Weird & Wonderful Florida Festivals You’ll Only Find in the 904
There are festivals… and then there are Florida festivals — where you might cheer on a mullet toss, eat peppers so hot they’re borderline criminal, or watch a costumed dachshund drag race.
Northeast Florida leans all the way into quirky — and we love it that way. Here are some of the most wonderfully weird events worth adding to your calendar (and your social feed).
🌶️ 1. Datil Pepper Festival (St. Augustine)
Spicy, sweet, and oddly addictive, the datil pepper is a Northeast Florida specialty — and this small-but-mighty festival celebrates it with hot sauce contests, datil-spiked treats, and recipes you can actually take home.
Held each fall at the UF/IFAS Extension office — and yes, there are samples.
🎣 2. Great Southern Tailgate Cook-Off (Fernandina Beach)
BBQ, bourbon, and beach vibes? Yes please. This annual cook-off draws serious pitmasters and backyard grillers to compete for top ribs, brisket, and chicken. Come hungry, leave happy.
Live music and beach chairs encouraged.
🎭 3. Jacksonville PorchFest (Springfield Historic District)
What’s cooler than walking through a historic neighborhood and finding live music on porches, steps, and sidewalks? Nothing.
PorchFest is part mini-festival, part neighborhood block party, and 100% charming.
🎃 4. Fall Festivals & Halloween Happenings (Region-wide)
From trunk-or-treats in Fernandina to fall markets in Green Cove Springs, Northeast Florida gets festive as soon as the weather drops below 85°. Highlights include:
Pumpkin patches with hayrides and local vendors
Family-friendly haunted trails
Food trucks, cider tents, and live music galore
Not spooky — just seasonally awesome.
🐟 5. Mullet Festival (Nassau County)
No, not the haircut. The fish. This coastal classic includes:
Mullet tossing (yes, really)
Fried fish competitions
Local vendors and live music
It’s a down-home, bring-your-friends, boots-in-the-sand kind of day.
Mullet Festival
🐕 6. Dachshund Dash & Pet Parades (Jacksonville Beach & Fernandina)
From costumed parades to hilarious little dog races, these events are pet-people gold. You’ll see dachshunds dressed like tacos, golden retrievers in tutus, and proud dog parents everywhere.
Bring your pup and your camera — it’s social media magic.
📅 Add These to Your Local Bucket List
Weather your new to the area or a lifelong local, these quirky events events are a reminder that Northeast Florida doesn’t take itself to seriously – and that’s what makes it fun!
📬 Want My 2025 Festival & Local Events Calendar?
It includes food festivals, weird contests, holiday markets, and a few under-the-radar events locals love but rarely talk about.
👉 https://bit.ly/theultimatefestivalguide
Or reply and say “Send me the fun stuff!” — I’ve got you.
