With auto races in Miami and Pensacola, and a major golf event in between, there’s no shortage of things to do in Florida this weekend. And then there’s the circus, an arts festival, a boat show, a tennis match, and…well you get the picture!
It’s Thursday, and that means a lot of folks in the Sunshine State are looking for things to do in Florida this weekend. Many are searching for fun things to do on the two-day respite from working. Here’s a few events that the editors at Florida Media Now think are the standout happenings from March 22 to 23, 2025.
Events and Festivals
Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival
Promotional Photo
Dates: March 21-23
Location: Central Park, Winter Park
Celebrating its 65th year, the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival stands as one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious outdoor art festivals. Attendees can explore works from over 200 artists, spanning mediums like painting, sculpture, and digital art. Beyond the visual delights, the festival offers live music performances. There is also a variety of food vendors, ensuring a rich cultural experience for all visitors.
Bay Area Renaissance Festival
12838 Auton Rd., Dade City, FL 33525 – The Bay Area Renaissance Festival is set to celebrate its 47th annual event in 2025, offering attendees a chance to experience a 16th-century European village filled with entertainment, artisans, and culinary delights. Whether you are a fan of jousting, axe throwing, horses, or just dressing up for the renaissance, this festival is the place for you! The festival will run from February 15 to March 30, 2025, operating on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 6 PM, rain or shine.
Palm Beach International Boat Show
Dates: March 19-23
Location: West Palm Beach Waterfront
Boating aficionados shouldn’t miss the Palm Beach International Boat Show. The event showcases over 1,000 luxury vessels, including more than 200 superyachts. Beyond the impressive fleet, attendees can enjoy water sports demonstrations and educational seminars. There is also a selection of high-end cars. With 75 diverse food and drink vendors and the adjacent Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary Art Fair, the event promises a multifaceted experience.
Reggae Fest Orlando
Photo: Orlando Reggae Fest
Date: March 22
Location: The Vanguard, Orlando
Music lovers can immerse themselves in the vibrant rhythms of Reggae Fest Orlando. Celebrating its first anniversary, the festival features DJs spinning Dancehall, Reggae, Afrobeats, and more. The event kicks off at 9:00 PM, offering a lively night of dance and music.
Circus Lena
Dates: March 21-23
Location: Palm Bay
Circus Lena is a throwback to the old days of the traveling circus. The family-friendly, Italian-style circus offers a variety of live entertainment, including acrobats, aerialists, comedians, and jugglers. It’s held under a 92-foot diameter red and white tent in Palm Bay. It’s affordable, fun and well worth the time to attend for boys and girls of all ages. Even those who are long retired will find something fun to do.
Sports
Golf: Valspar Championship
Photo: Valspar Championship
Dates: March 20-23
Location: Innsbrook Resort’s Copperhead Course, Palm Harbor
Golf enthusiasts are in for a treat as the Valspar Championship unfolds. It features a stellar lineup of PGA Tour professionals. Notable golfers such as Xander Schauffele and Justin Thomas are set to compete for the coveted title and a share of the $8.7 million purse. The tournament serves as a pivotal precursor to The Masters. This adds an extra layer of excitement to the competition. The Valspar Championship is an absolute don’t miss if you’re a golf fan, placing it high on our list of things to do in Florida this weekend.
Tennis: Miami Open
Dates: March 18-30
Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens
Tennis fans are flocking to the Miami Open, a premier event on both the ATP and WTA tours. While reigning champions Jannik Sinner and Danielle Collins are notable figures, Sinner will not defend his title due to a suspension. The tournament features a draw of 96 singles players and 32 doubles teams. This promises high-caliber matches throughout the fortnight.
Photo: Miami Open
Racing: ARCA Menards Series East: Pensacola 150
Date: March 22
Location: Five Flags Speedway, Pensacola
Racing enthusiasts and looking for things to do in Florida, don’t miss the kickoff of the 2025 ARCA Menards Series East season with the Pensacola 150. The event features a 150-lap race on the half-mile asphalt oval. It showcases emerging talents in stock car racing.
Photo: Five Flags Speedway
Racing: Hard Rock Bet 300
Date: March 22
Location: Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead
The NASCAR Xfinity Series continues with the Hard Rock Bet 300. This marks the sixth race of the season. Drivers will compete over 200 laps on the 1.5-mile oval, vying for crucial points in the championship standings.
Racing: Straight Talk Wireless 400
Date: March 23
Location: Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead
The NASCAR Cup Series rolls into Homestead for the Straight Talk Wireless 400. This 267-lap race on the 1.5-mile track is a highlight for motorsport fans, featuring top-tier drivers battling for victory.
