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Florida Travel Calendar for September

Check out our list of statewide festivals and events for September.

Compiled by Joice Veselka/Special Correspondent Central Florida
Covering the I-4 corridor from Daytona to Tampa plus Sarasota and Brevard County

Aug. 29-Sept. 7: 53rd Annual Jaycees Pioneer Days, Englewood. Taste of Englewood and entertainment will take place daily during the weekend at Pioneer Park. Carnival, arts and crafts, vendors and more. 800-603-7198. www.englewoodchamber.com

Sept. 1-30: Orlando Magical Dining Month, Orlando. Thrill-seeking travelers from around the globe know Orlando for its world-class attractions and sunny resorts, but local foodies experience a different kind of thrill when they indulge their senses at Orlando's extensive dining facilities. This September, visitors can have a rare opportunity to indulge in some of the area's fine dining restaurants. Participating restaurants will offer three-course prix fixe dinner menus for $20 or $30, with $1 from each meal donated to a local charity. 407-363-5872. orlandomagicaldining.com

Select Nights Sept. 4-Nov. 1: Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Lake Buena Vista. Each fall, guests are invited to dress in costumes and trick-or-treat throughout the Magic Kingdom from 7 p.m. to midnight (after regular park closing). The boo-free bash includes a parade and bewitching fireworks spectacular. Admission: Tickets start at $53 for adults, $46 for children 3 to 9. 407-824-4321. www.Disneyworld.com

Sept. 5: Labor Day Block Party, Daytona Beach. Main Street closes to traffic for this holiday block party with music, games, entertainment, vendors and lots of fun. Free admission. 386-255-9300. www.daytonabeach.com/calendar.cfm

Sept. 5: First Saturday Jam, Barberville. On the first Saturday each month visit the Pioneer Settlement for entertainment and fun for the entire family. 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Includes informal music jams, free workshops, food, and a barn-style dance at 3 p.m. 386-749-2959. www.pioneersettlement.org

Sept. 5: Suncoast Corvette Show, St. Petersburg. Classic Corvettes surround The Pier 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. 727-821-6443. www.stpete.org/events/september.asp

Sept. 5-7: Sponge Docks Art and Craft Festival, Tarpon Springs. Fine art, fine craft, food, music. At The Sponge Docks. Free. 352-344-0657. www.tnteventsinc.com

Sept. 6-7: Pioneer Days Festival, Dade City. Annual festival on Labor Day weekend, with early Florida history recreated through Civil War reenactments, children's activities and authentic craft demonstrations. At Pioneer Florida Museum. Free admission, free parking. 352-567-0262. www.dadecitychamber.org

Sept. 7: Salsa En St. Pete for Labor Day, St. Petersburg. Labor Day at The Pier brings us Salsa Dancing in the Courtyard with Greg Richardson, from B.A.I.L.E., from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. At Pier's Waterside Courtyard. Free. 727-821-6164. www.stpetepier.com

Sept. 11-12: 27th Annual Night of Joy, Lake Buena Vista. Night of Joy, which takes place at Disney's Hollywood Studios, includes a star-studded collection of some of today's most powerful voices in contemporary Christian music. Tickets start at $49.95. 407-824-4321. www.disneyworld.com

Sept. 11-12: Rock the Universe at Universal Studios, Orlando. Chart-topping Christian music stars from across the nation perform at the annual two-day concert event at Universal Studios. The event is designed to highlight the diversity within today's exploding Christian music scene. Admission: One night $49.99 plus tax, two nights $75.99 plus tax. 407-363-8000. www.rocktheuniverse.com

Sept. 12: 26th Annual Raft Race and Family Fun Day, Homosassa. In what may be the craziest competition in Florida, dozens of hand-made, improvised "rafts" will race down the Homosassa River in two separate races, one with rafts propelled only by human effort, the other allowing mechanical propulsion. Roads will be lined with vendors of all types, contributing to the fun atmosphere. There will be a kid zone with rides and attractions as well as face painting. Live music will follow the race before the winners are announced and trophies awarded. At Homosassa Riverside Resort and The Shed at Macrae's on Homosassa River. 352-628-4444. www.visitcitrus.com

Sept. 12: Opening Gala Concert, Merritt Island. Celebrate the inaugural concert of the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra with four electrifying and monumental works. 6 p.m. At First Baptist Church of Merritt Island. Admission $10 per person. 321-536-8580. www.spacecoastsymphony.org

Sept. 13: 26th Annual Homosassa River Raft Race, Homosassa. A local tradition for a quarter century, this event features two races -- one for man-powered vessels, the other for mechanically propelled vessels. The roads will be lined with vendors contributing to the fun atmosphere and a kid's zone offers rides, attractions and face painting. Live music will follow the race before the winners are announced and trophies awarded. At Homosassa Riverside Resort and The Shed at MacRae's on the Homosassa River. Admission $5 adults, $1 children 6-17. 352-628-4444. www.visitcitrus.com/calendar

Sept. 14: Birthday Carillon Concert at Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales. This concert will honor the Singing Tower's first carillonneur on his birthday with some of his favorite tunes. Anton Brees,1897-1967, was appointed carillonneur by Edward Bok in 1928 and served in that position for nearly 39 years. Free with general Gardens admission and for members. 863-676-1408. www.boktowergardens.org/calendar

Sept. 16-20: Orlando Hispanic Film Festival, Orlando. This competitive film festival, which takes place at Orlando Fashion Square mall, recognizes independent filmmakers from around the world who integrate the Hispanic culture in their work and expose the talent of Hispanic actors, directors, producers, screenwriters and cinematographers. Admission (specific fee not determined at press time). 321-274-1570. www.ohfilmfestival.com

Sept. 18-19: Doctors, Lawyers and Weekend Warriors Surf Benefit, Sebastian Inlet. Surfing event to benefit local charities. Limited to 75 contestants; $125 entry fee. At Sebastian Inlet State Park. Regular park entrance fees apply. 321-727-8100. www.floridastateparks.org/sebastianinlet/Events.cfm

Sept. 18-20: Orlando Home Show, Orlando. Central Florida's leading and largest consumer showcase of new products and services for home remodeling and interior décor. The show features local, regional and national experts in remodeling, building, decorating and landscaping; instructional how-to seminars; giveaways; contests; and more than 600 exhibits with the industry's latest products. Admission $9 adults, $5 children 6-12, free 5 and under. 407-685-9800. www.orlandohomeshow.com

Sept. 19: Classic Auto, Bike and Truck Show, St. Petersburg. Quarterly auto, bike and truck show coordinated by Richard Gormont. At The Pier Side Courtyard, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 727-331-9684. www.stpetepier.com

Sept. 22-27: Global Peace Film Festival, Orlando. Guests can celebrate the art of film and its power to promote new understanding. Held in conjunction with the UN's International Day of Peace, the festival promotes the art of motion picture to further the goal of peace on earth, beyond anti-war, ideology and activism. Events will take place at Gallery at Avalon Island, Rollins College, Winter Park Public Library and the Orlando Science Center and will include film programs, panels, parties and a special concert. Admission $8 per film. 407-224-6625. www.peacefilmfest.org

Sept. 24-27: New Smyrna Beach Jazz Festival, New Smyrna Beach. Music fills the air as bands play at several locations throughout the Flagler Avenue shopping district. 386-423-9760. www.marcmontesonpromotions.com

Sept. 25-26, Oct. 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 22-24, 29-31: Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens, Tampa. This fall, guests should be watching their backs as Howl-O-Scream celebrates a decade of diabolical scares with its 10th year of terror at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. For 17 select nights in September and October, the Gulf coast's premiere adventure park transforms into a park-wide nightmare of inescapable fear with seductive surprises around every turn. Devious creatures infest Busch Gardens' 335 acres with dark, sinister, adult-targeted fun, including more all-new haunted houses than ever before, spine-tingling scare zones and thrilling live stage shows. Even the streets themselves aren't safe from the wandering hoards and other terrors of the night, and bone-chilling roller coasters keep the screams coming all night long. Howl-O-Scream 2009 will leave you begging for mercy and screaming for more. 813-987-5280. www.buschgardens.com

Sept. 25-26, Oct. 1-4, 8-11, 15-18, 21-25, 28-31: Universal's Halloween Horror Nights, Orlando. In its 19th year, the event is considered one of the world's largest, most elaborate Halloween celebrations. Guests will experience live mega-horror movies with this year's theme of "Ripped from the Silver Screen" which includes first-hand takes on not yet released films such as "The Wolfman" and "SAW VI." Universal enlists a "scream team" of designers to research the human psyche and its deepest fears so guests can confront all the physical and psychological horrors of the movies. Admission $69.99. 407-363-8000. www.halloweenhorrornights.com

Sept. 25-Nov. 8: Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, Lake Buena Vista. From the seasoned connoisseur to the knowledge-seeking amateur, this popular event attracts a diverse audience to sip, sample and savor treasures from some of the world's most famous wineries and celebrated chefs. Guests can boost their wine IQ at any of the hundreds of wine and beer seminars and polish their culinary skills at the numerous demonstrations and tastings. Admission included in regular park admission -- adults $75, children 3-9 $63, 2 and under free. 407-824-4321. www.disneyworld.com

Sept. 26: Folkfest St. Pete, St. Petersburg. Musical celebration and art show featuring folk, outsider and intuitive artists. At Central Avenue between 11th and 13th Street North. 727-825-0515. www.creativeclay.org

Sept. 26: St. Johns River Paddle Battle, Orange City. Canoe and kayak races to celebrate National Public Lands Day. There will be a ten-mile race and a four-mile novice race. At Blue Spring State Park. 386-775-3663. www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring/Events.cfm

Sept. 26-27: Fiesta del Coqui, Orlando. The annual "Fiesta del Coquí" lets guests party with the coquí and enjoy live music, crafts and activities, demonstrations and much more celebrating the Hispanic culture. Visitors can enjoy fabulous regional cuisines, dance to the sounds of local bands, and be entertained by local dance groups, all celebrating Puerto Rico. At Central Florida Zoo. 507-323-4450. www.centralfloridazoo.org

South Florida
Covering the Keys, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, the Treasure Coast and Southwest Florida including Naples, Fort Meyers and Punta Gorda

Aug. 29-Sept. 7: 53rd Annual Jaycees Pioneer Days, Englewood. Taste of Englewood and entertainment will take place daily during the weekend at Pioneer Park. Carnival, arts and crafts, vendors and more. 800-603-7198. www.englewoodchamber.com

Sept. 5: Florida DubFest, Hollywood. Festival of Alternative/Reggae Music and Arts. At Hollywood Arts Park. Advance tickets $35, on festival day $40. 561-681-5600. www.floridadubfest.com

Sept. 8-13: WomenFest, Key West. This Lesbian-oriented festival features art shows, sailing and snorkeling, comedy performances and other activities. 800-535-7797. www.womenfest.com

Sept. 12: Pirate's Day Festival, Punta Gorda. First annual, hosted by Fishermen's Village. Festivities continue throughout the day. Come to the Village in your best pirate attire. Admission free. At Fishermen's Village. 941-639-8721. www.fishville.com

Sept. 12-13: Sullivan Street Craft Fair, Punta Gorda. More than 175 high quality craftsmen display along a three-block section of historic downtown Punta Gorda. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 941-639-3730. www.artfestival.com

Sept. 17: Downtown Gallery Walk, Punta Gorda. Held monthly on the third Thursday, 5-8 p.m. Visit any of the downtown merchants, restaurants and galleries for your game card. As always, there will be live entertainment, food and drink samplings, art, beauty and health demonstrations, a free trolley, and an evening of fun. Free; free parking. 941-505-1915. www.puntagordashopping.com

Sept. 17-20: Key West Poker Run, Key West. Motorcycle enthusiasts from around the U.S. are to travel the Keys' scenic Overseas Highway from mainland Florida to Key West to raise money for charity. Stops are arranged throughout the Keys with a final celebration in Key West. 800-545-2561. www.petersonskeywestpokerrun.com

Sept. 18-20: Martin County Nautical Flea Market and Seafood Festival, Stuart. Bargains Galore is the theme for this year's events. Features hundreds of vendors with huge discounts on boats, fishing, boating and diving gear, nauticl clothing, marine surplus items, anchors, mooring products, nautical art and antiques, seafood and more. At Martin County Fairgrounds, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 954-205-7813. www.FLNauticalFleaMarket.com

Sept. 19: Tenth Annual Authentic Maine Lobster Bake, Charlotte Harbor. The Charlotte County Historical Center's Lobster Bake with unique food, music, and more. 941-629-7278. www.charlottecountychamber.org/calendar.asp

Sept. 19: Downtown International Beer and Food Festival, Cape Coral. Taste beers from Australia, Jamaica, Czech Republic, Germany, Holland, the Bahamas, Italy, Belgium and Poland. Nibble on appetizers from sushi to pierogis. Check in at Big John Plaza, Leapin Lizard or Club Square to take the shuttle to 11 different tasting restaurants and bars; 7 to 11 p.m.; participants must be at least 21 years of age. Tickets $10. 239-549-5615. www.downtowncapecoral.net

Sept. 19: POW/MIA Recognition Day at Fishermen's Village, Punta Gorda. Military Heritage Museum presents the POW/MIA Recognition Day at Center Court in Fishermen's Village. 1-3 p.m. Free. 941-575-9002. www.fishville.com

Sept. 19: Bayshore Art and Craft Festival, Charlotte Harbor. Juried arts and crafts show on beautiful Charlotte Harbor. At Bayshore Live Oak Park. 941-629-7278. www.charlottecountyfl.com/parks/CalendarsRecreation/Bayshore2009

Sept. 20: 16th Annual Hollywood Beach Latin Festival, Hollywood Beach. This popular event showcases Latin culture with both traditional and folkloric music on two stages, dancing, food, arts and crafts, a health court and children's activities. Location is at Beach Theatre and Tyler Street. Free admission. 954-534-3500. www.hollywoodlatinfestival.com

Sept. 23-27: Florida Keys Birding and Wildlife Festival, Marathon and Lower Keys. A celebration of the natural wonders of Florida wildlife takes place at the peak of the fall birding season. The event includes presentations and field trips focusing on education and conservation as they relate to Keys birds and wildlife, and an environmental fair. 305-872-0774. www.keysbirdingfest.org

Sept. 26-27: Big Boy Tech and Toy, Estero. This show will be chock full of fun stuff such as cars, boats, trucks, ATVs, dirt bikes, motorcycles, golf carts, computers, home theaters, spas, home and yard improvements, patio furniture, grills, lawnmowers, fishing gear, kayaks, and more. There will be contests, entertainment, demonstrations, and prizes throughout the weekend. At Germain Arena. Tickets $5. 239-334-3309. www.germainarena.com

Sept. 26-27: Seventh Annual Fall Home and Garden Show, Punta Gorda. At Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center. Admission. 941-639-5833. www.charlotteharbortravel.com/events

Sept. 26-27: Eighth Annual Miami International Wine Fair, Miami Beach. One of the largest wine tradeshows in America, featuring more than 85,000 square feet of exhibit space with nearly 500 producers showcasing more than 1,500 wines from 20 countries. Presented as Florida's largest wine tasting, it is a 65,000 square-foot walkaround learning through sampling. Consumers can enter the exhibit hall from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday to taste the hundreds of wines available. Beginners and connoisseurs alike may also participate in the comprehensive seminar program, which will offer guided tastings ranging from the basics of wine appreciation to in-depth analysis of the world's greatest wines. At Miami Beach Convention Center. Grand tasting ticket $75 per day. 877-577-WINE. www.miamiwinefair.com


North Florida & the Panhandle
Covering St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Ocala, Tallahassee and the Panhandle

Sept. 3-5: 444th Birthday Celebration, St. Augustine. St. Augustine, the nation's oldest city, offers three full days of free 16tth century themed events and activities to celebrate its 444th birthday. Highlights will include a reenactment of Pedro Menendez's landing in 1565, complete with authentic iron-clad soldiers and firing cannons, plus living history demonstrations and entertainment, an Indian Pow Wow, a 16th century cooking contest, and more. Admission to any activity is free. 904-825-1000. http://www.ci.st-augustine.fl.us/staugustinesbirthday/index.cfm

Sept. 4: Sounds on Centre, Fernandina Beach. Free community concert on the first Friday each month March-October. Bring a chair, your dancing shoes, a smile on your face and a song in your heart. Downtown on Centre Street between Second and Front. 800-226-3542. www.downtownfernandina.com

Sept. 4: First Friday Art Walk, St. Augustine. One of the city's most popular cultural events, held the first Friday of each month, 5-9 p.m. Enjoy new exhibits, music, entertainment and refreshments at more than 20 participating galleries, plus great food courtesy of St. Augustine Independent Restaurant Assn. Tours begin at Rembrandtz American Craft Gallery. St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains and Old Town Trolleys offer complimentary shuttle service to most of the galleries, running on a continuous loop every 30 minutes. 904-829-0065. http://artgalleriesofstaugustine.com

Sept. 5: Sand Sculpting Classes, St. Augustine Beach. Come learn about the art, techniques and tools for making great sandcastles. In preparation for the City of St. Augustine Beach's 50th Birthday sand sculpting contest on Nov. 7, there will be sand sculpting classes for kids of all ages the first Saturday each month through October. These family-fun instructional sessions, free and open to the public, take place on the beach in front of Ocean Trace. 904-501-1253. www.50thBeachBirthday.com

Sept. 5-6: First Weekend Union Garrison, Fernandina Beach. Re-creation of daily life in a Civil War fort, at Amelia Island's Fort Clinch State Park on the first weekend of the month. Activities include artillery and medical demonstrations, soldier drills, and re-enactments of daily chores from laundry and kitchen duty to carpentry work, all reenacted by living historians dressed in period costume. Park entrance fee $6 per vehicle plus Fort tour $2 per person, under 6 free. 904-277-7274. www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch

Sept. 5-7: Sponge Docks Art and Craft Festival, Tarpon Springs. Fine art, fine craft, food, music. At The Sponge Docks. Free. 352-344-0657. www.tnteventsinc.com

Sept. 12: Artrageous Artwalk, Amelia Island. Held monthly on second Saturday, to open the doors of some of the island's incredible galleries, featuring photography, pottery, copper, stained glass, watercolor, acrylics and more. Participants can peruse more than a dozen galleries in downtown Fernandina Beach and at the Plantation Artists' Guild and Gallery located at Amelia Island Plantation. 800-226-3542. www.ameliaisland.com/art

Sept. 19-20: Spanish American War Event, Fernandina Beach. Event to commemorate the Spanish American War. At Fort Clinch State Park, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-12 noon Sunday. Park entrance fee plus $2 per person Fort admission. 904-277-7274. www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch/Events.cfm

Sept. 20: Old Time Dance at O'Leno, High Springs. Dance contra, circles and squares–the dances that were the rage in the mid-1800s when the town of Leno thrived--to live music hosted by the Flying Turtles String Band. First-time dancers are welcome; a caller will walk you through each of the dances. Dance will be held in the 1930s Recreation Hall on the banks of the Santa Fe River in O'Leno State Park. Regular park admission plus $5 adult, $3 for 17 and under. 386-454-1853. www.floridastateparks.org/oleno/Events.cfm

Sept. 24-26: Quiltfest 2009, Jacksonville. Open-judged show awarding prize money in various categories. This year's theme is Recycling the Past. At Prime Osborn Convention Center. Admission $8 daily, multi-day armband $15, special price for seniors 60 and older $6 on Thursday only. 904-268-6970. www.visitjacksonville.com

Sept. 25: Florida Catfish Classic Festival, Wewahitchka. Festival held in conjunction with the Florida Catfish Classic fishing tournament. Live music, carioke contest, arts and crafts, family fun and plenty of catfish. At Lake Alice Park. 850-832-3793. www.floridacatfishclassic.com/Florida-Catfish-Festival.cfm

Sept. 25-26: Southeast Mounted Police Competition, Jacksonville. Mounted divisions of police officers from four Southeastern states gather for spirited competition. At Jacksonville Equestrian Center. Free admission to public. 904-573-4895. www.visitjacksonville.com

Sept. 25-27: Pensacola Seafood Festival, Pensacola. Enjoy delicious fruits of the sea at this event which has been consistently recognized as one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. Past food offerings have included coconut shrimp, fried oysters, grits a' ya ya, blackened mahi mahi, green tomato gumbo, fried grouper and Pensacola crab ball. Also includes cooking demonstrations, more than 175 arts and crafts exhibitors, a full weekend of live entertainment, and the Splash Dog competition. Held in the Historic District in Seville Square and Bartram Park overlooking the picturesque Pensacola Bay. 850-433-6512. www.fiestaoffiveflags.org/SeafoodFestival

Sept. 26: Olustee Civil War Expo, Lake City. Reenactors portray civilian life during the Civil War. Experience a day of authentic military drills, storytelling, exhibits, period artisans and the war's traveling merchants. Demonstrations of blacksmithing, civilian life, ladies tea and other activities also are scheduled, along with exhibits of relic collections. Demonstrations of authentic weapons and fighting tactics used in the Civil War will include cavalry and infantry drills and full-scale artillery firing. At Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park. Donation of $4 per vehicle is requested. 386-397-7005. www.floridastateparks.org/olustee/Events.cfm

Sept. 26: Marion County Springs Festival, Dunnellon. Includes festivities from live entertainment, door prize giveaways and arts and crafts to a Springs Song contest and opportunities to hear some of Florida's premier water experts speaking about the fabulous Floridan Aquifer. Learn about our aquifer and how you can make a difference in preserving this natural resource. At Rainbow Springs State Park. Regular park admission of $2 per person. 352-465-8555. www.springsfest.org