There are plenty of reasons to love Florida in February—warm sunny days, happy palm trees, white sands, and crystalline Gulf of Mexico waters—just to name a few of the most popular ones. But we’d also like to mention some of the best Florida Gulf Coast events and things to do this month around our Gulf Coast towns and along our beaches, so you don’t miss out. Whether you already have plans to be here or you’re looking for a reason to be here, these local events are worth checking out. Happy February from us to you! 

🎟 FLORIDA STATE FAIR 

FEBRUARY 6-17, 2020: Spark tradition with family and friends as you eat delicious food, experience amazing entertainment, take part in creative competitions, and so much more at the Florida State Fair in Tampa. This is a local favorite February event! It’s an easy drive from your Indian Rocks Beach rental, and you can be at the Florida State Fairgrounds in under an hour—so go ahead and save the dates. Details here.

💝 VALENTINE’S DAY

FEBRUARY 14, 2020: February is the perfect time for a couples getaway to the Florida Gulf Coast. Plan your beach escape with the one you love and make some memories together. Stroll the white sands, enjoy romantic sunsets by the water’s edge, take in the breathtaking views from the end of the pier, or just cozy up in your beachfront rental. We have everything you need to plan an epic romantic adventure on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Details here.

⛄️ WINTERFEST INDIAN ROCKS BEACH 

FEBRUARY 15, 2020: Winterfest on the Rocks is an annual local tradition that celebrates the community spirit, the neighborhood, the pets, and the Indian Rocks Beach, Florida lifestyle that we all know and love. The event happens at Calvary Episcopal Church each year with a pet parade, arts and crafts festival, interactive kids’ activities, silent auction, old-fashioned bake sale, live music, fabulous local food, and a whole lot more. Winterfest runs from 10a.m. to 4p.m. Details here.

🎨 BEACH ART CENTER GALA 

FEBRUARY 15, 2020: This is the 3rd annual Beach Art Center fundraising gala, which promises lots of fun for a very good cause. Flappers & Dappers is a roaring 20s gala from 7-10p.m. at the Beach Art Center in Indian Rocks Beach. Support the local arts and have great fun while doing so. It makes for the perfect date night or evening out with friends. Tickets are on sale now, so get dressed to the nines and practice up on the Charleston. Details here.

🎭 TAMPA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL 

FEBRUARY 15-MARCH 9, 2020: Speaking of dressing up, how about a little Renaissance era fun? The Bay Area Renaissance Festival is another local favorite held on weekends in the months of February and March at the festival grounds in Tampa. Immerse yourself in a 16th century village filled with artisans selling their wares, plenty of entertainment and music, jousting, and intriguing characters roaming the village streets. Details here.

🎸 CLEARWATER SEA BLUES FESTIVAL

FEBRUARY 22-23, 2020: This two-day open air blues music and seafood festival is located in the heart of downtown Clearwater at Coachman Park. Attendees are serenaded by five musical acts each day. A stroll through the food village surrounds you with aromas of fresh grouper, cajun shrimp, large dishes of paella—and that’s only the beginning. There are also plenty of other options for the non-seafood lovers. The festival is free with VIP options available. Details here.

⚾️ BASEBALL SPRING TRAINING

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2020: The last week in February and the month of March host spring training for major league baseball. Two teams have southern homes in the area: the Toronto Blue Jays prepare for the season at Dunedin Stadium, and the Philadelphia Phillies practice at Spectrum Field in Clearwater. There’s nothing better than watching America’s favorite sport with the Florida sunshine on your shoulders. Get your game tickets today!