Because only in Florida could you celebrate fish-throwing, frog legs, and swamp cabbage with equal enthusiasm.
Florida is famous for its beaches, gators, and theme parks, but if you really want to experience the heart of this state, skip the roller coasters and head to its festivals. Nowhere else can you toss a dead fish for sport, eat frog legs by the thousands, or stroll through rows of heart-shaped leaves that look like painted art.
I’ve only been to a handful of Florida’s quirky events myself (the Caladium Festival is at the top of my gardener’s bucket list), but I’ve been collecting a wish list of festivals that perfectly capture Florida’s offbeat charm. Here are the best of the beautifully weird.
Caladium Festival – Lake Placid
If there’s a festival designed for me, it’s this one. The tiny town of Lake Placid—which proudly calls itself the “Caladium Capital of the World”—hosts a celebration every July dedicated entirely to these vibrant, heart-shaped leaves. Rows of caladiums in shades of red, white, and pink line the streets, and local farms open for guided tours.
I love that an entire festival exists just for a leaf. There are plant sales (dangerous for my wallet), art exhibits, and even a car and bike show because, well, it’s Florida—we can’t do anything without adding a classic car somewhere.
When to Go: Late July. Wear a hat and sunscreen—it’s hot, but the colors are worth it.
Swamp Cabbage Festival – LaBelle
Yes, swamp cabbage is a thing—and yes, people throw a festival for it. In LaBelle, locals celebrate “swamp cabbage,” also known as hearts of palm, with two days of food, rodeos, and parades.
The highlight? Swamp cabbage stew and armadillo races. I don’t know which is stranger—the idea of eating swamp cabbage or betting on armadillos—but both are delightfully Florida.
When to Go: Late February, when the weather is cool enough to enjoy the outdoor events.
Frog Leg Festival – Fellsmere
You know a festival is serious about its theme when it bills itself as the largest frog leg festival in the world. Every January, Fellsmere serves up thousands of frog legs (and gator tail) alongside carnival rides and games.
Locals swear by the crispy fried frog legs, describing them as tasting “like chicken, only better.” Personally, I’d have to work up the courage, but if I ever go, you’ll find me at the funnel cake stand first.
When to Go: Mid-January. Come hungry and bring cash for food vendors.
Underwater Music Festival – Looe Key Reef
Imagine snorkeling in turquoise water while listening to ocean-themed hits like Yellow Submarine or Under the Sea. That’s exactly what happens at the Underwater Music Festival in the Florida Keys.
Divers and snorkelers gather near Looe Key Reef every July to enjoy music played through underwater speakers. It’s silly, sure, but it also raises awareness for reef conservation—and honestly, who wouldn’t want to hum along with a parrotfish?
When to Go: Early July. Bring your own snorkel gear or join a charter boat.
Kumquat Festival – Dade City
You know Florida loves food when even the humble kumquat gets its own festival. At this cheery January event, you’ll find kumquat pies, marmalades, salsas, and even kumquat wine.
The best part? Local cooks compete with creative recipes, so you never know what you’ll end up trying. (Kumquat barbecue sauce, anyone?)
When to Go: Late January. It’s family-friendly, with live music and craft booths.
Annual Python Challenge – Statewide
This one’s not exactly a festival, but it’s so Florida I had to include it. Every August, experienced hunters compete in the Python Challenge, a state-sponsored effort to remove invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades.
Cash prizes go to the longest and most pythons caught. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s one of the most unusual conservation events in the country.
When to Go: August. Spectators aren’t encouraged to join the hunt, but you can follow the results online.
Why These Festivals Matter
They might sound silly—okay, they are silly—but these festivals are also a reminder of what makes Florida unique. They celebrate our ecosystems, our food, and our love for the offbeat.
As someone who loves Florida’s stranger side, I can’t wait to wander through fields of caladiums, cheer at a mullet toss, and maybe taste swamp cabbage stew. Here’s the recipe: https://www.gonnawantseconds.com/one-pan-swamp-cabbage/