Greater Fort Lauderdale Annual Events & Festivals

 

2026 Events & Festivals

Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival

January 19–25, 2026

New year, full plates. The Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival starts 2026 on a delicious note, gathering top chefs, rising culinary talent, and favorite local restaurants for a week of tastings, dinners, and waterfront events. The week delivers creative menus, clinking glasses, and more than a few moments where you “accidentally” stay longer than planned. Plus, a portion of proceeds benefits Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, so every bite does a little good, too.

Browse events and get tickets here.

 

Avenue of the Arts Festival (AOTA Fest)

January 21–25, 2026

Art doesn’t stay on the walls during AOTA Fest. It spills out into the open, takes shape in real time, and invites you to wander. The festival draws local and international artists for a weekend of live mural painting, interactive installations, music, and hands-on creative experiences. This is art you don’t just see, you feel.

Browse events and get tickets here.

 

IGNITE Broward

February 13–22, 2026

When the sun goes down, IGNITE Broward lights things up. This free, family-friendly festival uses light, sound, and technology to reimagine public spaces as immersive art experiences. Think glowing installations, projections dancing across buildings, and the kind of interactive moments that make you slow your walk just to take it all in. 

Get updates here.

 

Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF)

February 20–28, 2026

Cue the opening credits. FLIFF celebrates its 40th edition with plenty of world premieres, indie standouts, and global storytelling. Catch screenings at iconic venues like Savor Cinema, then step into the scene at beachside parties, red carpet galas, and filmmaker hangouts that capture the spirit of South Florida. Whether you’re a hardcore cinephile or just in it for the popcorn, this beloved film festival delivers the kind of magic that always keeps Greater Fort Lauderdale in the spotlight.

Get tickets and updates here.

 

Florida Renaissance Festival

February 7–March 29, 2026 (Saturdays and Sundays Only)

Quiet Waters Park transforms into a village straight out of another century during the Florida Renaissance Festival. Knights clash in jousting tournaments. Artisans sell handcrafted leather goods and blown glass. The air smells like roasted turkey legs and fresh-baked bread. With themed weekends and interactive shows throughout, it’s easy to lose track of time as you explore.

Get tickets here.

 

Dania Beach Wine & Seafood Fest

March 14, 2026

The Dania Beach Wine & Seafood Festival combines live music, free cooking demos, and a lineup of seafood-forward bites for one lively night out. Admission is free, with optional tasting tickets unlocking unlimited wine, beer, and spirits from dozens of brands. 

Tickets coming soon. Check here for updates.

 

Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival

March 16, 2026

Break out the green and follow the sound of the bagpipes. Every March, downtown Fort Lauderdale leans fully into the Irish spirit with a St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival packed with marching bands, colorful floats, classic cars, and plenty of shamrock flair. Once the parade wraps, the festival keeps rolling with live music, cultural performances, games, and enough Irish eats and drinks to make you consider a second round. It’s loud, high-energy, and one of the most memorable street parties of the season.

Get updates here.

 

Tortuga Music Festival

April 10–12, 2026

Few festivals come with this view. Held directly on the sands of Fort Lauderdale Beach, Tortuga Music Festival pairs major country, rock, and roots artists with a mission focused on ocean conservation. Between sets, waves roll in and the music drifts along the shoreline. It’s part concert, part beach weekend, and entirely worth the sunburn.

Get passes here.

 

Las Olas Wine & Food Festival

April 24, 2026

For one delectable evening, Las Olas Boulevard becomes a go-to destination for sipping and sampling during the Las Olas Wine & Food Festival. Local restaurants, chefs, and beverage partners line the street with bites and pours, while live music keeps the crowd moving. It’s social, energetic, and built for strolling from flavor to flavor with no rush and no rules.

Get tickets here.

 

Fort Lauderdale Air Show

May 9–10, 2026

As jets take flight offshore, the Fort Lauderdale Air Show takes over the skies for a weekend of high-speed aerial performances. Military and civilian pilots soar overhead in a show best watched from the beach. Sunscreen recommended. Jaw-dropping guaranteed.

Get tickets here.

 

Fort Lauderdale 4th of July Spectacular

July 4, 2026

The Fort Lauderdale 4th of July Spectacular unfolds along Fort Lauderdale Beach with live music, family-friendly activities, and a fireworks display over the water. Lay down a blanket, enjoy the ocean breeze, and settle in for a celebration that brings the boom.

Get updates here.

 

Dine Out Lauderdale

August & September 2026

Two months. Countless excuses to treat yourself. Dine Out Lauderdale spotlights the region’s dining scene with prix-fixe menus and special offers across Greater Fort Lauderdale. It’s perfect for discovering new favorites or finally trying that spot you’ve been eyeing.

 

Brazilian Festival

October 24, 2026

Florida’s largest Brazilian Festival takes center stage, celebrating Brazil’s music, dance, and culture in Greater Fort Lauderdale. From samba and forró to capoeira performances and international acts, this community-driven festival fills the day with movement, sound, and flavor. 

Get ticket updates here.

 

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS)

October 28 – November 1, 2026

Big boats. Bigger dreams. Known as the world’s largest in-water boat show, FLIBS takes over Greater Fort Lauderdale each fall with everything from sleek center consoles to stunning superyachts. Add in seminars, demos, and dockside experiences, and it’s easy to see why boating fans travel from around the world for this one.

Get updates here.

 

Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade

December 12, 2026

Dubbed the “Best Show on H2O,” the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade sends illuminated boats along a 12-mile route through Greater Fort Lauderdale’s waterways. Mega-yachts, sailboats, and everything in between glow with holiday lights, drawing crowds for one of the region’s most magical nights.

Get updates here.

 

Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce Holiday Boat Parade

December 2026 (Date to Be Announced)

Closing out the year, the Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce Holiday Boat Parade brings festive cheer to the Intracoastal Waterway through Pompano Beach, Lighthouse Point, and Deerfield Beach. Decorated boats glide past waterfront parks and restaurants in a free, family-friendly celebration that feels equal parts intimate and spirited.

Get updates here.