All ages can find something new and exciting around every corner of the state. Filled with rich history, abundant natural beauty and diverse events all year, Florida has something fun for everyone.
Port St. Joe
September 1-15
Members’ Art Market
The Joe’s Members’ art is featured from 11 a.m. to 6 pm. Wednesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at The Joe Center for the Arts. Art includes jewelry, glass, watercolor, paintings, sculpture and photography.
thejoecenterforthearts41.wildapricot.org; 770-337-7947
Pensacola
September 1, 15 and 29
Cinemas in the Sand
Pack up your chairs and a blanket, and dig your toes in the sand while watching classic family movies on the beach. Movies are free to the public and start at 8 p.m. in front of the Gulfside Pavilion stage. Featured films are “The Greatest Showman” on September 1, “Wall-E” on September 15 and “Night at the Museum” on September 29.
www.visitpensacolabeach.com; 850-530-3349
Lakeland
September 2
Birding on the Boardwalk
Start each month with an opportunity to hone your birding and wildlife sighting skills from 10 a.m. to noon at the Blanton Family Lagoon at Bonnet Springs Park. Staff and volunteers provide binoculars and birding guides for guests to use. Participants are encouraged to bring water.
www.bonnetspringspark.com; 863-413-0652
Okeechobee
September 4
Labor Day Festival and Parade
Gather your family and friends for a day of fun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Flagler Park. This free event is filled with arts and crafts, handcrafted goods, food, live music, a parade and children’s activities.
www.okeechobeemainstreet.org; 863-357-6246
River Ranch
September 2
Saturday Night Rodeo
Cowpokes and bronco busters descend upon Westgate River Ranch Resort at 7:30 p.m. for an evening of fun. A long-standing tradition, this real-life rodeo features trick riding, bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing and rodeo clown antics.
www.westgateresorts.com; 863-692-1321
Port St. Joe
September 2-3
Scallop, Music and Arts Festival
Come out and enjoy a weekend of arts, crafts, live music, food and more. Tickets can be bought in advance or at the gate. One-day passes are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. Two-day passes are $20 in advance. Children 12 and younger get in free.
www.facebook.com/FLAScallopFestival; 850-227-1223
September 2 and 16
Salt Air Farmers’ Market
Shop local farmers and artisans as your family enjoys art pieces from
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vendors sell fresh veggies, sweet tupelo honey and vine-ripened fruit. Admission to the market is free.
www.saltairmarket.com; 850-229-7800
Islamorada
September 4
Matecumbe Historical Trust Labor Day Service
This service pays tribute to those who lost their lives in the Labor Day 1935 Hurricane. The ceremony begins at 9 a.m. at the Islamorada Hurricane Monument (MM 81.5). The monument memorializes hundreds of American veterans and local citizens who died in the storm.
www.matecumbehistoricaltrust.org; 305-393-0940
Pensacola
September 7-9
Bulls on the Beach
Bring the family out to experience the ultimate adrenaline rush with three nights of live rodeo action. Thursday night features junior riders on miniature bulls, followed by professional riders Friday and Saturday nights.
www.florabama.com/bulls-on-the-beach; 850-492-0611
Key Largo
September 10
MarineLab’s Family Day
Curious about what lives in the ocean? Interested in taking a closer look at marine animals? If so, come learn more about local marine habitats while investigating with hands-on science and snorkeling. Activities range from interactive labs to hopping on boats and heading out to the coral reef. These free community events are hosted on our campus at 51 Shoreland Drive (MM 103 on the oceanside) and led by our marine biologist education staff. Each event is a bit different, so be sure to check out our website for more details.
www.marinelab.org/family-day; 305-451-1139, option 9
Panama City Beach
September 23
Fall Festival and Market
Bring the whole family to Aaron Bessant Park for this free event. Enjoy fall fun, crafts, music, food and handmade items from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Live music is performed from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The first 300 visitors get a complimentary tote bag.
www.visitpanamacitybeach.com; 850-233-5045
Islamorada
September 24
Keys Kids Fishing Derby
The 26th year of the derby is at Lorelei Restaurant in Islamorada. The derby is for Keys children ages 10 and younger. There are three divisions: shoreline, backcountry and offshore. The three age groups are 4 and younger, 5-7 and 8-10. Prizes are awarded to the top three in each age group and division. A casting contest is on the beach along with other fun children’s activities. A ditty bag is given to the first 125 registered anglers, along with a fishing rod from Fish Florida license plate sales. Lines are in at 9 a.m., and weigh-in closes at 1 p.m. The derby is free to all children.
www.facebook.com/keyskidsfishingderby; 305-522-4868
Key Largo
September 23
Key Largo Critter Cruise/Crawl
Enjoy a day of fun and frolicking on the water with a multi destination boat (or land) cruise with adult challenges at each stop. There are trophies for best decorated boat and crew, and the grand prize is the “Coveted Bucket of Cheer.” The event starts at noon and ends at 5 p.m. at the Caribbean Club. Other locations of the “Cruise/Crawl” are Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill, Bayside Grille & Sunset Bar, Blackwater Siren, Buzzards Roost and Shipwrecks Bar & Grill. Proceeds benefit the Upper Keys Humane Society.
www.facebook.com/upperkeyshumanesociety; 305-451-3848
How to include upcoming events
Want to share a family-friendly event with the readers of Florida Currents? Send details in an attached Word document (no PDFs, please)—in the format shown on this page—to info@floridacurrents.com. Include the date, town, times and a way for readers to register or get more information. Make sure to submit the item at least 60 days before the event (due to press deadline). If you own rights to a print-quality photo promoting your event—perhaps from a past year—include it with photo credit information.