September is traditionally the quietest month for visitors to Florida. The sticky heat, high humidity, lack of school holidays and threat of tropical storms all put the dampeners on Florida tourism. However, it is a great month for locals to get out and enjoy the activities. If you live within driving distance of Florida, keep an eye on the weather forecast and take the opportunity to drive down for a long weekend at a budget price and enjoy some of these fun activities.
NKF Surf Festival, Cocoa Beach
Sponsored by the Ron Jon Surf shop (who else?), the 27th annual Pro/Am Surf Festival honors its founder Rich Salick, who recently passed away, and raises funds for the National Kidney Foundation. Rich himself had several kidney replacement ops and despite being told he would never surf again,he became the top surfer on the East Coast.
The five day event runs over the Labor Day weekend, from Thursday through Monday and includes live entertainment, pro and amateur surfing competitions, food, a banquet and silent auction. Hundreds of prizes are up for grabs from surfboards to trips. Although there is a fee for competitors, spectating the fabulous surfing competitions near the Cocoa beach Pier (401 Meade Ave) is free and fun. The Taste of Brevard Event and Silent Auction takes place on the Sunday night. A $20 donation is requested at the door and guests get to taste some of Brevard’s finest cuisine, fun and great entertainment from local celebrities.
Orlando Magical Dining Month
Throughout the month of September, diners in Orlando get a unique opportunity to sample some of the city’s best restaurants for a fixed price of $30 per head. Participating restaurants offer a gourmet three-course menu and donate $1 from each meal to the Edgewood Children’s Ranch. Helping others while helping yourself has to be a good thing to support.
Rock the Universe Christian Concert, Universal Studios
Hosted by Universal Studios, Florida’s biggest Christian Music Festival takes center stage on September 7 and 8 from 4pm to 1am. The specially ticketed event gives access to the park’s rides after 4pm so you can experience some of the world’s most exciting rides such as Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket accompanied by Christian Rock Music – if you can hear it above the screams, that is!
Mickey’s Not-so-Scary Halloween Party, Disneyworld
Although Halloween is way off, trick-or-treating starts early at the Magic Kingdom in Disneyworld. Guests are invited to attend in costumes and enjoy the parade and fireworks on selected dates at no additional cost above the normal ticket price.
Beat the Sheriff 5k Run, Inverness
The Citrus County Sheriff has thrown down the gauntlet to anyone willing to run faster than him through downtown Inverness. The race takes place on Saturday September 15. It begins and ends at the Historic Courthouse and due to the heat, the race kicks off at 7.45am. Your support is always appreciated.
Turtle Krawl 5k Run/Walk, Indiatlantic
If you fancy a slower pace, the Turtle Krawl may be more your idea of fun. Starting and finishing at Nance Park in Indiatlantic, the event raises funds for the Sea Turtle Preservation Society.
The Villages Craft Festival, Lady Lake
The Villages hosts a huge Craft Festival on September 15-16 from 10am to 5pm and I can personally vouch for it being a great place to find high-quality original gifts at very reasonable prices. The event takes place on Colony Plaza, has free admission and includes a Green Market of plants and flora.
Cocoa Beach Air Show
September 22-23 sees a fine line up of military and civilian aircraft including demonstrations by the US Army Silver Wings and the Black Diamond Jet Team. It runs from noon to 3pm and viewing is free at the Lori Wilson Park with premium viewing tickets available for $19.
Keep right up to date with what’s happening in the Villages any time with the excellent coverage provided by Villages1.com
You may also enjoy my book about great Days Out Around Orlando, available from Amazon.com
