By Sinclair Jones | February 8, 2022

Florida offers a roster of year-round events along its sun-drenched coastline, from boat shows to gourmet extravaganzas and world-class motor-sports events. If you’re planning a 2022 vacation to the sunshine state, then keep on reading. Here’s our definitive guide to the top 10 must-attend events along the Florida coast. 

Top 10 Florida events 2022

1 – Miami International Boat Show – February 16-20 

This year, the Miami International Boat Show joins forces with the Miami Yacht Show to create one of the largest  yacht shows on south Florida’s coastline. The show takes place along Miami Beach and Downtown Miami, offering visitors an opportunity to discover how life is better on a boat. The show covers boats of all sizes, from small day boats to superyachts, the latest water toys, tenders, and luxury lifestyle goods designed for the yachting industry. The show also includes educational seminars and activity zones designed for the entire family. Visitors will also be able to chow down on world-class food and enjoy a busy roster of live entertainment.

2 – South Beach Wine & Food Festival – February 24-27

Located along the heart of Miami’s iconic South Beach, this is a not-to-be-missed event for gourmands. Feast with your toes in the sand and discover world-class cuisine, educational seminars, and cooking demonstrations by global culinary talent. Hosted by the Food Network and the Cooking Channel, the festival includes culinary stars such as Rachael Ray, Jose Andres, Jet Tila, Guy Fieri, and Scott Conant, to name just a few. The festival includes a busy roster of events, such as the Asian Night Market, Steak and Whiskey, and Tacos and Tequila.   

3 – Festival of the Arts BOCA – March 4-13 

The annual Festival of the Arts BOCA is guaranteed to deliver for culture enthusiasts. The event features a slew of live performances covering opera, jazz, ballet, and classical music. The festival also includes several informative talks on topics that are of global importance, including a talk by Bill McKibben, author of 15 books and the recipient of the Right Livelihood Prize, on the global climate challenges planet Earth faces, and a talk by Donald Pettit, America’s oldest active astronaut, on his experiences in space, including 370 days aboard the International Space Station.

4 – 2022 Miami Open – March 21 – April 3 

The Miami Open Tennis Tournament is considered one of the most exciting tennis tournaments in the US. The tournament takes place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, just a short drive from Miami’s famed white sandy beaches. The venue features 30 practice courts, a tennis oasis with the largest video screen of any tennis event, and a vast centre court with 14,000 seats. Some of tennis’ biggest stars are set to take to the courts, ensuring two weeks of exhilarating action.

5 – Palm Beach Boat Show – March 24-27 

The Palm Beach Boat Show is a must-attend for yachting enthusiasts wishing to browse yachts for sale and charter, as well as learn about the latest boating trends. The boat show is held annually on the West Palm Beach Waterfront, offering a spectacular setting to browse some of the world’s finest yachts. This year, organizers state that the show will include more than US$1.2 billion worth of yachts and accessories, as well as a selection of superyachts up to 200 feet in length. 

6 – Miami Beach Polo World Cup – April 21-24

Enjoy four days of sporting fun at the Miami Beach Polo World Cup. Multiple matches take place on the powder-white sands of South Beach, featuring players from across the globe. Watch the match for free or purchase a VIP ticket and enjoy an elevated experience under the covered grandstands. Post-match, the elegant restaurants of South Beach offer the ideal place to enjoy a meal while watching Miami life unfold. 

7 – Fort Lauderdale Air Show – May 2-3

Cast your eyes to the sky at the annual Fort Lauderdale Air Show. State-of-the-art helicopters, US Air Force Thunderbirds, and a whole lot more will take to the skies directly above Fort Lauderdale’s shoreline. There’s a wide range of tickets on offer, including private viewing areas right on the beach and VIP penthouse experiences with fine dining and open bars. 

8 – Miami Grand Prix – May 6-8

Fans of Formula 1 will want to schedule a trip to Florida for the inaugural Miami Grand Prix. The event takes place at the new track currently under construction around the Hard Rock Stadium, offering two days of high-octane fun. The Miami Grand Prix is joining the F1 calendar on a 10-year contract. “There is no doubt in my mind that the Formula 1 community and the sport’s fanbase worldwide are going to be amazed by what they see next May,” said Miami GP CEO Richard Cregan in an interview with Sky Sports.

9 – Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show – October 28 – November 1

 

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show – or FLIBS as it is often referred to – celebrates 62 years, making it one of the longest-running boat shows in Florida. The five-day event boasts the largest in-water showcase of boats, marine vendors, and service providers. The shows Superyacht Village showcases some of the world’s finest yachts up to 300-feet, making this a must-attend event for those seeking to cruise the world in spectacular style. In addition to some of the world’s finest yachts, FLIBS also includes a host of educational seminars covering the world of yachting and marine insights. Finally, the show will boast a range of upscale global gourmet and beverage experiences, from authentic 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 smorgasbord of delights guaranteed to tickle the taste buds of the most discerning gourmands. The event features a roster of culinary talent who will host a series of educational seminars, cooking demonstrations, and gourmet extravaganzas. For anyone interested in fine food, this is a not-to-be-missed event.

Which 2022 Florida event will you be marking in your diary?