Florida in August: 10 Amazing Things to Do This Summer!

Are you looking for fun things to do in Florida in August?

You’re in the right place!

I have a full lineup of August events in Florida for all budgets to keep your calendar busy all month long.

Popular favorites like Miami Spice Restaurant Months and Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, to off-the-beaten-path places in Florida like Hippie Fest in Tarpon Springs.

This August in Florida is loaded with can’t-miss events.

So, let’s hang on to those vacation vibes just a little bit longer with this ultimate guide to amazing things to do in Florida in August.

Saxophone player on the stage. Keep reading to find out more about the best things to do in Florida in August.
Photo Source: Canva

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Key Takeaways

  • Explore the fascinating history of St. Augustine and uncover interesting stories about this Ancient City on a free guided walking tour
  • Pack your tie-dye and get ready to groove at the Tarpon Springs Hippie Fest
  • Experience bold barbecue flavors and beer-inspired bites during Bier Fest Brews & BBQ at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
  • Kick off spooky season early at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Orlando

Keep reading for a full guide to the best things to do in Florida in August.

1. Historic Walking Tours in St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine is one of those Florida towns I love visiting and never get tired of. There always seems to be something new and interesting to do in this Ancient City.

Castillo de San Marcos St. Augustine with NikkyJ. Keep reading to find out more about the best things to do in Florida in August.
NikkyJ enjoying the view in St. Augustine, Florida

One of my favorite things about St. Augustine is the cool mix of history and mystery.

Ghost stories, pirates, and legendary tales, St. Augustine knows how to keep things interesting and just a little spooky.

What I love even more is finding free things to do in Florida and sharing them with my fellow Florida Hipsters.

St. Augustine Ghost Tour Company Ghosts and Gravestones. Keep reading to find out more about the best things to do in Florida in August.

Tour St. Augustine Inc. has a free historic walking tour that is fun, entertaining, and perfect for solo travelers.

You’ll walk in the footsteps of St. Augustine’s early days, hear about some of its most legendary residents, and learn about the darker side of St Augustine’s history of pirates, all for free.

Event Details:

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2. Miami Spice Restaurant Months in Miami, Florida

Miami Spice Restaurant Months is one of the hottest events in Florida in August.

Downtown Miami, Florida. at sunset with a vibrant colorful sky. Keep reading for the full guide to the best events in August in Florida.
Downtown Miami, Florida Photo Source: Canva

It’s when some of the best restaurants across Miami and Miami Beach offer specially curated prix-fixe menus so you can enjoy gourmet meals without the usual price tag.

Miami, Florida nightlife at rooftop party with NikkyJ. Keep reading for the full guide to the best events in August in Florida.
Miami, Florida nightlife at rooftop party with NikkyJ

Restaurants like AVIV, Fairways at The Biltmore, Toro Toro, Cafe La Trova, Nobu Miami, and Donatella Restaurant are just a few of over 200 Miami Spice featured restaurants participating with incredible three-course meals to choose from.

Event Details:

  • Date: July 31st, 2026, until September 29th, 2026
  • Time: Brunch, lunch, and dinner 
  • Cost: Brunch and lunch: $40, Dinner: $50 or $65 and Premium Dining Experiences: Starting at $95.
  • Location: Participating restaurants in Miami, Florida

Book your next Miami special tour with up to 81% off on Groupon TODAY!

3. Wausau Possum Festival in Wausau, Florida

The small town of Wausau is bringing the community together for some good old-fashioned fun at the annual Wausau Possum Festival.

 Florida festival concert at night. Keep reading for the full guide to the best events in August in Florida.
Photo Source: Canva

It is a possum-ly good time with a wild mix of competitions for kids and adults, from rooster calling, cow lowing, hog calling, and sack races.

The Possum King & Queen Contest and concert kick things off on the first night.

While the weekend brings a parade through downtown, possum auction, Donkey Ball Game and more concerts. You can find the full schedule of events here.

Event Details:

  • Date: July 31st and August 1st, 2026
  • Time: Events run throughout both days
  • Cost: To be announced
  • Location: 3121 Possum Palace Dr, Wausau, Florida

4. Music and Art Walk in Fort Myers Beach, Florida

The first Friday of every month brings the Music Art Walk to Fort Myers Beach Florida as the streets transform into an open-air showcase.

Fort Myers Beach, Florida Downtown boat dock. Keep reading to find out more about the best August events in Florida.
Fort Myers Beach, Florida Photo Source: Canva

You’ll find more than 60 local and regional artists displaying and selling their one-of-a-kind works across a variety of styles.

The walkable evening atmosphere in the heart of downtown Fort Myers is a free, family-friendly event and one of the memorable things to do this August in Florida.

Fort Myers Beach, Florida. Keep reading to find out what are the best things to do in Florida in August.
Fort Myers Beach Florida Photo Source: Canva

If you miss the Art Walk, downtown Fort Myers keeps the energy going with the free Monthly Music Walk on August 21, 2026.

From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the River District transforms into a live music experience with local and regional musicians performing along the streets and creating a lively night in the heart of the city.

Event Details:

  • Date: August 7th, 2026
  • Time: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Cost: Free to walk around
  • Location: First and Hendry Fort Myers Florida 33901

5. Brick Fan Event – A LEGO Fan Experience in Tampa, Florida

LEGO madness is hitting the Lightning City for two whole blockbuster days at the Brick Fan Event!

Downtown Tampa at Sunset. Keep reading for the full guide to what to do in Florida in August.
Downtown Tampa at Sunset Photo Source: Canva

Meet LEGO MASTER champs, discover LEGO cities, check out the 125-foot LEGO RC off road course and put your skills to the test in the Strongest Bridge LEGO competition.

Legoland Florida Moroccan Lego Set. Keep reading to find out what are the best things to do in Florida in August.

What I think really sets this August Florida event apart from others is that it’s packed with speakers, character meet-and-greets, and lots of hands-on activities, games, and building zones.

Plus, for the little builders, the Kids Zone is loaded with thousands of Duplo bricks!

Event Details:

  • Date: August 8th, 2026, and August 9th, 2026
  • Time: August 8th, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and August 9th, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Cost: From $22.55
  • Location: Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301 Tampa, Florida

Save 53% at MUST-SEE Tampa Bay attractions TODAY with Your CityPASS!

6. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Orlando, Florida

Spooky season has officially started!

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Disney's Magic Kingdom Theme Park Boo to You Halloween Parade in front of Cinderella Castle with characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Keep reading to find out what are the best things to do in Florida in August.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is back for 2026, and all are welcome, kids included.

This Disney Halloween is a separately ticketed event hosted at Magic Kingdom that is spooktacular fun without the terrifying frights.

There are trick-or-treat locations for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween throughout, Halloween Dance Parties, and Disney’s Not-So Spooky Spectacular.

Hocus Pocus Villains Spectacular, the Boo to You Parade and The Cadaver Dans Barbershop Quartet are a few more of the wickedly wonderful experiences.

Plus, I love that it’s the only time adults and kids are allowed to dress up and enter the park in a costume.

Event Details:

  • Date: On select dates from August 7th to October 31st of 2026
  • Time: Event begins at 7:00 p.m. to midnight Boo to You Parade is at 8:15 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. (final details pending) Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular: 9:05 p.m., 10:40 p.m., 12 a.m. (final details pending) at Cinderella Castle Stage Fireworks start at 10 p.m. (final details pending)
  • Cost: The 2026 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ticket prices for adults range from $119 – $224
  • Location: Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World 

Get your cheap Orlando Theme Park Tickets with Undercover Tourist TODAY!

7. Hippie Fest in Tarpon Springs, Florida

I absolutely love Tarpon Springs! It is one of my favorite places to visit in Florida, any time of the year.

Tarpon Springs, Florida. Keep reading to find out what are the best things to do in Florida in August.
Tarpon Springs, Florida

With the Greek food and yummy baked goods, the laid-back sponge dock and waterfront, and all the unique souvenirs it always feels like I’ve stepped into a completely different world.

Tarpon Springs Sponge Store. Keep reading for the full guide to what to do in Florida in August.
Tarpon Springs Sponge Store

This August, the Sponge Docks at Tarpon Springs are all about peace, love, and sponges, adding a splash of tie-dye to the Greek village with Hippie Fest.

There will be a VW Bug Show, a groovy Hippie Costume Contest, a Hula Hoop Contest, so much incredible food and drinks, live music, and lots of vendors to check out.

Event Details:

  • Date: August 15th, 2026
  • Time: 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  • Cost: Free to come out and explore with free parking and shuttle
  • Location: Sponge Docks, Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, Florida

8. First Coast Smooth Jazz Festival in Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville sets the stage for an unforgettable summer experience with the First Coast Smooth Jazz Festival.

Aerial View of Jacksonville Oceanfront Park. Keep reading to discover the best things to do in August in Florida.
Aerial View of Jacksonville Oceanfront Park Photo Source: Canva

This two-day upscale celebration brings together world-class smooth jazz artists, soulful performances, and a vibrant coastal atmosphere.

First Coast Smooth Jazz Festival with black lady on the stage singing with band. Keep reading to find out what are the best things to do in Florida in August.
Photo Source: Canva

Guests can enjoy live music throughout the weekend by artists such as Marcus Anderson and Nathan Mitchell, curated experiences, local vendors, and an elevated festival setting that blends music, culture, and community.

Event Details:

  • Date: August 14th and 15th 2026
  • Time: 7:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. both days
  • Cost: Tickets start at $299
  • Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront 201 Riverplace Boulevard, Jacksonville Florida 32207

Get up to 63% off of the Jacksonville Beach tours and attractions with Groupon TODAY!

9. Bier Fest Brews & BBQ in Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is firing up the smokers this year for the ALL-NEW Bier Fest Brews & BBQ.

Your park admission includes access to the event, where you can indulge in some of the best and boldest BBQ flavors alongside beer-inspired and beer-infused dishes.

Add in a wide selection of craft brews, plus live music, and you’ve got one of Florida’s must-do August events that’s sure to be a brewtifully good time.

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturdays and Sundays from July 25th to September 7th, 2026, and Labor Day
  • Time: During park hours
  • Cost: The event is included with your admission to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay; however, Bier Fest Brews & BBQ sampler packages (five, eight, or ten samples) are available for purchase.
  • Location: 10165 McKinley Drive Tampa, FL 33612

Get more Jacksonville travel planning tips right here!

10. Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in Orlando, Florida

If there’s one thing I love about August in Florida, it’s festival season at EPCOT.

Epcot International Food and Wine Festival with EPCOT Spaceship Earth and food and drinks from the EPCOT event. Keep reading to learn more about the best Florida festivals in August.
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is one of my favorites and is great if you are looking for something to do as a solo traveler in Florida too.

Nikky in the Canada Pavilion at EPCOT with Champagne Drink. Keep reading to learn more about the best Florida festivals in August.
Nikky in the Canada Pavilion at EPCOT with a Champagne Drink

There are more than 35 global marketplace food booths for you to taste your way around the world.

Prices for most dishes range from $5.00 – $13.00 and remember that you can use your Disney Dining Plan snack credits.  

Epcot Food and Wine Festival at Disney Odyssey Cider Flight with Parmesan and Peanut Butter and Jelly Chicken Wings. Keep reading to learn more about the best Florida festivals in August.
Epcot Food and Wine Festival at Disney Odyssey Cider Flight with Parmesan and Peanut Butter and Jelly Chicken Wings

Don’t forget that Festival Passports are free and available all over Epcot.

Trust me, it makes your Epcot foodie challenge around the world even more exciting and a global adventure.

Event Details:

  • Date: This Epcot Festival will take place daily from August 27th through November 21st, 2026
  • Time: Epcot opens daily at 9 a.m. and closes at 9 p.m.; however, the food booths (also known as the Outdoor Kitchens) don’t open until 11 a.m.
  • Cost: A one-day REGULAR season Epcot ticket starts at $119* (prices do fluctuate based on the season).
  • Location: Walt Disney World Resort’s EPCOT

Read NEXT: Florida Packing List Ultimate Guide: What to Pack for Your EPIC Trip!

Wrapping Up Amazing Things to Do in Florida in August

With summer winding down and back-to-school routines starting up again, I hope these Florida August events have you inspired to make the most of the season’s final days.

Florida Events in August Travel Guide
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What’s your favorite things to do in Florida for the month of August? Let us know in the comments section below.

Until next time, Happy Florida Travels!

Sarah Jordan Theme Park Writer and Florida Travel Expert Writer

About the Author

Sarah Jordan is a solo traveler enthusiast, professional travel writer, and proud mama to her rescue dog Coconut.

With a love for destinations across the globe, she made Epcot her first theme park and still treasures her EPCOT World Showcase passport to this day.

After finally following her inner wanderlust, she discovered the freedom and empowerment that solo travel brings. 

(Original Article Date: August 14, 2025/Updated by Editor on June 25, 2026)

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