Las Olas and Riverwalk Events
Art fairs, holiday parades on land and water, and one of the largest in-water boat shows anywhere.
Most of the big events here happen between October and May, when the weather is mild and the seasonal residents are in town. Las Olas Boulevard itself is the stage for the art fairs, the St. Patrick's parade and Christmas on Las Olas, while the river and the Intracoastal host the boat show and the lighted boat parade. The beach takes the largest crowds, for the spring music festival and the air show.
Summer is quieter, with Riverwalk concerts, museum programs and Broward Center performances carrying the calendar. For any event that closes streets, plan to arrive early, use the Water Taxi or a rideshare, and expect hotel rates to climb on boat show and parade weekends.
Annual Festivals and Events
A huge in-water boat show spread across several marinas and the convention center, from small center consoles to superyachts.
Juried outdoor art fairs that close the boulevard for a weekend, with painters, sculptors, jewelers and photographers.
A free street festival of holiday lights, music, vendors and family activities that the Las Olas Association has staged for more than sixty years.
Lighted, decorated boats parade along the New River and up the Intracoastal on a route of about twelve miles. Free to watch from the banks.
A city parade along Las Olas Boulevard with a festival at Tunnel Top Plaza, organized by the City of Fort Lauderdale.
A three-day country and rock music festival on the sand, with a focus on ocean conservation.
An evening of tastings from boulevard restaurants and wine pourers, run by the Las Olas Association.
Military and civilian flight teams perform over the ocean, best watched from the sand near Las Olas.
Touring Broadway musicals and plays in the Au-Rene Theater, alongside concerts, comedy and dance.
Dates move from year to year — confirm on the organizer’s site before you plan around an event.
Official Event Calendars
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Get free trip quotes »Las Olas and the Riverwalk Events — FAQ
Where is the best place to watch the Winterfest Boat Parade?
Anywhere along the New River downtown or the Intracoastal Waterway north of Las Olas has a view. The Riverwalk and the parks along the river fill early, so bring a chair and arrive in the afternoon. Grandstand seating is sold through the organizer.
Is the Fort Lauderdale boat show open to the public?
Yes. The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show sells tickets to the public, and water taxis and shuttles link the marinas. It runs for several days in late October or early November.
Are Las Olas events free?
Most street events are free, including the art fairs, Christmas on Las Olas, the St. Patrick's parade and watching the boat parade from public land. The boat show, the music festival, the wine and food festival and Broward Center shows require tickets.