With the gorgeous weather and comfortable temperatures, spring is the perfect time to attend outdoor events. Here are the 10 most-recommended events that are happening this spring all over the state of Florida.
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International Flower & Garden Festival
City: Orlando
Dates: 3/5/25-6/2/25
Price: $154-$184
Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival, which takes place at Walt Disney World in Bay Lake, is one of the biggest springtime events Florida has to offer. Visitors can view vibrant gardens and lush topiaries inspired by Disney characters and films, enjoy a variety of fresh food offerings, and listen to classic bands as part of the Garden Rocks Concert Series. The festival is included with regular Epcot park admission, and this year is its 30th anniversary, so it’s one you won’t want to miss.
ArtsQuest
City: Miramar Beach
Dates: 5/3/25-5/4/25
Price: Free
The ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival is a premier cultural event held annually in Miramar Beach, which features juried artists showcasing their work in ceramics, jewelry, mixed media, and more. Although they do ask for a small donation at the entrance, the event is free and offers interactive experiences like a special art exhibit from the local prison art program and a silent auction. You’ll also find live music and entertainment, food vendors, and an area dedicated to children’s activities.
Tampa Riverfest
City: Tampa
Dates: 5/2/25-5/3/25
Price: Free
Located along Tampa’s vibrant Riverwalk, the aptly named Tampa Riverfest is a free two-day celebration of the city’s cultural richness and vibrancy. There are plenty of interesting activities to participate in, ranging from watching the Wiener Dog Derby to walking in the Lantern Parade. There are concerts by regional and local bands, a water ski show on the river, and a mesmerizing hot air balloon launch during the evenings. Throughout the days, you can enjoy cuisine samples from local restaurants.
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Punta Gorda Hibiscus Festival
City: Punta Gorda
Dates: 5/2/25-5/4/25
Price: Free
The Punta Gorda Hibiscus Festival is an annual event that celebrates the city’s rich history with the hibiscus flower. Punta Gorda was proclaimed “The City of Hibiscus” in 1926, and the city has fully embraced that title by putting on this free festival for 21 years. Local vendors set up shop in Gilchrist Park, promoting their plants and flowers, crafts and art pieces, and food and drink creations. You can also attend the Lil’ Miss Hibiscus Pageant and enjoy some live musical performances.
St. Augustine Food & Wine Festival
City: St. Augustine
Dates: 5/7/25-5/11/25
Price: $45-$125
Those who consider themselves foodies will want to check out the St. Augustine Food & Wine Festival, taking place over the course of five days at various venues across the city. The festival offers a wide range of culinary delights, such as Spanish-inspired tapas, barbecue, and a Sunday morning Mother’s Day brunch. You can also enjoy wine, beer, and spirit tastings at each festival experience, and some of the events offer music entertainment as well.
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Florida Folk Festival
City: Jacksonville
Dates: 5/23/25-5/25/25
Price: Free
With over 300 performances by artists of all genres, local food and craft vendors, workshops on square-dancing, basket-weaving, and more, the Annual Florida Folk Festival is an event that shouldn’t be missed. This three-day celebration of Florida’s rich cultural heritage takes place annually at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs, alongside the scenic Suwannee River. This year, the theme will be “Earth,” and the demonstrations and exhibits will be focused on Florida’s traditions.
Island Grove Blueberry Festival
City: Hawthorne
Dates: 5/3/25
Price: Free
There’s nothing better than attending a fun event that also supports a good cause, which is what the Island Grove Blueberry Festival offers. The annual event is cherished by locals and is put on to not only celebrate the region’s rich blueberry harvest but also raise money for the Cross Creek Volunteer Fire Department. Alongside live music and craft vendors, visitors can participate in the blueberry cake baking contest, indulge at the blueberry bake sale, and harvest their own fresh berries at a nearby U-Pick field.
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Florida Outdoor Expo
City: West Palm Beach
Dates: 5/2/25-5/4/25
Price: $15
Outdoor activity enthusiasts will love the Florida Outdoor Expo, which takes place in West Palm Beach and gives builders and retailers a chance to showcase their products and services. In addition to viewing everything the vendors have to offer, several different entertainment events take place, including a dock dogs jumping competition, a 3D archery tournament, and pig races. You can also participate in axe throwing, visit animals at the petting zoo, and sample barbecue dishes.
Jacksonville Jazz Festival
City: Jacksonville
Dates: 5/22/25-5/25/25
Price: Free
The Jacksonville Jazz Festival is one of the largest free jazz events in the United States, celebrating over 40 years of musical heritage. Set alongside the scenic St. Johns River, a jazz marketplace will be available to peruse, and food vendors will have a variety of culinary delights and beverages for purchase. This year’s lineup features some pretty major acts, including Kool & the Gang, Janelle Monae, and The Roots, along with many other emerging local artists.
St. Johns River Festival of the Arts
City: Sanford
Dates: 4/26/25-4/27/25
Price: Free
The Annual St. Johns River Festival of the Arts, taking place in Historic Downtown Sanford, is a great opportunity to express your creativity and give back to a good cause as well. The free event transforms Sanford’s streets into a vibrant celebration of fine arts and crafts, with over 150 local artists offering live art demonstrations and selling their wares. The festival supports the Art-for-Kids Scholarship Program, which provides art education to children in Seminole County, and proceeds from the festival benefit the Hopper Academy’s Art Center.
No matter what interests you have or activities you enjoy, there is something for everyone happening in Florida this spring. Â
