The new year has arrived, and we expect it to be filled with all kinds of fun and excitement. And there is never a shortage of either here in Florida with all of the fun activities and events happening all over the Sunshine State.
If you are looking for a fun way to enjoy all that Florida has to offer, these are some of the events, festivals, and other activities that we are most looking forward to in the month of January.
Art & History
Art Fort Lauderdale
One of the most unique art festivals in the entire country would have to be Art Fort Lauderdale, which will be happening along the Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale from January 24 to 27. You can take either the water taxi or a private boat and stop at a number of different million-dollar homes that will each be displaying the work of a different local artist.
Art Palm Beach
Art lovers will be flocking to the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach from January 16 to 20 for a classic convention-style festival known as Art Palm Beach where all of the artists are under the same roof at the same time.
Florida Museum 40th Collectors Day
The Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville will be celebrating its 40th Collectors Day on Saturday, January 12. More than 100 different collectors register to display an astounding variety of collection here every year.
Food & Beverage
Uncorked: The Key Largo & Islamorada Food & Wine Festival
Foodies will be flocking to Key Largo and Islamorada for their annual Uncorked festival that celebrates local flavors starting on January 10 and running through January 20. The biggest day for this event will be Saturday, January 19 with the “Grand Tasting Finale.”
Key West Food & Wine Festival
Anyone attending the latter portion of Uncorked might want to consider extending their time in the Keys and heading down to the Key West Food & Wine Festival, which runs from January 23 through January 27 this year. All of your favorite spots along Duval Street will be hosting special events during this exciting weekend party.
Naples Winter Wine Festival
The Naples Winter Wine Festival is one of the more high-end festivals that you will find here in Florida, and it was actually ranked as one of the top festivals for wealthy Americans by the Luxury Institute. This is the place to be if you are looking to taste some expensive blends paired with five-star restaurant cuisine.
Apalachicola Oyster Cook-Off
If you love oysters, then you definitely won't want to miss the 9th Annual Apalachicola Oyster Cook-Off on January 18 and 19. And if you think your oyster recipe has what it take to compete with the big boys, this is the place to find out.
Amelia Island Restaurant Week
January 18 through 27 will be Restaurant Week in Amelia Island, and more than 30 of the best Amelia Island restaurants in town will be participating by running prix-fixe lunch and/or dinner menus that will delight both local foodies and vacationers.
Music & Film
South Florida Folk Festival
Anyone who loves folk music will want to attend the South Florida Folk Festival on January 27 and 27 at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in Fort Lauderdale. This massive music festival will feature more than 40 folk acts performing on two stages, and there will also be workshops and classes for attendees.
Yeehaw Music Festival
Another popular folk and bluegrass festival is the Yeehaw Music Festival in Okeechobee on January 15 through January 20. This is a great option for musicians who want to get involved in the action because there will be a number of jam sessions set up throughout the festival.
St. Augustine Film Festival
The historic city of St. Augustine will be hosting the St. Augustine Film Festival from January 18 through January 21. There will be three different venues screening more than 30 independent films during the festival, and there are plenty of things to do in St. Augustine between films.
Nature Festivals
Everglades Birding Festival
The Everglades is a paradise for birding enthusiasts, and one of the best times to visit is during the Everglades Birding Festival, which is scheduled for January 17 to 21 this year. In addition to the standard birding opportunities, there will also be workshops to help you hone your skills.
Broward Shell Show
The Emma Lou Olson Civic Center in Pompano Beach will be hosting the Broward Shell Show on January 12 and 13. This is a fantastic convention that will have shells from all over the world on display, as well as plenty of shell-based crafts available for purchase.
Florida Manatee Festival
You can't visit Crystal River without seeing the manatees, and the best time to do both is during the Florida Manatee Festival on January 19 and 20. The whole town will be throwing an outdoor party in honor of their favorite sea mammals.
With all of these fun activities and events within a short distance of just about any Florida location, don't be surprised if you suddenly find your calendar completely full of excitement this month!
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