Bring out the pumpkin spice lattes and jack-o’-lanterns. Fall may be a few months away, but it’s never too early to get yourself pumped for the upcoming season. In Fort Lauderdale, that means marking your calendar with fun fairs and festivals guaranteed to help you ring in autumn in the best ways possible. Here are some of the coolest events to jot down for fall.
Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale Fall Festival
For the past four years, the Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale Fall Festival has welcomed families to a day of fun activities, food tastings, and live entertainment. It returns once again on Sept. 21 at Esplanade Park from noon to 4 p.m., with these hours dedicated to you having a great time. Here you can browse the arts and crafts stalls, grab a snack from your local food truck, and let the kids enjoy fall-inspired activities like face painting and pumpkin decorating.
Esplanade Park is also set to host a special trick-or-treat event right before Halloween. Make sure you bring the kids along for this one, and don’t forget to check out other autumn-themed festivals happening this October.
Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes
The Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes is an annual 5K walk that brings in thousands of participants each year. Its mission is to raise money for the American Diabetes Association and bring awareness to the disease. This year the walk will take place on Oct. 19 from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Huizenga Plaza/Bubier Park.
Along the route you’ll see fully stocked rest stops and markers to guide you to the finish line. There are also different fundraising prizes to give out and a fun kids zone with inflatables and face painting. Adults and children of all ages are welcome to join.
Las Olas Art Fair
Art aficionados flock to Fort Lauderdale every fall for the annual Las Olas Art Fair. And 2019 marks the 32nd anniversary of this nationally recognized event. This year’s festivities will take place between Oct. 19 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free public event promises hours of art gazing, with pieces designed by 300-plus artists across a handful of different mediums, including painting, sculpture, and wearable art.
You’ll also have a chance to interact with the artists, commission a piece, and find out more about how each idea came to life. Plus, there are several art galleries, boutiques, and cafes lining the boulevard. Be sure to check them out before you go.
Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival
Returning to Savor Cinema this fall, the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) celebrates its 34th year with a new round of brilliant big screen productions. From Nov. 1 to 17, the theater will host evening film screenings featuring award-winning documentaries, short motion pictures, captivating foreign films, and more.
Support local and nationally recognized filmmakers looking to promote their latest artistic vision. Cheer on actors and supporting cast members as they compete for top awards. And meet some legendary greats while you’re at it. Former FLIFF guests include Bryan Cranston (AMC’s “Breaking Bad”), Christopher Plummer (“The Sound of Music”), and Hollywood sweetheart Audrey Hepburn (“Breakfast at Tiffany’s”).
Autumn isn’t here yet, but our excitement for these Fort Lauderdale festivities can be felt from miles away.
Image via Flickr by Doubbt used under CC By
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