19 Top Florida Events in May 2024

Last Updated on April 22, 2024

We’ve narrowed our list of Florida events in May to a few of our personal favorites that you won’t want to miss.

These events are sprinkled throughout the Sunshine State, so we recommend planning a weekend getaway and exploring the surrounding areas.

28th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival – Key West

When: May 1st through May 5th, 2024

Where: Various Key West venues, Key West – Schedule and venue list coming soon.

More information: The Key West Songwriters Festival is five days of live music, with shows running from morning to late at night.

This festival takes you all over the island to different locations and has over 100 artists in the lineup.

See the full lineup on the Key West Songwriters Festival website.

Learn more about the event on the Key West Songwriters Festival Website.

Tips for the Event

• Get there early to get a good seat. While there are many free concerts, there can be long lines.
• The kick-off party is May 1st, 2024, and it is a must-visit for starting out the event.

While you’re in the area, make sure to check out: A Trip to Authentic Key West.

59th Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival – Fernandina Beach

When: May 3rd through May 5th, 2024; Parade is May 2nd, 2024, at 6:00 pm (Rain or shine)

Where: 102 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034

More Information: Located in downtown Fernandina Beach, the Eight Flags Shrimp Festival has many activities for the whole family.

Don’t miss the Parade the day before the festival kicks off. The theme this year is Peace, Love, and Shrimping: A Salute to Shrimping in the 60s.

The Shrimp Fest features tons of fresh seafood and shrimp and over 300 artists and craftspeople. You can purchase jewelry, photography, pottery, and more.

Let the kids play in the Kid’s Zone, and enjoy live music on two stages, contests, and pirates to entertain you.

There is also a decorated shrimp boat contest followed by a blessing of the fleet and a laying of the wreath.

Learn more about the event from the Shrimp Festival website.

Tips for the Event

• The parade starts at 6:00 rain or shine. Get a spot for the parade early.
• There is a vintage and antique sale at the event that you are sure to enjoy. Make some time to stop in and see the vintage and antique items.

While in the area, check out: 7 Top Things To Do on Amelia Island and Pippi Longstocking House in Fernandina Beach.

Naked Music and Arts Festival – Lutz

When: May 3rd through May 5th, 2024

Where: Lake Como Family Nudist Resort – 20651 Cot Rd, Lutz, FL 33558

More Information: Enjoy drum circles, dance parties, a parade, and more at this event.

All attendees are required to have a background check before attending.

Learn more on the AllEvents event listing.

42nd Annual SunFest – West Palm Beach

When: May 3rd through May 5th, 2024

Where: Downtown West Palm Beach

More Information: SunFest is Florida’s largest waterfront music and art festival and it is held annually in downtown West Palm Beach. 

For four decades, SunFest’s soundtrack along the palm-lined West Palm Beach waterfront hasn’t missed a beat with its variety of performers and more-than-music offerings for sunseekers to reunite with friends. 

Learn more at the official SunFest website.

While in the area, check out 6 Fun Things to Do Around the Palm Beaches.

9th Annual Cuban Sandwich Festival – Kissimmee

When: May 4th, 2024

Where: Kissimmee Lakefront Park – 201 Lakeview Dr, Kissimmee, FL 34741

More Information: If you enjoy LIVE music, cultural entertainment, and the BEST Cuban Sandwiches in Central Florida, don’t miss this festival. 

Watch as the Biggest Cuban Sandwich in the WORLD is made. This year’s goal is to make a 335-foot sandwich.

The sandwich will be donated to a shelter to feed over 700 homeless people.

Learn more about the event on the Cuban Sandwich Festival website.

Don’t miss the 22 Best Things to Do in Kissimmee, FL, and 10 Best Things to Do in St. Cloud, FL (Osceola County).

The Inaugural Clermont Taco and Margarita Festival 2024 – Clermont

When: May 4th through May 5th, 2024

Where: Waterfront Park -330 3rd Street, Clermont, FL 34711

More Information: It’s time to be a part of the first-ever Taco and Margarita Festival in Clermont. This two-day event promises to be family-friendly.

Watch Lucha Libre wrestling, enjoy live musical entertainment, and enjoy all the best tacos and margaritas in the Clermont area.

Learn more on the Eventbrite event.

To discover more about Clermont, visit 16 Best Things to Do in Clermont, FL, Try This Baby Alpaca Yoga Class in Clermont, FL; An Authentic Florida Favorite: Southern Hill Farms.

5th Annual First Responders Appreciation Day (Hero Fest) – Merritt Island

When: May 5th, 2024 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm

Where: 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway, Merritt Island, FL 32952

More Information: It’s time to celebrate Brevard County First Responders. Are you a member of Law Enforcement, a Firefighter, EMS, or a Dispatcher? Don’t miss this event that is here for you.

If you are not a first responder, don’t feel like you have to skip this event. In fact, you are welcome to come help celebrate the first responders who protect and serve you each day.

Learn more on the Back Brevard Heroes website.

Check out 12 Reasons to Visit the Florida’s Space Coast (2024).

St. Augustine History Festival – St. Augustine

When: May 8th through May 12th, 2024

Where: Various locations in St. Augustine

More Information: St. Augustine invites you to enjoy special events at 30 historical sites throughout the city.

You can tour some historical locations, hear from fabulous speakers, and join a historic walking tour.

Check the St. Augustine History Festival Facebook Page to see more about the different events and offerings as part of the festival.

Participating Venues

• Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
• St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
• National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios – Catholic Diocese of St. Augustine
• City of St. Augustine Archaeology Program and Historic Preservation
• Colonial Quarter
• Flagler College, former Ponce de Leon Hotel
• Florida National Guard Museum and St. Augustine National Cemetery
• Fort Mose State Park and Museum – Fort Mose Historical Society

• Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
• Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum
• Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center
• Lightner Museum
• The Woman’s Exchange of St. Augustine – Peña-Peck House
• Spanish Military Hospital Museum, St. Augustine Florida
• Saint Augustine Historical Society – Oldest House Museum Complex
• St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum
• Ximenez-Fatio House Museum
• Villa Zorayda Museum

CHURCHES

• Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
• First Congregation Sons of Israel
• St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church
• St. Cyprians Episcopal Church
• Ancient City Baptist Church
• Memorial Presbyterian Church
• National Shrine of Our Lady la Leche
• Trinity Parish
• St. Paul A.M.E. Church
• St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine

HISTORIC GARDENS

• Father Miguel O’Reilly House and Gardens
• Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
• Nombre de Dios Historic Grounds and Gardens
• Peña-Peck House Historic Gardens
• Spanish Military Hospital Apothecary Garden
• UF: Resilient Florida Natives and Landscape Design
• Ximenez-Fatio House Gardens

HISTORIC CEMETERIES

• First Congregation Sons of Israel Cemetery
• Pinehurst and San Sebastian Cemeteries
• St. Augustine National Cemetery
• Tolomato Cemetery

While in the area, don’t miss the Top Things to Do in St. Augustine in 2024

Manasota 3rd Annual Haitian Flag Day Festival 2024 – Palmetto

When: May 11th, 2024

Where: Manatee County Fairgrounds – 1402 14th Avenue, West Palmetto, FL 34221

More Information: It’s time for a celebration of Haitian culture. Don’t miss out on vendors selling a variety of Haitian food, handmade goods, and so much more.

You also have the chance to dance and enjoy music from DJs who are performing at the event.

Learn more on the Eventbrite Event.

Fort Lauderdale Air Show 2024 – Fort Lauderdale

When: May 11th through May 12th, 2024

Where: 18th Street to Sunrise Blvd on the beach in Fort Lauderdale

More Information: It’s time to celebrate aviation at the Fort Lauderdale Air Show. You have the chance to see a variety of military planes take to the sky.

Sit on the beach and watch a three-hour air show like no other. See the Blue Angels, Polaris Program Ghost Squadron, A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team, and many more as part of the show.

Learn more on the Fort Lauderdale Air Show website.

Mayfaire By-The-Lake Fine Art Festival – Lakeland

When: May 11th through May 12th, 2024

Where:  Lake Morton Dr, Lakeland, FL 33801

More Information: Mayfaire by the Lake started as a small art fair in 1971 and has quickly grown to one of the largest outdoor art events in the state. Visit over 150 booths of unique artists.

Enjoy this charming walk through downtown Lakeland as you look for your next favorite art piece.

Learn more from Mayfaire by the Lake.

While in the area, enjoy some of the 15 Best Things to Do in Lakeland.

Wild Amelia Nature Festival (Eco Expo) – Fernandina Beach

When: May 18th, 2024

Where: 2500 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

More Information: It’s time to learn more about making Fernandina Beach beautiful. A variety of seminars are offered as well as different local organizations sharing more about the area and how to care for it.

Explore classes about the animals and nature Fernandina Beach has to offer.

Learn more on the Fernandina Beach Calendar.

Homosassa Mullet Toss and Festival – Old Homosassa

When: May 18th, 2024, from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Where: 5530 S. Mason Creek, Old Homosassa, FL 34448

More Information: It’s time to enjoy flying mullets and a bit of small-town Florida life.

This spring festival is unique and packed with fun you won’t forget. Where else can you toss a mullet in a competition?

Learn more about the event from the Homosassa Mullet Toss Facebook Page.

Some of the money that is earned from the Homosassa Mullet Toss and Spring Festival is used to build life jacket loaner stations.

These stations are meant to help save lives by assuring that people are safe on the water.

While in the area, check out Swim with a Manatee and Experience Authentic Crystal River.

Redland International Orchid Festival – Homestead

When: May 17th through May 19th, 2024

Where:  Fruit and Spice Park, 24801 SW 187th Ave., Homestead FL 33031

More Information: This 3-day event has over 50 booths of colorful blooms and is the largest annual orchid show in the United States. The event has run for over 25 years.

Along with the beautiful and exotic flowers, expect supplies for sale, lectures by experts in the field, raffles, and a great atmosphere to enjoy all sorts of international delicacies.

Attend the lectures to learn how to grow your orchids or control insects. Purchase your favorite flowers to take home and enjoy for years to come.

Learn more about the event on the Redland International Orchid Festival Website.

TIP: Tickets can be purchased online for $20.

While in the area, check out 5 Best Things to Do in Homestead, FL.

14th Annual Fort Myers Film Festival

When: May 22nd, 2024 through May 26th, 2024

Where: Fort Myers Film Festival, 2301 1st St, Fort Myers, FL 33901

More Information: It’s time to celebrate film and view a variety of films as part of the Fort Myers Film Festival. You do not want to miss this.

Since you are visiting Fort Myers, don’t miss out on An Ultimate Guide to Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach

Are you a fan of Florida Film Festivals? Check out A Guide to Film Festivals in Florida – The 2024 Edition.

72nd Annual Florida Folk Festival – White Springs

When: May 24th through May 26th, 2024

Where: 11016 Lillian Saunders Dr, White Springs, FL

More Information: The Florida Folk Festival is a three-day celebration of the music, dance, stories, crafts, and food that make Florida unique.

From Irish fiddle tunes, contra dancing, and root beer floats to the vast varieties of music of immigrants, the state’s cultural heritage reflects the lives of generations of Florida families and communities.

Learn more about the event from Florida State Parks.

Before you head out to the Florida Folk Festival, get to know the area: 6 Things To Do in White Springs, Florida

Did we miss one of your favorite Florida events in May? Let us know about it in the comments below.

Palatka Blue Crab Festival – Palatka

When: May 25th through May 26th, 2024

Where: Riverfront Park – 100 Memorial Pkwy, Palatka, FL 32177

More information: The Palatka Blue Crab Festival is a 3-day family-friendly festival held in downtown Palatka.

The cherished event features top national performers, an all-day lineup of regional musicians, vendors, food trucks, carnival rides, and tons of blue crabs.

There are activities and entertainment for all ages and an extensive kids’ zone.

Learn more about the event on the Palatka Blue Crab Festival Website.

13th Annual Ford INTL Cuban Sandwich Festival: Ybor City – Tampa

When: May 26th, 2024

Where: Centennial Park – 1800 E 8th Ave Tampa, FL 33605

More Information: Don’t miss this free festival in Ybor City where you can try the best Cuban sandwich you can find. Contestants enter their Cuban sandwich to see who makes the best one.

There is live music and entertainment. You can also watch as they attempt to make a 350-foot-long Cuban sandwich.

Learn more on the Eventbrite event.

Grand Fiesta Parade in Pensacola

When: May 31st, 2024

Where: Downtown Pensacola

More Information: The Grand Fiesta Parade in the downtown area of Pensacola is a celebration of Don Tristan DeLuna, the founder of Pensacola.

The fiesta includes performances from marching bands from local high schools and a parade through downtown at 7:00 pm. Learn more about the event from Visit Pensacola.

While you’re in the area, make sure to check out tips for Fun Things to Do in Pensacola and Pensacola Beach – 2024

Are you looking for other ideas for fun getaways this year? Check out:

• Our 19+ Favorite Freshwater Florida Springs in 2024
• 23 Best Roadside Attractions in Florida (2024)
• 21+ Best Places to See Flamingos in Florida in 2024
• 27 Scenic Drives in Florida for Your 2024 Bucket List
• The 4 Remaining Drive-In Movie Theaters in Florida
• Film Festivals in Florida Celebrate Indie Movies
• The Ultimate Guide to Florida Music Festivals in 2024
• A Guide to Great Florida Seafood Festivals in 2024
• A Local’s Guide to Florida Food Festivals in 2024