Feb.
27-Mar. 1: Everglades Bluegrass Festival, Bal Harbour. The South Florida Bluegrass Association presents three days of great entertainment, jamming, workshops, and camping on one of South Florida’s loveliest beaches. Featured will be Special Consensus, James King and his band, The Bluegrass Parlor Band, Gloria Belle and Tennessee Sunshine, Roger Bass and the Hillbillies, and many more groups. At Haulover Beach Park. Admission. 305-358-1800. Feb. 27-Mar. 8: Southwest Florida and Lee County Fair, North Fort Myers. Old-fashioned and fun, this event is the county’s 85th annual. Includes midway rides, livestock exhibits, pig races and a petting farm, plus a comic, master hypnotist, clowns, family shows, and local talent daily. 239-543-8368. Feb. 27-Mar. 15: Carnaval Miami, Miami area. Largest Hispanic festival in the nation, with a variety of events including a beauty contest, footrace, art and jazz performances, cooking contest, domino and golf tournaments, and Calle Ocho, the world’s largest street party, which takes place on Mar. 15. 305-644-8888. Feb. 28-Mar. 1: Peace River National Arts Festival, Punta Gorda. Charlotte County’s most prestigious annual outdoor art festival attracting some10,000 people. Displays the works of 125 nationally recognized juried artists representing various mediums including art glass, fiber arts, jewelry, leather, metalwork, oil paintings, photography, pottery, sculpture, and watercolor. Also includes a children’s project tent, live music, and food and beverages. At Laishley Park. Admission. 239-293-9448. Mar. 1: 13.1 Marathon Miami, Miami Beach. This event is a half marathon consisting of 13.1 miles, of which 45-50% of the route will take participants through Miami Beach. Expected to draw 5,000 participants in its inaugural running this year, it will be the first of four races taking place throughout the country during 2009, including Chicago (June 7), Atlanta (Oct. 4), and Fort Lauderdale (Nov. 15). This race is the first of its kind encouraging participants to travel to the other cities that comprise the four-race series. 305-278-4166. Mar. 1: Cauley Square Classic Car Show, Homestead. Browse a selection of exotic and European cars. Fun for the whole family. Music, food and more. At Cauley Square Historic Village. Free entry and parking. 305-258-3543. Mar. 2: Happy 105th Birthday, Dr. Seuss, Miami. Commemorates one of the greatest children’s book storytellers, with games, celebrity story readers, art projects, giveaways and contests. At Miami Children’s Museum. 305-373-5437.
Mar. 3-24: Sanibel Music Festival, Sanibel Island. Each Tuesday and Saturday in March Sanibel hosts accomplished musicians from around the world, including the Opera Theater of Connecticut, , the Brazak String Quartet, and Pianist Natalie Zhu. Sanibel Congregational Church. Admission. 239-336-7999.