Only in Florida: 5 Odd Festivals You Have to Experience to Believe

Florida is home to some of the most unusual and unique festivals in the country. From swamp creatures to undersea celebrations, these events will leave you scratching your head and laughing out loud.

Worm Gruntin’ Festival

In Sopchoppy, a tiny town in North Florida, worms take center stage every April. The Worm Gruntin’ Festival celebrates the unique art of worm charming, a traditional method of coaxing earthworms out of the ground. Participants use wooden stakes and metal tools to create vibrations in the soil, luring the worms to the surface.

The festival features a worm-grunting competition, where kids and adults alike try their hand at this peculiar skill. There’s also live music, a 5K race, and plenty of food and craft vendors. The highlight? The crowning of the Worm Gruntin’ King and Queen, who reign over the festivities with pride.

This offbeat event draws visitors from across the state and beyond. It’s a chance to experience small-town charm and learn about a quirky tradition that’s both entertaining and practical. Plus, you’ll leave with a great story to tell your friends.

The Mullet Toss

If you’ve never thrown a dead fish for fun, you’re missing out. The Mullet Toss, held every April at the Flora-Bama Lounge on the Florida-Alabama border, is exactly what it sounds like. Participants toss a mullet—a type of fish common in the Gulf of Mexico—as far as they can. The event is part competition, part party, and 100% bizarre.

This isn’t just about fish-flinging, though. The Mullet Toss raises money for local charities, so you can feel good about participating. Contestants line up on the beach, grab their mullet, and hurl it across the state line. Winners in various age and gender categories earn bragging rights and quirky prizes.

The atmosphere is a mix of beach bash and carnival. There’s live music, food, and plenty of drinks to go around. Whether you’re there to compete or just to watch, you’re guaranteed a good time. And, yes, the mullets are cleaned and frozen, in case you were wondering about the smell.

Fantasy Fest

Key West is known for its laid-back vibe and colorful personality, and Fantasy Fest is the ultimate expression of that spirit. Held every October, this 10-day extravaganza is like a Mardi Gras for the tropics. It’s wild, whimsical, and a little bit risqué. Okay, a lot risqué. Costumes (or body paint) are a must, and the more creative, the better.

Each year has a theme, inspiring parade floats, parties, and outfits that range from hilarious to jaw-dropping. Events include a pet masquerade, a zombie bike ride, and the infamous Fantasy Fest Parade. Be warned: this festival isn’t for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It’s an adults-only affair that celebrates freedom of expression and a good sense of humor.

Fantasy Fest also supports the local community by boosting tourism and raising money for charitable causes. Even if you’re not ready to don a feathered headdress or full-body glitter, the people-watching alone is worth the trip. Key West knows how to throw a party, and this is their crown jewel.

Underwater Music Festival

Every July, divers and snorkelers gather in the Florida Keys for the Underwater Music Festival. Held at Looe Key Reef, this one-of-a-kind event combines marine conservation with a love of music. Participants don costumes, strap on their scuba gear, and dive into an underwater concert.

Special underwater speakers broadcast music into the ocean, creating a surreal experience for both divers and marine life. The playlist often includes ocean-themed hits like “Yellow Submarine” and “Under the Sea.” Performers even play “instruments” designed to look like fish and other sea creatures.

The festival promotes awareness of coral reef preservation and eco-friendly diving practices. It’s organized by the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce and attracts both locals and tourists. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a curious snorkeler, this event offers a chance to enjoy the ocean in a whole new way.

Florida Manatee Festival

Every January, the small town of Crystal River comes alive for the Florida Manatee Festival. This event celebrates one of the state’s most beloved and unusual residents: the manatee. These gentle sea cows flock to Crystal River’s warm springs during the winter, making it the perfect place to honor them. Visitors can take boat tours or even snorkel to see the manatees up close.

The festival isn’t just about manatees, though. There’s live music, an arts-and-crafts village, and plenty of food vendors serving local delicacies. You’ll find everything from seafood to fried treats, perfect for fueling your day of fun. Kids can enjoy a designated play area, while adults might want to browse the beer and wine garden.

What makes this festival truly unique is the sense of community and conservation. Environmental groups set up booths to teach visitors about protecting manatees and their habitats. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for these lovable creatures—and maybe a stuffed manatee souvenir.