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Can’t Miss Events for February in Florida

February may be the shortest month of the year, but it’s a very busy one here on the Florida Gulf Coast!

There’s so much to do in and around Manatee and Sarasota Counties this month – and that’s even before we get to Valentine’s Day!

Here’s some of our favorite February events that we think you’ll love too.

Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival

If motorcycles and circuses are a little too thrilling for your taste, then the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival on February 15th and 16th might be just the ticket.

This festival has been going strong since 1981 and can draw a crowd of 20,000. But don’t worry – there’s plenty of fresh seafood, live music, and fun to go around for everyone.

Cortez is one of only remaining commercial fishing villages in Florida and visiting during the festival is a real treat!

1.Kid zone 2. face painting 3. local vendors 4. Artisan Booths

Find all the fishy details here.

Sarasota Music Half Marathon& Rockin’ 5k & 10k

Who says you can’t exercise on vacation? Okay, maybe lots of people do. But a marathon is more than exercise. It’s an event for the whole community. if you are a spectator, there is plenty of lively entertainment. The route runs through downtown Sarasota where runners and crowd alike are serenaded by local bands. And don’t forget brunch afterward!

The race is on February 2, and you find all the details on the website.

St. Barbara Greek Festival

When in Florida, do as the Greeks do!

This annual festival hosted by St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church is a local favorite.

Admission is free on Thursday and only $4 on the other festival days. You definitely don’t want to miss the Sunday night raffle drawing with big cash prizes (or a 2019 Mercedes Benz or a trip to Greece!)

From the event organizers:

It is an event that evokes the sights, sounds and tastes that define the traditional Greek way of life. Enjoy the hospitality of our Greek community, and experience the simple pleasures of life in a Greek village.

If you’re in town on February 6 – 9, this is a must-do event! Find more details here.

Bradenton River Regatta

Regatta? You gotta!

Seriously, though, you’ve got to go. The Bradenton Regatta, according to The Herald Tribune, is one of the “largest spectator events in Southwest Florida.”

On February 15-17, head to the Manatee River to see what all the fun is about! There will be boat races aplenty, plus live music and fireworks!

Thunder by the Bay

If the other February events aren’t quite wild enough for you, get ready to rev your engines for Thunder by the Bay, a motorcycle and music festival in Sarasota.

On February 1st, the festival gets kicked off with the sporty clay tournament and a week later, on February 8th, the real kick-off party occurs.

The main event is February 14-16 and with featured performers and favorite tribute bands, you won’t want to miss a single second.

Events take place at the Sarasota Fairgrounds, and you can find more information on the festival website.

Circus Sarasota

After Thunder by the Bay, keep your heart pumping with the gravity-defying fun of Circus Sarasota!

“This year’s Circus Sarasota performance features a Cyr Wheel, aerial dance, horses, hand-to-hand acrobatics, high-wire, teeterboard, juggling and more.”

Wow! When the circus comes to town, they really go to town. Find ticket and date information here.

Tampa Chocolate Festival

The Tampa Bay Chocolate Festival returns for its 5th year, hosting
Themed Food Truck / Trailer / Tent event covers every bit of Chocolate. Chocolate is a requirement for all treats, both sweet and savory is represented!
Featuring Live Entertainment both audio & visual. Saturday, February 15, 2020, at 12 PM – 6 PM

Florida State Fair

We know, we know, there is SO MUCH happening in February!

But we would be remiss if we didn’t mention one final event: the Florida State Fair!

If you’re in Florida from  February 6 – 17, you really can’t miss this. Get the best that Florida has to offer in nearby Tampa.

Learn all about all the events and activities here.

The Strawberry Festival

This is one of the most popular Festivals in Florida. Enjoy the freshest strawberry treats, from pie to shortcake, and enjoy family fun on the midway. Rides and fair activities are a huge draw but the music line up is the biggest draw. Check out who is performing and get tickets early Sponsors offer free performances for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss the kiddies Korral for rides and attractions for the little ones. Saturday, Feb 4 at 2 pm, the Clydesdales will arrive.

The annual Murder Mystery is Friday, February 10 & Saturday, February 11. Doors Open at 6 p.m. Test your Mystery solving skills at the play that is always entertaining for the Center’s adult audience. Dinner is provided, a cash bar is available, as well as Raffles. Dress up for prizes for the Circus-Themed Costume Contest, at the Anna Maria Community Center at 407 Magnolia. Purchase entry and dinner tickets here, for Saturday events. Order by Phone (941)778-1908 *Must be at least 21 to attend. Contact the  Anna Maria Community Center at 407 Magnolia Avenue PO Box 253 Anna Maria, FL 34216, or Phone: at 941.778.1908 for updated info.

You can look for even more events on our Pinterest Boards.

With so many Mus see events happening, it’s time to book your perfect beach home! Call us today at 941-778-1979 or Toll-Free at 844-206-MOBI and ask us about last-minute reservations (we promise, you’ll be glad you did!).

View our current listings and Book accommodations at Beachrentals.mobi.