10 Things You Have to Do in the 954 This Year

From neon-drenched art nights to yachts so big they need their own zip codes, Broward’s got a lineup of can’t-miss events that prove the 954 is more than just beaches and brunch.

Greater Fort Lauderdale isn’t just about palm trees, craft cocktails, and catching rays on the sand—it’s about events that crank the volume up to 11. Whether you’re a foodie, an art junkie, or the kind of person who just likes watching million-dollar yachts cruise by while thinking, “Yeah, I could live that life,” Broward County has something wild, bold, and unapologetically “954” waiting for you this year. Here are the 10 events you have to flex on your calendar.

Flex on Fort Lauderdale’s International Boat Show

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER

The Boat Show is basically Fort Lauderdale’s Met Gala—except instead of gowns and tuxes, it’s yachts bigger than your apartment building. Expect jaw-dropping superyachts, futuristic gadgets, and enough salt-life swagger to make you seriously consider selling everything and becoming a captain. See the photos.

Catch Waves and Tunes at Tortuga Music Festival

APRIL

Picture this: you, barefoot in the sand, watching your favorite artist shred while the Atlantic crashes behind the stage. That’s Tortuga. Think country, rock, and pop heavyweights, plus ocean conservation vibes so you can feel good about partying hard. See the photos.

Time Travel at the Florida Renaissance Festival

FEBRUARY - MARCH

It’s not Halloween, but you’re still allowed to dress up as a knight, wizard, or tavern wench. The Florida Ren Fest is all turkey legs, jousting, and mead—basically Comic-Con for history nerds. Spoiler: you will start speaking in a bad British accent by the end. See the photos.

Get Artsy at the Las Olas Art Festival

MARCH

The boulevard turns into one giant art gallery, except you can drink sangria while strolling through it. Over 200 artists roll out sculptures, paintings, and conversation starters that will make your living room look way cooler. See the photos.

Eat and Drink Your Way Through the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival

JANUARY

This is cheat day on steroids. We’re talking celebrity chefs, mixologists who treat cocktails like science experiments, and tastings that make you want to unbutton your jeans by 3pm. It’s a weeklong excuse to spoil yourself, no shame. See the photos.

Look Up at the Fort Lauderdale Air Show

MAY

Ever wonder what it feels like to have your ribs rattled by a jet engine? Welcome to the Air Show. Military pilots and stunt flyers put on a display of pure speed and precision that turns the sky into an IMAX movie. See the photos.

Light Up the Holidays with the Winterfest Boat Parade

DECEMBER

Forget sleighs—here, Santa rolls in on a yacht wrapped in Christmas lights. The Winterfest Boat Parade is the 954’s sparkly love letter to the holidays, with floating light shows gliding down the Intracoastal.

Trip Out at IGNITE Broward

FEBRUARY

Imagine downtown Fort Lauderdale turned into a neon wonderland of giant projections, immersive light art, and futuristic vibes that make you feel like you’re in Blade Runner. Bring your best fits and your phone charger—this one’s all about the content.

Celebrate Love at Pride Fort Lauderdale

FEBRUARY

Pride in the 954 means rainbow floats, epic beach parties, and a celebration of inclusivity that hits harder than a tequila shot at brunch. The parade down A1A is pure energy, and the after-parties? Legendary. See the photos.

Run the A1A Marathon

JANUARY

Even if you’re not into running, the A1A Marathon is worth it for the vibes: sunrise on the ocean, cheering crowds, and thousands of determined souls crushing miles. If you do run, congrats—you’ve officially earned bottomless mimosas. See the photos.

From fighter jets roaring overhead to yachts twinkling with Christmas lights, the 954 is where your year goes from “meh” to “did that actually just happen?” Block your calendar now—because missing any of these would be a rookie mistake.