Looking for things to do in Florida? Skip the usual roller coasters and explore the Sunshine State’s vibrant, lesser-known traditions and festivals—where communities shine and quirky events thrive. From worm-calling contests to citrus celebrations, Florida offers a rich blend of the bizarre, the beautiful, and the unexpectedly fun.
Quick Summary:
Explore hidden local events across Florida that go beyond theme parks, like manatee swims, Spam parties, and oyster festivals.
Celebrate small-town culture with citrus parades, costumed ghost walks, and seasonal seafood events.
Enjoy offbeat fun with genuine local flair, including worm gruntin’, kumquat pies, and pajama-themed parties.
Discover unique attractions and eateries near every event, turning one-day festivals into weekend adventures.
Find authentic Florida travel ideas that locals love and most tourists overlook.
Hidden-Gem Events Across Florida
1. Spammy Jammy – Goodland, FL
Every June, the fishing village of Goodland embraces its weird with the Spammy Jammy—Florida’s funniest hurricane season kickoff. Guests wear pajamas, dance to live tunes, and sculpt cans of Spam into creative designs.
- Where: The Little Bar Restaurant
- Local Eatery: Little Bar Restaurant – Enjoy conch fritters, stone crab, and dockside views.
- Nearby Attraction: Marco Island Historical Museum – Discover Calusa Indian artifacts and island history.
- Hidden Gem: Visit Goodland Boating Park for quiet kayak launches and dolphin sightings.
2. Kumquat Festival – Dade City, FL
Held every January, this family-friendly street fest celebrates the tart little fruit that put Dade City on the map. Vendors line the streets with everything from kumquat ice cream to handmade soaps.
- Local Eatery: Steph’s Southern Soul Restaurant – A true hidden gem with fried chicken and sweet tea that locals swear by.
- Nearby Attraction: Pioneer Florida Museum – Step back into Florida’s 19th-century homesteads.
- Hidden Gem: Try a kumquat wine tasting at local winery Florida Estates in nearby Land O’ Lakes.
3. Worm Gruntin’ Festival – Sopchoppy, FL
In April, Sopchoppy becomes worm-callin’ central. Kids and adults tap stakes into the ground and grunt to the rhythm, drawing earthworms to the surface—yes, it really works.
- Local Eatery: My Way Seafood – Local spot for mullet, shrimp, and hush puppies.
- Nearby Attraction: Ochlockonee River State Park – Canoe among white squirrels and quiet trails.
- Hidden Gem: Check out the Sopchoppy Depot Museum—tiny but rich in local lore.
4. Seasonal Celebrations – Dixie County, FL
Dixie County offers rural charm and local pride through events like:
- Spring: Dixie County Fair (March)
- Summer: Scalloping Season (July–Sept)
- Fall: Pioneer Day Festival (Oct)
- Winter: Old Town’s Christmas Parade (Dec)
- Local Eatery: Putnam Lodge Restaurant in Cross City – Historic 1927 lodge offering Southern dishes.
- Nearby Attraction: Steinhatchee Falls – Short drive for waterfall hiking and picnic spots.
- Hidden Gem: Jena Boat Ramp – Ideal for sunset fishing or launching kayaks.
5. Oyster & Seafood Festivals – Wakulla & Apalachicola
In spring and fall, Wakulla County and Apalachicola celebrate oyster season with cook-offs, seafood tastings, and waterfront music.
- Event Picks:
- Panacea Oyster Festival (March)
- Apalachicola Riverpalooza (Fall)
- Local Eatery: Up the Creek Raw Bar in Apalachicola – Go for the Apalachicola Bay oysters, stay for the river views.
- Nearby Attraction: Orman House Historic State Park – Civil War-era home with gardens and ghost stories.
- Hidden Gem: Visit Battery Park, where locals fish, crab, and launch boats under the bridge.
6. Swim with Manatees – Crystal River, FL
From November to March, over 800 manatees gather in the spring-fed waters of Crystal River. It’s one of the few places in the U.S. where you can swim with these gentle sea cows legally.
- Local Eatery: Vintage on 5th – Upscale southern cuisine in a historic church building.
- Nearby Attraction: Three Sisters Springs Boardwalk – Crystal-clear views without getting wet.
- Hidden Gem: Hunter Springs Park – Free beach access, kayak rentals, and fewer crowds.
7. Mount Dora Ghost Walk – Mount Dora, FL
This theatrical ghost tour is part historic storytelling, part performance art. Costumed guides take you through alleys, haunted hotels, and the town’s Victorian past.
- Local Eatery: The Goblin Market – Hidden alley entrance, bookshelves, and gourmet food.
- Nearby Attraction: Mount Dora Center for the Arts – Small gallery with rotating exhibits.
- Hidden Gem: Hop aboard the Rusty Anchor Boat Tour for sunset lake cruises and gator sightings.
8. Fantasy Fest – Key West, FL
Each October, Fantasy Fest transforms Key West into a 10-day costumed carnival with bold parades, live music, and themed events. While adult-oriented, earlier events include family-friendly costume competitions.
- Local Eatery: Blue Heaven – Chickens roam as you eat banana pancakes under the palms.
- Nearby Attraction: Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum – Tour the writer’s home and see the famous six-toed cats.
- Hidden Gem: Escape the crowds on Fort Zachary Taylor Beach—a quiet shoreline with snorkeling.
Why These Local Events Shine
- Authentic Culture – These festivals offer a real taste of Florida, from its roots to its seafood.
- Community Connection – You’ll meet locals, support small businesses, and see the heart of each town.
- Budget-Friendly – Most events are low-cost or free, with locally priced food and entertainment.
- Instagrammable Moments – Where else can you see a Spam sculpture contest or a manatee pod in one weekend?
Final Thoughts
Florida is more than just theme parks—it’s a patchwork of oddball festivals, homegrown traditions, and small-town surprises. From swampy ghost walks to citrus-fueled fairs, the best things to do in Florida are often hidden just off the highway.
Skip the lines. Meet the locals. And explore Florida the way it was meant to be: weird, warm, and wonderfully wild.