Annual Events & Festivals

South Florida—and Broward County—used to be very quiet places during the late spring and the summer. They used to be the sort of laid-back, subtropical places where things really slow down (or come to a complete stop!) during the hotter weather, where you don’t have to worry about marking upcoming special events on your calendar. And, while things certainly still do slow down some when the temperature rises, Greater Fort Lauderdale has become a place where you shouldn’t put that calendar marker away, even in the summer. Though the area can hardly be said to be humming with activity at that time of year, there are certainly some interesting events taking place. The calendar is now busy year-round.

But when the temperature breaks—usually in early October—that’s when the area really starts to come alive! When the rest of the country is gathering its firewood and getting ready to stay indoors for several months of hibernation, Greater Fort Lauderdale blooms like a brilliant rose with colors, festivals, one-of-a-kind events, sound, and fun. There are numerous art and music festivals, food festivals, and special events, virtually every weekend from early October through April. Often, in fact, you’ll have a hard time choosing, because there are so many great events—and not enough days on the calendar—that some of them have to take place at the same time.

One caveat: Some “annual” events get canceled or postponed for a variety of reasons. So it’s possible that a few of the events listed here may not be taking place any more. You might want to make sure you call ahead—or read about it in the paper or online—before getting in the car and going.

But don’t be too concerned. Because one thing’s for sure—you’d better buy an additional marker for your calendar. You’re going to need it!