Florida Travel Events and Happenings

Sept. 17-19, 2010 - Nautical Flea Market & Seafood Fest (Stuart). A must do for any water enthusiast, the event features new, used, close out and liquidation boats, fishing equipment and supplies (954-205-7813)

Sept. 18-19, 2010 - Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo's Fisher-Price Play Weekend
A super-sized play area filled with the coolest new toys from Fisher-Price and special character appearances. The event is ideal for kids under 6 years old and a wild time for the whole family! Play activities and character meet-and-greets are included with Zoo admission. (www.lowryparkzoo.com)

Oct. 9-10, 2010 - Peace River Seafood Festival (Punta Gorda) features tasty seafood, live entertainment and fun for kids. (www.peaceriverseafoodfestival.com)

Oct. 13-17, 2010 - Jacksonville Film Festival (Jacksonville) Gaining increasing recognition as a regional destiantion for the independant fil community, the festival connects the city to its early movie makign roots. Don't miss access to film screenings, short film debuts and parties with celebrity guests. (www.jacksonvillefilmfestival.com)

Oct. 14-17, 2010 - Clearwater's Jazz Festival. The sounds of jazz take over Coachman Park during the 31st Annual Clearwater Jazz Holiday. Cleveland StreetIn addition to jazz musical performances, visitors with a penchant for the arts can take advantage of the festival's Jazz 'N Art Walk, held in downtown Clearwater , Oct. 16-17 2010. An added dimension to the event, the Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation is producing the Third Annual Clearwater Jazz N Art Walk on the 500-600 blocks of . Artwork from 50 different mediums will be on display and for sale to the public. The Clearwater Jazz 'N Art Walk offers a total purse of $5,000 for the top three artists. The show prominently features student art as part of the Holiday 's continued commitment to education in the area of jazz music and the arts.

For more information about Clearwater Jazz Holiday , call the Clearwater Jazz Holiday office at (727) 461-5200 or visit their Websites www.clearwaterjazz.com & www.jazznartwalk.com

Oct. 17-23, 2010 - 21st Annual "Ding" Darling Days (Sanibel Island) This week of eco-activities features free refuge tram tours, live wildlife presentations, kids activities, Federal Duck Stamp artist presentation and more! The festival celebrates the birthday of the refuge's namesake, conservationist and Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist Jay N. "Ding" Darling. www.dingdarlingdays.com

Oct. 20-21, 2010 - Placida Rotary Nautical Flea Market - a family fun event with unique nautical bargains, silent auction, crab races and more! (941-697-2271)

Oct. 21-24, 2010 - Key Largo Pirates Festival. Costume contests, walk the plank, rum tasting, booty hunt, underwater poker and more pirate-themed fun! (305-394-3736)

Oct. 22-31, 2010 - 31st Annual Fantasy Fest. An outrageous, 10 day celebration featuring costume competitions, promenades, street fairs and lavish floats. (www.fla-kys.com)

Oct. 29-Nov. 7, 2010 - 5th Annual Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival Along the Great Calusa Blueway paddling trail in Southwest Florida, events include activities that will help attendees achieve a "carbon neutral" vacation experience with tips to bring home. A nature photography contest and family-oriented outdoors eco-fests round out the offerings. (www.calusabluewaypaddlingfestival.com)

Oct. 23-24 - NAS Jacksonville Air Show - Jacksonville shows its military pride which includes ground displays, activities and air performances, featuring the famed Blue Angels. (http://nasjax.navy.mil)

Oct. 30-31, 2010 - 60th Annual Swamp Buggy Budweiser Fall Classic & Parade, Naples The oldest and most unique parade in Naples freatures the parade of swamp buggies prior to the start of the Fall Classic Races (held Oct. 30-31, 2010). (www.paradisecoast.com)

Nov. 1-14, 2010 - 24th Annual American Sandsculpting Championship Festival, Fort Myers Beach. Dolphins, great blue herons, entwined lovers and Neptune, god of the seas: The inticate sculptures along world famous Ft. Myers Beach takes "playing in the sand" to a whole new level. Amateur sculptures are invited to create and learn from the masters during Sandsculpting 101 workshop on Friday. (www.sandfestival.com)

Nov. 4-7, 2010 - 19th Annual Parrot Heads in Key West. Fans of Jimmy Buffett flock to the island dubbed Margaritaville for their annual "Meeting of the Minds" convention. (www.fla-keys.com)

Nov. 12-14, 2010 - 20th Annual Holiday Open House at Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards. Highlighted by local artists, crafters, beverages, winery tours and more. (800-768-9463)

Nov. 6, 2010 - Middleburg's Historic Festival. This free event features Civil War re-enactment, Cam Blanding WWII Firing Demonstration, Car/Truck Show, chili cook off and more! (904-282-3150)

Nov. 12-13, 2010 - Key Largo Bridge Run. Enjoy the sunrise where the Ocean meets the Gulf during the inaugural run over part of the historic 18 mile stretch to The Gateway to the Keys. (www.fla-keys.com)
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Jan. 28-30, 2011 - Naples Winter Wine Festival. This exclusive event, considered one of the most successful charity wine auctions in the world, features world-class vitners and chefs to this star studded event. (www.paradisecoast.com)

Feb. 19-20, 2011 - Tallahassee PigFest BBQ Competition. This Southeast regional cookoff features music, arts and a kids zone! (850-222-2043)

Feb. 25-27, 2011 - Washington's Birthday Festival (Eustis). The family-friendly event features a parade, fireworks, contents, children's activities, delicious food and live entertainment. (352-357-3434)

Mar. 5-6, 2011 - Naples Swamp Buggy Races The world's fastest and muddiest races take place at Florida's Sports Park. A must see event! (www.paradisecoast.com)

Mar. 26-27, 2011 - Sarasota Folk Festival. More than 25 musical acts are performed on three stages. (941-483-9158)

Apr. 8-10, 2011 - The 19th Annual Venice Shark Tooth Festival. This family-oriented event features fossil vendors, live entertainment, kids games and more! (941-412-0402)