Popular Florida Annual Art Festivals 2010

Cocoa Beach is world famous. On the mainland, there is a quaint village that is reminiscent to a small village in England; with cobblestone streets and personable shops. On May 16th and 17th, the shops stay open as the streets of Cocoa Village become inundated with people. There is a huge craft fair featuring over 200 crafters, artisans, food, and live entertainment. There are events for children; making this fair appropriate for all ages. There is also a big antiques district in Cocoa Village, known for varied finds, and an arts district; where artists have their own galleries, and participate in the craft fair as well. The shops stay open during the festival on Sundays. The hours of the festival are Saturday and Sunday 10am -5pm. http://www.cocoavillage.com/craft_fairs

Spring Festival of the Arts
Panama City
This is an annual festival held the first weekend of May 2^nd to the 4th. People are drawn to Panama City Beach for its quartz sand beaches, that are similar to the sands of the Caribbean. The beach area is lively; especially during the spring festival in McKenziePark. The park entrance is accessible from Harrison Avenue, downtown Panama City, right near the beach. The purpose of the event is to bolster the appreciation for art within the community, and proceeds from the festival go to local charities. There is also an active children's section, and entertainers perform to the delight of the crowds, which sometimes number in the thousands. Hours of festival are from Friday 5-8pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, and Sunday 10am to 5pm.

West Palm Beach: SunFest

SunFest is one one of the biggest festivals in the entire state of Florida. West Palm Beach has always been a posh destination; in close proximity to Miami and the glitzy Palm Beach shopping district. When SunFest rolls around, West Palm Beach is the most happening place to be from April 29^th to May 3^rd. That's when the SunFest Festival takes place; in the waterfront district downtown. The festival celebrates art, and is produced by SunFest of Palm Beach County, Inc., which gives back to the community through scholarship programs and more. People come to this festival to eat and party, and there is famous entertainment and appearances at times, popular bands from the national circuit, along with home-town musical acts. Flagler Drive. Thursday, 5-10 pm, Friday, 12-10pm, Saturday 10am-10pm, Sunday 10am-7pm. http://sunfest.com/

June

Gulfport

The Gulfport First and Third Saturday Artwalk

Gulfport Florida is one of those tucked away Florida waterfront communities, with Bohemian districts and a laid back vibe; known as "the town where the local artists live." Gulf Port has a monthly 1^st and 3rd Saturday evening art walk, from 6pm-10pm. Artists keep their galleries open, and the art and craft vendors set up tables lining the streets. There is an eclectic mix of Florida, folk and craft art there, and when visiting St. Petersburg, one can take the Gulfport Trolley from St. Pete Beach to get to the artwalk event. Located on Beach Blvd. http://gulfportflorida.us/gulfport-art-walk