Unique Festivals in South Florida

South Florida is known for its vibrant culture, tropical climate and eclectic celebrations. Beyond the mainstream music and art festivals, however, the region is also home to some truly unique and offbeat annual events. 

From quirky food festivals to bizarre competitions, here are some of the oddest and most unique festivals you can find near our luxury South Florida apartments!

8 unique festivals in South Florida

Florida Renaissance Festival

Step into a time machine and immerse yourself in the world of knights, fair maidens and jousting at the Florida Renaissance Festival. Held annually in Deerfield Beach, this festival transforms Quiet Waters Park into a medieval village, complete with costumed performers, live sword fighting and themed entertainment. One of the quirkiest aspects of this festival is its themed weekends, which can include everything from a barbarian invasion to a steampunk extravaganza. Visitors can also enjoy turkey legs, axe throwing and an array of artisanal crafts. The festival typically runs from early February to mid-March, so be sure to check it out if you get a chance!

Everglades Seafood Festival

For those who love seafood and a bit of old Florida charm, the Everglades Seafood Festival in Everglades City is a must-visit. This festival, held every February, showcases some of the freshest seafood in the region, including stone crab claws, fried gator bites and conch fritters. What makes this festival unique is its deep-rooted connection to the small, local fishing community and its rustic, carnival-like atmosphere. Expect live country music, a lively parade and plenty of Southern hospitality — plus, some of the best seafood you can find!

King Mango Strut

If you appreciate satire and a good laugh, the King Mango Strut in Coconut Grove is one of the quirkiest parades you’ll ever witness. 

Founded in 1982 as a parody of Miami’s old King Orange Jamboree Parade (which ended in 2002), this satirical event pokes fun at current events, politics and pop culture while offering plenty of music and entertainment along the way. The parade features hilariously themed floats, comedic performances and outlandish costumes, making it one of the most irreverent events in Miami. Anyone can apply to be a part of the parade, so the lineup is certainly unlike anything you’ll ever see! The King Mango Strut typically takes place in late December, and be sure to head down there early as the event is a popular one!

Underwater Music Festival

For an experience that is truly out of this world (or at least under the sea), the Underwater Music Festival in the Florida Keys is unlike anything else. Held at Looe Key Reef, this festival invites divers and snorkelers to enjoy a subaquatic concert featuring music piped through underwater speakers. Musicians, often dressed as mermaids and sea creatures, “play” underwater instruments while marine life swims around them. The goal of the event is to promote coral reef conservation while providing an unforgettable experience. This festival usually happens in July, but keep an eye on the websites for updates.

The Great Grove Bed Race

Coconut Grove is home to yet another eccentric event — the Great Grove Bed Race. This fast-paced and wacky competition challenged teams to design and decorate beds on wheels before racing them down a designated street to support nonprofit organizations.

This festival was known for its fun-loving spirit and community participation, and while the event has been on hiatus in recent years, it remains one of Miami’s most cherished oddball traditions.

Swamp Heritage Festival

Celebrating the unique culture and history of South Florida’s swamplands, the Swamp Heritage Festival at Big Cypress National Preserve is a hidden cultural gem that’s a must-do for history buffs. 

This festival highlights the lives and traditions of the Seminole Tribe, Gladesmen and early pioneers who lived off the land in the Everglades long before Miami was the bustling metropolis it is today. Visitors can enjoy storytelling, traditional crafts and educational exhibits that showcase the region’s rich history — plus, the trails and resources at the National Park are there for people to check out, too. Unlike other festivals, this one provides an authentic glimpse into Florida’s past. It typically takes place in December, so mark your calendars!

Lake Worth Street Painting Festival

Art takes to the streets — literally — at the Lake Worth Street Painting Festival. Every February, artists transform the pavement into stunning chalk masterpieces, ranging from lifelike portraits to surreal landscapes and abstract illusions. The ephemeral nature of the art makes this festival particularly unique, as the works disappear with the next rainstorm or with foot and vehicle traffic. The festival is free to attend and draws thousands of visitors who come to watch the artists at work.

Naples Stone Crab Festival

The arrival of Florida’s stone crab season is a cause for celebration, and the Naples Stone Crab Festival is the perfect way to indulge in this local delicacy. Held every October, the festival features a variety of seafood dishes, live music and waterfront views. What sets this festival apart is its focus on sustainable fishing practices and the unique way stone crabs are harvested — only the claws are taken, allowing the crabs to regenerate them over time. It’s a real Florida feast with a conservationist twist.

From bed races to underwater concerts, South Florida is home to some of the most unique and entertaining festivals in the country. Whether you’re looking to dive into the deep or laugh your way through a satirical parade, there’s always something unexpected happening in the Sunshine State.

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Featured photo by Tanushree Rao on Unsplash