Florida Festivals

Most every weekend in Florida offers a wide range of events and activities in which you may partake. If you’ve run out of fun (or just need a break) from your Florida retirement community and you’re not too busy visiting the beaches or enjoying the parks and other attractions, be sure to check out some of these exciting festivals throughout the state.

Strawberry Festival

Every year Floridians in-the-know flock to Plant City, located between Tampa and Orlando, to partake in some good old-fashioned fun. The Strawberry Festival is much like a county fair in that it offers amusement rides and games, shows, big-name entertainment, and of course, all the strawberry shortcake you could ever hope to eat. Fortunately, you are not just limited to shortcake, as you will find strawberry ice cream, strawberry sundaes, strawberry milkshakes, strawberry cobbler, and plain-ol’ delicious Florida strawberries. You’ve got to check it out, at least once. It’s as Floridian as strawberry shortcake!

For more information on the Florida Strawberry Festival visit the festival website at http://www.flstrawberryfestival.com

Florida International Festival

Once every two years Daytona Beach plays host to the Florida International Festival, a musical event featuring symphonic and concert artists from all over the world. The Festival’s centerpiece, concerts performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, draws attendees from all over the country to see music at its best.

For more information visit http://www.fif-lso.org

Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival

One of the nation’s most prestigious outdoor art festivals takes place each year in the city of Winter Park, on the outskirts of Orlando. More than 350,000 visitors flock to the show to see almost 1,500 artists showcase their work and compete for cash prizes in a variety of categories. In addition to art, the show also features music and entertainment, food, and children’s activities.

Visit http://www.wpsaf.org for more information.

Florida Film Festival

It’s not quite Sundance, but some would say that’s a good thing. Every year in Orlando, filmmakers and film lovers alike come together to celebrate the world of film in what has become “one of the most respected regional film events in the country.” In addition to screenings of movies, the festival includes seminars, educational forums, glam parties, and other special events.

For more information visit the festival website at http://www.floridafilmfestival.com