55+ Sizzling September Festivals in Florida

Are you looking for September Festivals in Florida? You’ve come to the right place. September is a good time to start venturing out from the A/C as the heat starts to subside!

At this time of year, the heat is still very strong, and we’re in the heart of the hurricane season. However, the heat starts to diminish by the end of the month. Fall Festivals and Oktoberfest events start showing up on the calendar. It’s a great time to say goodbye to summer and transition into the new season.

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Art Festivals in Florida

Art and craft festivals in Florida rank among the most popular festivals to attend. And September in Florida is a great time to attend an art festival to support local, regional, and emerging artists and get a head start on your Christmas shopping. Local artists really appreciate the support at this time of year as summer is our slowest season in Florida.

1. Perfect Hues: Baytowne Wharf Art Fest

Held September 1-3 in Miramar Beach. The perfect Labor Day art walk! Each evening, the Village features open shops and live music from 5pm to 10pm. Local artwork will be displayed around the Village. And a Sunday night fireworks show will mark the end of the event.

2. 14th Annual Downtown Venice Labor Day Weekend Craft Festival

Held September 2-3 in Venice. This outdoor crafts festival on Miami Avenue continues to draw art enthusiasts to downtown Venice. Stroll the street to see established local artists and find your next favorite emerging one. It’s one of the most popular Labor Day weekend events in Southwest Florida!

3. Fall Arts & Crafts Show

Held September 10 in Punta Gorda. If you’re looking for an indoor event – and let’s face it, it’s still smoking hot in September – head over to this art show. Held in the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, it features more than 70 exhibitors and is free to the public.

4. Arts and Craft Fair

Held September 16 in Port Charlotte. This indoor event is the perfect way to beat the heat and support local artists in August. Held in the Port Charlotte Town Center, you’ll find jewelry, art, candles, and much more.

5. 25th Annual Punta Gorda Sullivan Street Craft Festival

Held September 16-17 in Punta Gorda. Rich in culture, heritage, and crowds, Punta Gorda is the perfect backdrop for an early fall craft festival. The popular Sullivan Street area has delicious eateries and great shopping, making it an ideal location. 

Beer and Wine Festivals Around Florida

Some of the most anticipated events are the beer and wine festivals that draw enthusiasts from near and far. Whether you prefer the hoppy bitterness of a cold beer or the smooth richness of a glass of wine, these festivals offer an excellent opportunity to celebrate the perfect fusion of culture and libation amidst Florida’s vibrant festival scene.

6. 27th Annual Emerald Coast Beer Festival

Held September 8 in Pensacola. With more than 200 beers from 50 breweries, this is the biggest beer tasting event in Pensacola. It’s also the longest running! Brews are provided by microbreweries, distributors, and home brew clubs so you’re sure to get a great variety of beers to try.

7. Lumberjack Day Beer Festival

Held September 16 in Dania Beach. It’s still hot outside so head indoors to try refreshing beers from more than 50 breweries. Honoring lumberjacks around the world, this beer festival also features ax throwing, chainsaw sculpting, food trucks, and

8. Miami Coconut Grove Summer Craft Beer Festival

Held September 23 in Coconut Grove. Back for year number six, this festival is held both indoors and outdoors. Get unlimited samples of more than 100 craft beers. Plus, there’s wine, spirits, live Caribbean music, and culinary pairings. Come for the drinks only or get an all-included package.

September’s Cultural Festivals in Florida

With Hispanic Heritage Month beginning in September and Oktoberfest beginning the last weekend in September, the cultural events this month revolve around both of these cultures. Both have had big influences on Florida throughout her history so it’s only fitting we celebrate Hispanics and Germans in September.

9. Hispanic Street Festival

Held September 16 in Fort Walton Beach. The community comes out to celebrate the start of Hispanic Heritage Month with this family-friendly event. It features a dozen food trucks and live entertainment which will include salsa dance instruction, traditional dances, and DJs.

10. Jacksonville Cuban Sandwich and Taste of Latino Festival

Held September 16 in Jacksonville. Kick off Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrate Latino culture at this annual event. Try cuisine such as Cuban sandwiches, tacos, and paella. Watch cultural dances and enjoy music from different countries in the Hispanic world.

11. German American Society Oktoberfest

Held September 23 in Hollywood. The German American Society’s Oktoberfest offers a tantalizing array of authentic German cuisine, from hearty bratwurst and pretzels to delectable strudels and schnitzels, satisfying the palates of both locals and visitors alike. Attendees are immersed in a festive atmosphere, complete with traditional music, colorful Bavarian attire, and the unmistakable aroma of freshly brewed beer.

12. City of Oviedo Oktoberfest

Held September 28-30 in Oviedo. This free annual event celebrates the German culture and heritage in Oviedo, Florida. It is held at the Center Lake Park Amphitheatre and Cultural Center, where visitors can enjoy live music, authentic German dancing, beer, wine, and food. The event also features a flag parade, a ceremonial keg tapping, and various contests such as stein holding, hammerspiel, and lederhosen.

13. 7th Annual Millennial Oktoberfest

Held September 29 in Fort Myers. The only craft beer based Oktoberfest in Fort Myers, this beer festival in Florida isn’t limited to 21+. Bring the whole family to for a fun day filled with live music, delicious, and bounce houses. There will also be contests such as stein racing and schnitzel eating.

14. Oktoberfest

Held September 29-30 in Pinellas Park. Join the German American Friendship Society of Pinellas County for a weekend of celebrations. Tampa Bay’s most authentic Oktoberfest features imported German beers, traditional German foods, traditional dances, bier stein holding competition, a parade of flags, and much more.

15. Mount Dora Viva La FRIDA Festival

Held September 30 in Mount Dora. This event in Mount Dora celebrates the artistic influence of Frida Kahlo as well as the Latin and Hispanic culture. The day fills downtown Mount Dora with the richness of fun experiences, music, and food. There will also be a juried art competition which explores the diversity in art.

Florida’s Fall Festivals

As the summer bids farewell, the arrival of September in Florida brings forth a delightful wave of fall festivals that embrace the changing seasons. From pumpkin patches and corn mazes to harvest-themed celebrations, these fall festivals offer a perfect blend of excitement and tradition.

16. Trenton’s 2nd Annual Almost Fall Festival

Held September 9 in Trenton. Not quite a fall festival in Florida. And yet, it is. More than 75 vendors, games, kids activities, food trucks, and live music make this the place to be in north central Florida in early September.

17. Fall Festival!

Held September 22 through October 29 in Davie. Flamingo Road Nursery’s annual event transforms the 10-acre nursery and garden center into an autumn wonderland. The fall paradise features cornstalks, hay bales, mums, pumpkins, scarecrows and fall colors everywhere. Each week has a unique theme with crafts, games, and hayrides.

18. Fall Pumpkin Festival

Held September 22 through October 29 in Odessa. Raprager Farms’ festivals are among the favorites in the Tampa Bay area. The Fall Pumpkin Festival features activities for everyone in the family such as a petting zoo, hay ride, haunted house, and maze. The farm is decorated with pumpkins, giant skeletons, and hay bale monsters.

19. Bartow Fall Festival

Held September 23 in Bartow. The Bartow Fall Festival is an annual event that captures the essence of autumn in a charming small town setting. With its roots deeply embedded in the community, the festival has become a cherished tradition that showcases an array of activities and attractions for all ages, including live entertainment, artisanal craft vendors, food vendors, and engaging games. Other festival activities include pumpkin carving contests and hayrides.

20. Fall Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

Held September 23 through October 29 in Brooksville. Sweetfields Farm reopens at the end of September for their corn maze and pumpkin patch event. This family-owned working farm features a 6 acre corn maze, hay rides, playground, farm games, country store, farm animals, and more.

Sweetfields Farm also opens in the spring with one of the best sunflower mazes in Florida. Read about our visit and walk through the sunflower maze with us.

21. Bedner’s Pumpkin Patch

Held September 24 through October 31 in Boynton Beach. Bedner’s Pumpkin Patch is one of the biggest in Florida. The farm covers more than 80 acres, producing seasonal vegetables sold year-round in their store. In the fall, the farm comes alive with fall décor, hay rides, an animal park, corn maze, and bounce houses.

22. Pinellas Farm Fall Festival

Held September 29 through October 29 in Largo. DK Farms and Gardens Fall Season opens daily with a tractor-load of great activities for the entire family. Tickets include hayrides, barrel train rides, a petting zoo, corn beach, pumpkin patch, crafts, and more. They also offer gem mining, pumpkin canons, pony rides, and mini golf for additional prices.

23. Amazing Grace Crop Maze

Held September 30 through October 29 in Green Cove Springs. If you’re in the Jacksonville area, head down to Green Cove Springs for one of the best fall festivals in northeast Florida. Amazing Grace offers so much more than just a crop maze. There’s a pumpkin patch, corn crib, barrel cow train ride, games, and tons of photo ops.

24. Blaze of Hope’s Annual Fall Fest

Held September 30 in Sarasota. Blaze of Hope is a beacon of light which came from the darkness of grief. This nonprofit helps families of sick children meet their financial obligations while struggling the hardship of caring for that child. Their annual Fall Fest is one of their biggest fundraisers. Join the community for games, a pop-up market, food, kids zone, raffles, and Stuff A Bus Toy Drive.

25. Frazier Farms Fall Festival

Held September 30 through October 22 in Brooksville. Every Saturday and Sunday in October, head to Frazier Farms for a one-price-includes-all-day-activities fall festival. That’s a mouthful! Daytime activities include bounce houses, face painting, moo-cow-train rides, hayrides, pumpkin patch, ziplines, Jenga, cornhole, and much more.

26. Hollow Oaks Corn Maze

Held September 30 through October 29 in High Springs. Hollow Oaks is another that is so much more than a corn maze. During the day there are hay rides, games, and an interactive kids zone. At night, however, the hay ride becomes haunted and the maze transforms.

September Food Festivals in Florida

Florida is a foodie haven, and its annual food festivals are not to be missed! Each September, the state plays host to a few exceptional festivals which celebrate Florida’s food scene. Whether you crave the international fare at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival or Pensacola’s Seafood Festival, if you’re a foodie, you’re sure to find a great September festival in Florida to satisfy whatever you crave.

27. Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

Held July 27-November 18 in Bay Lake. This annual festival celebrates international cuisine at Disney World. It features more than 25 Global Marketplace Food Booths, including cheese and chocolate and The Alps, chicken wings and other pub food at Brew-Wing, and paella and seafood salad at Spain. Guests will also enjoy concerts and tons of family-friendly activities.

28. Collard Festival 2023!

Held September 2 in Ponce de Leon. The Collard Festival in Ponce de Leon festival began in the early 1980s and was an annual staple for more than a decade. Now, 30 years later, it’s been revived with fun for the entire family. There will be a childrens’ art competition; a collards, cornbread, and sweet potato pie competition; and horse shoes and cornhole. The event is free to attend with food vendors on site and donation accepted for the town’s recreation fund.

29. Florida Scallop, Music and Arts Festival

Held September 2-3 in Port St. Joe. The Florida Scallop, Music and Arts Festival is a celebration of the local scallop harvest and the cultural diversity of Port St. Joe, Florida. This two-day event takes place every Labor Day weekend at the George Core Park Amphitheatre and Cultural Center and features live music, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, and of course, delicious seafood.

30. Jax Taco Fest

Held September 2-3 in Green Cove Springs. This fun festival in Florida is a true celebration of the beloved taco, offering a diverse array of tantalizing creations that cater to every palate. Attendees can savor a wide range of flavors, from traditional street-style tacos to innovative and fusion-inspired variations, all meticulously crafted by local chefs and vendors. Live music, vibrant cultural performances, and a festive atmosphere contribute to the event’s energetic ambiance.

31. I Like it HOT! Festival

Held September 9-10 in Largo. The largest hot sauce festival in Florida returns for its 23rd year. This annual event ignites the taste buds of attendees with a fiery array of hot and spicy foods, condiments, and culinary creations. From peppers to sauces to main dishes, the festival showcases the creativity of vendors who embrace the heat in their gastronomic endeavors.

32. Smokin’ in the Square BBQ Cookoff

Held September 16 in Gulf Breeze. Smokin’ in the Square BBQ Cookoff is a charity event organized by the Knights of Columbus. It is a barbecue competition where teams from different states compete to create the best grilled dishes and win prizes and trophies. The event also features live music, raffles, vendors, and activities for kids. The event aims to raise money for various local and national charities, such as Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida and Little Sisters of the Poor.

33. Smokin’ in the Pines BBQ Festival

Held September 22-23 in Perry. This annual BBQ festival in Florida awards thousands of dollars in prize money to contestants. Southern rock and blues plays all weekend while attendees sample barbecue and vote for their favorites. Competitions include Open BBQ, KidsCUE, People’s Choice, and Sauces of Honor.

34. Key Lime & Tropical Fest

Held September 23 in Punta Gorda. Artisans will display key lime-themed wares throughout Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda. Additionally, restaurants will feature key lime-inspired dishes for your culinary pleasure. The day is also filled with activities and contests.

35. The Hangry Street Food Truck Festival

Held September 23 in Mary Esther. This year, The Hangry Street Food Truck Festival is helping La Chama Venez celebrate 5 years in business. If you’re in the area and hangry, or just hungry, stop by to check out the food trucks, music, and other activities.

36. Pensacola Seafood Festival

Held September 29 through October 1 in Pensacola. Historic downtown Pensacola puts on a show at the end of September with much-anticipated annual festival. Immerse yourself in a variety of seafood and other culinary delights. It’s also one of the biggest arts and crafts shows on the Panhandle. And there will be free live music all weekend long.

37. 12th Annual Smoke on the Coast BBQ Festival

Held September 30 in Destin. This annual favorite food festival in Florida is a fundraiser for local charities and a BBQ competition. Non-profit organizations team up with local barbecue joints to compete for thousands of dollars in prize money and the title of “Best BBQ”. Live music plays in the background while attendees sample the barbecue offerings and vote for their favorites.

38. Brew & BBQ

Held September 30 in Jacksonville. Formerly known as Bluegrass, Beer, and Barbecue, this festival features BBQ food trucks, great music, and tons of vendors. It’s also free, family friendly, and dog friendly so bring your chairs or picnic blankets and enjoy a relaxing day of fantastic tunes and delicious food.

LGBTQ+ Events in Florida in September

LGBTQ+ Festivals in Florida help attendees immerse themselves in a dazzling array of colors, celebrations, and affirming experiences that define the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ culture. Florida’s LGBTQ+ festivals an essential part of the state’s cultural landscape.

39. The BIG GAY Picnic

Held September 4 in Wilton Manors. This exuberant celebration of love, diversity, and community brings together people from all walks of life to enjoy a day filled with joy, laughter, and connection. Set against the backdrop of Wilton Manors’ welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, the Picnic offers a relaxed and open space for everyone to gather, share stories, and forge meaningful connections. Expect a mix of delicious food, lively entertainment, and a strong sense of unity.

40. Key West Womenfest

Held September 6-10 in Key West. Key West Womenfest is an annual event that celebrates women of all backgrounds, identities, and orientations. The 5-day festival takes place at various venues around Key West, Florida, a popular LGBTQ+ destination. Womenfest offers a variety of activities, such as pool parties, drag brunches, happy hours, snorkeling excursions, comedy shows, live music, and more. It is a fun and friendly way to meet new people, enjoy the tropical weather, and support the local community. 

Florida’s Music Festivals in September

In September, the rhythm of Florida’s festival scene reaches a crescendo as music enthusiasts gather from all corners of the state and beyond to experience the magic of music festivals. Festival-goers can immerse themselves in the euphoria of live performances, dance beneath the stars, and create unforgettable memories with friends old and new. Whether you’re a devoted music lover or simply seeking an unforgettable experience, Florida’s music festivals in September promise an enchanting journey through the diverse and vibrant sounds that make this Sunshine State groove to its own beat.

41. 4th Annual Bulls and Bands

Held September 2 in Arcadia. This one-of-a-kind event features, well, bull fighting and live music. Freestyle bull fighting shares center stage with live country music performed by icons of the industry. In 2023, you’ll see Craig Morgan, Mark Chesnutt, and Craig Campbell.

42. Sing Out Loud Music Festival

Held every weekend in September in St. Augustine. This music festival in Florida spans multiple weekends and features more than 100 artists at dozens of venues across the city. The highlight of the event, however, is on September 22 and 23 when The Black Keys and Mumford & Sons headline at Francis Field. Other musical acts performing at other venues include Yo La Tengo and Yonder Mountain String Band.

43. Suwanee River Jam

Held September 20-23 in Live Oak. Florida music festivals range from intimate to ones like Suwanee River Jam, one of the largest country music festivals in the south. It’s a showcase of musical talents and a long weekend of camping and family fun in the 800 acre Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park & Campground. The lineup this year includes Trace Adkins, Brothers Osbourne, Michael Ray, and more.

44. Fall Pensacola Bay Music Fest

Held September 30 in Pensacola. Head out to this beautiful waterfront location for a day filled with great tribute bands, food trucks, and fun in the sun. Kids under 12 and parking are free. Bands include tributes to Pearl Jam, No Doubt, Creed, and God Smack.

Other September Festivals in Florida

The rest of these Florida festivals fall into a variety of categories. From the start of Halloween events to a book festival and a festival celebrating the lowly gecko, these fun festivals in Florida offer unique experiences that sometimes defy categorization. If you haven’t found a festival you love yet, you might just find it here.

45. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween

Held August 11-November 1 in Lake Buena Vista. Disney kicks off the Halloween season early with their popular kids’ event, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween. Ticketed separately than the regular theme park admission, this fun twist on Halloween happens on select nights. Visitors trick or treat throughout the park and see unforgettable things like a spooktacular fireworks show.

46. Tampa Bay Theater Festival

Held September 1-3 in Tampa. The eagerly anticipated Tampa Bay Theater Festival promises a vibrant celebration of the performing arts. This annual event brings together a diverse community of artists, theater aficionados, and creative minds for an enriching and entertaining weekend. Attendees can look forward to a dynamic lineup of engaging workshops led by seasoned professionals, as well as thrilling scene, monologue, and short play competitions that showcase the region’s talent.

47. Miami Takeover 2023

Held September 1-4 in Miami Beach. MTO is a unique Florida festival which brings together the community together for a weekend full of fun and music. From dinner parties to pool parties, live music to boating excursions, Labor Day weekend promises to be one of the most exhilarating weekends of the year.

48. Geckofest

Held September 2 in Gulfport. Get ready to embrace the quirky and vibrant spirit of Gulfport at the annual Geckofest celebration. This lively event captures the essence of the community’s creativity and charm, drawing both locals and visitors into a colorful world of art, music, and festivities. Geckofest features a lively parade, live performances, and an artisan market.

Read more about our visit to Geckofest in 2022.

49. St. Augustine Book Festival

Held September 2, 9, and 16 in St. Augustine. This annual celebration of the written word invites book enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a captivating blend of storytelling, author discussions, and literary exploration. Against the backdrop of the meticulously preserved Ximenez-Fatio House, attendees can engage with acclaimed authors, delve into thought-provoking panels, and take special living history tours featuring information one of the building’s most famous guests, a popular 1800s author, Constance Fenimore Woolson.

50. Labor Day in the Park and Parade

Held September 4 in Okeechobee. This cherished event brings families, friends, and neighbors together for a fun day filled with camaraderie and merriment. The lively parade showcases colorful floats, marching bands, and local organizations, while the park becomes a hub of activity with games, live entertainment, and mouthwatering food stalls.

51. Florida Keys Lionfish Derby and Festival

Held September 7-10 in Islamorada. The Florida Keys Lionfish Derby and Festival aims to raise awareness about and control the population of invasive lionfish in the Florida Keys. It consists of two parts: a derby and a festival. The derby is a competition where teams of divers hunt for lionfish in the waters around the Keys. The teams are awarded prizes for catching the most, the largest, and the smallest lionfish.

The festival is a public celebration that takes place at the Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina. It features lionfish scoring, fillet and dissection demonstrations, lionfish tastings, lionfish games and crafts, raffle prizes, and booths from environmentally-minded vendors. There are also lionfish cooking demonstrations by local chefs, and special dishes and drink specials available at the resort. The festival is a fun and friendly way to learn more about lionfish impact on the local marine ecosystem.

53. Port St. Lucie International Fest

Held September 16 in Port St. Lucie. This first-time event brings the sights, sounds, and cuisine of the world to your backyard right here in Port St. Lucie. The festival will feature entertainment, exhibits, vendors, and giveaways. Food trucks will be on hand to serve dishes from around the world, including Japan, Italy, Jamaica, and more. It’s also free for everyone to attend!

54. 46th Annual International Aroid Society Show & Sale

Held September 16-17 in Miami. Aroids are plants that include species such as the peace lily, philodendron, and corpse flower. Held against the lush backdrop of Fairchild Botanical Gardens, this event showcases the unparalleled diversity and allure of aroids. Attendees can view a breathtaking array of rare and exotic specimens, acquire prized additions for their collections, and engage in lively discussions, workshops, and lectures.

55. Vintage Family Fun Day

Held September 23 in Tamarac. Tamarac’s Vintage Family Fun Day is a good, old-fashioned community event featuring activities the entire family will enjoy. The kids will love the bounce houses and face painting while adults will appreciate the magic show and arts and crafts. Food trucks will be on hand with delicious eats while games and other exciting entertainment fill the day with laughter and joy.

56. 16th annual SWFL Peace Day Celebrations

Held September 24 in Fort Myers. Celebrate the ideals of peace and coexistence against the backdrop of beautiful downtown Fort Myers. The street will be closed for attendees to fully enjoy the experience. Enjoy live entertainment, vegan and vegetarian food trucks, massage and reiki, sound baths, yoga, a butterfly tent, and more. It promises to be soulful and energizing day.

57. Pensacola Dragon Boat Festival

Held September 30 in Pensacola. The Pensacola Dragon Boat Festival is an annual event that celebrates the sport of dragon boat racing and supports local charities in the Pensacola community. It is one of the largest and most popular dragon boat events in Florida, attracting teams from various backgrounds. The festival also features food trucks, local artists, drinks, children’s activities, contests, music, and more.