Top 10 Florida Events in August: Unleash the Ultimate Extravaganza of Festivals, Concerts, Art Galas, and Carnivals!

It’s great living in the Sunshine State, but even we’ll admit the sun really starts to beat down on us in late summer! It can be harder to find fun things to do outside. However, there are some amazing Florida events in August that make us excited to slap on that sunscreen and get out there!

These events would make great additions to any August vacation itinerary, and we think you’re sure to find at least one or two “must-dos” on this list. (We’re all about those food-themed festivals, personally!)

Florida Events in August

While many Florida festivals are planned for cooler times of the year, we’re so happy these sunny soirees are here to help us seize the summer! After all, every day is a gift (no matter what the temperature may be) – and that’s worth a party or two!

1. EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

Disney World Orlando, Ongoing (July 27 – November 18, 2023)

One of the best-loved annual events in Florida is also a Walt Disney World staple: the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival! This yummy celebration of flavors from around the world is a months-long extravaganza, which means it’s happening throughout the entire month of August. Stroll around the World Showcase and sample delicious dishes from Norway, France, Japan, and several other countries! With over twenty different kitchen kiosks, the opportunity to try new things is practically endless. There are also special scavenger hunts, culinary demonstrations, and live music to complement the food at this festival.

2. SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival

SeaWorld Orlando, Ongoing (July 28 – September 4, 2023)

Walking around a theme park can be pretty tiring, especially in the hot sun; however, SeaWorld Orlando has come up with a solution: a Craft Beer Festival! With various stations set up throughout the park, you can wet your whistle as you explore the animal exhibits or catch a ride on one of the coasters. With over 100 craft beers, wines, and cocktails, you’re sure to find a brew that’s perfect for you. And – most importantly – there are snacks! (FYI: the Craft Beer Festival takes place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.)

3. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Bier Fest

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Ongoing (July 21 – September 4, 2023)

Channeling the spirit of Oktoberfest, the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Bier Fest offers up seasonal brews and beer-inspired (or beer-infused) recipes for guests to savor during their day at the park. Another event that’s happening throughout the month of August, Bier Fest will be part of the Busch Gardens experience every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until early September. With over 70 craft brews and bites – as well as live music from local bands – this festival might just top the Iron Gwazi! (That’s Busch Gardens’ 207-foot tall roller coaster.)

4. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Disney World Orlando, August 11 – November 1, 2023

It might seem a little early to start celebrating the spooky season, but one of the top Florida events in August is actually Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! Kicking off in the middle of the month, this nighttime festival transforms Disney’s Magic Kingdom into a trick-or-treating wonderland. (Heavy on the treats!) With seasonal shows, parades, and ride makeovers, this party is one of the most popular “limited time only” Disney attractions. Tickets to the party (which are separate from regular admission) tend to sell out quickly, especially for dates in October. Snagging an early spot in August can be a great way to guarantee a night of spooky fun!

5. Coconut Grove Beer Festival

Miami, August 12, 2023

There seems to be a theme with Florida events in August: alcohol! However, taking a big swig of something cool is particularly refreshing this time of year, which is why the Coconut Grove Beer Festival promises to be a big hit. With over 100 craft beers, tasty food, live Caribbean music, and seminars on how to prepare your own great summer drinks and dishes, this festival is one you won’t want to miss if you’re in the Miami area!

6. Jacksonville Caribbean Carnival

Jacksonville, August 5-13, 2023

Enjoy the vibrant color and vivacious culture of the Caribbean with the Jacksonville Caribbean Carnival! A celebration full of live music, dancing, DJs, food, costumes, and parades, this might be one of the most lively Florida events in August. The grand “Carnival Day” is Saturday, August 12th, and promises to be a big bash you won’t forget. Better start practicing your best dance moves!

7. Key West Lobsterfest

Key West, August 10-13, 2023

One of the most delicious annual events in Florida, the Key West Lobsterfest will be serving up buttery crustaceans for four days straight! In addition to traditional lobster boils and a lobster pub crawl through town, there will also be pool parties (with lobster snacks) and even a free concert and street fair. Make sure you bring along your appetite for this event!

8. National Honey Bee Day

Cocoa, August 19, 2023

Celebrate National Honey Bee Day in Cocoa, Florida, this August! One of the annual events in Florida, this free event promises to be a fun and educational afternoon for bee enthusiasts of all ages. There will be lots of games and activities for the kiddos, including a spelling bee with prizes, and there will also be lectures given (in the A/C!) by researchers and bee experts throughout the day.

The sweetest part of this event? The honey, of course! There will be several tents where you can purchase raw golden honey and local bee-related crafts. There will also be actual bees in attendance in a self-contained beehive, and you can witness a live honey extraction. Now, that’s something to buzz about!

9. Orlando Boat Show

Orlando, August 18 -20, 2023

If you have a passion for boating, then the Orlando Boat Show is a must-see! Whether you’re in the market for your own vessel or just want to admire the beauty of other seacrafts, you can wind your way through a showroom of over 400 boats at this gigantic event. Great for the whole family, there are also activities for the kids, like trout fishing in an indoor pond and enjoying an interactive show with Twiggy, the water-skiing squirrel. (Yes, Twiggy is a real live stunt squirrel!!)

10. Music and Art by the Sea

St. Augustine, August 16 – September 27, 2023

St. Augustine might be our nation’s oldest city, but Music and Art by the Sea is anything but outdated! Artists will congregate on the beach every Wednesday evening from mid-August to late September, serenading guests with live music and dazzling them with an open-air gallery of artwork. Admission to this event is free, and food trucks will be present for your snack-related needs. This is an excellent weekday outing if you’re vacationing in St. Augustine this summer!

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Have you been to any of these Florida events and festivals? Which one are you looking forward to the most? Get the party started in the comments below!

Happy summer, everyone!

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Featured photo: halfpoint via Canva