Fort Lauderdale Events and Festivals

(Fort Lauderdale, Florida - FL, USA)

Fort Lauderdale's reputation as a party city is not really based upon its calendar of festivals and events, but more on its thriving social scene on a day to day basis. Nevertheless, visitors to Fort Lauderdale with still find a number of popular events, lively festivals and things to see and do throughout the year.

Highlights in Fort Lauderdale's calendar include the Las Olas Art Festival and the International Film Festival. These events are attended by the masses, while smaller events, such as the annual Orchid show and Fort Lauderdale's wine festivals, are popular with both Florida and out-of-state visitors.

National Public Holidays

• 1st January - New Year's Day
• Third Monday in January - Martin Luther King Day
• 12th February - Lincoln's Birthday
• Third Monday in February - Washington's Birthday
• Last Monday in May - Memorial Day
• 4th July - Independence Day
• First Monday in September - Labor Day
• Second Monday in October - Columbus Day
• 11th November - Veterans Day
• 4th Thursday in November - Thanksgiving
• 25th December - Christmas Day

Fort Lauderdale Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• Las Olas Art Festival - located downtown at Las Olas Boulevard, this popular annual festival attracts upwards of 100,000 visitors and features the work of over 300 artists, both national and international. Visitors can expect to see work in a variety of media from paintings to sculptures and photography
• Orchid Show - the annual Orchid Show held by the Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society at Fort Lauderdale's War Memorial Auditorium, Holiday Park. Visitors can expect to see a wide selection of prize winning blooms

February

• Annual Antique and Collectible Glassware Show - held at the Fort Lauderdale War Memorial Auditorium. Now into its third decade, this festival displays antique glass, china and pottery attracts dealers from all over the country

March

• Fort Lauderdale Spring Home Show - mid-March, held at the Greater Fort Lauderdale-Broward County Convention Center, this exhibition focuses on products and innovations for improving the home

April

• Bank of America Wine and Culinary Celebration - Fort Lauderdale's Museum of Discovery and Science is the venue for this event, which sees over 30 Florida chefs assemble to prepare, taste and discuss a selection of food and wine
• Fort Lauderdale Ocean Fest - expect to see a variety of dive-related exhibits while enjoying good food and a range of other fun features

May

• McDonald's Air and Sea Show - mid-May, visitors get to see US Marines perform all manner of aerial and water-based displays at this popular annual event

June

• Fort Lauderdale Gun and Knife Show - mid-June, held at the War Memorial Auditorium this annual event attracts lovers of civilian weapons and light military hardware
• Stonewall Street Festival and Parade - mid-June, Gay Pride event, attracting more than 10,000 gay and lesbian visitors

July

• Bank of America Starlight Musicals - Friday nights at Fort Lauderdale's Holiday Park witness the Bank of America staging open-air concerts featuring a variety of musical genres. Visitors are expected to bring their own chairs, garden mats, food and drink

August

• Hollywood Beach Latin Festival - just outside of Fort Lauderdale in neighboring Hollywood you'll find the August Hollywood Beach Latin Festival. Visitors can view performances by local and international artists while enjoying great Latin food and arts and crafts displays

September

• Annual Hortt Memorial Exhibition - held at the Museum of Art, this event sees some of Florida's finest artists assemble to show their works and compete for the prestigious title

October

• Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival - mid-October to mid-November, an event that showcases some of the best independent movies from around the world. Visitors can expect to see in excess of 100 compelling and thought-provoking movies

November

• Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show - featuring over 1,600 sea vessels, this well-attended event is situated at six sites and offers both static and moving exhibits
• Fort Lauderdale Sound Advice Blues Festival - late November, this event sees three days of some of the best live blues music from both American and international artists

December

• Christmas on Las Olas - mid to late December, this annual event invites Fort Lauderdale residents and visitors to enjoy the festive fun with traditional food, music and light displays
• Winterfest Boat Parade - as Florida's most popular boat parade, this event sees more than 100 illuminated boats parade through Fort Lauderdale's Intracoastal Waterway ending at Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano. TV stars and celebrities frequently sit aboard the boats to the delight of onlookers