It feels to me like we have officially entered the hottest part of summer here in the Sunshine State. But Florida residents have a way of keeping things cool despite the warm weather, and there is still a packed schedule of things to do around the state this August.
Whether you are looking for art and history, food and beverages, music and film, or options to get out and enjoy nature, we have got you covered with the best of the best events, festivals, and shows happening across Florida this month.
Art & History
Arcadia Summer Antique Fair
There will be more than 100 tables and tents on hand for the Arcadia Summer Antique Fair on Saturday, August 24.
This is one of the most popular antique fairs of the entire summer, and it also serves as an excellent excuse to spend a relaxing weekend halfway between Tampa and Fort Myers.
Miami Home Design & Remodeling Show
The last weekend of the month will be a fantastic time to be in Miami because that is when the Miami Home Design & Remodeling Show is going to be rolling into the Mana Wynwood Convention Center.
All of the latest design trends will be on display at this event, so it is the perfect opportunity to explore options for designing or redesigning your Florida home.
Annual Downtown Venice Labor Day Weekend Craft Festival
The final weekend of the month also happens to be Labor Day Weekend, which means that Venice will be hosting its Annual Downtown Venice Labor Day Weekend Craft Festival.
More than 80 vendors will be set up on the gorgeous streets of Venice during this exciting event where you can find everything from ceramics to hand-made jewelry.
Food & Drink
Annual Best in Baker BBQ Cook-Off
Heritage Park in Macclenny is going to be hosting the Annual Best in Baker BBQ Cook-Off on August 2 and 3. This popular Baker County event will feature an intense BBQ contest with a people’s choice winner, as well as a much sweeter pound cake event.
While the BBQ teams are cooking their chicken leg quarters, pork ribs, and pork butts, there will also be live music, mechanical bulls rides, and a cake auction.
Key West Lobsterfest
Starting on Thursday, August 8 and running through the weekend, the entire island of Key West is going to be coming together to celebrate the start of their lobster fishing season.
The Key West Lobsterfest is an annual event that kicks off with a massive lobster boil and then continues with lobster events all over town throughout the rest of the weekend, which makes it a perfect time to get your fix of the keys.
25th Annual Grape Stomp
Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards in Clermont will be hosting their 25th Annual Grape Stomp on August 17 and 18 this month. In addition to giving visitors the opportunity to stomp some freshly harvested grapes, the event also features live music, food, and plenty of wine.
Music & Film
Tampa Bay Comic Con
Celebrities like Ron Perlman, Michael Rooker, and Harry Potter’s Bonnie Wright are scheduled to make appearances at this year’s Tampa Bay Comic Con, which is set to be one of the biggest ones yet.
This self-proclaimed “geek-fest” will be taking over the Tampa Convention Center in downtown Tampa for the entire first weekend of August, so don’t miss your chance to enjoy all of the fun.
North Central Florida Blues Society Regional Blues Challenge
The best of the best blues performers from around the state of Florida will be in Gainesville on Sunday, August 25 for the North Central Florida Blues Society Regional Blues Challenge.
Not only is this event a fantastic celebration of local blues musicians, but it is also a legitimate competition where the winner will earn a spot to compete at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam
With names like Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean, Kid Rock, Big and Rich, and Gretchen Wilson all scheduled to perform, the three-day Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam in Panama City Beach could be one of the biggest concert events of the entire summer.
Country music fans will be flocking to Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach from August 30 through September 1 for this mind-blowing concert experience.
Nature Festivals
16th Annual Kingfish Shootout
C-Quarters Marina in Carrabelle is the place to be on the first Saturday and Sunday of the month for anyone passionate about fishing and boating.
The 16th Annual Kingfish Shootout fishing tournament has a $5,000 top prize that will be going to the best angler fo the weekend, and there will also be a raffle for a brand new boat that everyone is going to want to take a shot at winning.
Sarasota Slam
Another fishing tournament celebrating its 16th year this summer will be the Sarasota Slam at Marina Jack in Sarasota on August 9 and 10.
This is one of the most popular fishing tournaments in all of Florida for both anglers and spectators. There are multiple divisions for fishing, and spectators can enjoy a dockside BBq party on Saturday afternoon.
Paddle at the Porch
Florida residents have a way of turning everything into a competition, so it was only a matter of time before standup paddleboarding became a competitive event. That idea has evolved into Paddle at the Porch in Destin on Saturday, August 17.
This fun competition will include standup paddleboard races of one, three, and six miles right on the beach, and it is a great reason to visit Destin even if you don’t bring your board.
With everything from antiques and lobster to country music and fishing tournaments on the agenda this month, there really is something for everybody happening across the state of Florida. Make sure that you don’t miss out on attending some of these fun August events.
Looking in the next couple of years. Love Tampa St Pete Clearwater area. Would like more info on the homes. Options prices floor plans.
Keeping up with all events around the sunshine state. Looking to spend more time there in a few years.
Kathy….all depends on your motivation for coming to Florida. We are in the Tampa Bay area and love. More then enough to see and do to keep you busy. Its a growing area. Check it out.
Not planning a move right away, but in the next couple of years. Trying to get the best possible info on where to move. Love what I am seeing
Like this page a lot