Thursday, April 3, 2025

A Local’s Guide to Florida’s Food Festivals in 2025: Experience Authentic Florida

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Discover Florida’s Flavorful Food Festivals

Are you looking for Florida food festivals? We’ve scoured the state to find all sorts of fantastic events focused on eating. Florida food festivals are some of our favorite events to attend, celebrating a diverse array of culinary delights—from chili to chocolate to tacos and so much more. These events not only highlight local restaurants, food vendors, and chefs but also provide the perfect opportunity to try something new, like international cuisine.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the most exciting food festivals happening throughout Florida, organized by region.

Central Florida

Central Florida Veg Fest – Orlando

When: 2025 Dates to be announced
Where: Festival Park, 2911 E Robinson St., Orlando, FL 32803
More Information: Whether you are an omnivore, vegan, or vegetarian, the Central Florida Veg Fest is a must-visit event in October. Celebrating its 19th year, it’s one of the longest-running vegan festivals in the world. Attendees can indulge in a wide variety of vegan cuisines, with numerous international options available. The festival also features cooking demonstrations and yoga classes, making it a fun and educational experience. Admission is free. Learn more here.

Ocala Food and Wine Fest – Ocala

When: 2025 dates to be announced
Where: World Equestrian Center, 1750 NW 80th Ave, Ocala, FL 34482
More Information: Now in its 4th year, the Ocala Food and Wine Fest is a three-day culinary competition featuring phenomenal cuisines from celebrity chefs like Chef Lorena Garcia and Pitmaster Rashad Jones. Admission starts at $130, with proceeds benefiting the Public Education Foundation of Marion County and the ProStart Program. Learn more here.

The Clermont Taco and Margarita Festival – Clermont

When: 2025 dates to be announced
Where: Waterfront Park, 330 3rd Street Clermont, FL 34711
More Information: Join the fun at Clermont’s first-ever Taco and Margarita Festival. This family-friendly two-day event features Lucha Libre wrestling, live music, and, of course, the best tacos and margaritas in the area. Learn more here.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration – The Villages

When: 2025 information to be announced
Where: Spanish Springs Town Square
More Information: Enjoy a variety of food vendors, including Biekes Bistro and The Big Hot Box, while being entertained by a mariachi band and stilt walkers. This vibrant celebration also features numerous vendors selling unique items. Learn more here.

Sanford Battle of the Food Trucks – Sanford

When: 2026 dates to be announced
Where: 307 E 2nd St, Sanford, FL 32771
More Information: One of Sanford’s most popular events, the Battle of the Food Trucks showcases food trucks from all over Central Florida competing to serve the best dishes. Enjoy drinks, artisan vendors, and live music at this free event. Learn more here.

Central West Florida

Tampa Bay Wine and Food Festival – Tampa Bay

When: April 8th – April 12th, 2025
Where: Tampa Bay
More Information: This five-day culinary experience highlights top chefs in the Tampa Bay area, offering food samples, cocktails, and wine tastings from over 40 different restaurants, all set against a scenic riverfront backdrop. Learn more here.

3rd Annual Taco Fest – Palmetto

When: May 3rd, 2025
Where: 1402 14th Ave. W., Palmetto, FL 34221
More Information: Enjoy live music, tacos, margaritas, and fun games at this lively festival featuring local vendors. Learn more here.

11th Tampa Bay Chocolate Festival – Port Richey

When: 2025 dates to be announced
Where: 9409 US-19, Port Richey, FL 34668
More Information: A paradise for chocolate lovers, this two-day event features a variety of chocolate-covered treats, baked goods, and savory options, along with artisan vendors. Admission is free. Learn more here.

Central East Florida

17th Annual New Smyrna Beach Food Festival – New Smyrna Beach

When: April 17th, 2025
Where: Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, FL
More Information: This beachside event features taste-sized portions from local restaurants competing for the “Best on the Beach” award. Enjoy shopping vendors and live music. Admission is free, with dishes priced between $5 and $8. Learn more here.

3rd Annual Space Coast Burger Battle – Melbourne

When: 2025 dates to be announced
Where: 2500 Parkway Drive, Melbourne, FL 32935
More Information: Discover who makes the best burger in Florida at this exciting battle, complete with live music and vendors. Learn more here.

Southeast Florida

South Florida Food Fest and Craft Fair – Boca Raton

When: March 8th and 9th, 2025
Where: S County Regional Park, Boca Raton, Florida 33498
More Information: One of South Florida’s biggest food festivals, this two-day event features a la carte tasting menus, live music, and a craft fair marketplace. General admission is $10 per person for one day and $15 for a weekend pass. Learn more here.

3rd Annual Miami Creole Food Festival – Miami Beach

When: June 19th through the 22nd, 2025
Where: 1664 Lenox Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
More Information: Sample authentic Creole flavors from top chefs while enjoying drinks, cooking demos, and live music. General admission is $65 per person. Learn more here.

Southwest Florida

Englewood International Food Truck and Music Festival – Englewood

When: 2025 dates to be announced
Where: 348 W Green St. #348, Englewood, FL 34223
More Information: This popular three-day event features a variety of food trucks serving international cuisine, along with live music and an arts & crafts marketplace. Admission is free. Learn more here.

59th Annual Swamp Cabbage Festival – LaBelle

When: February 22nd and 23rd, 2025
Where: 8 Park Ave., LaBelle, FL 33935
More Information: Celebrating the Florida State tree, the Swamp Cabbage Festival features local vendors, a parade, and live music. Admission is free. Learn more here.

Northwest Florida

Pensacola Veg Fest – Pensacola

When: March 29th, 2025
Where: 301 W Main St, Pensacola, FL 32501
More Information: This festival celebrates plant-based living with delicious food, live music, free yoga classes, and cooking demos. Admission is $5 per person. Learn more here.

Sandestin Wine and Food Festival – Sandestin

When: April 10th – April 13th, 2025
Where: Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
More Information: This four-day event features over 100 wines, culinary tents, and live music. Learn more here.

Northeast Florida

Spanish Food and Wine Festival – St. Augustine

When: February 20th through the 22nd, 2025
Where: Flagler College – 74 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
More Information: Celebrate Spanish culture with authentic tapas and regional music. General admission starts at $100. Learn more here.


Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Florida’s food festivals offer a delightful way to experience the state’s vibrant culinary scene. From vegan delights to hearty BBQ, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out on these flavorful events that celebrate the art of food and community!

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