Special Events in Fort Lauderdale
January
Annual Las Olas Art Fair
Held in early January
Location: Las Olas Boulevard, Downtown Fort Lauderdale
954-472-3755
Admission: Free
Outdoor art festival featuring the finest national and international exhibiting artists.
Annual Sunshine Millions
Held in late January
Location: Gulfstream Park
954-454-7000
The annual battle for supremacy between California and Florida thoroughbreds with millions of dollars at stake in total purses.
February
Annual 5k Butterfly Run
Usually held in late February
Location: 5005 NW 39th Ave., Coconut Creek
954-956-1580
Registration starts 6-7am; race starts 7:30am
Admission Charged
The 5k is a USA track and field certified course event that is timed by split second timing and partial proceeds will benefit the National Wildlife Federation.
March
Annual $1 Million Florida Derby
Held in mid March
Location: Gulfstream Park, Hallandale Beach
954-454-7000
Major, nationally televised preview to the Triple Crown.
Fort Lauderdale International Auto Show
Held in mid - late March
Location: Broward County Convention Center
954-765-5900
April
Annual Turkish American Festival
Held in mid April
Location: Tradewinds Park, Coconut Creek
954-472-9893
Celebrating Children's Day. Turkish food, music, folk dancing, arts and crafts and children's entertainment.
AVP Pro Beach Volleyball
Held in early April
Location: Fort Lauderdale Beach
310-426-7171
Admission Free, charge for reserved seats
The world's leading men's and women's professional beach volleyball players compete for over $100,000 in prizes. Three-day South Florida community beach party includes Sports and Fitness Expo, food, family fun, great contests and entertainment.
May
Annual Cajun/Zydeco Crawfish Festival
Held in early May
Location: Fort Lauderdale Festival Site
954-828-5934
Admission Charged
Five stages, 30,000 lbs. live crawfish boil, national Cajun & Zydeco bands, Cajun and Creole food, entertainment.
June
Bank of America FIESTA!
Held in late June
Location: Las Olas Riverfront, Riverwalk
954-527-0627
Admission Free
Bring out the red, white and blue clothes, lace up your comfortable shoes and wave the flag at Las Olas Riverfront. Great line-up of Latin entertainers, ethnic foods and drink, kid's games, dozens of artisans and exhibitors; tourists and locals alike can enjoy the boutique shops and attractions.
July
Along the Coast Family Celebration
Held on July 4
Location: Fort Lauderdale Beach
(954-828-3260
August
Hollywood Beach Latin Festival
Held in mid August
Location: Hollywood Beach & Boardwalk
954-921-3404
Entertainment stages, international & top local entertainers, Latin food, arts & crafts displays.
September
Annual Las Olas Art Fair
Held in early September
Location: Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
954-472-3755
Admission Free
Outdoor street art festival featuring the finest national and international exhibiting artists.
October
South Florida Pet Expo
Held in early October
Location: War Memorial Auditorium, downtown Fort Lauderdale
954-921-9600
Admission Charged
A showcase and expo for all types of pets, pet services and pet products. Canines, felines, equines, birds, reptiles, rabbits/cavies, aquatics, and exotics are just some of the animals for purchase and on display. There are exhibits of exotic animals, the Fly Ball/Frisbee Team, a reptile adventure plus a pet costume contest. Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome.
November
Annual Riverwalk Blues & Music Festival
Held in mid November
Location: Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Riverwalk
A multi-cultural celebration of music and the arts in its original location on the Riverwalk.
Annual Holiday Parade
Held in mid - late November
Location: Plantation
954-587-1410
December
Annual Weston Art Festival
Held in early December
Location: Weston
954-472-3755