Special Events and Happenings
Greater Fort Lauderdale’s inherent attractions are reasons to visit any time of the year, and the area’s packed calendar of special events will help prompt frequent visits. Here’s a sampling of activities to enjoy annually, along with a few of Stacy Ritter’s standouts for 2024.
Spring heralds the Pompano Beach Seafood Festival, with conch fritters and shrimp from Florida waters as well as Maryland crab cakes and Louisiana crawfish.
The Tortuga Music Festival occurs in April, when the stars of country, rock, and roots music take to the state at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park. “It always captivates audiences with its unique blend of music genres,” says Ritter. In addition, “Afro-carib Fest celebrates diversity in music and food, and the Florida Renaissance Festival promises a journey back in time.”
The Fort Lauderdale Air Show, which takes place in May, is “set to awe spectators,” she notes. “And this summer, we are excited to be hosting the ICC Cricket World Cup.”
For cuisine, the “Dine Out Lauderdale” late-summer restaurant month is a chance to sample many great food specials and locations. Plus, “Greater Fort Lauderdale Food and Wine Festival in January is a must and a great way to begin the new year,” says Ritter.
Enjoying visions of a life aboard your own yacht? In October, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show fills local waterways with more than 1,500 vessels, making it the world’s largest in-the-water exhibition.
The annual Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade celebrates the winter holidays with illuminated boats bringing cheers and awe from the 12-mile Intracoastal Waterway viewing locations.
Entertainment choices range from GRAMMY Award winners, Broadway shows, and Dance performances at the Performing Arts Center to the Jazz Festival in Pompano Beach, or even the Las Olas Art Fair, when the street turns into a car-free day of enjoyment.