Events
Events
A Year-Round Guide for 2024-2025
Fort Lauderdale is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural tapestry, sunny beaches, and year-round festivities. The events that take place here reflect the city’s diverse heritage, ranging from art festivals and food celebrations to music concerts and outdoor activities. Whether you’re visiting in the winter or summer, there’s always something special happening. The following guide provides a detailed overview of the events happening from January to December 2025, offering insights on what makes each event special, where it takes place, and practical tips for attendees.
January
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
- Dates: January 6–10, 2025
- Location: 801 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
- Contact: (954) 555-1234
- What Makes It Special: The largest in-water boat show in the world, showcasing luxury yachts, boats, and marine equipment. It’s a must-visit for boating enthusiasts.
- Highlights: Live demonstrations, yacht tours, and celebrity appearances.
- Tickets: $25 general admission; available online and at the gate.
Las Olas Art Fair
- Dates: January 20–21, 2025
- Location: Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Contact: (954) 555-5678
- What Makes It Special: An annual event celebrating local and national artists with unique, handmade pieces of art available for purchase.
- Highlights: Live music, interactive art installations, and family-friendly activities.
- Tickets: Free to attend.
Riverwalk Chili Cook-Off
- Dates: January 27, 2025
- Location: Esplanade Park, 400 SW 2nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
- Contact: (954) 555-7890
- What Makes It Special: A fun, community-focused event where local chefs and amateurs compete for the best chili recipe.
- Highlights: Tasting opportunities, live music, and kids’ zone.
- Tickets: $10 for unlimited chili tastings.
February
Fort Lauderdale Greek Festival
- Dates: February 2–4, 2025
- Location: St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 815 NE 15th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
- Contact: (954) 555-2345
- What Makes It Special: A celebration of Greek culture, featuring authentic Greek food, dance, and music.
- Highlights: Traditional Greek dances, cooking demonstrations, and local crafts.
- Tickets: $5 per person; children under 12 free.
Valentine’s Day Wine & Dine Event
- Dates: February 14, 2025
- Location: Las Olas Boulevard Restaurants
- Contact: (954) 555-4567
- What Makes It Special: A romantic culinary event where couples can enjoy specially curated wine-paired menus at some of Las Olas’ top restaurants.
- Highlights: Exclusive dishes, live music, and wine pairings.
- Tickets: Prices vary by restaurant; reservations required.
Fort Lauderdale Art Walk
- Dates: February 17, 2025
- Location: FATVillage, 521 NW 1st Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Contact: (954) 555-8765
- What Makes It Special: A monthly event where visitors can explore galleries, murals, and exhibits by local artists.
- Highlights: Art displays, live performances, and food trucks.
- Tickets: Free to attend.
March
Tortuga Music Festival
- Dates: March 8–10, 2025
- Location: Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, 1100 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
- Contact: (954) 555-5432
- What Makes It Special: A beachfront music festival featuring country, rock, and roots music, supporting marine conservation efforts.
- Highlights: Live performances by top artists, eco-friendly initiatives, and VIP beachside lounges.
- Tickets: $125–$300; available online.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival
- Dates: March 16, 2025
- Location: Downtown Fort Lauderdale
- Contact: (954) 555-1236
- What Makes It Special: Fort Lauderdale’s lively celebration of Irish heritage with a parade, live music, and traditional food.
- Highlights: Floats, bagpipe performances, and beer gardens.
- Tickets: Free to attend.
Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF)
- Dates: March 22–29, 2025
- Location: Savor Cinema, 503 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Contact: (954) 555-7892
- What Makes It Special: An annual film festival showcasing independent and international films, with red carpet events and filmmaker Q&As.
- Highlights: Premier screenings, panel discussions, and after-parties.
- Tickets: $15 per screening; festival passes available.
April
Riverwalk Earth Day Celebration
- Dates: April 20, 2025
- Location: Esplanade Park, 400 SW 2nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
- Contact: (954) 555-0987
- What Makes It Special: A family-friendly event focused on environmental education and sustainable practices.
- Highlights: Eco-friendly vendors, workshops, and live entertainment.
- Tickets: Free to attend.
SunFest
- Dates: April 24–28, 2025
- Location: 525 Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 (45-minute drive from Fort Lauderdale)
- Contact: (561) 555-1239
- What Makes It Special: South Florida’s largest waterfront music and arts festival.
- Highlights: Live performances, art installations, and fireworks.
- Tickets: $40 per day; weekend passes available.
Las Olas Wine and Food Festival
- Dates: April 26, 2025
- Location: Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Contact: (954) 555-5678
- What Makes It Special: A culinary extravaganza featuring food and wine tastings from top restaurants and wineries.
- Highlights: Celebrity chef appearances, cooking demonstrations, and wine tastings.
- Tickets: $150; proceeds benefit the American Lung Association.
May
Fort Lauderdale Air Show
- Dates: May 4–5, 2025
- Location: Fort Lauderdale Beach, 1100 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
- Contact: (954) 555-7654
- What Makes It Special: Watch world-class pilots perform aerial stunts over the beach.
- Highlights: U.S. Navy Blue Angels, military jets, and parachute teams.
- Tickets: $35–$150 depending on seating area.
Great American Beach Party
- Dates: May 25, 2025
- Location: Fort Lauderdale Beach, 300 S Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
- Contact: (954) 555-9876
- What Makes It Special: Kick off the summer with a day-long beach celebration featuring live music, car shows, and sandcastle contests.
- Highlights: Free concerts, vintage car displays, and family-friendly activities.
- Tickets: Free to attend.
Taste of the Caribbean Festival
- Dates: May 18, 2025
- Location: ArtsPark at Young Circle, Hollywood, FL (15 minutes from Fort Lauderdale)
- Contact: (954) 555-6789
- What Makes It Special: A celebration of Caribbean culture with authentic food, live music, and dance.
- Highlights: Steel drum performances, jerk chicken competitions, and cultural exhibits.
- Tickets: $10 general admission.
June
Fort Lauderdale Pride
- Dates: June 7–9, 2025
- Location: Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, 1100 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
- Contact: (954) 555-4321
- What Makes It Special: A vibrant celebration of the LGBTQ+ community with a parade, live performances, and beach parties.
- Highlights: Drag performances, Pride parade, and themed parties.
- Tickets: Free for general entry; VIP packages available starting at $50.
Fort Lauderdale Seafood Festival
- Dates: June 15, 2025
- Location: Esplanade Park, 400 SW 2nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
- Contact: (954) 555-6780
- What Makes It Special: A seafood lover’s dream, offering local and international seafood dishes, live music, and family activities.
- Highlights: Fresh seafood tastings, cooking demonstrations, and food trucks.
- Tickets: $10 general admission.
Summer Solstice Celebration
- Dates: June 21, 2025
- Location: Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, 3109 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
- Contact: (954) 555-8765
- What Makes It Special: Celebrate the longest day of the year with outdoor yoga, wellness workshops, and nature walks.
- Highlights: Meditation sessions, live acoustic music, and food vendors.
- Tickets: $20 per person.
July
Fort Lauderdale 4th of July Spectacular
- Dates: July 4, 2025
- Location: Fort Lauderdale Beach, 300 S Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
- Contact: (954) 555-7890
- What Makes It Special: A beachfront celebration of Independence Day with live music, food, and a fireworks display over the ocean.
- Highlights: Fireworks, beach games, and family activities.
- Tickets: Free to attend.
Red, White, & Brew Festival
- Dates: July 13, 2025
- Location: Las Olas Boulevard
- Contact: (954) 555-3456
- What Makes It Special: A craft beer festival featuring local breweries, live music, and food pairings.
- Highlights: Unlimited beer tastings and live performances from local bands.
- Tickets: $40 per person; VIP passes $80.
Under the Stars Film Festival
- Dates: July 20, 2025
- Location: Esplanade Park, 400 SW 2nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
- Contact: (954) 555-5678
- What Makes It Special: An outdoor movie festival showcasing independent and classic films, perfect for a summer evening.
- Highlights: Picnic areas, food vendors, and special guest Q&A sessions.
- Tickets: $15 per screening.
August
Fort Lauderdale Beer & Music Festival
- Dates: August 3, 2025
- Location: Revolution Live, 100 SW 3rd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
- Contact: (954) 555-2345
- What Makes It Special: A lively festival combining craft beers with live music performances from local and national bands.
- Highlights: Over 50 craft beer vendors, live bands, and food trucks.
- Tickets: $50 general admission; $100 VIP.
Las Olas Craft Fair
- Dates: August 10–11, 2025
- Location: Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Contact: (954) 555-4321
- What Makes It Special: A unique craft fair showcasing handmade jewelry, art, and home goods from local artisans.
- Highlights: Interactive workshops and live demonstrations by local crafters.
- Tickets: Free to attend.
Flavors of Fort Lauderdale Culinary Tour
- Dates: August 24, 2025
- Location: Various Restaurants on Las Olas Boulevard
- Contact: (954) 555-7891
- What Makes It Special: A guided culinary tour of the best restaurants along Las Olas Boulevard, featuring exclusive tastings and chef meet-and-greets.
- Highlights: Local seafood, gourmet tastings, and wine pairings.
- Tickets: $75 per person.
September
Labor Day Beach Bash
- Dates: September 1, 2025
- Location: Fort Lauderdale Beach, 300 S Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
- Contact: (954) 555-6789
- What Makes It Special: A family-friendly beach party with live music, food trucks, and games.
- Highlights: Beach volleyball tournaments, kids’ zone, and local food vendors.
- Tickets: Free to attend.
Fort Lauderdale Fashion Week
- Dates: September 10–14, 2025
- Location: Downtown Fort Lauderdale
- Contact: (954) 555-1234
- What Makes It Special: A showcase of local and international designers, featuring runway shows, pop-up shops, and fashion workshops.
- Highlights: High-end fashion shows, meet-the-designer events, and exclusive shopping experiences.
- Tickets: $75–$250 depending on the event.
Oktoberfest at Funky Buddha Brewery
- Dates: September 21, 2025
- Location: Funky Buddha Brewery, 1201 NE 38th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
- Contact: (954) 555-0987
- What Makes It Special: A local spin on the traditional German festival with craft beer, bratwurst, and live German music.
- Highlights: Limited-edition brews, traditional German food, and games.
- Tickets: $45 general admission.
October
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
- Dates: October 2–6, 2025
- Location: 801 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
- Contact: (954) 555-4321
- What Makes It Special: A fall version of the popular boat show featuring the latest in luxury yachts and marine technology.
- Highlights: Yacht tours, live demonstrations, and celebrity appearances.
- Tickets: $25 general admission.
Fort Lauderdale Film Festival
- Dates: October 18–25, 2025
- Location: Various venues in Fort Lauderdale
- Contact: (954) 555-5678
- What Makes It Special: An annual showcase of independent films, with screenings, panels, and networking events.
- Highlights: Premier screenings, red carpet events, and filmmaker Q&As.
- Tickets: $15 per screening; passes available.
Halloween on Las Olas
- Dates: October 31, 2025
- Location: Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Contact: (954) 555-8765
- What Makes It Special: A family-friendly Halloween festival with costume contests, trick-or-treating, and spooky-themed activities.
- Highlights: Haunted house, street performers, and live music.
- Tickets: Free to attend.
November
Riverside Jazz Festival
- Dates: November 2, 2025
- Location: Esplanade Park, 400 SW 2nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
- Contact: (954) 555-3456
- What Makes It Special: An outdoor jazz festival featuring local and national jazz musicians.
- Highlights: Jazz performances, food trucks, and art exhibits.
- Tickets: $20 general admission.
Fort Lauderdale Marathon
- Dates: November 10, 2025
- Location: Downtown Fort Lauderdale
- Contact: (954) 555-7890
- What Makes It Special: A scenic marathon route along the coast and through the city’s scenic neighborhoods.
- Highlights: Health expo, race-day festivities, and charity fundraising.
- Tickets: $100 marathon entry.
Turkey Trot
- Dates: November 28, 2025
- Location: Fort Lauderdale Beach Park
- Contact: (954) 555-6543
- What Makes It Special: A Thanksgiving morning 5K race along the beach, open to all ages.
- Highlights: Family-friendly race, post-race celebration with food and drinks.
- Tickets: $30 entry fee.
December
Christmas on Las Olas
- Dates: December 2, 2025
- Location: Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Contact: (954) 555-0987
- What Makes It Special: A winter wonderland celebration on Fort Lauderdale’s iconic Las Olas Boulevard.
- Highlights: Holiday light displays, live entertainment, and snow play areas for kids.
- Tickets: Free to attend.
Winterfest Boat Parade
- Dates: December 15, 2025
- Location: New River and Intracoastal Waterway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Contact: (954) 555-4321
- What Makes It Special: A holiday tradition where decorated boats parade along Fort Lauderdale’s waterways, creating a magical evening of lights.
- Highlights: Holiday-themed boats, celebrity grand marshals, and waterfront viewing parties.
- Tickets: Free to watch along the riverfront.
New Year’s Eve Downtown Countdown
- Dates: December 31, 2025
- Location: Downtown Fort Lauderdale
- Contact: (954) 555-1234
- What Makes It Special: Fort Lauderdale’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration with live music, fireworks, and a midnight ball drop.
- Highlights: Fireworks display, DJ performances, and food vendors.
- Tickets: Free to attend.