Looking for Fort Lauderdale family events? There are lots of things planned with families in mind. I compiled below a list of events that are running so far this year.
There are lots more going on around Fort Lauderdale but these are the larger ones that seemed to be more geared towards families.
Whether you and your family are into fantasy, good food or dancing under the stars, there is definitely something for everyone. Pick one or two to go this year if an event just happens to be going on during your visit. Or if you live in the area, why not try to go to several of them? It beats doing yard work for at least one weekend day in most months!
Click here for a list of ongoing family events in the Fort Lauderdale area.
Scroll below for a list of major annual Fort Lauderdale family events.
- Las Olas Art Fair I – Annual – Fort LauderdaleThis is a very popular event on ritzy Las Olas Boulevard. We usually just “window shop” the artwork being shown from open booths lined up from SE 6th Avenue and SE 11th Avenue. Some pieces can cost thousands of dollars but there are some artworks that are affordable. Art can mean paintings, photographs, jewelry, pottery and other media types. I love this event because it’s a great way to get exposed to the world of art.
Las Olas Art Fair I – Annual – Fort Lauderdale
Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale
First Saturday and Sunday of March
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Orchid Show – Annual – Fort LauderdaleOk, I just had to put this in. My girls right now think that it’s sort of nutty and boring. But I love orchids, and I think (and I’m mom) it’s great that a whole event is dedicated to these beautifully exotic flowers.This year, the show took place at the War Memorial Auditorium adjacent to Holiday Park in Fort Lauderdale. I’ll be sure to not miss this one next year!
Fort Lauderdale Orchid Show
Organized by the Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society
www.flos.org
Location: War Memorial Auditorium
800 NE 8th Street,
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
January 16-19, 2009
FEBRUARY
- Florida Renaissance Festival and Crafts Village – Annual – Deerfield
This is a five-weekend event starting in February and dips into March. If you’re a medieval history buff or your children are into knights, fairies and/or are Harry Potter fans (wizards and witches seem to get in with the mix), this is a must-see event.
People really get into character in this festival, complete with costumes, headdresses and British accents. A favorite festival of the girls, they are already planning on what to wear next year! Of course, they are insisting that mom gets into character, too! (We’ll see…)
Florida Renaissance Festival and Crafts Village
Location: Quiet Waters Park
401 S Powerline Road
Deerfield, FL 33442
2010 dates: Every weekend between February 13-March 14, 2010
www.ren-fest.com
- Mardi Gras Fiesta Tropicale and Fat Tuesday at the Beach – Annual – Hollywood
Laissez les bons temps rouler at Hollywood Beach! Good times to have for sure in celebrating Black History Month with a Cajun/Creole feel. I can hear trumpets and accordions in my head just writing this. Bands play at the Main and Bandshell Stages. Special kids activities at Charnow Park right on the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk.
Mardi Gras Fiesta Tropicale and
Fat Tuesday at the Beach
Location: Hollywood Beach Broadwalk
Hollywood, Florida
February 20-24, 2009
www.MardiGrasFiesta.com
- Orange Blossom Festival Parade & Rodeo – Annual – Davie
Yes, we have cowboys and cowgirls in the Fort Lauderdale area! This festival celebrates the Town of Davie’s rural and agricultural background/roots. Enjoy the bands at the parade, tap your feet to country music, grab a heaping plate of barbeque, head on over to the arts and crafts, check out a real rodeo and other experiences that your family will enjoy. Yeehaw!
Orange Blosson Festival, Parade and Rodeo
Rodeo location: Davie Arena
6591 SW 45th St.
Davie, FL 33314
February 27-28, 2010
- Seminole Tribal Fair and Powwow – Annual – Hollywood
This is always held on the second weekend in February at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood. One way to learn about the rich heritage of the Seminole natives in Florida.The event features dancers, costumes, a powwow and other activities.Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
Hollywood, Florida
MARCH
- Olas Art Fair II – Annual – Fort Lauderdale
This event has become so popular that it happens twice in one year. Walk up and down elegant Las Olas Boulevard from SE 6th Avenue and SE 11th Avenue and browse through original art pieces for purchase from talented artists.
Las Olas Art Fair II
Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale
First Saturday and Sunday of March
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Maroone Hispanic Fest – Annual – Pembroke Pines
The Maroone HispanicFest is the longest running Hispanic festival in the Fort Lauderdale area. Organized by the non-profit organization Hispanic Unity of Florida, this festival celebrates Hispanic culture through wonderful food, lively music, dancing, arts and crafts, great activities for the children and much more.
Maroone Hispanic Fest
Location: Pines Recreation Center
7400 Pines/Hollywood Blvd.
Pembroke Pines, FL 33024
12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
www.hispanicunity.org/hispanicfest
APRIL
- Pompano Beach Seafood Festival – Annual – Pompano
The girls and I arrived at this year’s event in the afternoon with one of the bands belting out “Come Together” by the Beatles. I find this event more geared for adults but they do have activities planned for children like bounce houses, rock climbing wall and bungee jumping. Lots of seafood, drinks and activities to enjoy plus some beach shopping!
Pompano Beach Seafood Festival
Location: At the Beach
A1A and Atlantic Boulevard
Pompano Beach, Florida
www.pompanobeachseafoodfestival.com
MAY
Seems like a quiet month – make sure to check out Ongoing Fort Lauderdale Family Events!
JUNE
- Broward Attractions and Museums Month (BAMM) – Annual – Broward County
We participated in BAMM this month and it has been a very enriching experience for the whole family. Many of the museums that are in the program are historical and cultural sites and well worth the attention.
It’s fun for kids to know about the latest gizmos here in the present and the future but to get them interested in what has happened in the past and open their minds to different cultures can be challenging sometimes.
BAMM is a good way to open a door to the past, to a different time, place and people in the Fort Lauderdale area.
The BAMM program is simple. People who live in the Greater Fort Lauderdale are (Broward County) signs up to be a member of one of the participating institutions enjoy the same member level reciprocal free admission to any of the other places on the list for the whole month of June.
Participating Organizations 2009:
African American Research Library & Cultural Center
Art and Culture Center of Hollywood
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Cinema Paradiso
Coral Springs Museum of Art
Old Davie School Historical Museum
Flamingo Gardens
Fort Lauderdale History Center
Historic Stranahan House Museum
IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame
International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum
Museum of Art - Fort Lauderdale
My Jewish Discovery Place Children's Museum Plantation Historical Museum
Old Dillard Museum
Seminole Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum
The Children’s Museum – Boca Raton (Palm Beach County)
Broward Attractions and Museums Month (BAMM)
www.bamminfo.org
- Starlight Musicals – Annual – Fort Lauderdale
Bring a large blanket or chairs, pack up your cooler with your favorite non-alcoholic beverages and some sandwiches and spend some time at the urban Holiday Park. The Starlight Musicals, sponsored by Bank of America, presents bands playing country music, classic rock, blues, pop, a show band and music from the 50s to the 70s and more. Should be fun!Starlight Musicals
http://ci.ftlaud.fl.us/events/starlight/starlight.htm
Location: Holiday Park
1300 East Sunrise Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Every Friday between June 19-August 7, 2009
7 pm – 10 pm
Free
JULY
- Starlight Musicals – Annual – Fort Lauderdale
Holiday Park, Fort LauderdaleEvery Friday between June 19-August 7, 2009
7 pm – 10 pm
- July 4th Family Celebration – Annual – All over the Greater Fort Lauderdale Area/Broward County
There are lots of events planned all over town to celebrate Independence Day but everyone knows that the highlight of any 4th of July event all over the country is the fireworks, and one of the best ways to see fireworks is right on the beach!All of these places will certainly be extremely crowded for one of the most popular events of the year, so if you want a good spot make sure to come early.
Remember, don’t bring your own fireworks on the beaches – let the professionals do the work and just watch the show! Be safe!
Here is a list of fireworks displays that can be viewed along the several Greater Fort Lauderdale area beaches:
Deerfield Beach
4th of July Celebration on the beach is actually going to be held over two days (July 3-4) with concerts, activities for the kids and the fireworks display at 9 pm on July 4.
Pompano Beach
Fireworks Extravaganza takes place on the beach at Atlantic Boulevard and A1A. Fireworks start at 9 pm.
Lauderdale-By-the-Sea Beach
The city’s celebrations starts with a parade at 10 am then there’s the Beach Blast Celebration, 11 am – 3 pm with so many activities for kids that it’ll make even grown adults want to participate! So they organized a car show just for the young at heart. The lovely fireworks show shot from the Anglin’s Fishing Pier is slotted to begin at 8:30 pm.
Fort Lauderdale Beach
4th of July Spectacular Lounge in the afternoon at the beach and watch the fireworks at night! Fireworks show at 9 pm on A1A and Las Olas Boulevard.
Dania Beach
Celebration on the Beach includes food and music from live bands from 2 pm – 10 pm at the Dania Beach Pier. Patriotic Laser Light Show at 8:30 pm.
Hollywood Beach Broadwalk
Celebrate the red, white and blue with the Hollywood 4th of July Celebration, 12 pm – 9 pm at the Hollywood Broadwalk on the beach. There will be live bands playing and the fireworks are scheduled at 9 pm.
Hallandale Beach
4th of July Beach Bash has plenty of fun kids activities from 2 pm – 6 pm at the South Beach area and live music from 6 pm – 9 pm at the North Beach area. Enjoy the fireworks display at 9 pm.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!
AUGUST - Starlight Musicals – Annual – Fort Lauderdale
Holiday Park
Fort Lauderdale
Every Friday between June 19-August 7, 2009
7 pm – 10 pm
SEPTEMBER
- Hollywood Beach Latin Festival – Annual – Hollywood
This is a huge event that takes place right on the beach. Celebrate the beginning of Hispanic Heritage month with Latin music to be performed on two stages, delicious food, dancing and activities for the kids.
Hollywood Beach Latin Festival
Location: Hollywood Beach Broadwalk
September 20, 2009 (Sunday)
11 am – 7 pm
www.hollywoodlatinfestival.com
- Hollywood Beach Clambake – Annual – Hollywood
Bringing a New England tradition to Southeast Florida at the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk with continuous live music and seafood, vendors and arts and crafts, plus great activities and shows planned for the children at the Clambake Kidz Zone in Charnow Park.
Hollywood Beach Clambake
September 25-27, 2009 (Fri-Sat-Sun)
Hollywood Beach Broadwalk
www.hollywoodbeachclambake.com
OCTOBER
- Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival – Annual – Fort Lauderdale
Although most of this festival is really geared more for adults, I think that perhaps it might interest serious teenagers who are really into independent film, filmmaking, foreign film, documentaries and the like.This prestigious film festival, on its 24th year this year, attracts celebrities and many independent filmmakers from all over the United States and the world. It will show over 200 films during the event at different venues.
I do have a soft spot for this festival because this is where I discovered one of my favorite films, La Scaphandre et le Papillon (The Diving Bell and the Butterfly) directed by Julian Schabel.
The festival will also show films for younger children. These movies come from all over the world and they get the kids acquainted to the world of independent film.
Outdoor films for the whole family to enjoy are also planned during the festival, and hopefully they’ll repeat the BOO-tacular Halloween event for kids at the Cinema Paradiso this year.
Outside of the festival in October/November, the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival also presents FAB! Films for Kids at the Cinema Paradiso. This event, sponsored by Funding Arts Broward, takes place every first Saturday of the month at 10 am at the Cinema Paradiso.
Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival
October 23 – November 15, 2009
www.fliff.com
- Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show – Annual – Fort Lauderdale
The largest boat show in the world and it’s very fitting that it happens here in Fort Lauderdale, nicknamed the Venice of America and the Yachting Capital of the World.
2009 marks its 50th anniversary and the show will present boats, yachts, even bigger yachts, engines, accessories and all other equipment related to boats. All major manufacturers and major boat builders will be present during the event.
If you are in the market to buy a boat, this is definitively the place to be.
There is the Kid’s Fishing Clinic planned for children 4-16 years old at the Convention Center on the 1st Floor, Lobby B. This is held on Saturday & Sunday, October 31 and November 1, 2009 at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm. Registration starts at 10 am for each day.
The fishing clinics are taught by professionals and will sure to excite the young fishing enthusiast who will learn all the basics of fishing as taught by Captain Don Digman from the children’s television show, Hook the Future.
Xtreme Fishing Seminars for adults will also be held on October 31 and November 1 at the Convention Center on the 3rd Floor.
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Location: Six different venues in Fort Lauderale: Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, Broward County Convention Center, Pier 66 Marina and Fort Lauderdale Grande Hotel & Yacht Club.
October 29 – November 2, 2009
Prime Time View:
October 29, 2009 (Thursday)
10:00am – 7:00pm
General Admission:
October 30 – November 2, 2009
Fri-Sat-Sun 10:00am – 7:00pm
Monday 10:00am – 5:00pm
www.showmanagement.com
NOVEMBER
- Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show – Annual – Fort Lauderdale
October 29 – November 2, 2009
- Broward County Fair – Annual – Fort Lauderdale
We got a chance to go to the Broward County Fair last year. We decided this was going to be our treat over the Thanksgiving school break! An all-time family favorite tradition all over the country, attending a county fair is a great way for families to go out and have some fun and learn at the same time. Go up and around in the grand Ferris wheel or try out the other mechanical rides. Try some tasty fair food and get a glimpse of the livestock competing at the fair.
There are different kinds of rides for different age groups (and/or fright threshold!) so for the younger kids there are the smaller roller coasters and teacups that spin round and round, fun mazes and everyone’s fair favorite, bumper cars.
For the older kids and adults who can handle all the excitement, there are bigger and faster rides that are sure to give an adrenaline rush.
I’m not much of a ride person so I watched and waited with my feet firmly on the ground below while the girls went whizzing up and down some of the tamer rides. They weren’t much yet into the big rides but I suspect that in a few years’ time that will change.
The Broward County Fair promotes the area’s agricultural roots, whatever’s left of it, and the agribusiness industry. The times being what they are, it’s more likely we get our fruits, vegetables, dairy and meats from grocery stores than in open-air markets, butcher shops or local farms.And what a shame. Kids especially need to know the connection between farms and cities, between what they have on their plate and in their glass and the fields far beyond the city limits.The girls especially enjoyed looking at the animals, touching a few of them, realizing just how big or small some of them can get!
In my opinion, especially if going to the fair with children, the best value for tickets is the Walk Around ticket that includes admission, shows and unlimited mechanical rides. This costs $30 per person (children 6 years old and up and adults) per ticket. That may sound pricey at first but I thought it was worth it.
There is a $10 Walk Around admission only ticket. You can get to the shows but not to the rides. This is good for people who are happy with the fair experience but don’t care too much for the rides.
Admission for children under 6 years old is free.The dates and location for this year’s Broward County Fair hasn’t yet been announced but most likely it will be from mid to late November. Stay tuned.
www.browardcountyfair.com
- Holiday Fantasy of Lights– Annual – Coconut Creek
This yearly event is especially fun for smaller children. It’s a holiday light show with a special twist – it’s a drive-through show at the Tradewinds Park, one of the area’s largest county parks. Hear the kids’ ooohhhs and aaahhhs in the backseat as you slowly wind around the park’s road past illuminated trees and lighted moving displays that cast their festive glow on the young ones’ faces.
Tradewinds Park
3600 W Sample Rd # B
Coconut Creek, Florida 33073
Daily from November 19, 2009 – January 10, 2010
6 pm – 10 pm
DECEMBER
Wow, another year has just gone by! The kids are one year older and so are we... Celebrate your precious family time together during the month of December with a fun festival. Many of these events take place around end-of-the-year holidays so seize the opportunity to create wonderful memories with the kids.
- Holiday Fantasy of Lights– Annual – Coconut Creek
Tradewinds Park
3600 W Sample Rd # B
Coconut Creek, Florida 33073
Daily from November 19, 2009 – January 10, 2010
6 pm – 10 pm
- Candy Cane Parade – Annual – Hollywood Beach
Watch the holiday-themed floats go by at the Broadwalk. Get into the spirit of the season, dance and be merry with the bands and catch a sweet candy cane or two or three!Candy Cane Parade
Hollywood Beach Broadwalk
December 5, 2009
- Winterfest Boat Parade – Annual – Fort Lauderdale/Pompano
The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is a must-see event! The banks of the New River and the Intracoastal Waterway come alive with hundreds of people watching over a hundred decorated floating vessels, from the little boats to one of those gigantic yachts, go by in one of the most fun events in the Fort Lauderdale area.
Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
Along the banks of the New River and the Intracoastal Waterway from the Las Olas Riverfront area all the way to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano. There are public viewing areas inside Hugh Taylor Birch State Park on Sunrise Boulevard, near A1A.
2009 Theme: "That’s Entertainment"
December 12, 2009
- Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade– Annual – Pompano/Deerfield
For those who just can’t get enough of watching those boats glide along the water, this is your second chance to dreamily gaze as these beautiful vessels drift by. The Pompano Holiday Boat Parade begins where the Winterfest Boat Parade ended. The boat parade starts at Lake Santa Barbara where the boats move along the Intracoastal Waterway and ends at Deerfield Island Park.
Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade
Begins in Lake Santa Barbara and ends at Deerfield Island Park
December 13, 2009
Starts at 6 pm
- Christmas On Las Olas – Annual – Fort Lauderdale
The most elegant shopping street in Fort Lauderdale dresses up for the holidays and celebrates Christmas On Las Olas. This very popular one-night event is a sure treat for families and everyone living here or just visiting. School choirs give their all by singing popular holiday tunes and live bands play at one of the stages. There’s a line if you want your picture taken with Santa. In fact there’s a line everywhere from getting pizza or drinks to getting seated at a stylish restaurant or getting a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate at one of the sidewalk vendors. Don’t miss your chance to go sled down a mountain of snow or ice skating (yes, here in South Florida)!
Christmas On Las Olas
On Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale between Southeast 6th Avenue and Southeast 10th Avenue
Around 6 pm – 10 pm
Stay tuned for exact date.
- Ocean Dance – Annual – Hollywood
End the year right by dancing and shaking away all the year’s worries and challenges beneath the stars and by the ocean with this free event. Performances by renowned dance troupes are held at the Hollywood Beach Theater. Bring your own beach chairs or blankets. On December 31, after the performance, there will be a countdown to welcome the New Year.
Hollywood Beach Theater
Hollywood Beach Broadwalk and Johnson Street
December 30 – 31, 2009
Performance begins at 8:00 pm on December 30 and at 9:30 pm on December 31.
Free but you can purchase tickets for VIP seating.
