Calendar of Florida Events for May 2024

Whatever your passion, Florida has something for you. Here are just some of the major events, selected by our editors, scheduled in the Sunshine State.  Please check individual websites for more details.
 

South Florida

Central Florida

North Florida

Featured Partner Events

SOUTH FLORIDA

BEACH VROOOOOM-A-THONS! – Look! Up in the sky! It’s not Superman! It’s not a bird! It will be planes – the military kind – at two SoFla air shows in May:

• FORT LAUDERDALE AIR SHOW – The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are the headliners for this one. The Thunderbirds and their pilots showcase the capabilities of the Air Force’s premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Other highlights include the Ghost Squadron, the Socom Para-Commandos and the Air Force Heritage Flight team. The Ghost Squadron’s jets perform breathtaking aerobatics and they are a pivotal training ground for future astronauts. The Para-Commandos are the U.S. Special Operations Command’s premier parachute demonstration team. The Heritage Flight show combines modern and attack aircraft flying alongside World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War era planes. Also on hand will be some of the country’s best civilian air performers. There are VIP options that offer various levels of comfort, viewing ability and luxury.
  When: May 11-12
  Where: Fort Lauderdale Beach
  Web: fortlauderdaleairshow.com
• HYUNDAI AIR & SEA SHOW – Also known as A National Salute to America’s Heroes, it honors and showcases the men, women, technology and equipment from all five branches of the United States Military and police, firefighters and their first responder agencies. The in-the-air events are spectacular, with the Air Force providing most of the action (the F-35 Lightning II, a B-52 Bomber, the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the  A-10 Thunderbolt, just to name a few). But wait, there’s more: offshore powerboat racing, extreme water sports, a kids zone (with bungee jumping and a rock-climbing wall), a huge food court and the FPL Display village. The latter is a five-block long interactive experience featuring military and training equipment, motocross performances and boxing exhibitions. Following the air & sea show on the first day there will be the Music Explosion, featuring a DJ, the US. Army’s “As You Were” band, the US. Air Force Drill team, the Miami Beach Classical Music Festival Orchestra and a national music act still to be named. When day gives way tonight, there will be a 3D mapping projection illuminating Ocean Drive’s iconic buildings. The first-day show will end with a night-pyro demonstration by the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team kicking off a fireworks extravaganza. There are several VIP packages to consider. 
  When: May 25-26
  Where: Miami Beach
  Web: usasalute.com

FLEET WEEK MIAMI– After being held for years at Port Everglades in Broward County, this event has moved south. The highlight, other than seeing uniformed U.S. Navy personnel all around Miami-Dade County for a week, will be tours of navy ships. For security reasons, the ships will not be identified until much closer to the event, but they usually include an amphibious assault ship, a destroyer, an expeditionary fast transport and a submarine. There are many ancillary events, such as dinners, breakfasts, a fishing tournament and a golf tournament, all including Navy personnel. If you want to tour a ship, keep in mind that spots fill up quickly, so reserve early.
When: May 6-12
Where:  Port Miami and other locations throughout Miami-Dade County
Web: fleetweekmiami.org

THE MESSI EXPERIENCE – Messi, Messi, Messi! Literally, it’s all about soccer legend Lionel (although almost nobody uses his first name) Messi. This multimedia exhibit that takes a deep dive into his life and career kicks off a world tour in South Florida. It has nine thematic installations that feature state of the art technology, such as 360-degree mapping, 3D and AI. Fans can speak with Messi using AI, take a selfie with a virtual Messi and get a taste of training like him.
When: Now through June 30
Where: The Hangar, Coconut Grove
Web: themessiexperience.com/miami/

OCEAN BREWS & BLUES BEER FEST – Spend a day at the beach and sample an assortment of more than 100 beers form some of America’s finest craft breweries while listening to a variety of blues performers and bands. Lots of good food will be on hand, as will arts and crafts vendors.
When: May 18
Where: main beach parking lot in Deerfield Beach
Web: deerfield-beach.com/1601/Ocean-Brews-Blues

DOWNTOWN DELRAY BEACH MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND CRAFT FESTIVAL – If you haven’t been to this bustling but pretty city, this would be a good time to go. Paintings, jewelry, glass work and pottery are just few of the kinds of things you will be able to explore and purchase. It also includes a Green Market with gourmet sauces, handmade soaps and orchids.
When: May 25-26
Where: Delray Beach Tennis Center
Web: artfestival.com/festivals/26th-annual-downtown-delray-beach-memorial-day-weekend-craft-festival

HAITIAN HERITAGE MONTH – Pompano Beach, just north of Fort Lauderdale, has become a happening, diverse city and continues that tradition with a month-long series of events for Haitian Heritage Month. Featured will be art, poetry, films, music and dance. More specific information about the programs and performers will be coming as the events get closer.
When: The entire month of May
Where: Ali Cultural Arts Center and other locations in Pompano Beach
Web: pompanobeacharts.org/ali

THE HOME & DESIGN REMODELING SHOW – Every year, this show always features the latest trends and brands in the home improvement industry. Here are just some of the areas that will be covered: kitchen and bathroom remodeling, custom closets, flooring and other surfaces, artificial turf, landscaping, patio design, outdoor kitchens and pergolas, impact windows and doors, smart homes technology and security, furniture, mattresses, solar energy solutions and roofing and gutters. There will be hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of projects to check out.
When: May 24-27
Where: Palm Beach County Convention Center, West Palm Beach
Web: homeshows.net

MOSAIC IN THE PALM BEACHES – Enjoy a month-long celebration of shows, art, ideas and culture at some of Palm Beach County’s best attractions and museums at discounted prices. Here are some of past participants: Armory Art Center, Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts, Boca Raton Museum of Art, Cox Science Center & Aquarium, Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, Lighthouse Art Center Gallery & School of Art, Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Mounts Botanical Garden, Palm Beach Dramaworks, Resource Depot, Taras Oceanographic Foundation and Yesteryear Village Living History Village. Check closer to the beginning of May for more information on what groups will be included.
When: Most are May 1-31, but some may extend further than that
Where: Various locations in Palm Beach County
Web: mosaicpbc.com

SWEETHEAT MIAMI – A popular Pride celebration that was created by women for women, Sweetheat Miami consists of a week’s worth of pool parties, speed dating, nightlife parties, DJs, live music and dancing. Women from all over the world attend this gathering, which is expected to attract about 40,000 people.
When: May 14-20
Where: Various locations in South Beach, Wynwood, Hialeah and downtown Miami
Web: sweetheatmiami.com

REDLAND INTERNATIONAL ORCHID FESTIVAL – It will feature more than 50 booths of educational exhibits and vendors exhibiting an array of orchid species and hybrids. Learn about orchid caretaking through grower demonstrations and lectures. Watch as vendors and exhibitors vie for titles in an event judged by the American Orchid Society. There will also be international food for purchase. Everyone who buys a ticket in advance is automatically entered in one of two raffles. A second opportunity to enter is given to everyone who buys a ticket at the gate and fills out a raffle ticket. You could be the winner of scores of orchid plants, crafts and supplies.
When: May 17-19
Where: Fruit & Spice Park, Redland
Web: redlandorchidfestival.com

TIDAL COVE WATERPARK CELEBRATION – Join Tidal Cove Miami Waterpark’s five-year celebration, in partnership with iHeart Radio, Vacation Sunscreen, Hampton Water Rose, and Ketel One Botanical Gin, at its five-acre property, including seven separate water slides, lazy river, day-of food and drink specials, upgraded cabanas, and on-site dining. Catch celebrity DJ Drew (Y100) and Big1059's DJ Amelia as they spin music for attendees, and broadcast live from the waterpark.
When: June 1
Where: Aventura, Florida
Web: www.tidalcovemiami.com

CENTRAL FLORIDA

ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL FRINGE THEATRE FESTIVAL – This 14-day arts festival is one of Orlando’s most unique and inclusive cultural events, offering hundreds of un-juried, uncensored, and highly talented theatre, music, dance performances and artist displays of all genres, as well as a free outdoor music festival, food and drinks. Kids Fringe for children and families also returns, as well as Fringers of the Future for teens, bringing entertaining performances by young artists, along with workshops, hands-on art activities and more.
When: May 14-27
Where: Various venues, Orlando
Web: https://www.orlandofringe.org/of-festival-2024

MAYFAIRE BY-THE-LAKE – One of Central Florida’s largest and oldest free outdoor art festivals, the 53-year-old Mayfaire By-the-Lake is hosted by the Polk Museum of Art and features more than 150 artist booths circled around beautiful Lake Morton. Check out thought-proving and fun works of art from painters, sculptors, etchers, glass blowers, photographers and other artisans from all over the country and enjoy the beautiful lakeside atmosphere. Don’t miss the belly dancers, musicians and other performers while you’re there, and check out the free arts and crafts activities at the kids zone.
When:  May 11-12
Where: Lake Morton, downtown Lakeland
Web: https://www.mayfairebythelake.org/

THUNDER ON COCOA BEACH – This exciting, four-day offshore boat racing event brings some of the world’s fastest speedboats and lots of adrenaline to the shores of the Space Coast, creating some serious buzz in the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy live entertainment, parties and some of the top race teams in the world competing in various classes, with Class 1 reaching speeds over 175 miles per hour. After each day’s races, meet the racers at the downtown Cocoa Beach block party or dance the night away at the after-parties.
When: May 16-19
Where: Cocoa Beach
Web: https://www.thunderoncocoabeach.com/

ORLANDO CARNIVAL DOWNTOWN – Continuing its run of more than three decades, the multicultural Orlando Carnival Downtown returns, celebrating Caribbean life and customs with an entire weekend of brilliantly colored, feather- and sequin-adorned costumes, dancing, rhythmic music, spicy dishes and cocktails. This year’s celebration begins with a special Sunrise & Shades brunch party, followed by various dance and music parties, reggae shows, art vendor fairs and delicious foods from Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Guyana, Barbados and other Caribbean nations.
When: May 24-26
Where: Downtown Orlando
Web: www.orlandocarnivaldowntown.com

SUNSHINE GET DOWN – Set in the 80-acre wooded retreat of Florida Sand Music Ranch (formerly Sertoma Youth Ranch), the Sunshine Get Down festival returns for a second year, bringing more than two dozen bands over three days performing original southern rock, ska and bluegrass, as well as tribute bands playing Pink Floyd, Phish, the Allman Brothers, Grateful Dead and Led Zeppelin. Bring camping gear, RVs and vans for a weekend of relaxing entertainment, as well as morning yoga, a shopping village with handmade goods and artwork and lots of food and dessert trucks.
When: May 16-18
Where: Florida Sand Music Ranch, Brooksville
Web: https://www.sunshinegetdown.com/

WELCOME TO ROCKVILLE – Some of the hottest names in rock converge on the Daytona International Speedway for this epic, four-day outdoor music concert. This year’s lineup includes Mötley Crüe, Foo Fighters, Jelly Roll, Slipknot, Queens of the Stone Age, Cypress Hill, Primus, Stone Temple Pilots, Insane Clown Posse and dozens of other bands and artists. The site offers surrounding campground rentals, various food and bar vendors throughout the property, a Ferris wheel, tiki and wine bars and lots of merch tents.
When: May 9-12
Where: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach
Web: https://welcometorockville.com/

ST. PETE TACOS & TEQUILA FESTIVAL – Jam out to live tunes and sample tacos and other tasty Mexican dishes from more than 30 vendors at this two-day fest nestled in the gorgeous waterfront Vinoy Park, located right on the edge of downtown St. Petersburg. Guests can also purchase ice cold Coronas, a variety of flavorful cocktails and margaritas, seltzers and frozen concoctions, as well as soft drinks and fresh squeezed juices. Leashed dogs are allowed, and kids 13 and under are free.
When: May 10-11
Where: Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg
Web: https://www.stpetetacos.com/

17^th ANNUAL HURRICANE PARTY MUSIC FESTIVAL – Since launching in 2006, this Annual Hurricane Party has grown each year, now featuring seven stages and more than 50 bands along the streets of Historic Downtown Sanford. Check out live art demonstrations, shopping and public service vendors and food trucks while paying homage to Mother Nature in hopes of a tranquil hurricane season, which follows in June. The downtown area is also the site of many award-winning restaurants, breweries, ghost tours, a marina and other activities that can fill a whole weekend for visitors.
When: May 18
Where: Historic Downtown Sanford
Web: https://sanfordfl.gov/events/annual-hurricane-party-music-festival-2-124/

UPTOWN MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL – The sweet sounds of contemporary jazz and R&B fill the air in a beautiful downtown Tampa park, putting a spotlight on the area’s rich and diverse music and arts scene. Musical acts include Eric Darius, Adam Hawley, Jose Valentino Ruiz, DW3, and many other chart-topping contemporary jazz and R&B musicians. In addition, an array of visual artists will have their paintings, photography and sculptures on display. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets and get comfy while enjoying original tunes, delicious food and drinks and an inspiring array of talent.
When: May 25-26
Where: Curtis Hixon Riverfront Park, downtown Tampa
Web: https://uptownmusicfestival.com/

NORTH FLORIDA

ROMANZA FESTIVALE OF THE ARTS — St. Augustine’s annual salute to arts and culture includes dozens of local performers in various venues; with many of the events free. This year’s national headliner is the legendary Count Basie Orchestra, a 2024 Grammy Award winner. Other nationally-renowned performers include Duo Arpeggione (May 8), jazz singer Linda Cole (May 10), the Con Brio String Quartet (May 17) and violinist Luca Ciarla (May 18). The festival events also include art exhibits, musical theater and dance productions, the chamber music series, authors, improv and more. 
When: May 3-19
Where: St. Augustine
Web: https://www.romanzafestivale.com

FISH TO FORK — The Omni Amelia Island always welcomes nationally-renowned chefs for its annual dock-to-dish culinary extravaganza. This year’s celebrity chef lineup includes Sam Fore (Tuk Tuk Snack Shop, Lexington, Kentucky), Jasmine Norton (The Urban Oyster, Baltimore, Maryland), Steven Goff (Asheville, North Carolina), Jonathan Zaragoza (Birrieria Zaragoza, Chicago), Robyn Almodovar (Timbr, Fort Lauderdale) and Omar Collazo (Omni Amelia Island). Diners can enjoy a five-hour fishing excursion with one of the chefs where the fresh catch becomes that night’s dinner, individual and team cooking challenges and a cocktail experience. Some event tickets are available for individual purchase; some are only available with VIP ticket packages.
When: May 9-12
Where: Omni Amelia Island Resort
Web: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/amelia-island/things-to-do/fish-to-fork

MAY DAY BARREL BONANZA — Catch some of the premiere barrel racing equestrians when they compete for over $75,000 in prize money during this three-day competition. The sport pairs speed with the ability to navigate tight turns and showcases competitors of all ages. Although the hefty cash purse is a huge draw for the event, the top winners also receive championship saddles, buckles and bragging rights.
When: May 16-19
Where: World Equestrian Center, Ocala
Web: https://worldequestriancenter.com/events/may-day-barrel-bonanza

HAVANA REGGAE FEST — The 14th annual fest brings the genre’s favorite son, Alex Marley, to central Florida for one day of chill island beats and smooth vocals. It also features performances by Earthkry, King Tappa, Rik Jam, Janeel Mills and Dalwayne. The cultural experience includes island cuisine, art, gifts and more. Before the live music begins, guests are welcome to enjoy the center’s trails on ATVs or kids’ go-karts.
When: May 18
Where: 5F Farm Event Center, Quincy
Web: https://www.tallahasseearts.org/event/havana-reggaefest

TUPELO HONEY FESTIVAL — Enjoy a day trip to “real” Florida in the one stoplight town of Wewahitchka, renowned for serving as the home to a generation of beekeepers who harvest its native “liquid gold”, a.k.a. Tupelo Honey. Compete in a Honey Tasting Contest and purchase honey (of course!) in different sizes as well as locally-made products featuring it. This family-friendly fest also includes food and craft vendors and live music.
When: May 21
Where: Lake Alice Park, Wewahitchka
Web: http://www.tupelohoneyfestival.com

JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL — For more than forty years, Jacksonville has welcomed jazz legends Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Kenny G, Herbie Hancock and Trombone Shorty, to the city's largest, free, outdoor music festival. This year’s headliners are The Brian McKnight 4, Brian Culbertson and Joss Stone. Jazz lovers will enjoy smooth beats and improv solos on two festival stages. Thursday’s Jazz Piano competition always kicks off the event with five finalists competing for $8,000 in prize money with the winner receiving a chance to perform on one of the main stages on Saturday. The contest’s blind judging panel has included a who’s who of jazz pioneers like Marcus Roberts, Christian Sands, Dr. John, Brian Culbertson and Lynne Arriale.
When: May 23-26
Where: Jacksonville
Web: http://jacksonvillejazzfest.com

GULF COAST JAM — PCB kicks off the summer beach season with Morgan Wallen, Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll and Parker McCollum lighting up its gulf front stage. The four-day fest includes over 20 acts featuring hitmakers from the country and southern rock music scenes. The Jim Beam Welcome Sessions kicks off the annual event and pits singer/songwriters against each other with the grand prize being a chance to open for one of the national headliners on the festival’s main stage. Those looking to burn off excess energy can participate in Saturday’s Jam on the Coast 5K. All runners receive a race t-shirt and finisher medal. Register at https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/PanamaCityBeach/JamOnTheCoast5K
When: May 30 - June 2
Where: Frank Brown Park, Panama City Beach
Web: https://gulfcoastjam.com

If you have an event you’d like to be considered for inclusion in this monthly calendar above, please forward information of interest to visitors and residents at least six weeks in advance of the event’s date by clicking on and completing the form found here: FLORIDA EVENTS CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

Our mission is to support and promote Florida tourism throughout the state. Because of the heavy volume of requests for listings, not all submissions can be included in our calendar each month.

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