WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — From live music and fall festivals to Caribbean culture, food and art, South Florida has plenty of ways to get out and celebrate this October.
Old Town Untapped: Cultural Arts & Music Block Party
Pompano Beach is once again bringing back live music (Mama Fuma), food trucks, contemporary art and more to celebrate community with this family-friendly event offered every first Friday of the month. “Untapped is where Pompano Beach takes off its calendar and puts on its personality,” said Ty Tabing, the city’s cultural affairs director. “On one night, you can follow the sound of a bass line into a gallery, stumble upon an artist whose work stops you in your tracks and end up sharing the evening with someone you’ve never met.” Also, at the nearby Bailey Contemporary Arts Center, the exhibit “Into Neverland” will open with a reception and docent-led art tours.
WHEN: 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2
WHERE: Northeast First Street and North Flagler Avenue, near Bailey Contemporary Arts Center, 41 NE First St., Pompano Beach
Las Olas Autumn Festival
On the Good Night John Boy Haystack Stage, there will be a DJ plus entertainment from Violet Jeffries. There will also be a Flamingo Flea Marketplace, cornhole tournament, kid-friendly games, fall photo opportunities, and local food and beverage vendors
WHEN: 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3
WHERE: First Presbyterian Church parking lot, 1224 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
COST: Free admission
INFORMATION: lasolasboulevard.com
Nuestra Cultura Community Day
The Norton Museum of Art’s celebration of Hispanic culture will include music, dance lessons, a film screening, story times (in Spanish and English), a pull-string piñata party, domino games, art activities and more.
WHEN: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3
WHERE: Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach
COST: Free admission
INFORMATION: norton.org
Miami-Broward One Carnival
Expect two weekends of Caribbean “mas” (masquerade), steelpan, music, cuisine and culture, with an expanded presence in Broward County. “With deepened community partnerships and new experiences across Broward County, we are excited to welcome residents and visitors to celebrate the full spectrum of Caribbean culture,” said Joan Hinkson-Justin, chairwoman of the host committee.
WHEN/WHERE:
Miami Junior Carnival (1-8 p.m.) and Pan Jamboree (4-8 p.m.) — Saturday, Oct. 3 at Tamarac Sports Complex, 9901 NW 77th St.Red Road Fete n J’ouvert Festival — 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at Tamarac Village Amphitheater, 9090 NW 57th St.Official J’ouvert — 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium, 3700 NW 11th Place, LauderhillParade & Bacchanal Sunday Fete — 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium, 3700 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill
COST:
Miami Junior Carnival — free admissionRed Road Fete n J’ouvert Festival — $49.93 for general admission, $92.53 for VIP and $534.50 for VIP Red Icon admissionOfficial J’ouvert — $76.55 for general admissionParade & Bacchanal Sunday Fete — $44.60 for parade only, $71.23 for parade/fete, and $268.25 for VIP Experience
INFORMATION: miamicarnival.org
Arts Launch Broward 2026
Broward County’s arts and cultural season kicks off with this showcase of music, dance, theater and multidisciplinary performances. Nearly 90 organizations will be there presenting upcoming shows, exhibitions, festivals, classes and programs. There will also be a special preview of the Slow Burn Theatre Co. production, “Come from Away.”
WHEN: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4
WHERE: Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale
COST: Free admission, but reservations encouraged
INFORMATION: browardcenter.org
Dania After Dark Oktoberfest Beerfest
In addition to a Beer Garden, there will be food trucks, live music, a pumpkin patch, kids’ zone, contests and more.
WHEN: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10
WHERE: Dania Beach City Hall, 100 W. Dania Beach Blvd.
COST: Admission is free, but there are fees for the Beer Garden (21 or older).
$50 for General Admission Beer Sampling$70 for VIP Beer Sampling$180 for 4-Pack Beer Sampling (four people)
INFORMATION: daniabeachoktoberfest.com
Taste of West Palm Beach
This citywide culinary festival will include more than 30 restaurants offering chef-led experiences, live entertainment, culinary demonstrations, interactive brand activations and more. Formerly called Taste of CityPlace, this new iteration has expanded to include eateries beyond the downtown mixed-use destination. Organized by CityPlace, Related Ross, the City of West Palm Beach and DoorDash, all ticket proceeds will benefit the Palm Beach County Food Bank. “The culinary scene has become an essential part of West Palm Beach’s identity and continued growth,” said Webber Hudson, Related Ross executive vice president, retail leasing and asset management. “As our city gains national attention as a vibrant destination, we believe it’s important to celebrate the local restaurants, chefs, and entrepreneurs who are helping define its culture.”
WHEN: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16
WHERE: CityPlace, 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach
COST: $75 for general admission, $130 for VIP
INFORMATION: tastewestpalmbeach.splashthat.com
OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival
The lineup of screenings and events will take place around both Broward and Miami-Dade counties, bringing movies from 20 countries for SoFlo film buffs. “The joy of OUTshine has always been that we are a comfortable place to experience films together — to join old friends and make new ones,” said festival executive director Mark Gilbert. “When our stories were being pushed off screens, out of libraries, and off stages telling them wasn’t just bold. It was necessary. For 28 years, we have kept the lights on for LGBTQ stories in South Florida and we will continue to stand strong, proud and united. We are not going anywhere.”
WHEN/WHERE: Oct. 15-22 in Broward, Oct. 19-25 in Miami-Dade and Oct. 26-Nov. 1 for virtual online presentations
COST: Tickets start at $17
INFORMATION: outshinefilm.com
Brazilian Festival
Picture samba dancers, kids’ rides, street food and 100 vendors at this annual event, plus capoeira and beach tennis showdowns. Onstage, performers will include Gabby B, Negritude Júnior and West Boca Raton High School’s Vanguard Brass.
WHEN: 2-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17
WHERE: Quiet Waters Park, 401 S. Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach
COST: $20 for general admission, $45 for VIP
INFORMATION: brazilianfestival.org/southflorida
Founders’ Day Festival
Cox Science Center and Aquarium in West Palm Beach will celebrate its 65th anniversary with live entertainment, food trucks, fall-themed activities, immersive science experiments, outdoor games, face painting, a bounce house and muralists. You can also check out the launch of the new “Cats & Dogs” exhibit.
WHEN: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, with celebrations continuing through Friday, Oct. 23, with hands-on science activities
WHERE: Cox Science Center and Aquarium, 4801 Dreher Trail N., West Palm Beach
COST:
$26 for adults$24 for teens ages 13-17 and seniors age 60 and older$22 for children ages 3-12free for kids age 2 and younger
INFORMATION: coxsciencecenter.org