Okeechobee is host to a number of fun and family-friendly events. These events do not include the number of events held throughout the year by our civic and local groups. These events can also be found on the Lake Okeechobee News community event page which also includes other communities around the lake and a quick drive to enjoy your time at Lake O.

This Events Calendar lists the annual events that cater not only to residents but visitors looking to live like a local. The American Legion Free Fair is held each year in January at the American Legion Hall grounds, off State Road 70. Carnival rides, fair food and great daily specials bring the thrill seekers to this great event. January is also the month for the long running Yee Haw Music Fest. This festival offers blue grass lovers days of great music and entertainment. This event is a rain or shine event with the entrance at 4601 State Road 710 at Okeechobee’s Agri Civic Center.

February continues the fun with fantastic events such as the Taste of Okeechobee. This is Okeechobee’s only art festival with a weekend long showcase of fine artists, artisan crafters, chalk artists, sand sculpture and tents for local galleries and emerging artists. Don’t forget the children’s art zone and live entertainment. This evening rounds out with the Taste of Okeechobee, in which visitors stroll Park Street sampling flavorful dishes at various downtown businesses for only $25.00. Let the fun continue with a trip back in time to the Reenactment of the Battle of Okeechobee. This event is held annually the last weekend of February with presentations, artisans, Seminole exhibitors, alligator demonstrations, children’s activities, folk music and more!

March is a busy month where Okeechobee’s calendar fills up! The Speckled Perch Festival is the oldest celebration in Okeechobee. This festival hosts a variety of vendors that allow for a weekend full of shopping for unique and handmade treasures, live entertainment and a parade through the center of town. There is always the possibility for a cattle drive to meander through the downtown area. This festival accompanies the Cow Town Rodeo which is the only PRCA sanctioned event in Okeechobee! From bucking broncs to the toughest bulls there is never a dull moment at the rodeo! These events are always the second weekend in March. Then once you have your fill of rodeo action and downtown leisure make time to visit the Okeechobee County Fair. This event is host to the Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show where visitors and residents are invited to get up close and personal with animal projects raised by the Okeechobee youngsters ranging from dairy cows to rabbits and much more! Exciting rides, fabulous fair fare and daily specials make this event one not to miss!

September heats up with the Labor Day Festival held in the downtown area. This long weekend offers guests and locals a lot of opportunity to visit with family and friends as well as shop with unique and interesting vendors of all kinds. Kid’s activities and live entertainment complete the festival along with a parade that hosts local businesses and groups. Don’t forget to check out the going on’s at the Cattleman’s Arena where typically cowboys are working hard at a livestock event such as bull riding or rodeo events.

November kicks off the beginning of holiday shopping with the Chamber of Commerce supporting the National Shop Local initiative through the Small Business Saturday event. This event held each year the Saturday after Thanksgiving puts our small businesses in the spotlight! Great deals and offers are available at all participating businesses as the holidays are quickly approaching! Don’t forget the free breakfast and random food vendors to get your motor’s running!

As the calendar year comes to a close no Okeechobee year is complete without the annual Top of the Lake Christmas Festival. No better way to really feel the spirit of the holidays. This event hosted by Okeechobee Main Street is the second weekend of December with a wealth of vendors ready to make your holidays one to remember with beautifully unique gift ideas. Holiday music fills the air along with childhood laughter! Don’t forget to stroll along Park Street and view the wonderful displays by the businesses. Then the finale, the lighted night parade featuring the one and only Santa Claus! Mark your calendar and we will see you there!

Okeechobee is filled with things to do for everyone. We look forward to having you here!

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