Known as the "Venice of America" for its canals, Fort Lauderdale is usually a place where people head to the beach. And while 23 miles of beaches is definitely a reason to come here, it's not the only thing.
Especially in the fall. There are plenty of events in Fort Lauderdale that will make you wish you lived here all year round.
Whether you live nearby or are planning on taking your next vacation here, keep reading. We're sharing with you thirteen fabulous Fort Lauderdale events.
1. Halloween Events in Fort Lauderdale
There are tons of Halloween-inspired Broward County events going on throughout the month of October. Some are specifically for children with games, prizes, and plenty of candy.
Many of them have costume contests, games, face painting, and plenty of candy. Others have hayrides, games, and crafts.
There are even Halloween events for your dogs. This K-9 Oktoberfest includes having your dog microchipped.
Many of these Fort Lauderdale events are free and parking is also free. But not all of them are.
However, some of these Halloween bashes are just for adults only, like the Sexy Halloween party thrown by the Tipsy Salon Bar. Check before you go to see if it's an appropriate event for everyone attending.
Some, like the Hollyweird Holloween Block Party, starts off as family-friendly but then turns into adults only after 9 pm.
2. 59th International Fort Lauderdale Boat Show
From October 31st through November 4th, the 59th International Fort Lauderdale Boat Show is being held. Fort Lauderdale is known as a major yachting center.
There are over 42,000 resident yachts and around 100 marinas and boatyards. This year is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with seminars, special events, and amazing food being served by over 100 vendors.
It's a great event for kids and adults. It may even inspire you to give up living on land and pursue a new career working on a yacht.
Tickets are on sale now.
3. Florida Day of the Dead Celebration
If you aren't quite done dressing up after Halloween ends, have no fear. The Day of the Dead celebration is another great reason to dress up in another costume.
Except for this time, it's not just for fun. The Day of the Dead is held to remember your loved ones who have departed. It's also a celebration of life.
With tons of live music, crafts, workshops, and exhibitions, you'll learn a lot about other cultures who celebrate this holiday. You can even learn how to make your very own Day of the Dead puppet.
It's being held November 2nd in downtown Ft. Lauderdale.
4. Fall Harvest Festival
The fall harvest festival is held by Flamingo Road Nursery. It's one of those Fort Lauderdale events you really shouldn't miss.
There are ongoing events being held all day and every day like the farmers market and the children's craft and activity area. But there is also live music, barbecue, and hayrides.
It's a wonderful educational experience and kids of all ages should go to enjoy the festivities. Learn how fall is celebrated in a place where it never really gets all that cold and what plants thrive best in Florida.
5. The Mai-Kai Polynesian Dinner Show
Fort Lauderdale is the 23rd most diverse city in the United States. It even beats out Miami.
Which makes it a great place to check out different cultures from your own without even having to leave the country. The Mai-Kai Polynesian dinner show offers both fine dining and great entertainment under one roof.
Admission entitles you to a full-course meal and an interactive show. You'll even get to join the dancers onstage to learn their dances.
Learn new songs and stories from the South Pacific while you sip a specialty drink. Afterward, go for a stroll in their gardens to work off the meal.
6. Fort Lauderdale Home Design Show
From November 16-18 there is the Fort Lauderdale Home Design Show. While not a Fort Lauderdale festival, it's a great way to get ideas for your home improvement projects.
You'll find a diverse range of solutions and products specifically tailored to those living in Florida. You'll also meet the best home designers and home remodeling companies in South Florida.
This event has speakers, local artists, exhibitions, and demonstrations. Tickets are only $17 per adult.
7. Taste of Lauderdale Lakes
If you like food, art, music or culture, then the Taste of Lauderdale Lakes is one of the Fort Lauderdale festivals you shouldn't miss out on. If you're a resident of Lauderdale Lakes and think you can cook, join in the fun by applying to compete in their cook-off.
You'll also find cooking demonstrations and tons of food from local vendors. You'll meet tons of local artists selling their crafts. You can also just sit back and enjoy the live music.
If you have kids, bring them along. They'll love rock climbing and face painting. You'll love the cooking demonstrations that teach your kids how to prepare healthy meals.
This festival is being held Saturday, November 17th.
8. Camelot Days Medieval Festival
If you love knights, jesters, musicians, artists, and good food and drink, then the Camelot Days Medieval Festival is for you. It's also for you if you have kids, love history or just love getting dressed up in a costume.
This year the festival is being held November 10-11 and 17-18th. There are tons of performers like the Royal Chessman and Faire Wynds.
You can also win a prize for best costume. Kids from 6-12 years old are $3 and kids under six are admitted free.
9. Art in the Park
The 52nd annual Art in the Park is being held November 10-11. It's a great event with over 100 artists displaying their beautiful work.
You'll also find live entertainment from ProMusic Plus and Pete Dejesse. There are also plenty of activities for the kids. And you'll enjoy food from various local vendors.
Parking and the event itself is free. However, bring your money to purchase these great pieces of art while you support your local economy.
10. Christmas on Las Olas
For some, Christmas can't come early enough. This year, Christmas on Las Olas 2018 celebrates its 56th-holiday kick-off celebration in downtown Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday, November 27th.
This event is free and open to everyone. With tons of great sponsors, local food and drink vendors, it's a great way to meet the Fort Lauderdale community.
It's also a great event to bring kids to, especially if you're looking to get a photo of your children with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. And there's even going to be a 70-foot sled ride down real snow! Not an easy feat in southern Florida.
11. Go See a Broadway Show
You don't have to head to Broadway, NYC just to take in a great show. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts always has an amazing show no matter what time of the year it is.
Catch "The King and I" playing from November 20th through December 2nd. Stick around and see what the "Hamilton" craze is all about as shows begin on December 18th through January 20th.
However, the Broward Center isn't the only place to catch, live theater. Click here to browse through the Broward Times to see which shows you want to catch while you're here.
12. Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
See the boats all decorated for the holidays make their way along the Riverwalk. This festive event takes place on December 15th and starts at 6:30.
Admission is free, just walk along the Riverwalk at New River, Intracoastal Waterway. Pets are welcome, but only if they're well behaved and on a leash.
13. Art and Antique Walk (and Craft Show)
Check out Oakland Park as it hosts its 2nd annual Art & Antique Walk + Craft Show. It takes place on November 2nd beginning at 9 am.
While you shop, you'll enjoy live music and a craft show. But don't forget about the food and drinks. Coffee in the morning with Krispy Kreme donuts. You can also head to the mimosa bar.
Don't get too stuffed, lunch begins at 11 am in the food court. However, some stores will also be serving refreshments.
Thankfully, there's free shuttle service to all the stores so no one has to worry about drinking and driving while intoxicated or overly caffeinated. This is a free event but you'll need to sign up through Eventbrite to take advantage of the free shuttle service.
Find Your Short-Term Rental With Us
With plenty of events in Fort Lauderdale going on this fall, there's plenty of things to do, see, and eat. But you still need somewhere to stay.
While there are perks to staying at a hotel (room service!), there's nothing that beats that feeling of being in your own home. With short-term rentals, you get the benefits of being at home while on vacation.
If you're looking for that perfect place to call home, even for a short while, we can help. Click here to find your short-term rental with us.
