Top 10 Festivals in Florida You Can’t Miss

If you’re an international student studying, traveling, or just starting a new adventure in Florida, exploring local festivals is one of the best ways to feel at home. In this guide, Top 10 Festivals in Florida You Can’t Miss, you’ll find amazing events happening all year long—each offering more than just music and food.

These festivals are the perfect chance to have fun, practice your English in real conversations, make new friends, and experience the energy and culture that make Florida so unforgettable.

1. Ultra Music Festival

Bayfront Park, Miami, Florida

March 27-29, 2026

Why Go: Ultra Music Festival is a massive, three-day outdoor EDM festival held every March in downtown Miami, Florida. It attracts thousands of fans from around the world and features the biggest names in EDM, including Martin Garrix, David Guetta, Tiësto, Armin van Buuren, and Afrojack, just to name a few.

The festival is famous for its mind-blowing visual effects, massive stages, and electric atmosphere. Additionally, Ultra takes place alongside the Winter Music Conference, an event where artists, industry professionals, and fans connect, collaborate, and celebrate electronic music together.

Who It’s For: EDM fans, music lovers, and party seekers ready to dance all day—and night—under the Miami sun.

2. Art Basel Miami Beach

Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami, Florida

December 5–7, 2025

Why Go: If any city could host a winter festival, it would be Miami. Art Basel Miami Beach is a major international art fair that transforms the entire city into a paradise for art lovers. While the main fair focuses on contemporary art, the city buzzes with exhibitions, celebrity parties, and cutting-edge installations all week long. From gallery openings to rooftop events, there’s something happening every day.

Who It’s For: Calling all art lovers and enthusiasts—Art Basel is simply too iconic to miss.

3. SunFest

Intracoastal Waterway, West Palm Beach, Florida

May 3-5, 2025

Why Go: Kick off summer at Florida’s largest waterfront music and art festival, drawing over 85,000 visitors each year. SunFest offers multiple stages featuring live music across various genres, colorful art exhibits, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. Set along the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway, it delivers a lively and unforgettable atmosphere.

Who It’s For: It’s the perfect weekend escape for students seeking music, sunshine, and vibrant crowds.

4. Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

EPCOT (Walt Disney World Resort), Orlando, Florida

August 28-November 22, 2025

Why Go: Travel the world without ever leaving Florida! At Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival, you can taste dozens of international dishes, sip global wines, attend live cooking demonstrations, and watch cultural performances. Guests can pick up a festival Passport to collect stamps and track their food and drink adventures throughout the park.

Who It’s For: It’s perfect for food lovers and students seeking to explore new flavors and cultures. It’s also a fantastic, family-friendly event offering something for all ages.

5. Key West Fantasy Fest

Duval Street, Key West, Florida

October 17–26, 2025

Why Go: Every October, Key West transforms into a colorful playground during Fantasy Fest, a 10-day festival packed with energy and imagination. Known for its dazzling costumes, street parades, and creative themed parties, Fantasy Fest celebrates individuality and community spirit. Visitors enjoy a full lineup of events, including costume competitions, live music, and the iconic Fantasy Fest Parade.

Who It’s For: Adults who want a bold, playful, and tropical festival experience where creativity and self-expression come to life.

6. Suwannee Hulaween

Live Oak, Florida

October 30-November 2, 2025

Why Go: Set in a beautiful wooded environment, Suwannee Hulaween is a four-day music and arts festival held over Halloween weekend. Attendees are encouraged to camp onsite, creating a vibrant community vibe. Known for its eclectic blend of music genres, immersive art installations, and live performance art, the festival attracts a diverse crowd.

With national, regional, and local musicians on the lineup, it draws attendees from around the world for an unforgettable experience.

Who It’s For: Hipsters and free spirits looking for a psychedelic, artistic festival surrounded by nature.

7. Jacksonville Jazz Festival

Jacksonville, Florida

May 22–25, 2025

Why Go: Relax under sunny skies during Memorial Day weekend while enjoying smooth jazz from world-renowned artists. Spread across multiple stages downtown, the Jacksonville Jazz Festival offers a welcoming and soulful atmosphere. Best of all, it’s free—perfect for students seeking a classy yet budget-friendly event.

Who It’s For: Jazz enthusiasts who want to explore a beautiful, lesser-known city in Florida. It’s also a great event for families.

8. Tampa Bay Beer Week

Tampa Bay, Florida

March 7-15, 2026

Why Go: Explore Florida’s vibrant craft beer scene during this exciting, week-long celebration in Tampa. Enjoy brewery tours, tastings, and special events while discovering the heart of the local community. Tampa Bay Beer Week features hundreds of activities, from large-scale festivals and brewing competitions to charity fundraisers and educational seminars. It’s a fun and flavorful way to experience Tampa’s creative spirit.

Who It’s For: Adults who enjoy craft beers, discovering new flavors, and connecting with Tampa’s lively and welcoming community.

9. Florida Folk Festival

Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, White Springs, Florida

May 23-25, 2025

Why Go: Travel back in time and experience Florida’s vibrant traditions through folk music, dance, crafts, and storytelling. Florida Folk Festival is a welcoming, family-friendly event that features live performances, food vendors, artisan markets, and interactive workshops. Join jam sessions, attend dance lessons, explore local exhibits, and hear unforgettable stories from every corner of Florida. It’s a unique and lively celebration of the state’s cultural roots.

Who It’s For: Anyone and everyone who wants to experience one of America’s oldest and most celebrated state folk festivals.

10. Sarasota Music Festival

Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, Sarasota, Florida

May 31-June 22, 2025

Why Go: Each year, nearly 500 students from top music schools audition for a spot at the Sarasota Music Festival, but only 60 are chosen. Over three weeks in June, Sarasota comes alive with performances by emerging artists and master musicians. Sarasota’s relaxed and charming setting makes the experience even better.

Who It’s For: This festival is perfect for anyone who enjoys live music, elegant performances, and a calm, cultural atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

Florida’s festivals offer much more than music and food. Whether you’re dancing at Ultra, tasting fresh seafood by the coast, or admiring art under the sun, each festival offers a unique way to experience the Sunshine State.

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Learn more about our programs at www.ohla.com and get in touch with one of our many Student Advisors who will help you every step of the way.

Want to read more? Check out Why Tampa is Florida’s Next Study Abroad Destination.