While you could always travel a few states over in order to enjoy New Orleans' Mardi Gras or country-hop for Carnival in Brazil, we have a festival in Key West that is comparable, if not better. Fantasy Fest in Key West is an adults-only, 10-day festival taking place on the very last week in October. One of the biggest festivals in the state, this celebration is filled with tons of fun, from costume contests to parties in the streets and even a giant parade to end all parades. Are you ready to enjoy this Mardi Gras-style Florida festival?
Every year in October, Key West, Florida turns into fun-filled fantasy land for a 10-day festival known as Fantasy Fest.
With a new theme each year, this year’s theme is All A Daze for a Holiday. The theme is integral to the festival as this is where guests really get creative in their costumes and floats.
What began back in 1979 by a small group of Key West locals has since expanded to a 10-day adults-only party that brings people from around the globe to let loose.
Expect a Mardi Gras meets Carnival atmosphere, with costumes, body paint, wild decor, and so much more. Heck, even businesses throughout the city get in on all the action, too!
There are different events and activities taking place throughout the festival, with the final hurrah of a gigantic parade through the streets. Let’s just say, some of these floats go all out.
Just make sure you start your planning today. As you can imagine, Key West is not that big and can get quite crowded during the festival, so you’ll want to reserve your accommodations soon!
As one of the most inclusive events in Florida, come let loose for a few days, enjoying creativity, self-expression, and good, old-fashioned fun when you visit Key West for Fantasy Fest 2021.
Have you ever been to Fantasy Fest in Key West before? Share with us your experience in the comments section! There are some Floridians who make it a point to visit every year without fail!
If you want to find out more about this Mardi Gras-style Florida festival, including an official schedule of events plus an interactive map, check out the website or Facebook Page.
The 11 Best Fall Festivals In Florida For 2024 Will Put You In The Autumnal Spirit
Discover the best fall festivals in Florida, featuring a variety of family-friendly activities and cultural celebrations from September through November.
The best fall festivals in the South are worth the drive. I don’t know about you, but some of my favorite events to attend in Florida happen to take place in autumn. Sure, maybe our weather doesn’t cool down the way it does up north to usher in the season, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still throw down in celebration. Some of the best fall fairs take place from September through November, so get ready to mark your calendars. I’ve curated this list of events to include those near Miami, fall events near Orlando, and so much more. We’ve got a small-town harvest fest and one of the biggest Oktoberfest celebrations in the state.
Harvest Holler Corn Maze in Florida is fall fun at its finest. This family-friendly destination offers a thrilling corn maze adventure, hayrides, pumpkin picking, and a petting zoo. It's the perfect place to celebrate the autumn season, with plenty of activities to enjoy amid the rustic charm of rural Florida. Discover more on the Harvest Holler Corn Maze website.
The Pensacola Dragon Boat Festival is a dynamic water sports event that lights up Pensacola Bay during one of the best fall festivals in Florida. Teams paddle sleek dragon boats, competing for victory with synchronized strokes. It's a thrilling spectacle, accompanied by live music, food vendors, and a vibrant community spirit, making it a must-see festival in Florida's panhandle. Read all about it on the Pensacola Dragon Boat Festival website.
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3. Oktoberfest of the Palm Beaches (Lake Worth): Oct. 11-13 and 18-20, 2024
Oktoberfest of the Palm Beaches is a fun celebration of German culture and traditions. Held annually, it offers an authentic experience with bratwurst, pretzels, and traditional beer. Live music, dancing, and cultural performances create a festive atmosphere, making it a fun-filled cultural event in Palm Beach County that draws locals and visitors alike.
4. Fall Festival at Flamingo Road Nursery (Davie): end of September through the first week of November 2024
Flamingo Road Nursery's Annual Fall Festival runs from late September to early November. The 10-acre garden center transforms into a New England-inspired fall wonderland with cornstalks, pumpkins, and colorful decor. Enjoy themed weeks like Pepper Palooza and Tomato Fest, plus hayrides to "The Davie Moonshine and Fish Camp," kids' crafts, and scrumptious food. Join thousands of South Floridians for a cherished family tradition! Find further details on the Fall Festival at Flamingo Road Nursery website.
Celebration Oktoberfest in Celebration, Florida, is a festive homage to German culture. This event combines Bavarian traditions with a Florida twist. Visitors can savor German cuisine, beer, and enjoy live music and family-friendly activities, all within the charming backdrop of Celebration's picturesque streets. It's a unique fall celebration for all to enjoy. Discover more on the Celebration Oktoberfest web page.
6. Boca Pumpkin Patch Festival (Boca Raton): Oct. 19-20, 2024
The Boca Pumpkin Patch Festival is a delightful fall event in South Florida. Families flock to this festive gathering to enjoy pumpkin picking, carnival rides, games, and live entertainment. With its vibrant atmosphere and seasonal charm, it's a beloved autumn tradition that brings the spirit of Halloween to Boca Raton.
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7. Clermont Harvest Festival (Clermont): Oct. 19, 2024
Clermont Harvest Festival is a cherished autumn tradition in Central Florida. Families gather to enjoy pumpkin patches, hayrides, and a host of seasonal activities. This community-driven celebration captures the essence of fall in Clermont. For further details, visit the Clermont Harvest Festival web page.
Kiteober Festival at Haulover Beach is an exhilarating blend of kite-flying fun and beachside beauty. Held annually, it invites kite enthusiasts to showcase their creations in the clear skies of Miami. With colorful kites filling the air, live music, and a lively atmosphere, it's a unique and vibrant event for all ages to enjoy. Stay tuned for the dates on the Kiteober Festival, Miami Beach web page.
Suwannee Hulaween is a renowned music and arts festival held at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida. This widely-known event combines live music, immersive art installations, and a Halloween theme. With a diverse lineup, camping, and a welcoming atmosphere, it's one of the coolest and most unique festivals this state has to offer and one of the greatest ways to celebrate fall in Florida.
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10. Micanopy Fall Festival (Micanopy): Oct. 26 - 27, 2024
Micanopy Fall Festival is a charming and historic celebration in Micanopy, Florida. Held annually, it features a quaint small-town ambiance, complete with arts and crafts vendors, delicious food, live entertainment, and a welcoming community spirit. Visitors can explore the town's historic district while enjoying the festive autumn atmosphere. Learn more on the Micanopy Fall Festival website.
The Chalk Festival in Sarasota is a spectacular display of artistry that has to be seen in person to be believed. Talented artists from around the world transform pavement into breathtaking chalk masterpieces. This immersive event allows visitors to witness the creation process and even engage with artists. With its vibrant colors and creativity, it's a visual feast for all ages. Read more details on the Chalk Festival website.
The best fall festivals in the South include this list in Florida for 2024. What do you think about the best fall festivals in Florida? Do you have more that you want to add to this list? Let us know in the comments section below!
Anyone who has a sweet tooth can look forward to a Florida chocolate festival near Tampa Bay this February. The Annual Tampa Bay Chocolate Festival is back and better than ever. Serving up a delightful array of chocolate-themed treats in February (Just in time for Valentine's Day), this free and open-to-the-public event is about to rock your world. So come hungry and don't plan on counting your calories during the festival because you will want to sit back and indulge in the sweet goodness of mouth-watering chocolate treats.
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The giant Tampa Bay Chocolate Festival is back this February just in time for Valentine’s Day.
While everyone else in the country is experiencing a February freeze, we here in the Sunshine State can enjoy one of the best chocolate festivals in Florida. This is an indoor and outdoor event that will happen rain or shine. Being in Florida we are betting it will lead more toward the shine...
This savory and sweet festival is all themed around chocolate, so get ready for the ultimate afternoon of sweets and treats.
Some of the items are festival exclusives so make sure you seek out which unique items they will feature each year. Try them all! Admission is free but each vendor sets their own prices for their treats. Most of those attending the event will take cards but be sure to bring money for those cash-only food trucks.
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There will be over 100 different food trucks in attendance so make sure to bring your appetite. This festival is designed to be a family-friendly event so feel free to bring along your kids and have a great time together.
So maybe, just maybe out of the jewelry, activewear, candles, and boutique vendors, you’ll find a Valentine’s Day gift that is perfect for your significant other.
Make sure to take a look at our handy map here to find out where the Tampa Bay Chocolate Festival will be held. This is subject to change so always make sure you check the Generation Entertainment Facebook page before you go. We will put a link at the end of this article.
Have you attended the Tampa Bay Chocolate Festival already? Share with us your favorite part of the day in the comments section! Or if you’re looking for more information about this Florida chocolate festival, including the vendors that will be attending, then check out the Generation Entertainment Facebook Page. You will want to arrive early to beat the crowds because everyone on planet Earth loves chocolate. So to do that and still enjoy this two-day event you will need a place to stay. Fortunately for you, we happen to know of a lovely little bungalow you can book for the night. Make sure you check it out.
Speaking of chocolate, the next time you have a hankering for something sweet, make sure to dive into the Florida Chocolate Shop road trip!
