March in the Sunshine State means the flowers are blooming, and spring festivals are in full swing, where you can indulge in seafood delicacies, enjoy live music, or admire local artwork on display. With events spanning the state, from Fernandina Beach to the Florida Keys, it’s a great time of year to take a road trip before summer fully kicks in. Here’s a list of interesting and unique happenings in Florida during the month of March.
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, Lake Buena Vista
In March, Disney turns into a beautiful display of colors at its annual Flower & Garden Festival, which pairs perfectly with Florida’s sublime springtime weather making it a great time to enjoy the outdoors. Overwhelm your senses with the park’s variety of stunning flower displays, where you can meander through vibrant gardens and see more than 70 world-renown topiaries. There’s also plenty to do for non-floral fans with its variety of live concerts, outdoor kitchens, and how-to demonstrations.
Dates: March 1st – July 5th, 2023
Official Website
Ultra Music Festival, Miami
Ultra Music Festival is one of the biggest music festivals in Florida. Held in Miami, this three-day event started as a small outdoor festival and has bloomed into a massive production across the United States. This lively electronic music festival caters to a high-energy crowd of music fans, where you’ll find a long list of top DJs and big-name performers.
Dates: March 24th – 26th, 2023
Official Website
Marathon Seafood Festival, Marathon
Come hungry to the Marathon Seafood Festival, as it is the 2nd largest event in the Florida Keys and is a premier event in Florida. You’ll find an abundance of mouthwatering cuisine and family-friendly live entertainment in addition to a boat and art show. Filled with over 200 vendors, you can dine on fresh seafood such as lobster, stone crab, grouper and snapper.
Dates: March 11th -12th, 2023
Official Website
Sarasota Jazz Festival, Sarasota
You can visit one of the most well-respected jazz festivals in the United States in Sarasota in March, as the Sarasota Jazz Festival boasts an impressive lineup of big-name performers. A must-see concert series for jazz enthusiasts of all ages, the Jazz Club of Sarasota works hard to preserve and promote the beauty of this music genre by showcasing some of the greatest jazz musicians on the planet.
Dates: March 13th – March 18th, 2023
Official Website
Florida Strawberry Festival, Plant City
The Florida Strawberry Festival is a crowd-pleaser with its wealth of strawberry-related treats on offer, from strawberry shortcake to strawberry pizza. Dating back to 1930, visit this festival to indulge in strawberry treats and other state fair-type fried foods. Enjoy the live entertainment, youth livestock shows and collection of carnival rides.
Dates: March 2nd – March 12th, 2023
Official Website
Mount Dora Spring Fest, Mount Dora
You can attend one of Mount Dora’s biggest annual festivals in the middle of March, as the Mount Dora Spring Fest bring its downtown streets to life with over 250 crafters and artists displaying their works. Browse the local vendors to discover an abundance of treasures to take home. The two-day open-air event features an atmospheric ambiance set against 19th-century clapboard houses, vintage shops and outdoor cafes.
Dates: March 18th – 19th, 2023
Official Website
Gasparilla Music Festival, Tampa
Gasparilla Music Festival in Downtown Tampa lures thousands of alternative and indie music fans to its impressive lineup in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and Kiley Gardens Park. There are musical acts from a wide variety of genres on several stages, and when you’ve worked up an appetite, you can indulge in cuisine from the area’s top restaurants.
Dates: TBD
Official Website
UNwineD, Panama City Beach
UNwineD is an exciting culinary festival in Panama City Beach held at the end of March. Located in Aaron Bessent Park, this annual two-day event showcases the best craft beer, wine, and spirits from across the globe, as well as cuisine from renowned chefs, live entertainment, and more. Visit the Friday night kickoff party hosted by Southern Living and Visit Panama City Beach, then wander the food and drink booths at the Grand Afternoon Tasting on Saturday.
Dates: March 31st – April 1st, 2023
Official Website
International Orchid Festival, Coral Gables
Journey through a world of orchids at the International Orchid Festival at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables. You can browse the impressive collection of more than 10,000 orchid plants from vendors that come from around the world, take walking tours and take a peek at the rare orchid species in the American Orchid Society show.
Dates: March 11th – March 12th, 2023
Official Website
Granddaddy of Em All PRCA Rodeo, Arcadia
Saddle up, cowboy, because March in Florida means it’s time for the annual Granddaddy of Em All PRCA Rodeo, ready to make or break the best of the best in the Southeast. You’ll find radio staples such as saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, calf roping, and bull riding, while the kids can enjoy mutton bustin’, barrel racing, and steer and bull riding.
Dates: March 9th – March 12th, 2023
Official Website
Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival, Miami
One of Miami’s premier entertainment events, Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival features a lineup of world-class artists that come from a mix of jazz, R&B, Neo-Soul and World Beat sounds, celebrating diversity, culture and art through various genres. Visit the buzz-worthy event to experience the rich beats and musical stylings of these lively performers.
Dates: March 11th – 12th, 2023
Official Website
Uptown Art Expo, Altamonte Springs
For a dose of culture, visit the Uptown Art Expo in Altamonte Springs in March to see more than 150 of the best painters, sculptors, photographers, glassworkers, potters and crafters in the world. The event will also feature Chalk Street Artists creating masterpieces on the sidewalk, while kids will love the variety of live entertainment, such as street performances and the variety of sweet treats and lemonade stands.
Dates: March 24th – 26th, 2023
Official Website
