https://www.visitflorida.com/things-to-do/events/#north

Something For Everyone.

ROMANZA FESTIVALE OF THE ARTS — St. Augustine’s annual salute to arts and culture includes dozens of local performers in various venues; with many of the events free. This year’s national headliner is the legendary Count Basie Orchestra, a 2024 Grammy Award winner. Other nationally-renowned performers include Duo Arpeggione (May 8), jazz singer Linda Cole (May 10), the Con Brio String Quartet (May 17) and violinist Luca Ciarla (May 18). The festival events also include art exhibits, musical theater and dance productions, the chamber music series, authors, improv and more. 
When: May 3-19
Where: St. Augustine
Web: https://www.romanzafestivale.com

MAY DAY BARREL BONANZA — Catch some of the premiere barrel racing equestrians when they compete for over $75,000 in prize money during this three-day competition. The sport pairs speed with the ability to navigate tight turns and showcases competitors of all ages. Although the hefty cash purse is a huge draw for the event, the top winners also receive championship saddles, buckles and bragging rights.
When: May 16-19
Where: World Equestrian Center, Ocala
Web: https://worldequestriancenter.com/events/may-day-barrel-bonanza

HAVANA REGGAE FEST — The 14th annual fest brings the genre’s favorite son, Alex Marley, to central Florida for one day of chill island beats and smooth vocals. It also features performances by Earthkry, King Tappa, Rik Jam, Janeel Mills and Dalwayne. The cultural experience includes island cuisine, art, gifts and more. Before the live music begins, guests are welcome to enjoy the center’s trails on ATVs or kids’ go-karts.
When: May 18
Where: 5F Farm Event Center, Quincy
Web: https://www.tallahasseearts.org/event/havana-reggaefest

TUPELO HONEY FESTIVAL — Enjoy a day trip to “real” Florida in the one stoplight town of Wewahitchka, renowned for serving as the home to a generation of beekeepers who harvest its native “liquid gold”, a.k.a. Tupelo Honey. Compete in a Honey Tasting Contest and purchase honey (of course!) in different sizes as well as locally-made products featuring it. This family-friendly fest also includes food and craft vendors and live music.
When: May 21
Where: Lake Alice Park, Wewahitchka
Web: http://www.tupelohoneyfestival.com

JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL — For more than forty years, Jacksonville has welcomed jazz legends Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Kenny G, Herbie Hancock and Trombone Shorty, to the city’s largest, free, outdoor music festival. This year’s headliners are The Brian McKnight 4, Brian Culbertson and Joss Stone. Jazz lovers will enjoy smooth beats and improv solos on two festival stages. Thursday’s Jazz Piano competition always kicks off the event with five finalists competing for $8,000 in prize money with the winner receiving a chance to perform on one of the main stages on Saturday. The contest’s blind judging panel has included a who’s who of jazz pioneers like Marcus Roberts, Christian Sands, Dr. John, Brian Culbertson and Lynne Arriale.
When: May 23-26
Where: Jacksonville
Web: http://jacksonvillejazzfest.com

GULF COAST JAM — PCB kicks off the summer beach season with Morgan Wallen, Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll and Parker McCollum lighting up its gulf front stage. The four-day fest includes over 20 acts featuring hitmakers from the country and southern rock music scenes. The Jim Beam Welcome Sessions kicks off the annual event and pits singer/songwriters against each other with the grand prize being a chance to open for one of the national headliners on the festival’s main stage. Those looking to burn off excess energy can participate in Saturday’s Jam on the Coast 5K. All runners receive a race t-shirt and finisher medal. Register at https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/PanamaCityBeach/JamOnTheCoast5K
When: May 30 – June 2
Where: Frank Brown Park, Panama City Beach
Web: https://gulfcoastjam.com

FIESTA PENSACOLA — For 75 years, Pensacola always kicks off summer with the annual heritage celebration of the city’s founding by the Spanish Conquistador Don Tristan de Luna in 1559. The Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon Fiesta Days Celebration (May 29) features local dignitaries surrendering the city and its citizens to DeLuna and his Queen. Other events include the Grand Fiesta Parade (May 31), Fiesta Boat Parade (June 1) and Fiesta All Krewe Ball (June 6). Both parades will feature floats or boats, an appearance by the 2024 Fiesta King and Queen and their “royal” court, and the local Krewes.
When: May 29 – June 6
Where: Pensacola
Web: www.fiestapensacola.org

NAO TRINIDAD TALL SHIP TOUR — Set foot on a 150-ton, 93-foot replica of the Nao Trinidad, the flagship of Magellan-Elcano Expedition which was the first to circumnavigate the globe between 1519 and 1522. The floating museum offers guided or self-guided tours and features four decks of maritime history that explores what life onboard was like for Spanish sailors 500 years ago.
When: through June 15
Where: St. Augustine Municipal Marina
Web: https://naotrinidad.org/en

CANDLELIGHT TOUR — Beat the summer heat by touring Amelia Island’s historic fort by candlelight. Guests will experience life as the Civil War soldiers did — free of electricity. Although not as impressive in stature as Castillo San Marcos in St. Augustine, Fort Clinch is also  fantastic to explore during the day with its narrow “underground” passageways, spiral staircases, furnished bunkhouses and gorgeous views of the Atlantic coast. You’ll be able to see Cumberland Island from the northern ramparts that are still “protected” by cannons. Reservations for the candlelight tours are required and open a week ahead of time. Add even more historic flavor to your visit by attending the First Weekend Federal Garrison (June. 1-2). During the Garrison, living historians dress as Union soldiers who occupied the fort during its construction in 1864.
When: June 1
Where: Fort Clinch State Park, Fernandina Beach
Web: https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Fort-Clinch

JAX BEACH COUNTRY FEST — If you didn’t know, Floridians love country music — with a passion. Which makes it kind of crazy that Jacksonville didn’t have an annual country fest like its beachfront neighbors to the west. The community is hoping this free, family-friendly, beach-front country music fest will become an annual event. The event lineup includes three American Idol or Voice contestants: Chayce Beckham (winner of his season), HunterGirl and Chase Fouraker. Rounding out the day of music include Jacksonville native Jordan Fletcher and Florida performers Emily Mikus, Jonathan Lee, Madden Metcalf and Craig Smith.
When: June 2
Where: SeaWalk Pavilion, Jacksonville Beach
Web: https://jaxbeachcountryfest.net

SOARING HIGH — Ooh and aah when the world-famous Blue Angels pilots cruise through the sky at speeds of 700 miles per hour while defying physics with dazzling aerial feats. Their mid-week practices are a great chance to catch the Pensacola-based flyers in a smaller setting than during an airshow. Practice sessions typically last about 55 minutes and begin at 10:30 a.m. There is open bleacher seating for about 500 people in the outdoor viewing area at the National Naval Aviation Museum. After practice, set aside time to explore the museum which houses more than 150 restored aircraft including the SBD-2 Dauntless (It survived the Pearl Harbor attack and is the lone remaining plane that participated in the Battle of Midway.) and HH-1K Iroquois (a famed “Huey” helicopter that transported ground troops during the Vietnam War). On June 5, some of the Blues pilots will visit with fans to answer questions and sign autographs.
When: June 4-5, 11-12, 18, 25-26
Where: National Naval Aviation Museum at Naval Air Station Pensacola
Web: http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org

GREAT FLORIDA BIGFOOT CONFERENCE — Seriously, we’re not making this up. Did  you know that according to Bigfoot Researcher’s Organization, also known as BFRO, Florida has recorded the third highest number of Sasquatch sightings? (FYI, we fall behind Washington with 717 and California with 461.) So we guess it seems less far fetched that the Sunshine State is now hosting the conference’s fourth annual event. In addition to the all-day series of seminars including Bigfoot researchers, investigators and authors, guests are welcome to participate in a live event called Encounters where they can  share their personal Bigfoot sightings with the audience.
When: June 8
Where: World Equestrian Center, Ocala
Web: https://gatherupevents.com/florida-bigfoot-conference

JUNETEENTH EMPOWERMENT DAY FESTIVAL — Tallahassee’s Juneteenth celebration aims to bring the community together for a freedom-based, family-first, day of music and heritage. The day of unity features live music acts, local arts and craft vendors, cultural heritage workshops and local eats and treats. 
When: June 15
Where: Cascades Park, Tallahassee
Web: https://visittallahassee.com/events/juneteenth-empowerment-day-festival

EMERALD COAST BLUE MARLIN CLASSIC — The Blue Marlin Classic is considered one of the top ten big-money, off-shore fishing tournaments in the world by Marlin magazine and usually attracts more than 80 boats. As in year’s past, the fishing tournament is predicted to shell out about $2 million in cash awards. The “modified release” tournament means that blue marlin and billfish are the only catch that can be boated for the daily weigh-ins if they meet a minimum length of 110 inches. The daily weigh-ins at Baytowne Marina include live music, food and Friday night fireworks. Awards are presented for top overall catch, release, lady and junior anglers. Last year, anglers netted 63 billfish including 30 blue marlin and 74 gamefish including 25 dolphin.
When: June 19-23
Where: Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort Miramar Beach
Web: https://www.fishecbc.com

ST. AUGUSTINE MUSIC FESTIVAL — Take a break from the seasonal deluge of jazz, rock  and country music fests throughout the state  to salute the world’s greatest classical composers — Georg Philipp Telemann (Don Quixote Suite), Mozart (Concerto for Flute Harp and Orchestra in C major), Stravinsky (Soldier’s Tale for violin, clarinet and piano), Shostakovich (Quartet No. 8), Brahms (Horn Trio), Sibelius (En Saga septet brass quintet, flute and clarinet) and many more — at this free classical music festival. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act, the Juneteenth Recognition Concert (June 19) will feature the Marcus Roberts Trio jazz trio.
When: June 21-23, June 28-30
Where: St. Augustine
Web: https://www.staugustinemusicfestival.org

MELON HEADS REJOICE! — Did you know that Florida not only produces 30% of the nation’s watermelon crop, but it’s also responsible for the largest share among all the states. Thanks to this windfall, the agricultural communities celebrate with festivals. 

• Watermelon Festival (Monticello, June 14-15): Enjoy a slice of the good life at Monticello’s 72nd annual small town shindig. The watermelon is plentiful and the fest includes a street dance party, family entertainment, the Kiwanis 5K Run & Walk, Watermelon Parade, antique car show, watermelon games, food vendors and a beer garden. https://www.monticellowatermelonfestival.com
• Panhandle Watermelon Festival (Chipley, June 21-22): Chipley’s 68th annual free fest has become less about the watermelon and more about country music. The headliners include Grace and Grit, Exile, Clay Walker and Jeff Bates. Other events include the city’s parade, pancake breakfast, 5K Hot Trot and classic car show. Guests will be able to eat watermelon by the slice, talk with arts and craft vendors and participate in the watermelon auction. https://www.panhandlewatermelon.com

FORGOTTEN COAST SEA TURTLE FESTIVAL — Get educated on the importance of the sea turtle’s habitat at the seventh annual celebration.  The Florida Conservancy and Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Center have turned this into a hands-on event that includes arts and crafts, kids activities and a Sea Creature Parade. There will also be live music, food trucks and education and conservation groups.
When: June 30
Where: George Core Park, Port St. Joe
Web: https://www.visitgulf.com/event/8th-annual-forgotten-coast-sea-turtle-festival/1135