Festivals and Special Annual Events

The Greater Ft. Lauderdale area is known as a haven of special events and festivals. From small community events to large countywide festivals, Broward has it all. The following is a sampling of events that make our area special.

Winterfest

Unique in every way, Winterfest is Broward County's celebration of the holiday season. The month of December is filled with cultural events, fairs, concerts and holiday happenings. Highlighting these are the extravagant boat parade along the Intracoastal Waterway and the "world's largest" beach party, the Family Beach Ball.

The joy, celebration and pageantry of Winterfest should be experienced by all.

Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show

This annual event attracts exhibitors and visitors from all over the world. In fact, it is the largest in-water boat show in the world. Exhibits range from boats, yachts, and marine accessories to interior design.

Las Olas Art Festival

Attracting some of the top artists in the world, this festival has been named among the top 10 art festivals nationwide. Las Olas Boulevard is closed to traffic for two days as the area comes alive with paintings, sculpture and handicrafts.

Ft. Lauderdale Seafood Festival

This annual event brings out some of the finest seafood and entertainment in this area. A variety of South Florida restaurants and vendors join local entertainers in a festival setting.

The Greater Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival

The first annual festival held in 1986 featured directors, producers and performers in a variety of area theatres. From old, new, offbeat and foreign, this festival has a mix to accommodate a vast majority of the public. The film festival has made a big impact on the cultural community.
 

Calendar of Festivals and Events

The following is a list of major festivals and special events offered annually throughout Broward County.

January

• Carquest Bowl
• Antiques World
• Ft. Lauderdale International Auto Show
• Collector Car Show and Auction
• Riverwalk Winter Arts & Crafts Show
• Orchid Show
• Gulfstrearn Park Thoroughbred Racing Begins
• Deerfield Beach Arts and Crafts Show

February

• National Sport Fishing & Outdoor Expo
• Ft. Lauderdale Pet Show
• Ft. Lauderdale Antique Show
• Franchise and Business Opportunity Show
• Ebony Fashion Fair
• CanadaFest
• Annual Greek Festival
• Art in Community Park
• IrishFest
• Taste of Ft. Lauderdale
• The Sistrunk Historical Festival

March

• Honda Golf Classic
• Orange Blossom Festival of the Arts
• Ft. Lauderdale Festival of the Arts
• Ft. Lauderdale Spring Home Show
• Museum of Art Las Olas Art Festival
• St. Patrick's Irish Festival
• Storybook Wedding Bridal Show

April

• Southern Heritage Month
• Ft. Lauderdale Billfish Tournament
• Ft. Lauderdale Plant Affair
• Downtown Festival of the Arts
• Pompano Seafood Festival

May

• Alamo International Invitational Diving Meet/Swimming Hall of Fame

July

• July 4thFestivities
• Hollywood MusicFest

August

• World Series of Little League Baseball
• Hollywood Latin Festival

September

• Broward Navy Days (Sept.-Oct.)

October

• Viva Broward!
• International Boat Show
• Oktoberfest
• Hollywood Jazz Festival
• Halloween Festivals Throughout Broward County
• South Florida Senior Games
• Star Trek Convention and Show
• Plant Affair West at Flamingo Gardens
• Cat Show
• ItalianFest
• Curtain Up! For the Performing Arts Center
• SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunches (Oct.-Mar.)
• Riverwalk Fall Arts and Crafts Show
• Our Town Festival - Coral Springs

November

• Deerfest - Deerfield Beach
• Broward County Fair
• Christmas Festival of Dolls, Bears & Miniatures
• Promenade In The Park Greater Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival
• Riverwalk Blues Festival
• Sunshine State Championship Rodeo - Davie
• Christmas on Las Olas
• Holiday Fantasy of Lights
• Art Festival- Coral Springs

December

• Winterfest
• Winterfest Light Up Lauderdale
• Holiday Boat & Community Street Parades
• American Red Cross Jingle Bell 10K Run
• Holiday Antique Show
• Pompano Harness Racing Season Opens
• Hollywood Greyhound Racing Begins