Congratulations, you made it through yet another working week. You might as well give yourself a pat on the back to celebrate -- or better yet, a drink or three.
Whether you're looking sample some cocktails and beer, attend the 16th Annual Delray Beach Garlic Fest, or want to dress up for Ren Fest, there's something for you to do in South Florida this weekend.
See also: Ten Best Bagels in South Florida
5. The Seminole Tribal Fair and Pow Wow
Starting Friday, the Seminole Tribe welcomes visitors to celebrate its storied history in Florida with its annual Seminole Tribal Fair & Pow Wow. The festivities will be held in two locations -- at the Hard Rock Live Arena and at the parking lot adjacent to the Hooters on the eastside parking lot -- and will consist of native arts, crafts, foods, and music. This year, the fair has expanded to include a powwow dance competition that's open to native people of every tribe (and offers more than $150,000 worth of prizes). The powwow will feature a drum competition as well, and the festivities also include alligator wrestling, wildlife shows, and the ever-popular Little Mr. and Miss Seminole Contest (open to 5- to 7-year-old contestants). Immerse yourself in Native American culture starting Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. The event is free. The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is located at 1 Seminole Way; Hollywood; semtribefairandpowwow.com.
4. First Friday Family Fun Festival
Join America's Backyard in Fort Lauderdale for its First Friday Street Festival. Starting at 6 p.m. there will be live music from Kiss Country 99.9, artists, food trucks, crafters, and the Catabella Express train. The event is family friendly. America's Backyard is located at 100 Southwest 3rd Ave., Fort Lauderdale; 954-449-1025.
3. For The Love Music Festival
Produced by C&I Studios and Exposed PR, this one-day music festival will take place on February 7 featuring over 30 local and touring acts, including headliner Copeland. Music will play on the three stages at C&I Studios in Fort Lauderdale while attendees stroll through the variety of venues showcasing art, music, food, and cocktails while interacting with experiential brand activations, watching live art presentations, and listening in on industry talks with local and touring musicians. Local vendors booths will round out the space and provide entertainment between music acts. Live music starts at noon. Expect craft cocktail and beer samplings. General admission is $35. Find tickets here. C&I Studios is located at 541 NW 1st Ave., Fort Lauderdale; forthelovefestival.com.
2. The Florida Renaissance Festival
Starting Saturday, February 7 and running every weekend through March 15, the Florida Renaissance Festival returns to Deerfield Beach. Now in its 23rd year -- pause to feel old, Rennies -- the Ren Fest will be returning to Quiet Waters Park with its ye olde (if not historically accurate) fun. There's the jousting, the hawk demonstrations, the lusty washing wenches and their raunchy show, and of course the Splatter Time Players, who perform the muddiest rendition of Beowulf known to mankind. This year, there will also be some new acts. Cast in Bronze is a "hauntingly beautiful" musical performance composed of 35 bells. If animal acts are more your speed, Cirque du Sewer is the world's only girl and rat circus performing feats of balance with her trained vermin. The rats jump through flaming hoops, complete obstacle courses, and join trainer Melissa on her slack rope for a death-defying finale. And, of course, there's some fun food and drink to chow down on. A variety of themed weekends take place throughout the duration of the event; check the online calendar for details. Quiet Waters Park is located at 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach; 954-360-1315.
1. The 16th Annual Delray Beach Garlic Fest
The official slogan of the Delray Beach Garlic Fest is "The Best Stinkin' Party in Town" and they aren't wrong about that. As far as stinkin' parties go, there's really no equal. This weekend, February 6-8, the 16th Annual Delray Beach Garlic Fest returns to the city's downtown area. Expect plenty of art vendors, live music, and garlic-infused fare. The cost of admission varies by day. Friday, February 6 is $20 advance and $30 at the gate. Saturday, February 7 is $10 in advance and until 6:00 p.m. day of and $20 after that. Sunday, February 8 is $10 all day. Children 10 and under are free. Proceeds benefit non-profit organizations staffing the event. For tickets, entertainment lineup, and the full schedule of events call 561-279-0907, or visit dbgarlicfest.com. Garlic Fest takes place at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts grounds located at 51 N. Swinton Avenue.
Nicole Danna is a food blogger covering Broward and Palm Beach counties. To get the latest in food and drink news in South Florida, follow her @SoFloNicole or find her latest food pics on Clean Plate's Instagram.
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