Through April 17, Islamorada
Dive Into Art Show
Members of the Art Guild of the Purple Isles and 200 students from Plantation Key and Key Largo schools present works reflecting man’s quest to explore under the sea at the History of Diving Museum, MM 82.9. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Museum admission fees apply.
www.agpi.us;
305-664-9737
March 1–2, Panama City Beach
Mardi Gras and Music Festival
The event at Pier Park includes the Krewe of Domonique Youx’s parade at the beach and features entertainment for the entire family.
www.visitpanamacitybeach.com;
850-233-5070
March 1–3, Marathon
13th annual Sombrero Beach Run
Several hundred racing circuit runners are attracted by a weekend filled with sunshine, food, drinks, music and entertainment. Awards are given to overall finishers in the 10K run, 5K run and 5K walk.
www.sombrerobeachrun.com;
305-743-4582 or 305-289-9868
16th Annual TurtleFest
More than 10,000 people will gather Saturday, March 23, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Loggerhead Park, 14200 U.S. Highway 1, Juno Beach. The event promotes conservation through up-close interactions with threatened and endangered sea turtles. Activities include educational presentations, live music, art, shopping and games. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.marinelife.org.
March 1–3, 8–10, 15–17, 22–24, 29–31, Sebring
Firemen’s Flea Market
Hunt for bargains and treasures at Highlands County’s oldest flea market, open Friday through Sunday year-round from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Highlands County Fairgrounds. Admission is free to patrons. Vendor spaces are available.
Betty Mansfield, 863-840-2193
March 2, Marathon
House and Garden Tour
Homes and gardens are featured at the Marathon Garden Club’s event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Buy tickets at the garden club, MM 50, or from the Marathon Chamber of Commerce.
www.marathongardenclub.org;
305-743-4971
March 2, Key West
57th annual Conch Shell-Blowing Contest
Celebrate the historic importance of conch as contestants make “music” with fluted conch shells in the garden of the Oldest House, 322 Duval St. Registration begins at 10 a.m. The contest starts at noon.
oirf.org;
305-294-9501
March 3, Marathon
62nd annual Key Colony Beach Days
Enjoy a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m., a parade at 11:30 a.m. and old-fashioned family fun with live music through 6 p.m. at Key Colony Beach City Hall. Admission and parking are free.
kcbca.org;
305-393-6823
March 5-22, Islamorada
Joe Cella Birds in Nature Show
The non-judged annual show hosted by the Art Guild of the Purple Isles features paintings, photography and sculpture of birds native or migratory to the Keys. The exhibit is in the Everglades room at Ocean Sotheby’s, MM 81.8, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission is free.
www.agpi.us
March 6-9, Panama City Beach
Emerald Coast Cruizin’ Car Show
Thousands of classic cars, hot rods, custom cars and trucks converge on Aaron Bessant Park for a parade, car auction and live music. A daily pass is $15. Children 12 and younger are admitted free.
www.emeraldcoastcruizin.com
March 6-24, Islamorada
53rd annual Judged Art Show
Art Guild of the Purple Isles’ free show spotlights original work by local artists at the Keys History and Discovery Center, MM 82.1. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.
www.agpi.us
March 9, Pensacola
42nd annual McGuire’s 5K Prediction Run
More than 14,000 participate in the nation’s largest prediction run, which starts at 9 a.m. Awards go to the fastest and most accurate in predicting the time it will take them to complete the 3.1-mile course.
www.mcguiresirishpub.com;
850-433-6789
March 9-10, Marathon
Original Seafood Festival
Delicacies from the waters of the Florida Keys and live music highlight the munch-fest sponsored by Organized Fishermen of Florida and the Marathon Chamber of Commerce at Marathon Community Park, MM 49. An open-air boat show is staged at the entrance to the festival.
www.marathonseafoodfestival.com;
305-743-5417
March 13-16, Sebring
SuperSebring
Sebring International Raceway hosts a doubleheader of endurance sports car races: the 1000 Miles of Sebring and the 67th annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. Tickets are available at the gate. Children 12 and younger are admitted free.
www.sebringraceway.com;
800-626-7223
March 15-17, Pensacola
10th annual Smokin’ in the Square
Fifty professional and 25 backyard teams compete in a barbecue cookoff at Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park. The event also features live music, family fun and arts and crafts.
www.smokininthesquare.com;
850-516-2622
March 15-17, Panama City Beach
Emerald Coast Boat and Lifestyle Show
See boat displays and marine accessories, standup paddleboards, fishing kayaks, outdoor kitchens, diving gear, beach-cruising bicycles and activewear at Aaron Bessant Park. Tickets are $10 a day or $20 for all three days. Children 12 and younger are admitted free.
www.emeraldcoastboatshow.com;
850-348-1498
Ciclovia Pensacola
As part of a unique international movement, downtown Pensacola streets close to motorized traffic Saturday, March 23, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The community is invited to be active and have fun riding bikes, walking, running or doing whatever moves them. The event promotes safe physical activity and exploring downtown. For more information, visit Pensacolaopenstreets.com or call 850-293-1853.
March 16, Arcadia
15th annual Pioneer Day and BBQ
The DeSoto County Historical Society event showcases the history of southwest Florida from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at DeSoto Veterans Park, State Road 70. Activities include demonstrations of old-fashioned skills and crafts, musical entertainment, Florida foods, live animals, vintage automobiles, antique engines, Florida authors and artists, and a free “discover history” hands-on children’s area with old-fashioned games. This year’s festival also commemorates the centennial of American Legion Post K-11.
www.historicdesoto.org;
863-266-5774
March 16-17 & 23-24, Arcadia
Padgett Ranch Spring Family Fest
Enjoy a family fun day on the ranch two weekends in March with a giant bounce pillow, TerraGator ride, hayride, barrel train, corn box, duck race, play areas and more. Admission is $10 for those 12 years and older, $8 for children 3 to 11, and free for those 2 and younger. Parking is free.
Facebook@Padgett Ranch Family Fest;
863-494-5221
March 23, Blakely, Georgia
Peanut Proud Festival
Celebrate all things peanut on the town square. The day begins with registration for a 5K and fun run at 7 a.m. and ends with a street dance. In between are a parade, more than 100 vendors, a kids’ peanut butter obstacle course and free entertainment.
www.peanutproudfestival.com
March 24, Islamorada
Seafood Festival and Art Show
Taste local seafood prepared by Keys chefs and see arts and crafts by juried artists at the kid- and pet- friendly event on the old road in front of the Islamorada Moose Lodge and down Morada Way. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entertainers and the Junkanoo Band perform all day.
www.facebook.com/IslamoradaMoose;
305-664-8120
March 30, Key Largo
Pops in the Park
Florida heritage is featured in story and song in “Swaying Sounds of Paradise” from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Murray Nelson Government Center’s Peace Park. The free outdoor event includes a naturalist speaker, local authors, poetry, a conch-blowing contest and pirates.
www.keyscommunityconcertband.org;
305-451-4530
March 30, Bradenton
14th annual Bradenton in Bloom
Take a self-guided tour of five gardens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Manatee River Garden Club event. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the clubhouse, 3120 First Ave. West, on the day of the tour. Enjoy a gourmet luncheon at the clubhouse and visit plant vendors for an additional $12.
www.manateerivergardenclub.com;
941-870-2259
March 30-31, Key West
Southernmost Air Spectacular
U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron the Blue Angels takes to the skies at Naval Air Station Key West. The theme is Women in Aviation, with a focus on the future of flight. Gates open at 9 a.m. The air show starts at 10:30 a.m. Admission and parking are free.
airshowkeywest.com;
305-293-2503
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