Florida Travel Calendar for February

Feb. 1-29: ArtsFest 2012, Orlando. ArtsFest 2012 offers a cultural sampling for a variety of tastes Feb. 1-29. From ballet and theater to films and art exhibits, the festival is presented at various Central Florida venues with sponsorship by Bank of America and the Orlando Sentinel and kicks off United Arts' annual fundraising campaign. Admission is free. For details, visit www.artsfestfl.com

Feb. 4: Bike Fest, Plant City. Downtown Plant City will be biker-central as thousands of bikers and motorcycle fans gather for Bike Fest on Feb. 4. Music and food will be available. Admission is free. Bikers may register for a contest for $5 and trophies will be awarded. The event is at an eight-block area by McCall Park and Plant City Train Depot, 102 North Palmer Street. Hours are from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. For details, call 800-760-2315.

Feb. 4-5: The Mount Dora Arts Festival, Mount Dora. Art lovers, rejoice! The Mount Dora Arts Festival, celebrating its 36th anniversary in 2012 showcases the works of more than 300 juried artists on Feb. 4-5. During the event at this charming hillside town in Central Florida, artists compete for awards in painting, printmaking, photography, jewelry, sculpture and numerous other categories. The art displays are combined with live entertainment and children's activities. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Admission is free. For more information, call the Mount Dora Center for the Arts at 352-383-0880. The Mount Dora Center for the Arts is at 138 East Fifth Avenue. For details on travel to Mount Dora including lodging, dining, shopping and attractions information, log on to the site of the Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce at www.mountdora.com

Feb. 9-21: Florida State Fair, Tampa Bay. eady for some good old-fashioned fair fun? The annual Florida State Fair may be the ticket beginning on Feb. 9 and continuing for 12 days in a salute to the best of our state in agriculture, equestrian pursuits, industry, entertainment and achievement. On the agenda are shows, midway rides and games, exhibits, music and shopping as well as a variety of foods available for purchase. Admission to the fair is $10 for adults, and $5 for children ages 6-11 on Monday-Friday. On Saturday-Sunday, tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 6-11. Children ages 5 and under are admitted free of charge every day. The Florida State Fair is held at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 Highway 301 North, where parking is free during the fair. For information, call 800-345-3247 or visit www.floridastatefair.com

Feb. 17-19: Megacon, Orlando. The annual comic book, sci-fi and general geek fest at the Orange County Convention Center with vendors, costume contests, autograph sessions and more. Got to website for guest list and advance and day of ticket info and prices. www.megaconvention.com/

Jan. 18-March 24: Real Music Concert Series, Tampa Bay. This year's line-up includes Frankie Avalon Feb. 8-11, The Osmond Brothers Feb. 15-18, Peter Noone and Herman's Hermits Feb. 22-25, The Ventures Feb. 29-March 3, and more. 888-800-5447 http://www.buschgardens.com/BGT/Explore/Events.aspx

Feb. 4-5: 7th Annual Art in the Park and Music Festival, Lady Lake. Fine arts, fine crafts, entertainment, food. At Historic Log Cabin. 352-344-0657. www.tnteventsinc.com

Feb. 9-12: Fort Foster Rendezous, Hillsborough River State Park, Thonotosassa. This event is a living history reenactment featuring military, Seminole and civilian reenactors, sutlers, traders, and craft demonstrations. School field trips are Thursday and Friday. The general public is also welcome. Please note: The event will offer ongoing daily live firing demonstrations TBA. No battle during this event. On the weekend, there will be skirmishes after 1 p.m. Admission is a $5 donation for adults and free for children 12 and younger. 813-987-6870. www.floridastateparks.org/hillsboroughriver/Events.cfm

Feb. 11-12: 4th Annual Art and Craft Festival, Holmes Beach. Arts and crafts, music, food. To benefit the Butterfly Park. At Homles Beach. 352-344-0657. www.tnteventsinc.com

Feb. 11-March 4: Bands Brew and BBQ music festival, Orlando. A music festival on Saturdays and Sundays at SeaWorld Orlando offers BBQ and bands including the Doobie Brothers on Feb. 25, Trace Adkins on Feb. 18 and Scotty McCreery on March 4. Concerts begin at 4 p.m. with park admission. SeaWorld 407-351-3600. http://www.seaworld.com/sitepage.aspx?PageID=848

Feb. 11-April 14: Universal Studios Mardi Gras, Orlando.This year's Mardi Gras concert line-up includes Kelly Clarkson. Concerts begin at 8:30 p.m., and April 16 & 23 at 9:30 p.m. Included with Universal Studios ticket. 407-363-8000. http://www.universalorlando.com/Events/Mardi_Gras/live_concerts.aspx

Feb. 17-19: Wine Fest XXII, Clermont. Arts and crafts, complimentary winery tours, tasting and live music are part of the fun during Wine Fest XXII at the Lakeridge Winery on Feb. 17-19, Food and wine will be available for purchase. A $2 donation will be accepted at the gate to benefit a local charity. Event hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The winery is at 19239 Highway 27 North. For details, visit www.lakeridgewinery.com

Feb. 17-19: The 128th Silver Spurs Rodeo of Champions, Kissimmee. The 128th Silver Spurs Rodeo of Champions attracts cowboys from the pro circuit to the Silver Spurs Arena in Osceola Heritage Park on Feb. 17-19. The largest rodeo east of the Mississippi, it is rated one of the top 50 events sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Tickets are $15 (children 10 and under are free). The arena is at 1875 Silver Spur Lane. Visit www.silverspursrodeo.com

Feb. 26: Daytona 500, Daytona. Forty-three of the best stock car drivers in the world compete in "The Great American Race," NASCAR's biggest, richest and most prestigious event. 800-PIT-STOP. http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/

Feb. 25-26: Art and Craft Festival, Flager Beach. Show offers an array of fine art, fine crafts and food. Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Flagler Beach on A1A. 352-344-0657. www.tnteventsinc.com

Feb. 3-5: Everglades Seafood Festival, Everglades City. The annual Everglades Seafood Festival serves up delicacies from the sea in historic Everglades City on Feb. 3-5. Live music, crafts and carnival games are also on the agenda. Food will be available for purchase. Admission is free. For details and directions, visit www.evergladesseafoodfestival.com

Feb. 4-5: Artfest Fort Myers, Fort Myers. Each year Fort Myers' only free, two-day celebration of the arts decorates downtown with exceptional artwork, entertainment, a high school art competition and children's art activities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Attendees can enjoy and purchase artwork in a variety of media and prices from more than 200 nationally recognized artists from across the country and around the world. Downtown. Free. 239-768-3602. www.artfestfortmyers.com

Feb. 4-5: 11th Annual Hobe Sound Festival of the Arts, Hobe Sound. This event transforms four blocks of A1A/Dixie Highway into a first class, outdoor art gallery for a two-day, fun-filled family event. Free. 954-472-3755. www.artfestival.com

Feb. 4-5: Everglades Seafood Festival, Everglades City. The annual Everglades Seafood Festival serves up delicacies from the sea in historic Everglades City on Feb. 3-5. Live music, crafts and carnival games are also on the agenda. Food will be available for purchase. Admission is free. For details and directions, visit www.evergladesseafoodfestival.com

Feb. 10-12: Florida's Creative Coast Weekend, Pine Island. On the second weekend each month November-April, Pine Island businesses offer themed artistic events. Galleries and shops have extended hours on Friday, many offering special openings. Take a cooking class or listen to live music. Other special events and workshops are planned at individual shops on Saturday and Sunday. 239-283-0888. http://www.floridascreativecoast.com/

Feb. 11-12: 18th Annual Pigeon Key Art Festival, Marathon. What started as a weekend gathering of local artists has grown into a nationally recognized art show. The festival features dozens of local and national artists and craftsmen in multiple categories. Live entertainment is scheduled both days, setting the mood for shopping, relaxing, and enjoying food and beverages from booths serving local delicacies. At Marathon Community Park, MM49. Admission $7 adults, $3 students, under 12 free. 305-289-9555. www.pigeonkey.net/events.html

Feb. 11-12: 12th Annual Bonita Springs National Art Festival, Bonita Springs. The 12th Annual Bonita Springs National Art Festival is an outdoor, juried art show display work by more than 200 artists at The Promenade At Bonita Bay on Feb. 11-12. Event hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. For additional details and directions to the festival, visit www.artinusa.com/bonita

Feb. 13-14: Sweetheart Express on Seminole Gulf Railway, Fort Myers. A strolling violinist completes your romantic evening aboard the Murder Mystery Dinner Train. Come celebrate this festive holiday on board and impress your special someone. Departure times are 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 13 and 14. Tickets are $76. 239-275-8487. www.semgulf.com

Feb. 12: Edison Festival of Light Junior Events, Fort Myers. Edison Festival of Light's junior events kick off with a Junior Run downtown beginning at 1 p.m. Open to fifth-graders and younger, the race runs for one mile and less, depending on age group. Spectators attend free. The Junior Parade follows, beginning at 2:30 p.m. and features floats, bands and costumed troupes, in imitation of the Edison Grand Parade. Crowning of the Junior King and Queen winds up the afternoon at 4 p.m. for children 5-7 years old. There is a $5 entry fee for children participating in the run. Downtown. 239-334-2999. www.edisonfestival.org

Feb. 16-20: Strictly Sail Miami Boat Show, Miami. This five-day sailing event welcomes every type of sailor to enjoy shopping and test driving some of the latest sailboat designs, featuring some of builders from across the world, in an exhibit with almost 200 companies. Strictly Sail Miami is known as the catamaran capital of the world with the largest selection of catamarans of any show. At Miami Beach Convention Center, Miamarina at Bayside, and Sea Isle Marina and Yatchting Center. Admission $30 Premier Day, $16 Friday-Monday. 954-441-3220. www.miamiboatshow.com/

Feb. 17-18: 51st Annual Historic House Tours, Key West. Presented by the Old Island Restoration Foundation, this house and garden tour offers a rare opportunity to see inside some of Key West's charming tropical residences. Each tour showcases five homes chosen for their contribution to the Key West community as significant historic buildings, creative renovations or examples of the Keys lifestyle. Tour participants will discover unique interiors filled with art collections and antiques as well as lush gardens and imaginatively designed outdoor living areas. Last tour of the series, which started in January, is Mar. 16-17. Admission $25 per person. Tours available 10 a.m to 4 p.m. 305-294-9501. www.oirf.org/

Feb. 17-19: Edison Festival of Lights Crafts on the River, Fort Myers. About 100 exhibitors display handicrafts from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Exhibitors are selling items ranging from jewelry, quilts and handmade crafts. At Centennial Park. Free. 239-334-2999 www.edisonfestival.org

Feb. 18: Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade, Fort Myers. Entertainment begins at noon, climaxing with fireworks at 7 p.m. to kick off the grand lighted parade. 239-334-2999. www.edisonfestival.org

Feb. 18-19: 20th Annual Downtown Dunedin Craft Festival, Tampa Bay. Along Dunedin's Main Street, there is something for all, including botanical hotplates, functional pottery, hair accessories and handmade one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. Free. 954-472-3755. www.artfestival.com

Feb. 18-19: Rotary Club Arts and Crafts Fair, Sanibel Island. One hundred artists and thousands of visitors fill Sanibel Community Center for this 29th annual event sponsored by Rotary Club of Sanibel-Captiva. 239-472-2626. www.sanibelrotary.org

Feb. 20-26: Winter Star Party, Florida Keys. The Winter Star Party, during the new moon week (Feb. 20-26), offers amateur astronomers the opportunity to gather in the Florida Keys for six days to learn from guest speakers, observe an unobstructed clear night sky and share information with other star enthusiasts. The event, hosted by the Southern Cross Astronomical Society Inc., offers lectures, workshops and programs. For details, visit www.fla-keys.com

Feb. 24-26: Everglades Bluegrass Festival, Miami Beach. South Florida Bluegrass Association Proudly the 34th Annual Everglades Bluegrass Festival featuring the Grascals. At Greynolds. Admission $20 for Friday or Sunday, $25 for Saturday or $60 for three days. Parking $6 per day. 305-945-3425. www.southfloridabluegrass.com

Feb. 24-26: Greek Fest, Fort Myers. Souvlaki, gyros, dolmathes, pastichio, moussaka, baklava, and other Greek delicacies, plus live music, folk dancing, imported gifts and carnival rides take place at this 37th annual event from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults for the entire weekend. Children ages 12 and younger are admitted free. 239-481-2099. www.greekfestfortmyers.com

Feb. 24-26: Big Cypress Shootout, Clewiston. The Big Cypress Shootout at Billie Swamp Safari features a re-enactment of the Second Seminole War of the 1800s between the Seminoles and the U.S. on Feb. 24-26. The event is at the Big Cypress Reservation just north of I-75 (Alligator Alley). Admission is $9 for adults, $6 for children 12 and under. For details, visit www.billieswamp.com

Feb. 24-March 4: Southwest Florida and Lee County Fair, North Fort Myers. Old-fashioned and fun, this fair offers midway rides, livestock exhibits, pig races, a petting farm, and entertainment ranging from a comic master hypnotist, clows, family shows and local talent. On weekdays, the fun begins at 5 a.m. and doesn't shut down until around 11 p.m., except on Fridays, when Moonlight Madness runs until 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday hours are noon to midnight. Adult admission tickets cost $6 or $4 in advance. Admission price for children 6 to 11 is $3. Children under 5 are admitted free. Advance-purchase mega-passes allow holders admission and unlimited rides for any day of their choice. On Wednesday Family Days, admission is two for the price of one. For Midnight Madness, $20 wristbands go on sale at 8 p.m. for admission and unlimited rides. 239-543-8368. www.leeciviccenter.com

Feb. 25-26: Annuel Old Island Days Art Festival, Key West. The Last Key sets the scene for the 47th Annual Old Island Days Art Festival on Feb. 25-26. An outdoor, juried show on lower Whitehead and Caroline Streets in Key West's historic Old Town, it displays the work of painters, sculptors, photographers and other artists from around the U.S. and Canada. Admission is free. For information, visit www.keywestartcenter.com

Feb. 25-26: 17th Annuel Upper Keys Gigantic Nautical Flea Market, Islamorada. Founder's Park hosts the 17th Annual Upper Keys Gigantic Nautical Flea Market on Feb. 25-26. The event offers deals on new and used boats, dive equipment, electronics, nautical arts and crafts and more. Founder's Park is on Mile Marker 87 bayside on Plantation Key. Admission is free and all proceeds benefit area youth. For details, visit www.giganticnauticalfleamarket.org

Feb. 18-March 11: 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 March 13. 305-644-8888. www.carnavalmiami.com

Feb. 25: Burrowing Owl Festival, Cape Coral. Cape Coral claims Florida's largest population of the Burrowing Owl, a species of special concern. This ninth annual festival is designed to educate the public about the owl and its preservation. Events from 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. include a children's corner, butterfly tent, educational speakers, burrowing owl van tours, birding tours, native plant sales and exhibitor's displays. At Rotary Park Environmental Center. 239-549-4606. www.ccfriendsofwildlife.org

Feb. 11: Flight To Freedom, St. Augustine. Historic Fort Mose State Park sets the scene for Flight To Freedom on Feb. 11. Participants in this living history event will meet a number of travelers en route to Fort Mose in Spanish St. Augustine, the first legally sanctioned free black settlement in the United States. Activities will include guided tours, drumming and music, colonial weapons demonstrations Fort Mose State Park is at 15 Fort Mose Trail. Event hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission to the park is $2 per person. Children ages 5 and under are free. For details, visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortmose

Feb. 12: Second Saturdays Artrageous Artwalk, Fernandina Beach. The downtown Fernandina Beach galleries host monthly art eventsthat offer an array of fine art in photography, pottery, copper, metal, fused as well as stained glass, watercolors, acrylics, oils and batik. This event is free to the public. Open from 5:30pm until 8:30pm the second Saturday of every month. 904-277-0717. www.ameliaisland.com

Feb. 17-18: Mardi Gras At The Beach, Panama City Beach. Pier Park sets the scene for Mardi Gras At The Beach with the Krewe of Dominique Youx on Feb. 17-18. The celebration will include a festival and parades with such activitiess as a street dance with live bands; Cajun food, gumbo and Low Country boils. Also, there will be classic cars on display, Krewe Kings and Queens in costume meet-and-greets, fireworks and more. Pier Park is at 16101 Front Beach Road. Admission is free. For details, visit www.dominiqueyoux.com

Feb. 18: Grand Mardi Gras Parade, Pensacola. Pensacola puts on the Grand Mardi Gras Parade on Feb. 18. One of the country's original Mardi Gras celebration sites, this family-oriented parade takes place in the historical downtown area. Crowds catch beads, doubloons and moonpies galore as they are thrown from floats. Parade kicks off at 2 p.m. with floats and other participants lining up at Main and Springs. For information, visit www.pensacolamardigras.com

Feb. 25-26: Art and Craft Festival, Flager Beach. Show offers an array of fine art, fine crafts and food. Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Flagler Beach on A1A. 352-344-0657. www.tnteventsinc.com