LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
LOCAL NEWS
August 31, 2023
As we make our way out of the hazy days of summer, it’s time to gear up for some merriment in our paradise! As the season approaches, get ready to experience an extraordinary lineup of events that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. Whether your passion is music, food, the holidays, boating or just plain fun, there is a happening waiting for you to join in.
festival fun!
St. Coleman Italian Festival
The St. Coleman’s Italian Festival has become a beloved annual community event. Why? Because who doesn’t enjoy fantastic food, amazing rides, games and entertainment? Many local families have attended the festival since the beginning and continue coming with their kids and grandkids. This festival brings the community together and has something for everyone! And to think it all started as a humble spaghetti dinner with pony rides in 1984. Now it is one of the most treasured events in Pompano Beach. Food and rides are available for purchase. February, St. Coleman Catholic Church, 1200 S. Federal Highway, Pompano Beach, www.italianfest.org
St. Ambrose Carnival
Once again, the beloved St. Ambrose Carnival is back and lighting up Deerfield Beach. With plenty of tasty food, dazzling rides, and entertainment, everyone can expect a fun-filled weekend. If nothing else, it’s a great excuse to grab a funnel cake, chili dog, and more! Food and rides are available for purchase. February. St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 380 S. South Federal Highway, Deerfield Beach, www.stambrosecarnival.com
Pompano Beach Caribbean Festival
Celebrate everything Caribbean at this cultural experience that offers live music showcasing the talent of different Caribbean countries, dancing, delicious Caribbean cuisine, beautiful displays of islands, and colorful costumes. This free, family friendly event offers something for everyone to enjoy. The event will include music, tasty Caribbean food, great vibes, and a live Caribbean concert experience featuring outstanding performances. Saturday, Oct. 14,5pm – 10pm, Pompano Beach Community Park, 1801 NE Sixth St, Pompano Beach, www.pompanobeachfl.gov
Deerfield Beach Fall Festival
Enjoy a touch of fall in Florida with the entire family! This festival includes several fun activities such as storytelling, arts and crafts, archery, hayride, picking up goodie bags from local non-profits, picking out your perfect pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, enjoying live entertainment, and much more! Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, 9am – 1pm, Pioneer Park, 217 Fifth Ave., Deerfield Beach, www.deerfield-beach.com
Ocean Brews and Blues
Calling all craft brew enthusiasts — spend a day at the beach and join the fun at this exciting craft brew festival, where you will sample an assortment of about a zillion beers from some of America’s best craft breweries while listening to a variety of blues music entertainers. Along with the great brews and blues, there will be an assortment of local foods, cold beverages, and arts and crafts vendors. All Guests purchasing tickets must be 21 years of age or older. Food and drink are available for purchase. May, Main Beach Parking Lot, 149 21st Ave., Deerfield Beach, www.deerfield-beach.com
Deerfield Beach Festival of the Arts/Pioneer Days
Each year the Deerfield Beach Cultural Committee hosts the Annual Deerfield Beach Festival of the Arts just south of the pier, providing a scenic background for the festival. The festival includes artists from all over the United States, along with continuous live music, a variety of food vendors, refreshments, a student art exhibit, and of course, a kids’ zone. February, South of the International Fish Pier, 200 21st Ave., Deerfield Beach, wwwd.deerfield-beach.com
Florida Renaissance Festival
Travel back in time to the 16th century at the Annual Florida Renaissance Festival, coming to Quiet Waters Park. Enjoy over 100 artisans selling their wares and more than 100 performers to entertain. Feb. 3 – Mar. 24, 2024, weekends only, 10am – sunset, Quiet Waters Park, 401 S. Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach, www.ren-fest.com
NOM-NOM-NOM
Pompano Beach Seafood Festival
Enjoy a weekend of music, seafood, and art while supporting your community! The festival, a non-profit event, was founded in 1984 by the Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo to support local charities in the Pompano Beach Area. Featuring South Florida musicians and artists, the annual event has become a staple in the community. The proceeds of the annual festival stay in the community benefiting several essential local charities. Festival goers will notice volunteers from these charities performing various roles to support the festival, from selling tickets, t-shirts, and parking to serving rum runners and margaritas. Drinks and food are available for purchase. April, Pompano Beach Community Park, 1801 NE Sixth Street, Pompano Beach.
Las Olas Food & Wine Festival
Stroll down the iconic Las Olas Boulevard and sample some of the best food Fort Lauderdale has to offer. As you enter each Fort Lauderdale “tasting pavilion,” you will enjoy the best cuisines from different areas. All food and drinks are included in the ticket price, and credentials are required to enter the event tasting pavilions and sponsor experiences! April, Las Olas Boulevard, between SE Sixth Avenue and SE 11th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale www.lasolaswff.com
The Pompano Beach Fine Food & Wine Celebration
The Pompano Beach Fine Food & Wine Celebration gathers some of the area’s finest culinary institutions, bakers, craft brewers and wine distributors for one night dedicated to pleasing the palate. Stay tuned for updates for the 2024 event. www.pompanobeachchamber.com
MUSIC TO MY EARS
Boots on the Beach Country Music Festival
Last year’s event was held in November, with tickets for reserved seating available through Eventbrite. There was a packed entertainment schedule, including Tim Charron, Andrew Morris and Maggie Baugh. Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming event information. Main Beach Parking Lot, 149 21st Ave., Deerfield Beach, www.deerfield-beach.com
Jazz Fest 2024
Jazz Fest Pompano Beach is the creation of the City of Pompano Beach’s Cultural Affairs Department. The City is committed to developing Pompano Beach’s reputation as a cultural hub and an economic powerhouse. Many of last year’s concerts sold out quickly, so best to get a jump on things. Friday, Jan. 19 and Saturday, Jan. 20, Pompano Beach Great Lawn & Old Town, www.pompanobeacharts.org/jazzfest
Tortuga Music Festival
Rock, The Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival, is a world-class music festival on the beach with the express mission of spreading awareness of ocean conservation issues. During Tortuga, the magical shores of the Atlantic Ocean host concertgoers for an oceanfront music experience featuring top country and rock artists. Last year’s lineup included Kenny Chesney, Shania Twain, Eric Church, WIZ KHALIFA, COLE SWINDELL, CARLY PEARCE and more!
One of the unique components of Tortuga is Rock The Ocean’s signature concept, “Conservation Village,” a gathering of like-minded organizations who are experts in the various issues threatening our seas. These organizations come together to build awareness of the many issues putting our seas at risk. Tortuga provides conservation messaging to 30,000-plus concert fans annually with a unique “edu-tainment” experience. According to its website, the Tortuga Festival has raised $3.2 million for Rock the Ocean, which aims to increase public awareness about the issues impacting the world’s oceans and support scientific research, education and ocean conservation. Please note there is no official parking at the festival. The festival encourages everyone arriving to take a water taxi or rideshare. April 5 – 7, 2024, Fort Lauderdale Beach, 1100 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, www.tortugamusicfestival.com
For more fun events, check out the feature in the current issue of our magazines here!
