Riverhawk Music Festival

Now that it’s “Back to School” season, it’s time to focus on the important things in life such as cool festivals to attend. The “Sunshine State” offers a variety of fun gatherings to choose from, and to fit every one’s style and personality and fall is a great time of year to put your humid cares behind and just enjoy. Take a look at some of the best Fall Festivals in Florida, perfect for a budget getaway.

Treasure Coast Pirate Festival: September 9 – September 11, 2011, Located in downtown Stuart, the 4th Annual Treasure Coast Pirate Festival is free for all attendees although the suggested donation is $2.00. There is a Pirate’s Ball, a family treasure hunt, and several pirate-themed food and beverage vendors and performers. This is truly a fun Festival for the entire family (especially those of you who love your costumes). Yoo hoo hoo and then some!

Annual Sand Sculpting Festival: Navarre Beach from September 23-25th, 2011,  No, you don’t have to do the sculpting! All you have to do is attend, enjoy the food and watch seven master sand sculptors create large, magnificent works of art. This is free and open to the public. The masters sculpt the sand to a live audience.

Winter Park Autumn Art Festival: Winter Park on October 8th and 9th, 2011, If you’re into art, take your family to enjoy the treasures of the Winter Park Festival that also offers children’s hands-on art workshops. This is a juried art show that features only Florida works of art. The festival runs from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and admission is free. Winter Park is a short drive away from Orlando.

Annual Greek Festival: October 7-9, 2011,  Held in the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine, this festival heralds everything Greek from the costumes, food to the live Greek Band. This is a three-day festival which allows you to soak in everything that the culture has to offer. The city of St. Augustine played an important role in history for Greek immigrants; the first religious service was held at the Avero House.

Rattlesnake Festival: San Antonio, October 15th and 16th,  If you’re into reptiles, you will love the Rattlesnake Festival held in San Antonio, FL. Apart from looking at snakes, you can watch a snake show and also enjoy gopher races, a rattlesnake foot race and arts and crafts. There are also educational wildlife exhibits and admission is free.

Riverhawk Music Festival: Brooksville on November 3-6, 2011, This multi-day festival features several Florida-based music bands and is a fun event for the family and Fido as well (pets must be kept on a leash; and there is also a dog parade you can participate in). Families can camp and even have a campfire and listen to the bands play. If you’re going for just the day, bring lawn chairs and anything you might need for an outdoor concert. Purchase a festival ticket in advance if you all ready got your airline tickets to Florida.