Florida Travel Calendar for December
- January
- 3
1:05 am Live Literature
Jan. 3: 74th Annual FedEx Orange Bowl Football Game, Miami Gardens. Two of the top football teams in the country will compete for the Orange Bowl title, now played in Dolphin Stadium. Game time is 8 p.m. 305-341-4700. http://www.orangebowl.org
Jan. 4-5: Tavares Train Festival, Tavares. Go for a ride on a train, which will be robbed by the notorious Lake Dora Gang. Visit Tavares Community Center and view a large operating model railroad layout with dealers on hand with their railroad wares. Also includes speeder rides, antique tractors and a car show. At Wooten Park. Fee for train ride. 352-589-4300. http://www.inlandlakesrailway.com
Jan. 4-6: Rolex Sports Car Series Testing, Daytona Beach. Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve in preparation for the 46th anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 26-27, all teams. At Daytona International Speedway. 800-PIT-SHOP. www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com
Jan. 4-6: Gem, Jewelry and Bead Show, St. Petersburg. Dealers from across America will offer an outstanding variety of gems, jewelry, crystals, minerals and beads for show and sale. At The Coliseum. Admission. 727-892-5202. www.stpete.org/coliseum
Jan. 5: Orange Bowl Swimming Classic, Key Largo. Some of the best college swimmers in the country compete at Jacobs Aquatic Center in an event that is part of the celebration surrounding the annual Orange Bowl college football game in Miami. 305-453-7946. www.fla-keys.com/calendarofevents
Jan. 5, 12, 18, 26: Winter Music Series, Clermont. Live music, food, wine. At Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards. Free admission. 1-800-768-WINE. www.lakeridgewinery.com
Jan. 5-6: Native American Festival, Ormond Beach. This annual festival takes place on the historic grounds of The Casements, John D. Rockefeller’s former winter home. Ir features performances by tribes from Florida and throughout North America as well as arts and crafts vendors. 386-676-9966. http://ormondbeach.org/
Jan. 5-19: NASCAR Pre Season Fan Fests, Daytona Beach. Special Fan Fests preceding major races, including: The Roar Before The Rolex 25, Jan. 5, NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Fan Fest, Jan. 8; NASCAR Craftsman Truck Fan Fest, Jan. 12; NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Fan Fest, Jan. 15; and NASCAR Busch Series Fan Fest, Jan. 19. Fans will be able to get a sneak peek on teams as they prepare for DIRECTV Speedweeks 2008 with inquisitive fan forums with many of their favorite drivers as well as enjoying all the state-of-the-art amenities in the popular Sprint FanZone. Also includes bands, show cars, pit stop demonstrations, displays, a silent auction and hot laps around the track .
Admission; additional charge for hot laps. 800-PIT-SHOP. www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com
Jan. 6: Epiphany Celebration, Tarpon Springs. Greek holy day celebrating the baptism of Christ by John the Baptist. 727-937-3540. www.epiphanycity.org
Jan. 10-20: 26th Annual Key West Literary Seminar, Key West. For more than a quarter of a century, an audience of
passionate readers gathers in January for three and a half days of conversations, readings, panel discussions, lectures and festive parties. The 2008 topic is “New Voices: Where Have We Been? Where Are We Going?” and participating writers will include including Judy Blume, Edmund White, Billy Collins, and Junot Diaz. 888-293-9291. www.keywestliteraryseminar.org/lit/
Jan. 11: Senior Snowbird Expo, Fort Walton Beach. Area’s largest Snowbird trade show featuring entertainment, food and fun. At Emerald Coast Conference Center. 850-244-8191. www.destin-fwb.com/Activities/Events
Jan. 11-13: Arts Weekend, Sarasota. An entire weekend dedicated to celebrating the Gulf Coast’s vast and glorious artistic splendor. From the celebratory glitz of Arts Night through the downtown charms of Hop, Bop and Shop to the creative spectacle of Arts Day, it invites residents and visitors to partake in Sarasota’s crown jewel of cultural events. The theme is “Express Yourself.” www.sarasota-arts.org/artsday.cfm
Jan. 12-13 and 19-20: Medieval Faire, Fort Myers. Enjoy jousting, a live chess match, entertainment, live sword fighting, children’s games and rides, jugglers, magicians, artisans, medieval clothing, period food and beverages. At Lakes Regional Park. Admission. 239-369-6881; www.medieval-faire.com.
Jan. 12: Downtown Homestead Antique Car Show, Homestead. Annual antique car show featuring collectors’ cars on display. Along Krome Avenue. 305-242-4814. http://www.homesteadmainstreet.org
Jan. 12: Second Annual Open Grass Festival, Lake Worth. Vegan and BBQ food, beer, arts and crafts, children’s art tent, entertainment, and more. At Bryant Park. 561-582-4401. http://adventurers.meetup.com/60/calendar/6746517/
Jan. 12: Southwest Florida Heritage Festival, Sarasota. Travel back in time and experience the life of Florida pioneers. Enjoy craft and trade demonstrations such as blacksmithing, sugar cane grinding, basket weaving, wood carving, quilting, and more. There is also hands-on activities, hayrides, music and food. At Crowley Museum and Nature Center. 941-322-1000. http://www.crowleymuseumnaturectr.org/
Jan. 12-13: Great Taste of the Grove, Coconut Grove. A culinary and food tasting event showcasing Coconut Grove’s fine dining and casual eating restaurants. Live jazz and children’s activities entertain. At Peacock Park. Free. 305-444-7270. http://www.coconutgrove.com
Jan. 12-13: Sunshine City Antiques and Collectibles Show, St. Petersburg.
Nearly 100 exhibitors from throughout the nation exhibit antique furniture, art, jewelry, pottery, primitives, vintage clothing and more. Also Antique Appraisal Fair both days. At The Coliseum. Admission. 727-892-5202. www.stpete.org/coliseum
Jan. 12-13: Cape Coral Festival of the Arts, Cape Coral. This 23rd annual street festival features live entertainment and more than 280 arts and crafts booths on both sides of the median down the center of Cape Coral Parkway. Free. 239-945-1988. www.capecoralfestival.com
Jan. 12-13: Bonita Springs National Art Festival, Bonita Springs. At The Promenade at Bonita Bay. 239-495-8989. http://www.bonitaspringsonline.com/
Jan. 12-13: Redland Festival, Homestead. A tradition at the Park since 1976, this annual festival features local arts and crafts, a large selection of tropical plants and great food. Children?s activities include a petting zoo, pony rides, an interactive puppet and magic show, and a wild and wonderful Everglades reptile show. At Fruit and Spice Park. 305-247-5727. http://www.fruitandspicepark.org
Jan. 12-13: Eleventh Annual Sullivan Street Craft Fair, Punta Gorda. Some 175 craftsmen exhibit along a three-block section of historic downtown Punta Gorda. Free. 941-639-3720, 954-472-3755. http://www.charlotteharbortravel.com/events/
Jan. 13: Stephen Foster Day, White Springs. An afternoon musical program and carillon recital in honor of National Stephen Foster Day and the legendary American composer who wrote Florida’s state song, “Old Folks at Home.” At Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. Admission. 386-397-2733. www.floridastateparks.org/stephenfoster/
Jan. 13: Cheerleaders of America Sunshine Open, Kissimmee. Cheerleaders compete for the National Championship at the Silver Spurs Arena. Admission. 800-252-4337, 321-697-3000. http://www.COAcheer.com
Jan. 13: 18th Annual Arts Day, Sarasota. Consistently named as one of the “Best of the Best” by Sarasota magazine, Arts Day attracts over 25,000 arts and culture enthusiasts from across the globe to downtown Sarasota. With a creatively redesigned festival map, multiple performance stages, hundreds of artists and craftsmen, and dozens of culinary vendors, downtown will boast a veritable feast of sensory delights. This year’s event will combine all the successful aspects of Arts Days past with inspired ideas from top local and regional talent. Downtown and bayfront. 941-365-5118. http://www.sarasota.com/events.php
Jan. 13: Castle Winery Fete, Tarpon Springs. Live music entertainment, free food with a wine purchase, even a $5.50 glass of wine. At Castle Winery. 727-043-7029. www.tarponsprings.com/events.asp
Jan. 13, 27: Lincoln Road Outdoor Antiques and Collectibles Market, Miami Beach. Vendors display antiques including jewelry, china, vintage clothing, furniture, and more between the 800 and 1000 blocks of Lincoln Road and Drexel. 305-673-4991. http://www.antiquecollectiblemarket.com
Jan. 16-19: South Beach Comedy Festival, Miami Beach. Annual comedy festival showcases a variety of top talent and stars of the comedy circuit. Several venues including The Fillmore at the Jackie Gleason Theater. 305-358-5885. http://www.southbeachcomedyfestival.com
Jan. 17: Art and Jazz on the Avenue, Delray Beach. Open house for restaurants, art galleries and shops along Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Delray Beach. The evening’s activities include live entertainment, restaurant festivities, gallery showings and special promotions by merchants. Free, 561-279-1380 x3. www.downtowndelraybeach.com
Jan. 17-20: Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo, Sebring. Sport aviation expo air show focusing on aircraft operating under new FAA rule concerning Light Sport Aircraft, Sport Pilot and related certification. Brings together manufacturers of LSA aircraft and kits, providers of related components and people with possible business interests. Exhibits include fixed wing, trikes, powered parachutes and gyroplanes, in addition to electronics and other aircraft related products. At Sebring Regional Airport. Admission. 863-655-6444 x117. www.sport-aviation-expo.com
Jan. 17-20: Charlotte County Boat Show, Port Charlotte. Premier show on Florida’s West Coast, featuring hundreds of boats, fishing seminars and loads of marine accessories. At Charlotte County Fairgrounds. 941-629-4252. Admission. http://www.swfmia.com
Jan. 18: Taste of Punta Gorda, Punta Gorda. At Laishley Park. http://www.charlotteharbortravel.com/events/
Jan. 18-20: Art Deco Weekend, Miami Beach. Step back in time and celebrate Art Deco style on the Broadway stage with live music, art and antiques dealers, walking tours, films, lectures, classic cars, street theater and more. Along Ocean Drive, between 5th and 15th Streets. 305-672-2014. http://www.mdpl.org
Jan. 18-20: 37th Annual USFTL National Flag Football Championships, Kissimmee. Watch teams compete for the championship. Among teams are 7-man Screen Flag, 8-man Contact Flag, Co-Ed Flag, Women’s Flag, and youth flag. At Austin-Tindall Regional Park. Free admission. 440-974-8735. http://www.usftl.com
Jan. 18-21: African Music Festival, Miami. Concert performances by various artists playing a variety of pulsating, hip shaking music from Afro-Beat, West African Highlife, Soukous, Makossa, Juju, Reggae, Salsa, Merengue and World Music. Also enjoy cultural displays, arts and crafts, food and beverage vendors in addition to special events including comedy shows and networking parties, all with an African connection. At James L. Knight Center. 305-416-5970. http://africanmusicfestival.net
Jan. 19: The Back Porch Revival, Sebring. Old-time string band music reminiscent of summer nights on the porch. Part of the Music in the Park Concert Series at Highlands Hammock State Park. Bring lawn chairs and flashlights. Picnic baskets or coolers are welcome, and Hammock Inn Restaurant will be open. Admission. 863-386-6094. http://www.floridastateparks.org
Jan. 19: Third Annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival, Key West. This free, family-oriented event is organized by the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen and the University of Florida in partnership with Monroe County. At Bayview Park. 305-292-4501. http://www.keywest.com/calendar/kwpevents.cfm
Jan. 19: Suncoast Chili Cook Off, Tarpon Springs. Third annual. At Tarpon Springs Boys and Girls Club. 727-937-0320. www.tarponsprings.com/events.asp
Jan. 19: Candlelight Tour of Fort Barrancas, Pensacola. Because of the narrow passages and confined space in the fort, interpretive stations will be set up. Small groups up to 20 people will depart the visitor center every 15 minutes. The tour should take about an hour. Visitors should arrive 15 minutes before their assigned tour time. Call for reservations. Parking is limited, so car-pooling is recommended. Visitors should enter the Naval Air Station through the back gate on Blue Angel Parkway. The fort will be well lit with candles; however, you may want to bring a flashlight. Free. 850-455-5167. www.nps.gov/guis
Jan. 19: Circus Sarasota, Sarasota. Saturday Morning for Kids. This year Circus Sarasota has invited the Anastasini Family to demonstrate their circus skills to children of all ages. Jugglers, acrobats and aerialists will amaze and astound you while the clowns tickle your funny bone. At Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Admission.
941-953-3368. http://www.vanwezel.org
Jan. 19: Mardi Gras on the Island, Fort Walton Beach. Mardi Gras festival. 850-244-8191. www.fwbchamber.org
Jan. 19: Art Under the Oaks, Islamorada. This art show at the San Pedro Church features arts and crafts in many mediums, as well as food vendors and live music. 305-664-5574. www.fla-keys.com/calendarofevents
Jan. 19: Kissimmee Sunshine Regional District Chili Cookoff, Kissimmee. Sample some of the best chili in Central Florida, stomp your feet to some live music and entertainment, or stroll through arts and crafts booths. At Kissimmee Lakefront Park. Free. 407-93EVENT. www.kissimmeeparksandrec.com
Jan. 19-20: Beaux Arts Festival, Coral Gables. Juried fine arts show that features art, crafts and a variety of media from more than 300 exhibitors. At University of Miami Campus. 305-284-3535. http://www.beauxartsmiami.org
Jan. 19-20: NAMSA North American Championship and Tradewinds Midwinter OpenCat Nationals, Islamorada. Daily catamaran races featuring vessels in several classes kick start the annual Harken Buoy Series. 305-451-3287. www.fla-keys.com/calendarofevents
Jan. 19-26: Kissimmee/St. Cloud Senior Games, Kissimmee. The 14th annual Kissimmee-St. Cloud Senior Games will be held at various venues throughout Osceola County. The Seniors in the community, ages 50 and older, compete in a variety of activities which may earn them a spot in the State Senior Games. Free. 407-518-2504. www.kissimmeeparksandrec.com
Jan. 20: National Festival of Bands, St. Petersburg. High school and university marching bands from across the nation perform famous half time drills and drum lines as a special salute and tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. At Tropicana Field. Admission. 727-327-0085. http://cms.stpete.org/default.asp
Jan. 21: Martin Luther King Day Parade, Miami. Annual Martin Luther King Day parade travels along Northwest 54th Street, beginning at 10th Avenue in Liberty City and culminating in a festival at the Martin Luther King Jr. Park at 6101 Northwest 32nd Court. Festivities include a children’s cultural area, food booths and a vendor marketplace. 305-250-5327. www.gmcvb.com/visitors/calendar_of_events.asp
Jan. 21: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Parade, St. Petersburg. Festive parade commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. featuring marching bands, community leaders and groups, floats and lots of fun. Free. 727-327-0085. http://cms.stpete.org/default.asp
Jan. 21-22: Hand-Painted Porcelain and Glass Show and Sale, Orlando. Artists from around the country will have their work on display or for sale. At Bahia Shrine Temple. Admission. 352-753-5314. www.floridakiss.com/do/events
Jan. 21-25: Acura Key West 2008, Key West. Nearly 300 racing yachts compete for class championships in this international midwinter sailboat regatta. 781-639-9545. http://www.keywest.com/calendar/kwpevents.cfm
Jan. 21-26: Palm Beach Poetry Festival, Delray Beach. Advanced and intermediate workshops attracting aspiring poets from around the world. Public readings, lectures, a panel with participating poets including two Pulitzer Prize winners, a two-time champion of the National Poetry Slam and two of Florida’s most acclaimed poets. At Old School Square. Admission. 561-243-7922. http://www.oldschool.org/
Jan. 23-27: Miami International Orchid Show, Miami. The show features more than 200 exhibitors and 500,000 orchids. See some of the finest orchid displays in the country, and select from a wide variety of orchids and orchid products. This year the show is held in conjunction with the 19th World Orchid Conference, also Jan. 23-27. Held once every three years in a different international location, this world-class event includes lectures, workshops, parties and one of the largest orchid shows and sales on the planet. Both at Sheraton Miami Mart. Miami show 305-255-3656, http://www.sforchid.com World Orchid Conference 305-531-5720, http://www.19woc.com
Jan. 24-26: Eighth Annual Mecum Winter Classic Event, Kissimmee. Mecum Collector Car Auctioneers will bring to the grounds at Osceola Heritage Park about 750 collector and muscle cars on consignment for auction. Some of the cars on display for sale include Ford Mustangs, Chevrolet Corvettes, Chevelles, Camaros, Cougars and GTOs. Buyers, sellers and spectators are welcomed at the three-day event. Admission. 815-568-8888. http://www.MecumAuction.com
Jan. 24-27: Palm Beach Cavallino Classic XVII, Palm Beach. A convention of Ferrari automobiles. Jan. 24-25; track event at Moroso Motorsports Park; Jan. 26; Concorso d’Eleganza at The Breakers; Jan. 27; and multi-marquee sports car show at the Hilton Hotel, at Palm Beach International Airport. Admission. 561-994-1345. http://www.cavallino.com/
Jan. 24-27: Yeehaw Junction Bluegrass Festival and Fiddle Championship, Yeehaw Junction. This festival brings together one of the largest gatherings of bluegrass bands and performers on the grounds of the historic Desert Inn. The festival will also offer food, workshops and fiddle contests. At Yeehaw Junction. Admission. 478-949-2036. http://www.originalbluegrass.com
Jan. 24-Feb. 3: 19th Annual Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities, Eatonville. Enjoy a street festival with folk arts, music, dance, visual arts and ethnic cuisine, all in celebration of the life and work of Florida’s favorite 20th century writer, folklorist and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston. Admission. 407-539-2192. http://www.zorafestival.com
Jan. 25: 45th Annual Antique Show and Sale, Fort Walton Beach. Displays and goods for sale by more than 55 antique dealers. At Northwest Florida Fairgrounds. 850-863-3901, 832-1925. www.destin-fwb.com/Activities/Events
Jan. 25-26: Saturn Total Health and Fitness Expo, Miami Beach. This event, presented by The Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald, features more than 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest trends, designs and advances in running shoes and apparel, plus the latest in sports, fitness, and nutrition. At Miami Beach Convention Center. Free. 305-278-8668. http://www.ingmiamimarathon.com
Jan. 25-27: Orlando International Guitar and Music Expo, Kissimmee. Thousands of guitars, stringed instruments, recording gear, books and videos to buy, sell or trade at the Exhibition Building at Osceola Heritage Park. Admission. 850-962-4434. http://www.guitarexpo.com
Jan. 25-27: Sarasota Native American Indian Festival, Osprey. Oscar Scherer State Park is the setting for bringing Native American Indian Culture to the event. There will be drumming, dancing, storytelling, flute music, fine arts and crafts, and more. Admission. 941-924-2784. www.myspace.com/sarasota_indian_festival
Jan. 25-27: Homestead Championship Rodeo, Homestead. An exciting seven-event rodeo including bull riding, saddle-bronc riding, bareback-bronc riding, calf roping, team roping, steer wrestling, and women’s barrel racing. Fun also includes cowboy poetry performances, a parade, live music and dancing. At Doc Demilly Rodeo Arena. Admission. 305-247-3515. http://www.homesteadrodeo.com
Jan. 26-27: St. Armands Winter Art Festival, Sarasota. Nearly 200 award-winning artists will be exhibiting their work from a broad spectrum of media, including bronze and copper sculptures, original photography, hand-crafted fine jewelry, functional and decorative pottery, ceramics, one-of-a-kind paintings and more. At St. Armands Circle.
http://www.starmandscircleassoc.com/events/
Jan. 26: Vienna Boys Choir, Miami. A concert featuring the world-famous Vienna Boys Choir who give about 300 and performances each year in front of half a million people. At St. Thomas Episcopal Parish. 305-661-3436. http://www.stthomasep.org/concertseries
Jan. 26: Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival, Fort Myers. Celebrate Celtic culture along the banks of the Caloosahatchee River with music, food, beverage, kid’s activities, and crafts. Non-stop Celtic music with featured musicians Scottish Mayhem, West of Galway, Irish Cream, Heartstrings, Brendan Nolan, and more. Enjoy crafts, food, and children’s activities. At Centennial Park. Admission. 239-338-2287. www.fortmyers-sanibel.com/events/search.php
Jan. 26: Craft Rendezvous, White Springs. Visit with Florida’s artists as they spend the day demonstrating their skills at handcrafts and studio arts. Blacksmithing, pottery, stained glass, basket making, weaving and painting will be among the creative arts. showcased. At Stephen Foster State Folk Culture Center. Admission. 386-397-1920. www.floridastateparks.org/stephenfoster
Jan. 26: Gaither Homecoming, Orlando. Enjoy gospel music favorite Bill Gaither and his friends for a night of singing and praise. At Amyway Arena. Admission. 407-849-2001. http://www.orlandovenues.net
Jan. 26: Classic Car Cruise-In, Eustis. Antique and custom cars, trucks and vans, along with a DJ. Cash prizes. Downtown. Free. 352-357-8555. www.eustismainstreet.org
Jan. 26: Fifth Annual Edison Celebration of Art, Fort Myers. Outdoor art show that showcases the work of local and national artists as well as emerging artists and Lee County students. Proceeds go to Lee County Schools for music and art programs. At Edison and Ford Winter Estates. 239-940-1899. www.edison-ford-estate.com
Jan. 26: Edison Day of Discovery, Fort Myers. While Harborside Event Center hosts a science and inventors fair, Centennial Park welcomes visitors to its Day of Discovery Interactive Family Area, with games, presentations, and educational exhibits presented by regional science organizations. 239-334-2999. www.edisonfestival.org
Jan. 26-27: International Chocolate Festival, Coral Gables. Enjoy everything chocolate! Learn about where chocolate comes from, taste different types of chocolate, and experience much more. At Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. 305-667-1651. http://www.fairchildgarden.org
Jan. 26-27: Tamiami International Orchid Festival, Miami. South Florida’s winter orchid extravaganza, featuring over 40 commercial orchid growers from around the nation and the world. Beautiful displays, plant sales, art and supplies. At Fair Expo Center. 305-223-7060. http://www.fairexpo.com
Jan. 26-Feb. 3: 22nd Annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire, Gainesville. For two weekends, step back in time to the middle ages with over 120 artisans, entertainment, food, jousting, living chess match and more. At Alachua County Fairgrounds. Admission. 386-393-8536. www.gvlculturalaffairs.org
Jan. 27: Taste of Pine Island, Matlacha. The annual Kiwanis Taste of Pine Island runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Pine Island Center with local restaurants, arts and crafts vendors, games for children, and music. Proceeds benefit the Kiwanis scholarship fund. 239-283-4842. www.pineislandchamber.org
Jan. 27: Gumbo Fest, North Fort Myers. Local restaurants compete in this eighth annual gumbo cook-off. There’s live entertainment from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. At The Shell Factory and Nature Park. Admission. 239-936-8888. www.shellfactory.com.
Jan. 27: Kaleidoscope 2008, West Palm Beach. Celebration of many cultures around the world. Students in Palm Beach County schools work for months with local cultural groups to learn about a specific culture and then create an authentic representation of it in a “village” they build onsite at Kaleidoscope. The public is invited to tour the villages and learn about the countries and cultures at this award-winning event that features two stages of national and local multi-cultural entertainment, an international bazaar and ethnic food and refreshments. At Centennial Square. Free. 561-822-1515. http://www.wpb.org/
Jan. 31-Feb. 3: Christ Church Antiques Show and Sale, Pensacola. Twenty-one dealers from across the Southeast show wonderful antiques. Admission. Separate charge for Lunch, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 12 noon-2 p.m. on Sunday. All proceeds go to charitable institutions in the Pensacola area. 850-438-0584. www.visitpensacola.com/calendar/
Tags: actors, amp, ava, comedy show, day, heart, jackie gleason, lasses, lawn chairs, lincoln, Live, Live Music, miami beach, music, nascar, saturday morning, time champion, venueRelated posts
