TOP PICKS
Mallory Square + Key West
This is the place for a sunset celebration. All the action happens at the end of Duval Street, where the Gulf and the glow of the fading orb are in full view. Bid the day farewell with fellow travelers and watch the feats of a juggling high- wire tightrope walker, a nerves-of-steel sword-swallower and even a Houdini-like escape artist. The “Southern- most Bagpiper” does his thing till the sun tucks in for the night. sunsetcelebration.org
Disney Sightseeing + Orlando
What makes Downtown Disney so appealing is that you can visit without paying a per-person entrance fee (no guard gates to pass through) and parking is complimen- tary. Stroll along the Village Lake or peruse the World
of Disney store, with more Disney characters than you could name. At the Lego Imagination Center, kids play with the plastic bricks and also pose for photos with
Lego sculptures. Time your visit for the Festival of the Masters, an open-air showcase of 150-plus artists (Nov. 11-13). Disney’s Boardwalk, with its lagoon and shops,
is another great place to take a stroll. After dark, street performers entertain and you can even sneak a peek at Epcot’s fireworks through the treetops.
disneyworld.disney.go.com
Las Olas Art Fair + Fort Lauderdale
No two art shows are alike. We stand by that credo. One of the top 100 art festivals in the country, the Las Olas Art Fair (Oct. 22-23), is a case in point. It’s a must for a few reasons: It’s nearly a quarter of a century old (longevity counts); it’s best known for handcrafted jewelry and one-of-a-kind sculptures; and, with 150 juried artists, there’s lots to see and clamor for. But what makes this fair really rock is location, location, location. Las Olas Boulevard is a happening hub where artsy boutiques and eateries welcome the crowds. artfestival.com
OPEN-AIR CONCERTS
Daytona Beach Bandshell
Built out of coquina in ’37, it screams old-fashioned and makes the Star Spangled Summer concert series in Daytona Beach a keeper. daytonabandshell.com
Siesta Key Drum Circle
It’s got a life of its own. See for yourself, one hour before sunset, Sundays on the beach at Siesta Key in Sarasota near lifeguard stand No. 3. simplysiestakey.com
Sounds of Summer
The beat goes on and on. Local bands play weekends through September at Quietwater Shell at Santa Rosa Sound in Pensacola Beach. visitpensacolabeach.com
STREET FESTS
Delray Affair + Delray Beach
It’s a beloved event going on 50 (April 15-17). Wear comfy shoes — you’ve got a lot of walking to do. Eight hundred juried artists take up more than 10 city blocks on Atlantic Avenue. delrayaffair.com
Old Island Days + Key West
Old Town hosts a gathering of 100 artists (Feb. 25-26). A crowd of 25,000-plus admires a tropical motif that runs from Caroline Street into the Truman Annex. keywestartcenter.com
Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival
A fave since 1960, this spring sidewalk festival presents 225 top artists. Stroll alongside fine art in picturesque Central Park off Park Avenue, the city’s pride. wpsaf.org
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