Things to do / Travel Guide
February
Get ready for the one-and-only Daytona 500, NASCAR's biggest race! Held mid-February each year, this behemoth of an event is attended by 250,000 people, including U.S. Presidents and movie stars. Don't miss it live! There are also other different kinds of races, such as go-carting, motorcycling, and stock-car racing, which go on year-long and can be seen now too.
March
Bike Week in Daytona Beach is a 10-day-long celebration of the Harley, an American power motorcycle icon. Bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts converge onto the city, up to half-a-million of them, for days of thunder, racing, concerts (sorry, no Classical music), parties, and festivals.
June
Early in June Pensacola celebrates its Fiesta of Five Flags. It's a celebration of everything “Pensacolan,” along the lines of the five flags that have, throughout the city's history, been raised there: Spanish, French, British, Confederate, and American. Adults and children alike can participate in the exciting treasure hunts, view the parade and the boat parade, and witness the sand sculpture contest.
If you missed the Daytona 500, now's your chance to catch the Pepsi Daytona 400. 500's tough younger brother goes on the end of June.
July
On the July 4th weekend, Fernandina Beach and Fort Walton Beach are the places to be for fun and festivities to celebrate American independence.
July is also the time for the Pensacola Beach Air Show, a spectacular event featuring the Navy's Blue Angel Flight Demonstration Team. The jets' somersaults and barrel rolls are breathtaking, and spectators are able to take it in on the white sands of charming Pensacola Beach.
August
Don't miss Jacksonville's Smooth Sounds of Hot Summer Nights, which takes place at the Sea Walk Amphitheatre. This concert series includes up to three shows featuring top-name jazz musicians such as Ken Navarro and Greg Adams. The dates fall out in the months of June-August.
September
In late September, the Pensacola Seafood Festival.… well, the name says it all. The event features more than 20 types of fish, more than 20 food vendors, and a variety of traditional and gourmet preparations. Located downtown, you can catch the celebration at the Seville Square, Fountain Park, and Bartram Park, and admission is free. Don't miss the live entertainment!
October
More great seafood! The Destin Seafood Festival is held in early October at the Morgan Sports Center. Sample the creations of Destin's best restaurants, investigate Destin's history in the museum tent, and enjoy the free concert. Admission to this festival is free, too.
Dare we forget Biketoberfest, which you can witness for yourself in midmonth? This is Bike Week's other half, with plenty of attractions - “sun, beaches, bikes, and fun!”
During the last third of the month you can join in the fun at the Pensacola Interstate Fair. It's located at the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, northwest from the city on I-90, and you can find plenty of entertainment and amusement park rides, and art and agricultural exhibits to enjoy.
November
The Micanopy Fall Harvest Festival takes place in mid-November along Cholokka Boulevard. The draws are the soft country atmosphere, the best that southeast Americana can offer. It's a time for artists, artisans, and musicians to show off their wares to the public.
December
Visit Amelia Island when the weather's nice, when you can join in on the holiday spirit at the Fernandina Beach Lighted Holiday Parade. The parade features lighted floats and other vehicles moseying down Fernandina's main streets. Also, during this time many of the island's bed and breakfasts open their doors for all to see and benefit from the overflowing Southern hospitality and Victorian charm. These celebrations take place on and slightly after December 10th each year.
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