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Feb 23, 2017

Man with a green mustache at a Fort Lauderdale, FL St. Patrick's Day Parade | Gunther KiaAs one of Florida’s most popular tourist destinations, Ft. Lauderdale is home to gorgeous weather, pristine beaches, and many great events. If you’re visiting the city this spring, here are five events worth checking out.

Las Olas Art Fair

Every March, Ft. Lauderdale’s iconic Las Olas Boulevard springs to life with colorful paintings, life-sized sculptures, handcrafted jewelry, and incredible photography. As the second art show of the season, the Las Olas Art Fair features an eclectic mix of well-known artists and newer names who specialize in everything from ceramics to mixed media. Event-goers can stroll the boulevard to view art, purchase items, or simply mingle with artists and other visitors.

The Las Olas Art Fair is easily accessible from the Ft. Lauderdale Airport and is close to many wonderful shopping and dining options.

Walk for the Animals

If you’re an animal lover, fitness fanatic, or both, the annual Walk for the Animals event is an absolute treat. Each March, the Humane Society of Broward County hosts its largest fundraiser: a leisurely 1.25-mile walk that attracts thousands of locals and visitors alike, along with their dogs. The walk begins at Ft. Lauderdale’s Huizenga Plaza and winds along the river and through downtown. Along the way, walkers and dogs can enjoy live entertainment, free treats, a dog agility performance, and more.

Best of all, the Humane Society of Broward County dedicates all funds raised to advancing its mission of providing shelter, aid, and responsible adoptions to animals in need.

Hollywood St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival

In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, the city of Hollywood hosts a parade and festival every March. The event features a traditional float parade with dozens of floats and local marching bands, as well as traditional Irish entertainment and food. In addition, Hollywood’s newly renovated Anniversary Park is transformed into a fantasy land full of fun games and activities for children.

This year, the event will feature the New York Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Corps, Joe Dougherty, and UV’s U2 tribute show.

Tortuga Music Festival

Every April, the Tortuga Music Festival brings together fans of country, rock, and roots music for three days of celebration on the beautiful sands of Ft. Lauderdale Beach Park. The event was created in partnership with Rock the Ocean, a foundation that’s dedicated to raising awareness about marine conservation and to supporting ocean conservation initiatives. Since its inception five years ago, the event has provided thousands of dollars to marine conservation efforts.

This year, the festival will feature performances by Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, Darius Rucker, Alan Jackson, and many more.

Pompano Beach Seafood Festival

The Pompano Beach Seafood Festival is an annual two-day event celebrating delicious seafood, live music, local vendors and adorable arts and crafts. For all day fun, the event also provides beach activities and a special Kids’ Zone for children.

Like many springtime events in the Ft. Lauderdale area, the Seafood Festival is nonprofit and dedicated to benefiting local charities.

Whether you’re interested in art fairs, charity walks, cultural events, music, or seafood, Ft. Lauderdale’s springtime events offer something special for everyone.