Pensacola
January 1-16
First City Lights Festival
Navigate the eclectic historic district voted Florida’s Greatest Place as you experience live street performances, caroling in the streets and Winterfest Trolley Tours.
www.downtownpensacola.com; 850-434-5371
Pensacola
January 6 and 20
An Evening Under the Stars
Big Lagoon State Park, along with the Escambia Amateur Astronomer Association, invites you to spend an evening gazing at the skies. Clear skies permitting, telescopes and binoculars are set up to capture views of the moon, planets and other celestial objects. All participants must enter the park before sunset.
www.floridastateparks.org; 850-492-1595
Marathon
January 6-7
Florida Keys Celtic Festival
This festival brings the rich cultural heritage of the Celtic nations to the heart of the Florida Keys. This family-friendly event features world-class musicians, performers, athletes, food, beer, and Celtic and Keys vendors. Children can enjoy arts and crafts, along with Highland Games events. This event is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
floridakeyscelticfestival.com; 850-529-0699
Marathon
January 13
Paws for a Cause
This dog walk to Pigeon Key benefits the Domestic Abuse Shelter of the Florida Keys. Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. at the beginning of the old 7-Mile Bridge. The walk starts at 9 a.m. Brunch is served on Pigeon Key. Bring your family and dog for a beautiful 4.4-mile walk.
305-849-6236
Plantation Key
January 13
40th Annual Art Under the Oaks
View fine art, original crafts and live entertainment in the San Pedro Church gardens. Enjoy refreshments, homemade bake sale goodies and raffles from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, but onsite parking is $5.
www.artundertheoaks.com; 305-852-5372, ext. 3
Key West
January 13-14
18th Annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival
Seafood and music combine yet again for this year’s festival at Bayview Park. From stone crabs and conch fritters to classic rock, this year’s festival brings timeless tunes and classic hits to the outdoor stage. Vendors are available for shopping, and a children’s area includes bounce houses and face painting. The $10 admission is good for both days. Children younger than 12 get in free.
floridakeysseafoodfestival.com; 305-743-0294
Marathon
January 15, 22 and 29
Florida Keys Concert Series
Delirium Musicum is a self-conducted, ethnically diverse chamber orchestra from Los Angeles composed of some of classical music’s top up-and-coming young artists. Other dates include January 22 with cellist Zlatomir Fung and January 29 with Shelest Piano Duo. Concerts start at 7:30 p.m. in the Marathon High School auditorium.
www.floridakeysconcerts.com; 800-324-6982
Pensacola
January 20
Kids and Kritters Mardi Gras Parade
This family-friendly Mardi Gras event is a walking procession for people and pets. The event begins at 1:30 p.m. in the Casino Beach parking lot with a pre-parade dance show. The parade begins at 2 p.m.
www.pensacolabeachmardigras.com; 850-748-6878
Lake Placid
January 21
12th Annual Tea
Enjoy an afternoon of dining on tea sandwiches, fruit breads and decadent desserts. Join the fun with the Country Girl Dress Up contest. Doors open at 1 p.m. and tea hours are 2 to 4 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be bought at the Caladium Arts and Crafts Co-Operative, 123 Interlake Blvd.
www.caladiumarts.org; 863-699-5940
Lake Placid
January 26-27
Trash and Treasure Sale
The St. James Council of Catholic Women sponsors its annual Trash and Treasure Sale at the church’s Social Hall, 3380 Placid View Drive. The sale is one of the largest in the area with clothing, housewares, furniture, tools and fishing equipment included. Doors open at 8 a.m. and close at 2 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday.
www.stjameschurchlp.com; 863-465-3215
Key Largo
January 27
Pops in the Park
The Florida Keys Community Concert Band invites you to attend this free band concert in Peace Park. January’s event is Looney Tunes—Heroes and Villains. Pack a picnic basket and blanket or chairs, and load up the family and furry friends for this night of music.
keyscommunityconcertband.org; 305-294-1123
Wauchula
January 27-28
Peace River Pro Rodeo Classic
Rodeo fans come to the Heartland of Florida and watch professional cowboys and cowgirls from across the nation compete. Gates open at
5 p.m. Saturday and noon Sunday at Hardee County Cattlemen’s Arena. Food and clothing vendors are onsite.
www.peaceriverprorodeo.com; 863-773-4132
How to include upcoming events
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