What's Up in Florida
in April and May, 2026

APRIL

MINTO U.S. OPEN PICKLEBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS – It is known as the biggest pickleballl party in the world – and for good reason. Some 55,000 fans attend this world-class international event that attracts the best players in the world, as well as pickleball enthusiasts of all ages and ability levels. It’s being held at a 64-court venue which is one of the best in the country.  You‘ll also enjoy live music, beverages and yummy food.
When: April 11-18
Where: USOP National Pickleball Center, Naples
Web: usopenpickleballchampionship.com

TAMPA BAY WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL – This annual week-long spring event celebrates the culinary talent found throughout Tampa, St. Petersburg, and the surrounding communities through a curated lineup of dining experiences and tastings. Enjoy demonstrations and samplings with celebrity chefs or enjoy a special “Breaking Bread with Heroes” breakfast event with 200 veterans. Participating restaurants throughout the Tampa Bay area will feature some of their most delectable dishes, wine tastings, cocktails and other fun surprises for their foodie guests.
When: April 7-11
Where: Throughout the Tampa Bay region
Web: https://tampabaywff.com/

SUN N FUN AEROSPACE EXPO — Ready to trade your car keys for a cockpit? The sky’s the limit for this six-day adrenaline-fueled celebration geared toward aspiring pilots, weekend hobbyists, or those just there for the "wow" factor. Prepare to look up because the daily air shows will mix and match over 30 performers headlined by the United States Air Force Thunderbirds. Others taking to the sky include power demos featuring the F-22 Raptor, F-18 Rhino and the legendary F-4 Phantom II as well as those seeking thrills like the Titan Aerobatic Team, The Chuters and Frank’s Flying Circus. But the Sun n Fun is more than just airshows, it features daily workshops led  by professionals on airplane construction and safety. Even the next generation can learn about the physics of flight by building a Sphero Robot through computer code, using AvionicsTech to create pilot tubes or constructing clothespin or paper airplanes. Guests also can make plans to climb into the cockpit by prebooking a ride along on either a Mustang Gunfighter or CAF aircraft. 
When: April 14-19
Where: Lakeland
Web: https://flysnf.org

SOUTH WALTON BEACHES FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL — Meet renowned winemakers, rub elbows with celebrity chefs, attend wine seminars and choose your samples wisely from hundreds of wines at the Grand Tasting on either Saturday or Sunday … or both. This event runs like a well-oiled Rolls-Royce as guests receive a tasting booklet outlining the featured wines so savvy tasters can finetune a battle plan and pick and choose their samples carefully. Friday’s Bitters, Brews & Bartenders event gives the top regional bartenders a chance to flex their cocktail-inspired genius with guests voting for their favorite concoction. The event also includes craft beer, lite bites and live music.
When: April 23-26
Where: South Walton Beach
Web: https://www.sowalwine.com

CABBAGE, POTATO AND BACON FESTIVAL — Did you know that the small, agricultural community of Hastings (pop. 608) is the potato capital of Florida and  boasts 21,000 acres of potato farms just west of St. Augustine? This fest celebrates the community’s agricultural roots — local farms also produce cabbage, onions and eggplant — with a wink and nod. There are lawn mower races. The Miss Potato Queen beauty pageant with age categories for newborns to college; as well as the Spud Run (5K or 10K) where previous participants dress and run as potatoes. There’s also the Cottage Artisan Market which features local artisans and crafters. The fest’s main event is the Hastings Potato Ball which hosts a sit-down, gourmet dinner curated by St. Augustine chefs Matt Brown (AsadoLife) and Barry Honan (Lotus Noodle Bar).
When: April 25-26
Where: Hastings
Web: https://www.hastingsfl.org/event/cabbage-potato-bacon-festival

WORD OF (SOUTH) — In 2015, this fest’s founders considered music a bridge to literature and created a three-day event that explores the relationship that celebrates the work of authors and musicians. The “mu-aushups” or authors and musicians appearing together — many have never met! — still features unique pairings or authors and musician trading places. Featured authors include Mike Matheny (The Matheny Manifesto, a four-time Gold Glove winning catcher and former skipper of the St. Louis Cardinals), R.L. Akers (Prometheus Rebound), Stephanie Burt (Taylor’s Version: The Poetic and Musical Genius of Taylor Swift) and Steph Post (Terra Incognita). Earth, Wind and Fire, who’ve sold 100 million albums, have eight number one hits and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000, will be the event headliner.
When: April 24-26
Where: Cascades Park, Tallahassee
Web: wordofsouthfestival.com

MIAMI FILM FESTIVAL – The 42^nd iteration of this So Fla tradition will showcase some 165 feature narratives, documentaries and short films of all genres from 30 countries worldwide. There will be many world, US. And Florida world premieres with some directors and actors on hand to discuss the films. At press time, the lineup had not yet been announced, so keep checking the web site. Tip: Tickets for all festival showings go quickly, so book soon.
When: April 9-19
Where: Various locations in Miami
Web: miamifilmfestival.com

MAY

HANG 8 DOG SURFING — Experience dog surfing competitions, a "Surfing Village" with vendors, and a doggie costume contest and a kissing booth. This community event supports local animal rescues and features dog surfing heats throughout the day.
When: May 31
Where: Daytona Beach/Flagler Beach area, near South 5th St. in Flagler Beach
Web: https://www.visitflagler.com/blog/post/watch-rover-ride-the-waves-at-the-hang-8-dog-surfing-competition-in-flagler-beach/

JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL — From the iconic echoes of Parliament Funkadelic featuring George Clinton to the modern soul of Andra Day, the Jacksonville’s annual jazz fest transforms the city into a vibrant, open-air celebration of music — both past and present. This year’s other headliners include Nile Rodgers and Chic, Galactic featuring Jelly Joseph, Moonchild and Ghost-Note. The main stage turns up the heat on Saturday with an all-star, female-led lineup with Esperanza Spalding, Sheila E., and more joining Day. Thursday’s Jazz Piano competition, held at the Florida Theatre, always kicks off the event with five finalists competing for $8,000 in prize money with the winner receiving a chance to perform on the main stages on Sunday. All concerts are free to the public, VIP ticket packages are available.
When: May 21-24
Where: Jacksonville
Web: https://jacksonvillejazzfest.com

TUPELO HONEY FESTIVAL — Escape today’s crush for a day in Wewahitchka, a hidden gem, where beekeepers invite guests to taste the sun-drenched sweetness that can only be found in the Florida panhandle. For generations, local beekeepers have sold Tupelo Honey, aka “liquid gold”, harvested exclusively from the White Tupelo Gum trees in the Apalachicola River basin. Guests can purchase honey (of course!) in different sizes as well as locally-made products like honey comb, beeswax goods and more in the aptly named Honey Court. This family-friendly fest also includes kids activities, food trucks, craft vendors and live entertainment.
When: May 16
Where: Wewahitchka
Web: https://www.tupelohoneyfestival.co

BILLY BOWLEGS PIRATE FESTIVAL — Avast landlubbers! Get ready for a weekend of frollickin’, skirmishes and treasure hunting during the Emerald’s Coast annual pirate fete. For 70 years, the community has “celebrated” the notorious pirate William August Bowlegs (aka Billy Bowlegs) with four days of fun. Kids are VIPs at the Thursday’s Pre-Invasion which features Bowlegs and his “Krewe” arriving on a parade float to pose for photos and hand out treasure. The skirmish and fireworks occurs on Friday, with the invasion on Saturday. Both events include live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors and food. The event always concludes with Monday’s Torchlight Parade featuring floats, boats, vessels and marching bands.
When: May 14-18
Where: Fort Walton Beach
Web: https://www.billybowlegsfestival.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 featuring more than 150 bands on five stages. This year’s lineup includes Guns N’ Roses, Foo Fighters, My Chemical Romance, Turnstile, The Offspring, Five Finger Death Punch, Breaking Benjamin and dozens of other top rock bands and artists. The site offers surrounding campground rentals, various food and bar vendors throughout the property, amusement rides, tiki and wine bars and lots of merch tents.
When: May 7-10
Where: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach
Web: https://welcometorockville.com/

FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX – Attendees will see the highest class of international racing for open-wheel, single seat race cars. Formula 1 vehicles are the fasted regulated road course racing cars in the world. The race is on a 3.36 mile-long track and features 19 corners and three straight-aways. The cars will reach tops speeds of nearly 200 miles per hour. The top Formula 1 drivers will compete, including Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris and George Russell, who finished first second and third, respectively, last year. There are also other races over the three-day weekend. Check out the Team Village, set up on the football field inside the stadium the Miami Dolphins call home. Drivers, pit crews and other race-team members will be based there throughout the weekend. It’s open to all ticket-holders and you can get a close-up look at all the behind-the-scenes action.  Delicious food, good music and an amazing art gallery are also part of the experience. Keep your smart phone camera handy, as celebrities abound. VIP packages will enhance your experience including, new for this year, the three-deck MSC Yacht Club, which offers panoramic views of the on-track action and great food and drinks
When: May 1-3
Where: The Miami International Autodrome, a temporary circuit on the grounds of Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens
Web: f1miamigp.com

GREAT AMERICAN BEACH PARTY – Celebrate with family and friends as a part of Fort Lauderdale Beach is transformed into an entertainment mecca. There are highlights galore: live music, water slides, a classic car show, SOCOM Para-Commando parachute jumpers, vendors, exhibitors, an art show, a sand-sculpting contest, a kids zone, a military tribute and the Walk of Fame ceremony
When: May 23
Where: Las Olas Oceanside Park, Fort Lauderdale
Web: fortlauderdale.gov/ and search for Great American Beach Party