March is the perfect month to be out going to events in Florida. It’s not too hot yet, but it’s not usually cold either, so head out to one of the many exciting events happening this month.
Theme Parks
There are two big theme park events going on right now. Check them out for delicious food and a unique time at a familiar park.
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Seven Seas Food Festival
See our March Event Blog for more content about Events and Festivals happenings.
Outdoor Activities & Nature Festivals
For outdoor enthusiasts, March is ideal across Florida. North Central Florida’s Ocala National Forest and nearby state parks are perfect for hiking, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and springtime birdwatching. Gainesville also offers nature walks, spring programs at local parks, and university-driven outdoor events.
The Panhandle and Gulf Coast shine with beach walks, eco-tours, and fishing tournaments. Amelia Island, Destin, and Pensacola host weekend markets and small festivals along the waterfront, while Central and Southwest Florida offer waterfront yoga, beach runs, and guided nature adventures in March’s mild weather.
Spring blooms add charm to Northeast Florida events, including the Florida Azalea Festival in Palatka, featuring garden tours, parades, and community celebrations. Southwest Florida celebrates wildflowers and gardening with festivals in DeLand and along the Gulf Coast.
Spring starts this month, celebrate the changing of the seasons at these fun Florida festivals:
Spring Garden Festival
Springtime Tallahassee
Food & Drink Festivals
March is peak festival season for food lovers. The Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City is a highlight, celebrating the state’s strawberry harvest with fair food, live concerts, contests, and family-friendly entertainment. Along the Gulf Coast, the Original Marathon Seafood Festival and other seafood-centric events feature fresh catches, island vibes, live music, and culinary demonstrations.
Local farmers markets and pop-up food events are also abundant. Destin, Fort Myers, and Naples host seafood festivals, wine tastings, and seasonal culinary events, while Tampa and St. Petersburg have food-centric festivals, craft beer events, and family-friendly gatherings with local chefs.
Strawberry and Blueberry Harvest Festivals
It’s strawberry and blueberry season here in Florida, and there are plenty of festivals celebrating some of our favorite fruits. Florida is one of the top strawberry and blueberry states, so get them while they’re fresh at these events:
Florida Strawberry Festival
Floral City Strawberry Festival
Florida Blueberry Festival
Seafood Festivals
Seafood festivals are another big trend in Florida during the month of March. Of course Florida is a state of delicious seafood, so visit any of these events to try it while it’s at its most fresh
Grant Seafood Festival
St. Petersburg Seafood & Music Festival
Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival
Marathon Seafood Festival
Lions Seafood Festival
Marco Island Seafood and Music Festival
Dania Beach Arts and Seafood Celebration
Other Food Events
As always, there are tons of great food events happening throughout Florida even if you aren’t a seafood fan. Here are some of the best ones:
Taste of Oviedo
Hogtown Craft Beer Festival
Suncoast BBQ & Bluegrass Bash
Beard in Baldwin Food and Wine Festival
World Food Festival
International Cuban Sandwich Art and Food Festival
Art Festivals
Florida’s art scene is in full swing in March.
The Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival is a must-visit for art lovers, where Central Florida streets are filled with artists’ booths, live demonstrations, and family-friendly entertainment. Southwest Florida also shines with events like the Florida Luxe Arts Festival in Panama City Beach, where chalk art, artisan vendors, and live music transform the streets into a gallery.
In Northeast Florida, St. Augustine and Jacksonville feature local art walks, museum events, and small-town cultural festivals, while Palm Beach and Miami host gallery openings, public art installations, and cultural showcases that highlight international influences. Mount Dora, Gainesville, and Ocala also host local galleries and community art events, perfect for a quiet weekend outing.
Here are some you should definitely check out:
Gasparilla Festival of the Arts
The Lake Mary Heathrow Festival of the Arts
Theme Parks & Family-Friendly Experiences
Central Florida theme parks continue their seasonal events in March. Walt Disney World’s EPCOT International Festival of the Arts showcases Broadway performances, interactive art, and creative cuisine. Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras parades and concerts bring food, music, and lively street entertainment to the parks. SeaWorld Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival offers international flavors and live music, while animal encounters are at their most active in cooler weather.
Outside the parks, family-friendly experiences abound. Zoos, aquariums, and interactive museums across the state — like Naples Zoo, Brevard Zoo, Gainesville’s nature centers, and Clearwater Marine Aquarium — host seasonal programs perfect for kids and adults alike.
Looking for something different?
There are tons of unique events and festivals in March if none of the above events are for you. These are the ones you don’t want to miss:
Miami Film Festival
Orlando Home and Garden Show
Swamp Fest
Carnaval Miami
Pensacola Mardi Gras
Sanibel Music Festival
The Gulf Coast Renaissance Faire and Pirate Festival
Sanibel Shell Festival
Celtic Music & Heritage Festival
Winter Park Book Festival
Spring Spooky Empire
TurtleFest
See our March Event Blog for more content about Events and Festivals happenings.
