Florida offers a year-round roster of events along its sun-drenched shoreline, from boat shows to gourmet extravaganzas and world-class motorsport events. If you are planning a 2022 vacation to a sunny state, keep reading. Here’s our definitive guide to the top 10 events to attend along the Florida coast.
Top 10 Florida events of 2022
1 – Miami International Boat Show – February 16-20
This year, the Miami International Boat Show joined forces with the Miami Yacht Show to create one of the biggest yet cruise show on the southern Florida shoreline. Shows take place along Miami Beach and Downtown Miami, offering visitors an opportunity to discover how life is better on a boat. The show covers vessels of all sizes, from small boats to superyachts, the latest water toys, tenders and luxury lifestyle goods designed for the yachting industry. The event also includes educational seminars and activity zones designed for the entire family. Diners will also be capable to dine on world-class food and enjoy a thriving roster of live entertainment.
2 – South Beach Wine & Food Festival – February 24-27
Situated along the heart of Miami’s iconic South Beach, this is an event foodies cannot miss. Party with your toes in the sand and discover world-class cuisine, educational seminars and cooking demonstrations by global culinary talents. Hosted by the Food Network and Cooking Channel, the festival includes culinary stars like Rachael Ray, Jose Andres, Jet Tila, Guy Fieri and Scott Conant, to name a few. The festival includes a busy list of events, such as the Asian Night Market, Steak and Whiskey, and Tacos and Tequila.
3 – BOCA Arts Festival – March 4-13
BOCA’s annual Festival of the Arts is guaranteed to delight culture buffs. The event features many live performances including opera, jazz, ballet and classical music. The festival also includes several informative talks on topics of global importance, including a talk by Bill McKibben, author of 15 books and recipient of the Right Livelihood Prize, on the global climate challenges facing planet Earth, and a talk by Donald Pettit, America’s oldest active astronaut, about his experiences in space, including 370 days on the International Space Station.
4 – 2022 Miami Open – March 21 – April 3
The Miami Open Tennis Tournament is taken into account one of the most enjoyable tennis tournaments in the US. The tournament takes place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, just a brief drive from Miami’s famous white-sand beaches. The venue features 30 practice courts, a tennis oasis with the biggest video screen of any tennis match, and a large center court with 14,000 seats. Some of tennis’ biggest stars will take to the court, guaranteeing a fortnight of exhilarating action.
5 – Palm Beach Boat Show – March 24-27
The Palm Beach Boat Show is a must-attend for yachting enthusiasts looking to browse yachts for sale and rent and find out about the latest boating trends. Boat shows are held yearly on the West Palm Beach Waterfront, offering a spectacular backdrop for exploring some of the world’s finest yachts. This year, organizers say the show will include more than US$1.2 billion worth of yachts and accessories, in addition to a selection of superyachts up to 200 feet in length.
6 – Miami Beach Polo World Cup – April 21-24
Enjoy four days of thrilling sports at the Miami Beach Polo World Cup. Some matches take place on the fine white sands of South Beach, featuring players from around the globe. Watch the game for free or buy VIP tickets and enjoy the high-altitude experience under the covered grandstands. Post-game, South Beach’s elegant restaurants offer the ideal place to grab a bite to eat while watching Miami life unfold.
7 – Fort Lauderdale Air Show – May 2-3
Lift your eyes to the sky at the annual Fort Lauderdale Air Show. State-of-the-art helicopters, the US Air Force’s Thunderbirds, and lots of others will take to the skies right over the Fort Lauderdale shoreline. There are a wide range of tickets on offer, including private viewing areas right on the beach and a VIP penthouse experience with fine dining and an open bar.
8 – Miami Grand Prix – May 6-8
Formula 1 fans will want to schedule a trip to Florida for the inaugural Miami Grand Prix. The event takes place on a new track currently under construction around Hard Rock Stadium, offering two days of high-octane fun. The Miami Grand Prix joins the F1 calendar on a 10-year contract. “There is no doubt in my mind that the Formula 1 community and the sport’s worldwide fan base will be amazed by what they see next May,” Miami GP CEO Richard Cregan said in an interview with Sky Sports.
9 – Fort Lauderdale International Ship Show – October 28 – November 1
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show – or FLIBS as it is often called – celebrates 62 years, making it one of Florida’s longest-running boat shows. This five-day event offers the biggest boat show, sea merchants and service providers in the water. The Superyacht Village show showcases some of the world’s best yachts up to 300 feet, making it a must-attend event for those looking to explore the world in spectacular style. As well as some of the world’s best yachts, FLIBS also includes a number of educational seminars covering the world of yachting and marine insights. Finally, the show will showcase a broad range of high-end global culinary and beverage experiences, from genuine street tacos to fresh stone crab claws and handcrafted cocktails.
10 – Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival – December 8-11
This four-day festival offers a wide range of delights that are guaranteed to tickle the taste buds of culinary connoisseurs. The event contains a roster of culinary talent who will host a series of educational seminars, cooking demonstrations and a gourmet extravaganza. For anyone interested in good food, this is an event not to be missed.
Which 2022 Florida events will you mark in your diary?