Top Florida Events in January 2026
The selection of Florida events in January 2026 is in the works. Some of the best ones run on the same weekend, so it can be challenging to decide where to go.
Our goal is to give our initial list, so you can narrow down what Florida events in January 2026 are a must-attend for you.
No matter where you venture, it’s a perfect time to check out these Florida-based events and their surrounding areas.
From art shows to interesting food festivals with live entertainment and other cultural happenings, check out all the cool events that Florida has to offer this month.
If we miss one of your favorites, feel free to put a comment in the notes below.
We’re fortunate to live in a state with so many great outdoor options in January.
Northwest Florida
17th Annual Penguin Plunge N’ Paddle – Navarre
When: January 1st, 2026
Where: 1451 Navarre Beach Causeway, Navarre, FL 32566
More Information: The 17th Annual Penguin Plunge N’ Paddle is a New Year’s Day event you won’t want to miss.
The schedule includes a paddleboard adventure course in Navarre Beach and a chilling plunge into the Gulf of Mexico.
Penguin Plunge N’ Paddle benefits Healing Paws for Warriors, a nonprofit organization that assists veterans with receiving service dogs.
Learn more at the Juana’s Pagodas official website.
Polar Bear Plunge – Pensacola Beach
When: January 1st, 2026
Where: 7 Casino Beach Boardwalk, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
More Information: Polar Bear Plunge is another fun New Year’s Day event in Northwest Florida. The event involves plunging into the Santa Rosa Sound.
Many participants came dressed in costumes like sharks and dinosaurs, and even the Grinch was spotted.
Participants should register in advance. Proceeds from the event go to the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce.
2:00 pm: PLUNGE!
Immediately following the plunge:
- Free black-eyed peas and cornbread
- Costume Contest winners announced
- John Hart Project live on stage
Learn more on the Visit Pensacola website.
While in the area, check out some of the Fun Things to Do in Pensacola & Pensacola Beach.
Pensacola Mardi Gras Celebrations
Kick Off Celebration on the 12th Night
When: January 3rd, 2026
Where: Downtown Pensacola: Palafox and Government Streets, Pensacola, FL 32501
More information: Pensacola’s Mardi Gras 12th Night Celebration is an event that celebrates its 14th year in 2025.
This annual event is also known as the Pensacola Mardi Gras Kick-Off celebration.
The New Orleans-style event has processionals led by the New Orleans Ramblers, with band marches, costumed Krewes, festive floats, and much more.
Delicious and free King Cake is available from the event sponsor. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Learn more by visiting the Pensacola Mardi Gras official website.
While in the area, check out Fun Things to Do in Pensacola & Pensacola Beach.
Pensacola Mardi Gras Mambo
When: January 24th, 2026
Where: Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E Gregory St., Pensacola, FL 32502
More information: The Mardi Gras Mambo is another one of Pensacola’s fantastic Mardi Gras events.
This all-ages, ticketed mambo boasts a selection of live music, as well as Mardi Gras-themed food and drink options.
Learn more by visiting the Pensacola Mardi Gras official website.
17th Annual 30A Songwriters Festival – Santa Rosa Beach/Walton County, FL
When: January 16th through the 19th, 2026
Where: 4 Goldenrod Cir., Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
More Information: The 30A Songwriters Festival promises a delightful musical experience for attendees.
With more than 250 performances slated across various venues along the picturesque Florida’s Highway 30A, visitors are in for a treat.
Expect to be enchanted by the tunes of acclaimed songwriters and musicians representing diverse genres.
This festival offers an intimate and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for music enthusiasts seeking new discoveries.
Prepare for a weekend brimming with captivating melodies and a welcoming ambiance at this must-visit event.
Purchase your tickets for the 17th Annual 30A Songwriters Festival at the lowest possible price today.
Don’t miss the Top Things to Do in Santa Rosa Beach, FL.
North Central Florida
39th Annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire – Gainesville
When: January 24th and 25th, 2026
Where: Depot Park, 874 SE 4th St, Gainesville, FL 32601
More information: The 39th Annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire is one of our favorite Florida events.
This year, visitors get to experience the event in a different way from previous years, especially in regard to its location.
Taking place over one weekend in Downtown Gainesville, the 2026 fair is a free-admission event that promises all the classic entertainment it usually hosts.
See Olde World dancers and singers perform, shop for handmade medieval wares at the artisan market, and partake in classic fair food at this fun medieval celebration.
Learn more by visiting the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire official website.
While you’re in the area, make sure to check out the Awesome Things To Do in Gainesville.
4th Annual Arbor Day 5K and Tree Giveaway – Quincy
When: January 17th, 2026
Where: Bear Creek Educational Forest, 8125 Pat Thomas Parkway Quincy, FL 32351
More Information: The 4th Annual Arbor Day 5K is an excellent race at Quincy’s Florida Forest Service Bear Creek Educational Center.
Run through local topography for a chance to win a 1-gallon Live Oak sapling. 1-gallon Live Oak saplings awarded to top 6 overall finishers, top 3 youth, and first canine finishers.
Get more information on the Race Calendar.
While in the area, don’t miss the Best Things to Do in Quincy, FL.
Northeast Florida
Saint Augustine Film Festival – St. Augustine
When: January 7th through the 11th, 2026
Where: Various Locations in St. Augustine
- Flagler College Lewis Auditorium, 14 Granada St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
- Flagler College Gamache-Koger Theater, 50 Sevilla Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084
- The Alcazar Room at Lightner Museum, 75 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
More information: One of the things we love about the Saint Augustine Film Festival is that every year, it provides a unique experience with entirely different movies.
This ticketed festival takes place in three St. Augustine venues. Guests can order tickets by film or purchase an all-access pass to see everything this event has to offer.
Learn more by visiting the Saint Augustine Film Festival official website.
While you’re in the area, make sure to check out a Step Back in Time in Charming St. Augustine
St. Augustine Arts and Crafts Festival
When: January 10th and 11th, 2026
Where: St Johns County Ocean Pier Park Pavilion, St. Augustine Beach, FL
More Information: You’ll love the Arts & Crafts Show at St. Augustine Beach if you enjoy arts and crafts.
The weekend festival has nearly 100 artists exhibiting their creations, which include jewelry, glasswork, paintings, photography, and more.
Admission to this event is free.
Learn more on the Florida Historic Coast website.
Central West Florida
29th Annual Downtown Dunedin Art Festival
When: January 3rd and 4th, 2026
Where: 271 Main St., Dunedin, FL 34698
More Information: We love the quirky and creative scene in Dunedin.
The 29th Annual Downtown Dunedin Art Festival is a great event that captures the city’s fun atmosphere.
This free weekend event is a perfect opportunity to see and purchase artwork from the local community.
Learn more on the Art Festival website.
While in the area, don’t miss the Best Things to Do in Dunedin, FL.
39th Annual Florida Manatee Festival – Crystal River
When: January 17th and 18th, 2026
Where: Downtown Crystal River, Crystal River, FL 34429
More information: The Florida Manatee Festival is one of our favorite events in the Sunshine State.
Taking place in the Manatee Capital of the World, this two-day celebration is all about celebrating the amazing sea cows.
Downtown Crystal River transforms to offer live entertainment, food and craft vendors, and kids activities.
Discounted manatee boat tours and guided kayak tours are offered during the festival.
There is also free admission to Three Sisters Springs State Park during the Manatee Festival.
Learn more by visiting the Florida Manatee Festival’s official website.
While you’re in the area, make sure to check out: Swim with a Manatee and Experience Authentic Crystal River
2026 Gasparilla Pirate Fest – Tampa
When: Saturday, January 31st, 2026
Where: 1200 W Cass St, Suite 110, Tampa, FL 33606
More information: Gasparilla is one of Tampa’s most popular annual events. If you’ve ever attended, you know why everyone loves it.
Pirate Fest includes a day packed full of fun things to do.
The Gasparilla Invasion is a big part of the event. This is when the pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla arrive.
There is also a parade and live entertainment during this thrilling festival.
Learn more on the Gasparilla website.
While in the area, visit the Top Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
2026 Kumquat Festival – Dade City
When: January 31st, 2026
Where: 14112 8th Street, Dade City, FL 33525
More information: If you enjoy Old Florida events, we recommend checking out Dade City’s Annual Kumquat Festival.
In celebration of the small fruit known as kumquats, this event includes live music, food vendors, arts and crafts booths, and more.
Authentic Florida was featured on page 2 of the 2019 Kumquat Festival Program published by the Tampa Bay Times.
Learn more about this fun event on the Kumquat Festival website.
While in the area, check out the Best Things to Do in Dade City, FL.
Central Florida
42nd Annual Orange City Blue Springs Manatee Festival – Orange City
When: January 24th and 25th, 2026
Where: Valentine Park: 1511 W. French Avenue, Orange City, FL 32753
More Information: Orange City’s Blue Springs Manatee Festival is an annual event celebrating one of Florida’s favorite aquatic mammals.
This ticketed event has food vendors, live entertainment, and tons of activities for the whole family.
Proceeds from this event benefit the Orange City community, including Friends of Blue Spring State Park.
Learn more on the Manatee Festival website.
While in the area, check out the Blue Spring State Park and Nearby Places to Eat, Stay, and Shop.
42nd Annual Florida Storytelling Festival – Mount Dora
When: January 22nd through the 25th, 2026
Where: Lakeside Inn, 100 Alexander St, Mt. Dora, FL 32757
More Information: Mount Dora hosts the fun and unique Florida Storytelling Festival.
The 2026 event schedule includes workshops, storytelling contests, concerts, and featured storytellers:
- Megan Wells
- Michael Reno Harrell
- George Otieno
- Mij Byram
- Janel Woodland Birch
Learn more on the Florida Storytelling Association website.
While in the area, check out the Best Things to Do in Mount Dora.
Central East Florida
Space Coast Renaissance Fair – Viera
When: January 10th – 11th and 17th – 18th, 2026; 10 am – 6 pm.
Where: Space Coast Daily Park, 5775 Stadium Parkway, Melbourne, FL 32940
More Information: Step back in time at the Space Coast Renaissance Fair in Viera, where knights, jesters, artisans, and epic feasts bring Old Florida fun to life.
From live jousting to handcrafted treasures, it’s the perfect weekend adventure for families looking for a little magic on the Space Coast.
Learn more on the official Space Cast Renaissance Fair website.
While in the area, check out the Best Things to Do in Melbourne, FL.
35th Annual Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival – Fellsmere
When: January 15th through January 18th, 2026
Where: 22 South Orange St, Fellsmere, FL 32948
More Information: The 35th Annual Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival is a Florida event and January tradition.
Fans of frog legs and gator tail dinners can enjoy all the dining options at the free festival.
There are fun rides, local music, and great shopping opportunities at this unique event.
Learn more on the Frog Leg Festival website.
While in the area, check out Ten Discoveries to Make In Indian River County.
50th Annual Images: A Festival of the Arts – New Smyrna Beach
When: January 23rd through the 25th, 2026
Where: Riverside Drive & Canal Street in New Smyrna Beach, Florida
More information: The 50th Annual Images: A Festival of the Arts is a 3-day event in New Smyrna Beach. The free festival is a huge celebration of art, with over 200 artists.
In addition to art, the event has live entertainment, food trucks, and activities for kids.
Read more on the Images Art Festival Website.
While in the area, check out the Top Things to Do in New Smyrna Beach
28th Annual Vero Beach Extravaganza (International Art and Antiques Show)
When: January 30th through February 1st, 2026
Where: Indian River County Fairgrounds, 7955 58th Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32967
More Information: The Vero Beach Extravaganza is a Florida Antique Show that collectors won’t want to miss.
The ticketed event has been running for 28 years and brings a great selection of vintage and antique items to the area.
Check out the extravaganza’s unique items – you may just find some amazing pieces to take home with you.
Learn more on the Florida Antique Shows website.
While in the area, don’t miss the Best Things to Do in Vero Beach.
27th Annual Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival – Cape Canaveral
When: January 21st through the 25th, 2026
Where: Radisson Resort at the Port, 8701 Astronaut Blvd, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
More Information: If you enjoy birdwatching, we think the 27th Annual Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival is the perfect Florida event to attend in January.
This year, the official festival bird is the lovely Sandhill Crane.
The festival takes place in Cape Canaveral and has over 90 exhibits on birding and wildlife to enjoy. ‘
There are ticketed field trips during the event that take participants on tours where you can see a variety of Florida birds and other wildlife.
Learn more at the Space Coast Birding website.
While in the area, don’t miss the Great Reasons to Visit the Florida’s Space Coast.
Southwest Florida
30th Annual Naples New Year’s Art Fair
When: January 3rd and 4th, 2026
Where: Cambier Park, 585 Park St, Naples, FL 34102
More Information: The 30th Annual New Year’s Art Fair in Naples is a huge outdoor art fair that features over 250 artists.
We love all the different varieties of art in different mediums at this 2-day event, like paintings, ceramics, and digital art.
This event is free to attend. You will want to bring money to purchase artwork or purchase from the different vendors.
Learn more about this event at the Naples Art website.
While in the area, check out our Ultimate Guide to Naples, Florida.
10th Annual Sarasota Seafood and Music Festival
When: January 2nd through the 4th, 2026
Where: JD Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Dr., Sarasota, FL 34236
More Information: The 10th Annual Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival is a free 3-day event at JD Hamel Park. Enjoy fresh seafood dishes, great drinks, and tasty desserts.
In addition to food and drinks, there is live music scheduled by a variety of Florida singers and bands, as well as an arts & crafts market to shop at.
Learn more on the Paragon Festivals website.
While you’re in the area, make sure to check out: Top Awesome Things To Do in Sarasota
18th Annual Downtown Venice Craft Festival
When: January 24th and 25th, 2026
Where: Downtown Venice, 100-300 West Venice Ave., Venice, FL 34285
More Information: The 18th Annual Downtown Venice Craft Festival is a free 2-day event where visitors can stroll the historic streets of Venice while seeing a huge selection of jewelry, ceramics, stained glass, and more.
The festival also has a Green Market, where we enjoy shopping for plants, snacks, gourmet spices, and other goodies to take home with us.
Learn more on the Art Festival website.
Southeast Florida
66th Annual Orchid Show – Pembroke Pines
When:January 9th through the 11th, 2026
Where: Charles F. Dodge City Center, 601 City Center Blvd., Pembroke Pines, FL 33025
More Information: The Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society is a nonprofit hosting its 66th Annual Orchid Show and Sale.
View and shop a variety of orchids at one of the largest orchid shows in the country.
Admission to this event is $15.
Learn more on the Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society website.
16th Annual Riverwalk Stone Crab and Seafood Festival – Fort Lauderdale
When: January 3rd, 2026
Where: Esplanade Park, 400 SW 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33312
More Information: We think the 16th Annual Riverwalk Stone Crab & Seafood Festival is another great opportunity to enjoy deliciously fresh seafood during Florida’s January events.
The Fort Lauderdale festival showcases a fantastic selection of seafood from local restaurants and food trucks.
Enjoy music, drinks, and fun activities at this free event.
Learn more by visiting the Go River Walk website.
While you’re in the area, make sure to check out: Seven Things Spring Breakers Missed in Fort Lauderdale
Florida Keys Celtic Festival – Marathon
When: January 10th and 11th, 2026
Where: Marathon Community Park, MM49 US Hwy 1 Ocean Side, Marathon, FL 33050
More Information: We love immersing ourselves in the Celtic culture at the Florida Keys Celtic Festival in Marathon.
The ticketed 2-day festival features Celtic music, Irish and Scottish dancing, Highland Athletics, and other excellent cultural experiences.
Learn more on the Florida Keys Celtic Festival website.
While in the area, enjoy the Best Places to Swim with Dolphins in the Florida Keys.
49th Annual Art Deco Weekend – Miami Beach
When: January 9th through the 11th, 2026
Where: Ocean Drive and Lummus Park between 5th Street and 12th Street, and other nearby sites, Miami Beach, FL 33139
More information: The 49th Annual Art Deco Weekend is a Florida January event that you won’t want to miss.
The festival packs in a variety of artistic experiences for visitors, including an antique show, an architectural walking tour of Ocean Drive, and a classic car show.
The Deco Nights and Neon Lights Tour might be our favorite activity scheduled. This nighttime walking tour of Ocean Drive focuses on the area’s glamorous neon lighting and its history.
Learn more by visiting the Art Deco Weekend official website.
While you’re in the area, make sure to check out: A Walking Tour Through Miami’s Authentic South Beach
South Florida Fair – West Palm Beach
When: January 16th, 2026 through February 1st, 2026
Where: Yesteryear Village, 601-7 Sansbury’s Way, West Palm Beach, FL 33411
More information: The South Florida Fair is easily the Sunshine State’s biggest and oldest January event – dating back to 1912.
This humongous fair offers all the traditional fair attractions, with carnival rides, fair food, and a lot of live entertainment options.
The 2026 fair theme is “Party with the Pirates.”
While you are there, make sure to check out Yesteryear Village, a living history park on site where interpreters share stories about their lives before the year 1940.
It is an incredible and unique experience to hear about the past from Palm Beach County residents during one of our favorite Florida January events.
Learn more by visiting the South Florida Fair’s official website.
While you’re in the area, make sure to check out: Fun Things to Do Around the Palm Beaches
Tamiami International Orchid Festival – Miami
When: January 16th through the 18th, 2026
Where: Miami-Dade County Fair Expo Center, 10901 SW 24th St., Miami, FL 33165
More Information: The Tamiami International Orchid Festival is a huge January event taking place at the Miami-Dade County Fair Expo Center. See orchid exhibits and vendors, and attend fascinating orchid lectures at this 3-day festival.
Admission for this event is $20. (If purchasing online, enter the word SAVE to receive a discount).
Learn more at the Tamiami Orchid Festival website.
While in the area, enjoy the Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Miami.
South Florida Strawberry Festival – Boca Raton
When: January 17th, 18th and 19th, 2026
Where: ***NEW BIGGER LOCATION*** – South County Regional Park. For GPS: Sunset Cove Amphitheater, 12551 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33498
More Information: As you may know, we love Florida’s strawberry festivals. The Boca Strawberry Festival is a fantastic event to attend this month.
This 2-day festival in Boca Raton has live entertainment, a petting zoo, fun activities, and tons of strawberry treats.
Admission for this event is $15.
Learn more on the Boca Strawberry Festival website.
Check out Our Favorite Strawberry Festivals in Florida.
A Festival of Chocolate – Miami
When: January 24th and 25th, 2026
Where: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road, Miami, Florida 33156
More Information: The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami is hosting A Festival of Chocolate. Chocolate lovers will enjoy this sweet 2-day event.
The festival has all things chocolate – from drinks to food and even cacao trees for purchase.
Admission for this event is $24.95 for adults.
Learn more on the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens website.
Do you still have a sweet tooth after this event? Visit the Best Bakeries in Miami, FL.
17th Annual Key West Food and Wine Festival – Key West
When: January 29th through February 1st, 2026
Where: Various locations in Key West, FL
More information: The Key West Food & Wine Festival is a fantastic culinary event that takes place each January.
The event showcases a diverse selection of cuisine and wines.
Learn more by visiting the Key West Food & Wine Festival official website.
While you’re in the area, make sure to check out: Enjoy a Fun-Filled Weekend In Authentic Key West
77th Annual Homestead Rodeo
When: January 30th through February 1st, 2026
Where: Harris Field Park, 1034 NE 8th St., Homestead, FL 33031
More information: The 77th Annual Homestead Championship Rodeo is an Old Florida tradition that we love. The event has three performances scheduled over three days.
Each performance features classic rodeo events like bull riding and barrel racing.
Admission for this event is $40 for adults; $25 for children (4-12).
Learn more on the Homestead Rodeo website.
While in the area, don’t miss the Best Things to Do in Homestead, FL
Art Palm Beach – West Palm Beach
When: January 28th through February 1st, 2026
Where: Palm Beach County Convention Center, 650 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
More Information: Art Palm Beach is one of Florida’s newer January events. Held at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, the art fair showcases a great selection of contemporary and modern art.
General admission for the event is $35. A percentage of proceeds will go to the American Heart Association.
Learn more at the Art Palm Beach website.
Looking for more fun? Don’t miss these Fun Things to Do Around the Palm Beaches.
Here are a few other suggestions for things to do in January:
- Top Florida Festivals in February
- Florida Museums in the Time Travelers Network
- Best Places to Swim with Dolphins in the Florida Keys
- Best Beaches in Southwest Florida
- Best Immersive Experiences in Florida
- Top Places to Eat, Stay, & Shop Near Florida’s Unique Attractions
- Best Glass Bottom Boat Tours in Florida
- St. Augustine Lighthouse + List of Florida’s Historic Lighthouses
The post Top Florida Events in January 2026 appeared first on Authentic Florida.
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