Florida residents don’t ever have to worry about finding an exciting way to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday, but there are also plenty of fun things happening here throughout the rest of the month of July.
In addition to the fact that just about every town in Florida will be hosting a fireworks spectacular on Independence Day, the entire racing world will be back in Daytona for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on July 6.
Those two huge events will attract people from all over the world, but there are all kinds of other events happening around the Sunshine State this July. Let’s take a closer look at some of the ones you might want to have on your calendar.
Art & History
18th Annual Indialantic Craft Festival
Located right next to Melbourne, Indialantic is one of the most often-overlooked communities along the Atlantic Coast. But on Saturday, July 6, the town’s beautiful Nance Park will be hosting the 18th Annual Indialantic Craft Festival.
The festival itself is a wonderful display of handmade art, but it is also a great excuse to spend a day in Indialantic and explore their boardwalk area.
Hemingway Days
Most people don’t need an excuse to visit Key West, but anyone who is into writing or fishing will enjoy the festivities of Hemingway Days from July 16 through 21.
Those festivities will include a wacky Hemingway look-a-like contest, as well as numerous poetry and prose reading around town throughout the week.
Stitcher Paradise
Anyone who is passionate about sewing or quilting will want to be in Central Florida for Stitcher Paradise on July 18-20. Not only is this a great place to meet other sewers and quilters, but there are also 30 different workshops scheduled to help you improve your skills.
Food & Beverage
Smoke on the Coast
Just about everyone has their Independence Day festivities scheduled for July 4, but our friends in Destin like to jump the gun with their Smoke on the Coast BBQ and Fireworks Festival on July 3.
This “pre-party” for Independence Day will take place at Destin Commons from 5 pm to 10 pm with 18 different restaurants and BBQ experts serving up $1 samples until the fireworks start at 9:30 pm.
Key Lime Festival
In typical Key West fashion, the southernmost island keeps the Independence Day party going all weekend long with the Key Lime Festival happening from July 4 through 7 this year.
Between all of the Key Lime Pie Tastings, the Key Lime Bar Sip & Stroll, the Miss Key Lime Pageant, and the Key Lime Pie Drop, this is one of the best times all year to visit Key West.
Crystal River Scallop Festival
The Gulf Coast scalloping seasons typically runs from July through September, and the residents of Crystal River like to kick things off with a big party celebrating all things scallops.
This year’s Crystal River Scallop Festival is scheduled for July 27 and 28. The old fashioned scallop cookoff is the perfect way to get your fill either before or after you head out on your own scalloping charter.
Music & Film
35th Annual Underwater Music Festival
We’re going back to the keys one more time this month, but this time we are heading to Looe Key Reef for the 35th Annual Underwater Music Festival on Saturday, July 13.
There will be hundreds of scuba divers and snorkelers hitting the reef, which will be filled with classic rock music piped in from the boats of local dive companies to create an underwater concert.
Swamp Stomp 2019
Another place to enjoy music on Saturday, July 13 is the Tallahassee Museum, which will be hosting Swamp Stomp 2019. This is the kind of music festival where you can bring a blanket and kick back on the lawn outside the museum all evening enjoying local Florida artists.
Miami Salsa Congress
Miami is a year-round hotspot for salsa dancing, but the best of the best will be in town for the Miami Salsa Congress at the Eden Roc Nobu Hotel for this five-day festival starting on July 24. Whether you are looking to participate in dance workshops, learn from the masters, or just hit up the parties, this is a fantastic time for salsa lovers to be in Miami.
Nature Festivals
Shark Con
The Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa will be hosting the epic Shark Con event on July 13 and 14. This massive two-day celebration of sharks will include everything from education on marine life to a 22-foot shark slide. There will also be a complete schedule of expert speakers discussing a wide range of shark-related topics.
Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament and Festival
One of the largest fishing tournaments of the month will be the Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament and Festival, which is scheduled for July 15 to 20.
Whether you are looking to compete yourself or just want to take in the sights of a major fishing tournament and festival, there will be an epic amount to see and do in Jacksonville during this six-day stretch.
29th Annual Caladium Festival & Plant Extravaganza
Stuart Park in Lake Placid will be hosting the 29th Annual Caladium Festival & Plant Extravaganza on July 26 to 28. The goal of this festival has always been to celebrate native plants and local farmers, but it has grown to include things like a 5K race, car show, and craft show over the years.
With everything from Hemingway and scallops to underwater music and Shark Con on the schedule, there really is something for just about everyone happening around the Sunshine State during the month of July.
Be sure to mark some of these events on your calendar so that you don’t miss out on the fun!
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