Rollins Museum of Art, which now includes more than 630 works.
Explore Mixed Media
With so many museums, galleries and performing art establishments within such close proximity to each other, Winter Park launched their Arts & Culture Alliance in 2017 with the hope of accomplishing a common goal: to enhance and improve awareness and visibility of the arts within the community. The 24 nonprofit organizations in the Alliance meet monthly to collaborate, discover and inspire each other—and to see how they can work together to enrich locals and visitors
alike. There’s always something happening in Winter Park for those looking to get their culture fix, making it easy to spend an entire weekend enjoying the arts.
Discover Fresh Perspectives
If you’re looking for an artsy escape, mark your calendar for Feb. 20-23, when Arts Weekend, an annual event sponsored by the Arts & Culture Alliance, returns after a six-year hiatus. All the members are coming together for a celebration centered on creativity and connectedness. On Thursday night, the festivities officially kick off with a keynote speaker on arts and wellbeing. On Friday evening, “Big Band Spirituals” will perform in Central Park, where African American soul and jazz music is transformed by the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park. Saturday’s lineup is an afternoon affair where booths representing the Alliance members are set up across Central Park to educate the community about their missions and programming. There will also be a rotating slate of performances on Central Park’s Main Stage, from dance routines to musical and theatrical acts, alongside kid’s activities and other interactive art experiences. On Sunday, the Alliance is encouraging everyone to get out to see firsthand what their members are all about, with many of the members offering specialty programming and discounts. And
Meet the Arts & Culture Alliance Members
• Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens + Capen Showalter House
• ArtReach Orlando
• Bach Festival Society of Winter Park
• Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts
• Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum
• Central Florida Vocal Arts & Opera del Sol
• Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
• City of Winter Park Public Art Collection
• Crealdé School of Art + Hannibal Square Heritage Center
The Alfond Inn
This page from left: Winter Park Playhouse Performers; Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens