There’s something about a fair that brings out the kid in everyone. The rides, the games, the cover bands and all the food-on-a-stick you can dream up—you’ll find it all at The Palm Beaches’ fantastic fairs and festivals.
Locals look forward to the South Florida Fair all year long, and visitors should, too. For 17 days each January, the South Florida Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach are transformed into a whirling wonderland of rides, games and rollicking concerts. Feast on over-the-top fried creations, ride North America’s largest portable observation wheel, go hog wild at the Hambone Express pig races and try for a prize so big, you’ll need two hands to carry it home.
Pack your lederhosen for Oktoberfest, a two-week festival held each year in Lake Worth that’ll bring out the German in anyone. Fill up on bratwurst, schnitzel and German beer, but don’t worry about calories—you’ll polka-dance it off to the many oompah bands.
For music lovers, there’s no better time of year than SunFest. The diverse lineup at Florida’s largest waterfront music and art festival may include anyone from Ice Cube to Billy Idol. Between sets, shop local artists’ work in the Arts District or kick back over a cold one and a game of corn hole in the ChillZone.
The Palm Beaches’ event calendar is bursting with even more fairs and festivals, too. From the Sweet Corn Fiesta to TurtleFest to the Lake Worth Street Painting Festival, check the schedule to see what’s happening during your visit.