Last Updated on February 3, 2025 by JJ
Florida’s vibrant culture extends far beyond its world-famous beaches and theme parks. Scattered throughout the state are lesser-known festivals that offer an authentic look into the Sunshine State’s diverse heritage, artistic spirit, and culinary delights.
From historical reenactments and music celebrations to seafood feasts and quirky soda tastings, these unique festivals are the heartbeats of Florida’s local communities. Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or a foodie, there’s a festival waiting to be discovered.
Here’s a deep dive into Florida’s best-kept festival secrets, plus recommendations on where to stay and eat while you immerse yourself in these hidden cultural gems.
Step Back in Time: Historical Festivals in Florida
Florida’s rich history comes alive through immersive festivals that celebrate the past with reenactments, traditional music, and heritage cuisine.
St. Augustine Lions Spring Festival
Location: St. Augustine, FL | Month: March
Official Website
Held in the nation’s oldest city, the Lions Spring Festival is more than just a seafood feast—it’s a historical and cultural event that showcases the maritime traditions of St. Augustine. Hosted by the local Lions Club, this festival features:
- Fresh local seafood
- Live entertainment and maritime reenactments
- Arts and crafts vendors
Where to Stay:
- Casa Monica Resort & Spa – A luxurious, historic hotel
- The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens – A charming boutique stay
Where to Eat:
- Columbia Restaurant – A classic Spanish eatery
- A1A Ale Works – A laid-back brewery with ocean views
Dunedin Highland Games & Festival
Location: Dunedin, FL | Month: April
Official Website
The Scottish spirit runs deep in Dunedin, and this festival celebrates Scottish heritage with:
- Traditional Highland games
- Bagpipe performances
- Scottish whiskey tastings
Where to Stay:
- Fenway Hotel – A historic hotel with a jazz-era vibe
- Meranova Guest Inn – A cozy B&B in downtown Dunedin
Where to Eat:
- The Dunedin Smokehouse – Top-notch BBQ with Southern flair
- Dunedin Brewery – Florida’s oldest microbrewery
Art and Culture Festivals in Florida
From seaside galleries to lively street fairs, Florida’s hidden art festivals offer a chance to experience local creativity in unique settings.
Old Florida Celebration of the Arts
Location: Cedar Key, FL | Month: April
Official Website
Cedar Key’s historic waterfront turns into an open-air art gallery, featuring:
- Fine art exhibits
- Live music and food vendors
- Boat tours and local seafood
Where to Stay:
- Cedar Key Bed & Breakfast – A charming Victorian stay
- Island Hotel & Restaurant – A historic boutique hotel
Where to Eat:
- Tony’s Seafood Restaurant – Home of the world-famous clam chowder
- 83 West – A great spot for sunset dining
Food and Drink Festivals in Florida
Florida’s food festivals showcase the state’s diverse culinary culture, from fresh seafood to craft sodas.
Sebring Soda Festival
Location: Sebring, FL | Month: April
Official Website
A unique event for soda lovers, this festival features:
- Over 200 craft sodas to sample
- Live entertainment and food trucks
- Vintage soda-themed activities
Where to Stay:
- Inn on the Lakes – A lakeside boutique hotel
- Seven Sebring Raceway Hotel – Ideal for motorsports fans
Where to Eat:
- Chicane’s Restaurant – A fine dining experience by the lake
- Faded Bistro & Beer Garden – A hip spot for craft beer and local eats
Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival
Location: Fernandina Beach, FL | Month: May
Official Website
A must-visit for seafood lovers, this festival celebrates Fernandina Beach’s shrimping heritage with:
- A massive shrimp cook-off
- Pirate parades and fireworks
- Live music and arts market
Where to Stay:
- Amelia Island Ritz-Carlton – Luxurious oceanfront accommodations
- Blue Heron Inn – A charming bed and breakfast
Where to Eat:
- Salt at The Ritz-Carlton – Upscale seafood dining
- Timoti’s Seafood Shack – A casual seafood hotspot
Music and Cultural Festivals in Florida
Music lovers will find their groove at Florida’s folk and indie music festivals, where local and international artists take center stage.
Gamble Rogers Folk Festival
Location: St. Augustine, FL | Month: May
Official Website
This festival honors legendary folk singer Gamble Rogers with:
- Folk music performances
- Workshops and storytelling sessions
- Local craft vendors and food trucks
Where to Stay & Eat: Refer to St. Augustine recommendations above.
Conclusion: Discover Florida’s Hidden Festivals
Florida’s off-the-beaten-path festivals offer a deeper look into the state’s culture, history, and cuisine. Whether you’re sampling craft sodas in Sebring, feasting on shrimp in Fernandina Beach, or celebrating Scottish heritage in Dunedin, these festivals showcase the true soul of Florida.
Each event provides a unique opportunity to explore Florida’s diverse communities, meet passionate locals, and experience traditions that go beyond the state’s more commercial attractions. These festivals offer the perfect excuse to venture off the beaten path and immerse yourself in authentic Florida culture.
Which festival are you most excited to attend? Let us know in the comments!
Florida’s vibrant culture extends far beyond its world-famous beaches and theme parks. Scattered throughout the state are lesser-known festivals that offer an authentic look into the Sunshine State’s diverse heritage, artistic spirit, and culinary delights.
From historical reenactments and music celebrations to seafood feasts and quirky soda tastings, these unique festivals are the heartbeats of Florida’s local communities. Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or a foodie, there’s a festival waiting to be discovered.
Here’s a deep dive into Florida’s best-kept festival secrets, plus recommendations on where to stay and eat while you immerse yourself in these hidden cultural gems.
Step Back in Time: Historical Festivals in Florida
Florida’s rich history comes alive through immersive festivals that celebrate the past with reenactments, traditional music, and heritage cuisine.
St. Augustine Lions Spring Festival
Location: St. Augustine, FL | Month: March
Official Website
Held in the nation’s oldest city, the Lions Spring Festival is more than just a seafood feast—it’s a historical and cultural event that showcases the maritime traditions of St. Augustine. Hosted by the local Lions Club, this festival features:
- Fresh local seafood
- Live entertainment and maritime reenactments
- Arts and crafts vendors
Where to Stay:
- Casa Monica Resort & Spa – A luxurious, historic hotel
- The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens – A charming boutique stay
Where to Eat:
- Columbia Restaurant – A classic Spanish eatery
- A1A Ale Works – A laid-back brewery with ocean views
Dunedin Highland Games & Festival
Location: Dunedin, FL | Month: April
Official Website
The Scottish spirit runs deep in Dunedin, and this festival celebrates Scottish heritage with:
- Traditional Highland games
- Bagpipe performances
- Scottish whiskey tastings
Where to Stay:
- Fenway Hotel – A historic hotel with a jazz-era vibe
- Meranova Guest Inn – A cozy B&B in downtown Dunedin
Where to Eat:
- The Dunedin Smokehouse – Top-notch BBQ with Southern flair
- Dunedin Brewery – Florida’s oldest microbrewery
Art and Culture Festivals in Florida
From seaside galleries to lively street fairs, Florida’s hidden art festivals offer a chance to experience local creativity in unique settings.
Old Florida Celebration of the Arts
Location: Cedar Key, FL | Month: April
Official Website
Cedar Key’s historic waterfront turns into an open-air art gallery, featuring:
- Fine art exhibits
- Live music and food vendors
- Boat tours and local seafood
Where to Stay:
- Cedar Key Bed & Breakfast – A charming Victorian stay
- Island Hotel & Restaurant – A historic boutique hotel
Where to Eat:
- Tony’s Seafood Restaurant – Home of the world-famous clam chowder
- 83 West – A great spot for sunset dining
Food and Drink Festivals in Florida
Florida’s food festivals showcase the state’s diverse culinary culture, from fresh seafood to craft sodas.
Sebring Soda Festival
Location: Sebring, FL | Month: April
Official Website
A unique event for soda lovers, this festival features:
- Over 200 craft sodas to sample
- Live entertainment and food trucks
- Vintage soda-themed activities
Where to Stay:
- Inn on the Lakes – A lakeside boutique hotel
- Seven Sebring Raceway Hotel – Ideal for motorsports fans
Where to Eat:
- Chicane’s Restaurant – A fine dining experience by the lake
- Faded Bistro & Beer Garden – A hip spot for craft beer and local eats
Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival
Location: Fernandina Beach, FL | Month: May
Official Website
A must-visit for seafood lovers, this festival celebrates Fernandina Beach’s shrimping heritage with:
- A massive shrimp cook-off
- Pirate parades and fireworks
- Live music and arts market
Where to Stay:
- Amelia Island Ritz-Carlton – Luxurious oceanfront accommodations
- Blue Heron Inn – A charming bed and breakfast
Where to Eat:
- Salt at The Ritz-Carlton – Upscale seafood dining
- Timoti’s Seafood Shack – A casual seafood hotspot
Music and Cultural Festivals in Florida
Music lovers will find their groove at Florida’s folk and indie music festivals, where local and international artists take center stage.
Gamble Rogers Folk Festival
Location: St. Augustine, FL | Month: May
Official Website
This festival honors legendary folk singer Gamble Rogers with:
- Folk music performances
- Workshops and storytelling sessions
- Local craft vendors and food trucks
Where to Stay & Eat: Refer to St. Augustine recommendations above.
Conclusion: Discover Florida’s Hidden Festivals
Florida’s off-the-beaten-path festivals offer a deeper look into the state’s culture, history, and cuisine. Whether you’re sampling craft sodas in Sebring, feasting on shrimp in Fernandina Beach, or celebrating Scottish heritage in Dunedin, these festivals showcase the true soul of Florida.
Each event provides a unique opportunity to explore Florida’s diverse communities, meet passionate locals, and experience traditions that go beyond the state’s more commercial attractions. These festivals offer the perfect excuse to venture off the beaten path and immerse yourself in authentic Florida culture.
Which festival are you most excited to attend? Let us know in the comments!
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