March means that a ton of festivals will make their return as they take over South Florida. Enjoy annual favorites like Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival and the Florida Renaissance Festival, or explore some lesser known gems like Female Brew Fest and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Food and Wine Festival.
HUZZAH!
February 8-March 22
ren-fest.com
The 28th Annual Florida Renaissance Festival will return to Quiet Waters Park to bring you a slice of the 16th century yet again. Expect “over 100 artisans selling their wares, over 100 performers to entertain, a Kid’s Kingdom, and entertainment!” Choose from a wide array of shows like The Bearded Lady, Celtic Mayhem, Christophe the Insulter, Djian Tie African Dancers, S. Caleb Carinci Ashe (Horse trainer and performer), and many others. There will also be rides and games like the Giant Rocking Horse and Flying Carousel, and tons of food and drinks to satisfy all your 16th century cravings!
DESSERTED IN MIAMI
March 7
dessert-wars.com
Foodies, this is your time to shine! Dessert Wars, the largest dessert festival in America, will sprinkle your day with sugar and fun! Dessert vendors from all over will have their cupcakes, cookies, ice cream, and donuts displayed as they battle for the title of Dessert Champion. Three types of ticket packages will be available: There’s general admission, which grants you 30 sample tickets; Sprinkle On Top which gets you 50 sample tickets, a Dessert Wars T-shirt, and 1-hour early entry; and VIP, which includes 50 sample tickets and 1-hour early entry. Get ready to munch on some goodies!
BE THERE OR BE SQUARE
March 12-April 5
fairexpo.com
The Miami Dade County Fair & Exposition (a.k.a. The Youth Fair) is back! It’s the largest fair in Florida hosting over 600,000 guests every year. The 86-acre complex will have lots to do with over 90 carnival rides, two giant Kiddielands, outrageous and classic fair food options, livestock competitions, live concerts and entertainment, a European style circus, and more! The Youth Fair also gives back to the community by showcasing the “artistic, academic and athletic talents of more than 63,000 public, charter, private and home school students through competition and exhibition.” Last year, the fair was able to raise $586,720 in academic scholarships and awards!
CLASSY AND JAZZY
March 13
jazzinthegardens.com
The Hard Rock Stadium will welcome Miami Garden’s premiere entertainment event for the 15th year in a row. Jazz in the Gardens brings world-renowned talent to the city every year, and this year is no exception. The lineup features Mary J. Blige, H.E.R., The Roots with Bilal, Kirk Franklin, Charlie Wilson, Stokley, Jill Scott, and SWV. Fans of jazz and R&B will be pleased throughout the musical evening, and will even squeeze in some laughs with comedic host Rickey Smiley from The Rickey Smiley Morning Show. To quote Mary J. Blige, it’s going to be a “Family Affair” so “Be Happy” and enjoy the show!
GREAT EATS, GREAT CAUSE, GREATER FTL
March 18-22
gflfoodwine.com
The Greater Fort Lauderdale Food and Wine Festival is in its 2nd year and it’s sure to dazzle yet again. It will feature culinary creations and libations from more than 100 local restaurants, wineries, and breweries. There will be multiple events throughout the fest like Family Day, which will include live entertainment, activities, food trucks, and cocktail bars. There will also be the main event, The Grand Tasting, with 4 hours of unlimited food/drink tastings, live cooking demos, gift bags, and a commemorative tasting glass—all included with general admission. Additionally, GFLFW will team up with Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital as its charity partner this year.
FEMALES FOR FERMENTATION
March 21
femalebrewfest.com
One of the most anticipated events of the year is here to show you that women brew it better! FemAle Brew Fest is a craft beer festival that places a spotlight on female brew experts and brewsters in the beer industry. Everyone is welcome (even pets!) to attend and learn about the different types of beer, all while sipping some delicious brews. This year there will be even more activities to add to the fun like Yoga + Beer, an all-level community yoga class with beer, and Sensory Training, a sensory course led by Pink Boots Society- FL Chapter Member & Certified Cicerone®, Kristen Lorow- Hunter.
By Aaliyah Pasols