Top Florida Events in September
There’s no shortage of fun Florida events in September this year.
Football season is back, and the month is packed with exciting events perfect for locals and visitors alike.
Things To Do in Florida in September
We’re highlighting some of the top Florida events in September 2026 to attend.
So, mark your calendars, make plans with your friends and family, and prepare to create fond memories.
National Public Lands Day
When: September 26th, 2026
Where: National Parks that charge an entry fee
More Information: Since 1994 the National Public Lands Day has been held on the fourth Saturday of September. It has been the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort.
Last year over 130 national parks hosted events with volunteers serving an impressive 41,500 hours of service.
On National Public Lands Day, all national parks that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone.
Learn more on the National Park Service website.
Check out U.S. National Parks in Florida You’ll Love.
North East Florida
Amelia Island Dining Month – Amelia Island
When: September 1st through the 30th, 2026
Where: Various restaurants in Amelia Island
More Information: Amelia Island Dining Month highlights local culinary talent through special prix-fixe menus offered by participating restaurants. For each Dining Month menu purchased, $1 will be donated to Blessings in a Backpack, an initiative aimed at feeding local children facing food insecurities during the weekends.
This event not only showcases the vibrant culinary scene of Amelia Island but also contributes to addressing food insecurity in Nassau County. Diners can choose from exclusive prix-fixe menus that provide a delightful dining experience crafted by skilled chefs.
Amelia Island offers a unique opportunity to enjoy exceptional meals while making a positive impact on the community.
Learn more on the Amelia Island website.
Garden of Reading Literary Festival – Palatka
When: September 12th, 2026
Where: 1600 Twigg St, Palatka, FL 32177
More Information: Visit the Ravine Gardens State Park for a day of literature, authors, readings, vendors, activities, and more.
Learn more on the Facebook Event.
Sopchoppy Depot Days – Sopchoppy
When: September 12th, 2026
Where: 34 Rose St, Sopchoppy, FL 32358
More Information: The Annual Sopchoppy Depot Days honors the community and the historic Sopchoppy Depot, which is the last remaining depot on the Georgia, Florida & Alabama line still standing in Florida.
The event features a variety of activities, including a Classic Car Parade with People’s Choice trophies and a model railroad display by the Big Bend Model Railroad Association. Attendees can explore local vendors, artisan crafts, food trucks, and enjoy music from DJ Butch while the Sopchoppy Depot Museum showcases historical exhibits and artifacts.
Proceeds from vendor fees and merchandise will benefit community projects and nonprofits, promoting initiatives such as river access expansion and the Florida Paddling Trail.
Learn more on the official Facebook event.
St. Augustine Songwriters Festival
When: September 24th through the 27th, 2026
Where:
- Colonial Oaks – 21 St George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
- Prohibition Kitchen – 119 St George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
- Tradewinds Lounge – 124 Charlotte St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
- St. Augustine Distillery – 112 Riberia St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
More Information: St. Augustine Songwriters Festival is a home away from home for music enthusiasts.
Enjoy captivating performances from hitmakers who come together to unravel untold stories and inspiration behind their music.
Enjoy heartwarming anecdotes and unexpected twists with this treasure trove of secrets. See a variety of performers bring their songs to life in a new way.
Learn more on the St. Augustine Songwriters Festival website.
Looking for interesting things to do when you’re in the Old City? Check out Top Things to Do in St. Augustine.
North West Florida
Emerald Coast Beer Festival
When: September 11th, 2026
Where: Seville Quarter – 130 East Government St., Pensacola, FL 32502
More Information: Don’t miss the 28th annual Emerald Coast Beer Festival. This is Pensacola’s largest and oldest craft beer-tasting event.
Visit breweries all around the Gulf Coast area. This includes 50+ microbreweries and another 50-100 represented by their distributors. There are also over 10 homebrew clubs that provide beer.
VIP admission will start at 5:00 pm, and general admission will start at 5:30 pm. The festival will also have live music, food trucks, and much more.
Learn more on the Emerald Coast Beer Fest website.
35th Juana Good Time Regatta – Navarre Beach
When: September 11th through the 13th, 2026
Where: Navarre Beach
More Information: Do you love to sail? The Juana Good Time Regatta is a must-visit event for you.
This event is designed for beginners and experts alike. All participants will receive a t-shirt (while supplies last) and entry to multiple parties to continue the fun after sailing.
Learn more on the official website.
5th Annual Little Village Conch Fest – Panama City
When: September 19th, 2026
Where: 2808 W 12th St, Panama City, FL 32401
More Information: The Little Village Conch Shell Festival is an opportunity to learn how to blow conch shells, participate in a shell-blowing contest, and enjoy live music.
Little Village is an outdoor, waterfront live music venue with an eclectic market featuring unique, eco-friendly, fair trade, clothing, jewelry, and local art.
The event is free and open to the public.
Read more on their Facebook events page.
Do you love shelling? Check out the A Beginner’s Guide to Identifying Common Florida Seashells.
49th Annual Pensacola Seafood Festival – Pensacola
When: September 25th through the 27th, 2026
Where: Downtown Pensacola
More Information: The 49th Annual Pensacola Seafood Festival features dozens of food vendors serving fresh seafood, live music, and arts and crafts.
This is a fun way to celebrate the Gulf Coast’s unique culinary and cultural heritage.
The event itself offers free admission. However, expect to pay a parking fee.
Read more on the Pensacola Seafood Festival website.
While in the area, check out Fun Things to Do in Pensacola and Pensacola Beach.
48th Annual Destin Seafood Festival
When: September 25th through the 27th, 2026
Where: 102 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
About the event: The 48th annual Destin Seafood Festival will be on Destin Harbor this year. There are over 70 vendor booths, five music stages, a kid zone, and many seafood vendors.
This festival is free to attend, but VIP upgrade options are available for an extra fee. The VIP experience will include private restrooms, special tastings, and other benefits.
Learn more from the Destin Seafood Festival website.
While in the area, don’t miss Fun Things to Do in Destin – The Emerald Coast.
North Central Florida
Flea Across Florida
When: September 11th and 12th, 2026
Where: US Highway 90, between Madison and Lee, FL
More Information: It’s time to go on the ultimate treasure hunt. Florida’s largest yard sale takes place with the Flea Across Florida.
Shop from a variety of vendors that are set up along US Highway 90. More than 50 shops and communities are signed up to participate in the event.
Learn more from The Flea Across Florida Facebook Group.
Smokin’ In The Pines BBQ Festival And VW Bug Show
When: September 26th, 2026
Where: 203 Forest Park Dr, Perry, FL 32348
More Information: The Smokin’ in the Pines BBQ Festival is one of the largest in the state. With over $15,000 in cash prizes, this competition is one you don’t want to miss.
Visitors can sample BBQ at many sampling stations, or they can be a judge in the People’s Choice portion of the event, where they can try over 35 different kinds of pulled pork.
Entertainment includes a mixture of southern rock and country music. There is no fee to attend the even,t but if you want to sample or judge in the people’s choice you will pay a small fee.
Learn more on the Smokin in the Pines website.
If you love food festivals, don’t miss A Local’s Guide to Florida Food Festivals.
Central West Florida
26th Annual I Like It HOT Festival
When: September 12th and 13th, 2026
Where: Largo Event Center – 6340 126th Avenue, Largo, FL 33773
More Information: Celebrate all things hot and spicy food with the 26th annual I Like It HOT Festival. Specialty exhibitors will bring sauces, salsas, seasonings, rubs, plants, food products, and much more that make life a little more spicy.
There will also be contests such as the favorite vendor competition, Extreme Lolli LIck-A-Thon (the hottest lollipop in the world), and the jalapeno pepper eating contest.
The event is pet and family friendly, and admission and parking are complimentary.
Learn more on the Facebook Event.
Regal Railway Toy Train and Collectibles Show – Brooksville
When: Saturday, September 12th, 2026
Where: Hernando County Fairgrounds, 6436 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34601
More Information: Join train enthusiasts and collectors for the Regal Railway Toy Train and Collectibles Show.
There is free parking, a variety of vendors, and a train engine for photo shoots.
Learn more on the Regal Railways website.
While visiting for this event, check out Florida’s Nature Coast Cool Down Activities.
Central Florida
Sips and Salsa Festival – Clermont
When: September 19th, 2026
Where: 330 3rd St, Clermont, FL 34711
This event offers the community all things SALSA. A display of cultural cuisine is available in a variety of exquisite dishes, accompanied by live salsa music and dancing.
Lots of activities for the whole family including the Fidos Fiesta Costume Contest, a domino tournament, a kids’ zone, and much more.
Learn more on the South Lake Chamber website.
4th Annual Viva La Frida Festival – Mount Dora
When: September 26th, 2026, 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Donnelly Park – 530 N. Donnelly St, Mount Dora, FL 32757
More Information: Celebrate Frida Kahlo with this outdoor event in the heart of historic downtown Mount Dora.
Enjoy rich experiences, food, music, and art inspired by Latin and Hispanic culture. Community outreach groups will be on hand to offer a wide variety of services to Latino families.
Proceeds support art education and public art initiatives in Mount Dora, Florida.
Learn more on the Mount Dora Art website.
A visit to charming Mount Dora is always a great idea. Check out our article on the Best Things to Do in Mount Dora.
EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival – Orlando
When: August 27th, 2026 through November 21st, 2026
Where: Walt Disney World Resort’s EPCOT
More Information: We usually stay clear of the large theme parks, however, if you haven’t been to EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival, this is a great time to go. Attendance is down and they are offering Florida Resident Discounts.
In addition to food and drink, there are cooking demos, seminars, and live music from top performers.
This year’s September lineup includes Hanson, The Beach Boys, Boyz II Men, Tiffany, and more.
You must pay theme park admission; each food/drink option you try at this event is a separate cost.
The concerts are included with regular admission. TIP: There’s a dining option where you can get reserved seats for the concert.
Read more at the Disney website.
While in the area, enjoy the Best Things to Do in Orlando at Night and Best Things to Do in Kissimmee, FL.
Lake Nona Oktoberfest – Orlando
When: 2026 Dates to be announced
Where: Lake Nona Town Center, 6941 Lake Nona Blvd., Orlando, FL 32827
More Information: It’s time to celebrate Oktoberfest at Lake Nona Town Center. Enjoy live music, kids activities, German food, special release beers, and much more.
Learn more by visiting the official Lake Nona Oktoberfest Facebook page.
Interested in attending other Oktoberfests in Florida? Don’t miss A Guide to the Top Oktoberfests in Florida.
Central East Florida
TBD
Southwest Florida
Island Hopper Fest
When: September 18th through the 27th, 2026
Where: Locations to be announced.
More Information: Island Hopper Songwriter Fest is a 10-day music festival that takes over Southwest Florida with performances by the greatest BMI singer-songwriters.
The festival is separated into four locations with the first weekend in Captiva Island. Many of the shows are free with the exception of a few special ticketed experiences like the headliner show.
Learn more on the Island Hopper Fest website.
While in the area or making plans to visit, check out an Ultimate Guide to Fort Myers & Fort Myers Beach
Southeast Florida
Miami Spice Restaurant Months – Miami
When: August 1st, 2026 until September 30th, 2026
Where: Various participating Miami restaurants
More information: Miami Spice Restaurant Months is a two-month-long dining experience organized by the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau’s (GMCVB).
Each of the 150+ participating restaurants creates three-course lunch/brunch and dinner menus at a fixed price — $30/$35 for brunch and lunch; and $45/$60 for dinner.
The event is an excellent opportunity to explore the vibrant and diverse Miami food scene. Miami Spice celebrates its 25th year in 2026.
Learn more from the official Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau website.
Don’t miss Adventures in Awesome, Authentic Miami.
Jimmy Buffett Day in Florida
When: September 4th, 2026
Where: Various locations
More information: The state of Florida is celebrating Jimmy Buffett Day on September 4th this year.
Together, we can all experience the life and music of Jimmy Buffett, honoring his free-spirited lifestyle and his significant contributions to both national and state culture.
His legacy and influence are truly commendable and worthy of celebration.
Florida Scallop, Music, and Arts Festival – Port St. Joe
When: September 5th and 6th, 2026
Where: George Core Park, 162 Miss Zola’s Dr., Port St. Joe, Florida 32456
More information: This exciting event takes place on the beautiful shores of St. Joseph Bay in historic Port St. Joe over Labor Day Weekend.
Enjoy the Scallop Gallop 5K, a Scallop Cookoff, a variety of vendors, and live music from 12 noon to 9 p.m.
Admission is just $10 for Saturday and $10 for Sunday. Students with ID are only $5. Parking is free.
Don’t forget to bring your lawn chair for a comfy spot at George Core Park (Lighthouse Park) in Port St. Joe.
Learn more on the official Florida Scallop, Music, and Arts Festival Facebook Event.
Looking for more fun things to do in September in Florida? Here are some recommendations:
- Best Immersive Experiences in Florida
- Nothing Beats Fantastic Florida Farmers’ Markets
- Best Roadside Attractions in Florida
- Best Car Museums in Florida
- Florida Museums in the Time Travelers Network
The post Top Florida Events in September appeared first on Authentic Florida.
Categories
Recent Posts
