Events

Below is an overview of major annual events

January

College Baseball
From the crack of the bat to the slide on into home, NCAA baseball packs a wallop of home run frenzy for what’s oft called America’s favorite pastime. Diamond action starts in January, continuing through most of June.
FAU Owls

Las Olas Art Fair
Music and food combine with a weekend outdoor art festival featuring national and international exhibitors, along Las Olas Boulevard. The fair has grown to a point where “Part II” encores occur, typically in February, sometimes in March. Call (954) 472-3755 for more information.

Orchid Show
The Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society blooms anew at the annual Orchid Show at Fort Lauderdale’s War Memorial Auditorium at Holiday Park. Call (954) 828-5380 for more information.

Gulfstream Park Thoroughbred Racing
From January through April, Gulfstream Park stages thoroughbred racing, concerts, dining and more. Call (954) 454-7000 for more information.

SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch
Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s Riverwalk becomes a jazz domain on the first Sunday each month with multiple stages along historic New River. Picnic baskets, blankets, chairs, dogs and children add to festivities. Call (954) 828-5363 for more information.

February

Florida Renaissance Festival and Crafts Village
Quiet Waters Park hosts this month-long celebration sometimes extending into March featuring olden times with crafts, jousting knights, games of chance, food fit for royalty, and more. Call (954) 776-1642 for more information.

Collectible Glassware Show and Sale
The South Florida Depression Glass Club’s three-decade old extravaganza unfolds at Fort Lauderdale’s War Memorial Auditorium, attracting dealers from across the nation to display vintage glass, pottery and china celebrating America’s heritage. Call (305) 884-0335 for more information.

Bridal & Party Cruise to Jamaica
Activities aboard the cruise ship 'Navigator of the Seas' include, a bridal expo, fashion show, reggae party, Copacabana white linen pool side party, casino night, giant bridal shower, men's basketball competition, pamper me party, giant bachelor and bachelorette party and more. Call (800) 469-0091 for more information.

Decorate, Dine, & Donate Auction
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society sponsors this spirited event at the Design Center of the Americas featuring plane tickets, cruises, and land-based getaways along with artwork and other collectibles in the ongoing battle against blood cancers. Call (954) 961-3234 for more information.

Chili Cookoff
Chili-making fanatics from all over make competition sizzle to go along with musical acts that are just as hot at Broward County’s C.B. Smith Park in Pembroke Pines. Call (954) 437-2650 for more information.

Fat Tuesday on Hollywood Beach
Hollywood Beach at the Hollywood Beach Theatre and Harrison Street takes on Mardi Gras air with live music, parade, gumbo contest and more. Call (954) 926-3377 for more information.

Orange Blossom Festival Parade & Rodeo
In Davie, this country festival focuses on the community’s rural agricultural roots, with a parade, livestock fair, a cook-off and crafts, strawberry festival, live country entertainment and a professional rodeo. Call (954) 797-1166 for more information.

Pembroke Lakes Arts Festival
Pembroke Pines City Hall on Pines Boulevard is the scene for this annual arts festival. Call (954) for more information.

Seminole Tribal Fair
The Seminole Indians of Hollywood showcase cultural heritage and more at this annual celebration. 6300 Stirling Road. Call (954) 966-6300 for more information.

Walk for the Animals
Sometimes held in March, the Humane Society of Broward County’s Annual Walk for the Animals begins at Fort Lauderdale’s Esplanade Park near the Museum of Discovery & Science. More than 3,000 animal lovers and dogs take to the 1.25-mile route to raise money for the shelter. Individuals are welcome, or friends can form packs for special perks. Call (954) 266-6827 for more information.

Deerfield Beach Founders Day
Celebrated for more than a half century, Deerfield Beach civic pride comes to the forefront with a parade, international foods, arts and crafts, and entertainment. Call (954) 480-4433 for more information.

Miami Boat Show
SHOWTIMES AND DATES
2/14/2008 - 2/18/2008

Miami Beach Convention Center
1901 Convention Center Dr
Miami , FL 33139

Show Office Phone: 786-276-2700 (active February 8 - 21, 2008) Local Office - (954) 441-3220


March

Las Olas Art Festival
Enjoy the Museum of Art’s Las Olas Art Festival on Las Olas Boulevard near Andrews Avenue. Call (954) 525-5500 for more information.

Las Olas Wine & Food Festival
Between Southeast Sixth and 11th avenues, wine lovers stroll Las Olas Boulevard, sampling fine wines and great food, with live cooking demonstrations and other fun to benefit the American Lung Association of Florida. Call (954) 524-4657 for more information.

Fort Lauderdale Spring Home Show
The Greater Fort Lauderdale - Broward County Convention Center becomes the site for the latest in embellishing the home. Call (954) 765-5900 for more information.

Hollywood St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival
Downtown Hollywood celebrates the St. Patrick’s Day wearing of the green with Irish bands, floats, and food. Call (954) 921-3404 for more information.

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Craft Fair
Handcrafted items, gourmet foods, plants and more are part of the fun at Commercial Boulevard at A1A. Call (954) 472-3755 for more information.

April

Major League Baseball
Nothing signals advent of spring more than baseball with a capital B, tightly meshed into American culture with historic firsts, icon performances, record-setting events, and traditions from hot dogs slathered in mustard to unexpected curveballs, and seventh-inning stretches. Books and movies about baseball are fine and dandy, but nothing beats Major League Baseball action, playing out each season from April through the World Series.

Major League Soccer
There’s no end to the excitement each season as Major League Soccer teams from both the eastern and western conferences vie for glory in regular season matches, on to the play offs and cup finals.
Miami Fusion

Pompano Beach Seafood Festival
Tantalizing seafood, music and more stars at this tasty a popular event. Call (954) 941-2940 for more information.

Broward Urban River Trails Blueway Bash
Arriving by vehicle, boat, canoe, or kayak, friends of Broward Urban River Trails (BURT) gather at this fundraiser attracting county and city commissioners and other VIPs, along with folks who just plain care about protecting and enhancing New River and other waterways. Hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, waterside dining, hot music, and silent auction sizzlers are part of the Blueway Bash, where the nautical dress code leans toward cutoffs and flipflops. Call (954) 565-6141 for more information.

Bank of America Wine and Culinary Celebration
Fort Lauderdale’s Museum of Discovery and Science is the scene for this food fest featuring more than 30 of South Florida’s top restaurants and chefs in a progressive sequence of wine and food pairings to delight, educate and entertain. Call (954) 467-MODS for more information.

Ocean Fest
Ocean Fest features dive-related exhibits, food, fun and more than $20,000 in prizes at the edge of the Atlantic where Greater Fort Lauderdale has one of the only living reefs in the continental U.S. accessible from shore. Call (954) 839-8516 for more information.

HispanicFest
Featuring Latin food and live music, this long-running festival on Hollywood’s Tyler Street also features Hispanic pop music on two stages, plus dance lessons, kid’s entertainment and more. Call (954) 214-2457 for more information.

Spring Garden Event
Flamingo Gardens and Wildlife Sanctuary in Davie hosts the Spring Garden Event showcasing fabulous flowers, plants, trees, garden supplies and accessories. Fun includes food, face painting, and a fundraising auction for wildlife care. Admission fee includes free parking. Call (954) 473-2955 for more information.

May

Air & Sea Show
This air and sea spectacular along Fort Lauderdale Beach -- among the nation’s largest spectator events -- draws enthusiastic crowds for the no-admission visual treats. Call (954) 527-5600 for more information.

Antique and Collector Fair
War Memorial Auditorium at Fort Lauderdale’s Holiday Park draws antique lovers and collectors. Call (954) 828-5380 for more information.

Market Pro Computer Show and Sale
Computer buffs from far and wide gather for this event at Holiday Park’s War Memorial Auditorium. Call (954) 828-5380 for more information.

Fort Lauderdale Home Design Show
Indoor and outdoor home improvement projects are showcased at the Greater Fort Lauderdale - Broward County Convention Center. Call (888) 353-3976 for more information.

America’s Red Clay Tennis Championship
Fort Lauderdale’s Jimmy Evert Tennis Center at Holiday Park, where Chris Evert and Jennifer Capriati learned to play on clay, hosts this annual competition. Call (954) 828-5378 for more information.

Cajun / Zydeco Festival
Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach comes alive with celebration of Louisiana bayou culture with live music, authentic Cajun / Creole food, dance, and more. Call (954) 776-1642 for more information.

Fort Lauderdale Home Design & Remodeling Show
Featuring home furnishings, accessories, remodeling, and more the Fort Lauderdale Home Design and Remodeling Show on Memorial Day Weekend puts interior / exterior inspiration under one convention center roof for the trade and public. Call (305) 667-9299 for more information.

June

Fort Lauderdale Gun and Knife Show
War Memorial Auditorium hosts an extensive display of guns and knives. Call (954) 828-5380 for more information.

Broward Beautiful Annual Reef Sweep & Beach Cleanup
Staged at various sites throughout Broward County and sponsored by the Ocean Watch Foundation, the Broward Beautiful Reef Sweep & Beach Cleanup focuses on preserving and protecting coral reefs and educating on ocean environmental issues. Call (954) 467-1366 for more information.

July

Bank of America Starlight Musicals
On Fridays throughout July, Bank of America stages open-air concerts at Fort Lauderdale’s Holiday Park with classic rock, show tunes and more. Concert-goers bring blankets, lawn chairs, picnics and beverages. Parking is free. Call (954) 828-5363 for more information.

July 4th Family Celebration
Fort Lauderdale Beach becomes a magnet for July 4th revelry with free entertainment and spectacular fireworks. Call (954) 828-5363 for more information.

August

Hollywood Beach Latin Festival
International and top local entertainers take to the stages for this festival with Latin food, arts and crafts displays, along the Hollywood Broadwalk. Call (954) 921-3404 for more information.

Hollywood Beach Clambake
A New England-style clambake, treasure hunt, swimsuit contest, best chowder contest, kid fun and more takes place on the Hollywood Broadwalk between Johnson and Michigan streets. Call (954) 924-2980 for more information.

September

National Football League
If it’s fall and you’re ready for some football, count on the National Football League to deliver non-stop grid action, leading to playoffs, and the incomparable Super Bowl. The NFL has come a long way since its 1920 founding in Canton, Ohio at Ralph Hay’s Hupmobile dealership. NFL action was first televised in 1939 when NBC broadcast within New York City. The NFL’s Longest Day was on Christmas, 1971, in a playoff between the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins, and Miami’s 17-0 Perfect Season unfolded the following year. But that’s history, and prospects for new milestones start in September.
Miami Dolphins - To book seats for cheering on your Miami Dolphins, click here.

College Football
NCAA Football, created in 1997 to promote college football ideals, makes no bones about the importance of each game. Losing at any time during the season can thwart a team's chances for postseason action or an NCAA Championship. No wonder NCAA Football marketers have adopted a tagline of "NCAA Football: Every Game Counts."
FIU Golden Panthers, Miami Hurricanes, FAU Owls

Annual Hortt Memorial Exhibition
Fort Lauderdale’s Museum of Art showcases this annual competition featuring South Florida’s finest artists. Call (954) 525-5500 for more information.
Las Olas Art Festival
This prestigious festival across from the Museum of Art at Andrews Avenue on Las Olas Boulevard features more than 250 top-run artists with oils and acrylics, jewelry, sculpture and more. Call (954) 525-5500.

October

National Hockey League
The National Hockey League’s rough and tumble world packs a motherlode of milestones, from 1917’s NHL opener, to when Maurice Richard was first to score 50 goals in one season in 1944-45, to when Clint Benedict was the first goalie to put on a mask after a shot knocked him unconscious, to when Manon Rheaume made headlines in 1992 as the first woman playing in one of the four major sports leagues, goaltending for the Tampa Bay Lightning against the St. Louis Blues. From October on, it’s non-stop action in the world of hat tricks -- three goals in a game by a player -- and sudden death overtime.
Florida Panthers -

Air Fair
At Pompano Beach Air Park, the Air Fair honors veterans from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and Desert Storm. More than 20 War Birds along with several historic aircraft from Wings Over Miami are part of the celebration. Call (954) 786-4600 for more information.

Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival
Ever-growing and gaining increasing prestige with celebrity appearances, seminars, and parties, FLIFF presents independent film features from around the world. Call (954) 760-9898 for more information.

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
As the world’s largest boat extravaganza, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show spreads out over six sites with more than 1,600 vessels including super yachts and accessories. Call (954) 764-7642 for more information.

Art in the Park
More than 130 artists in 11 fine arts categories compete in this juried show in Plantation, with free parking and entertainment along with children’s activities. Call (954) 797-9762 for more
information.
Hollywood Beach Oktoberfest
This lively three-day festival along the Hollywood Broadwalk features German beer, music, strolling bands, food and more. Call (954) 926-3377 for more information.

MOD Gourmet Feast & Auction
To help prevent birth defects, the March of Dimes Gourmet Feast & Auction features fine food, wine, entertainment, prizes, and a silent auction, at The Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa. Call (877) 877-7677 for more information.

!Viva Broward!
Stranahan Park in front of the Broward County Main Library hosts this Latin-flavored festival celebrating Hispanic heritage and culture. Call (954) 527-0627 for more information.

November

College Basketball
First devised by James Naismith in 1891, with the first recorded collegiate game in 1893, legions testify there’s no sound so soothing as a basketball whooshing through the net after a flick of the wrist. NCAA basketball brings grass roots hoop dreams to an entirely new level each fall, building toward March Madness, the NCAA Division Basketball Championships.
Miami Hurricanes, FAU Owls, FIU Golden Panthers

Broward County Fair
Nearly 100 carnival rides and exhibits, live concerts, food and more are part of the fun at Pompano Race Track. Call (954) 922-2224 for more information.

Riverwalk Blues & Music Festival
Downtown Fort Lauderdale's Riverwalk hosts local and nationally known blues artists at a multicultural celebration of the arts.

Hollywood Jazz Festival
For nearly 25 years, the ever-expanding Hollywood Jazz Festival has attracted throngs of music lovers. Festivities at various venues such as the Hollywood Beach Theatre at the Broadwalk include VIP packages. Call (877) 877-7677 for more information.

International Investment Convention & World Business Summit
Staged at Hollywood’s Westin Diplomat, the Samuel Financial Group touts this as “the right event” for investors searching for a worthy project, and an “even better event” for companies looking for start-up or operating capital. Call (305) 948-6006 for more information.

Promenade in the Park
After decades at Holiday Park, Promenade in the Park in 2005 moved to Huizenga Plaza at Andrews Avenue and Las Olas. The Winterfest event, benefiting the Museum of Art since 1959, includes food, shopping, rides and more. Call (954) 525-5500 for more information.

Hollywood Jazz Festival
Some of the nation’s top jazz musicians perform live at this purely jazz event in Downtown Hollywood at the Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center. Call (954) 201-6884 for more information.

Fort Lauderdale Fall Home Design & Remodeling Show
Featuring home furnishings, accessories, remodeling, and more the Fort Lauderdale Fall Home Design and Remodeling Show puts interior / exterior inspiration under one convention center roof for the trade and public. Call (305) 667-9299 for more information.

December

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Jeb Bush Florida Classic
With Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida as honorary chair, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation sponsors this golf, fishing and gala destination weekend at the Coral Ridge Country Club and the Hyatt Regency Pier 66. Also included is a private cocktail reception aboard Gallant Lady, and a charity auction with vacation packages, winemaker dinners, and more. Call (954) 739-5006 for more information.

Ocean Dance
Patrons bring lawn chairs to enjoy renowned dance companies on stage under the stars at the Hollywood Art & Culture Center. Call (954) 921-3274 for more information.

Candy Cane Parade
A Holiday themed parade on the Hollywood Broadwalk features floats, marching bands and popular children’s characters. Call (954) 921-3404 for more information.

Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
As part of the month-long Winterfest holiday celebration, spectators line shorelines as the grand marshal boat leads more than 100 spectacularly lighted vessels from near Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades north on the Intracoastal Waterway. Call (954) 767-0686 for more information.

Christmas on Las Olas
Fort Lauderdale’s fashionable Las Olas Boulevard lights up for the season with special displays as shops stay open late to show off holiday fare. Call (954) 288-7208 for more information.

Holiday Fantasy of Lights
Tradewinds Park illuminates for the holidays with drive-through displays for all to enjoy. Call (954) 968-3880 for more information.

Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade
Billing itself as the nation’s oldest boat parade, the Pompano Beach holiday extravaganza begins on Lake Santa Barbara and moves north to Deerfield Beach. Call (954) 941-2940 for more information.

Woodstock Arts & Crafts Festival
In Sunrise at Welleby Park, this quarter-century-old event features handcrafted arts, international foods, kid’s rides, Santa Claus, entertainment, and more. Canned food donations can substitute for admission fee. Call (954) 747-4600 for more information.

Weston Art Festival
For more than a decade, the city of Weston has showcased artists at Weston Town Center with free admission. Call (954) 472-3755 for more information.