What do imagination junkies, parents, and hobbyists have in common? They all can have a great time at an arts and crafts festival. Imagination junkies can satisfy their habit with new ideas for creative projects, parents can take a step back from being the kids’ full-time entertainer, and hobbyists can improve their artistic skills.
Fort Lauderdale and nearby cities host a range of arts and crafts events, including the following.
Annual Las Olas Art Fair
The Annual Las Olas Art Fair is held over two weekends along the main thoroughfare of Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. Held for the past 23 years, the Annual Las Olas Art Fair has practically become a citizen of the community. The Art Fair typically features life-size sculptures, original paintings, artistic jewelry, photographic prints, and ceramic handicrafts. You’ll get to compare the work of some of Florida’s most cherished artists to that of the newcomers to the contemporary art scene. Also on tap are life musical performances and food tastings.
The first fair in 2011 was held on January 1 and 2. If you missed that event, drop in on March 5 and 6, between 10am and 5pm. Admission is free.
Boca Fest
Boca Raton, about 16 miles from Fort Lauderdale hosts the Boca Fest annually. This event is a 24-year tradition. The most recent Boca Fest, held January 8 and 9, featured live-time demonstrations by artists and crafters. Admission is free.
Annual Downtown Delray Beach Festival of Arts
The Annual Downtown Delray Beach Festival of Arts is held in Delray Beach, which is about 30 minutes from Fort Lauderdale by car. This arts and craft event sprawls over a mile of Atlantic Avenue in downtown Delray Beach. The most recent event, held January 15 and 16, was the Festival of Arts’ 22nd consecutive appearance in Delray Beach. Admission is free.
Downtown Delray Beach Craft Festival
In February, the Downtown Delray Beach Craft Festival offers visitors a chance to pick up handmade craft originals, such as soaps, jewelry, and ceramics. The 14th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Craft Festival will be held on February 26 and 27 of 2011. Head to 4th Avenue and Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach. Admission is free.
Annual Lauderdale by the Sea Craft Festival
The Lauderdale by the Sea Craft Festival will make its 15th annual appearance in Fort Lauderdale, on March 12 and 13, 2011. This event is sponsored by the Lauderdale-by-the-sea Chamber of Commerce and features American arts and crafts by visiting artisans. You can attend by showing up on Commercial Boulevard sometime between 10am and 5pm. Admission is free.
Coral Spring Festival of Arts
If you venture about 12 miles from Fort Lauderdale, you can take part in the Coral Spring Festival of Arts. This festival attracts more than 250 of the nation’s artists and craft makers. To complement the arts and crafts activities, the festival also features theatrical performances and live musical soirees. The 15th Coral Spring Festival of Arts will be held over two days in 2011, on March 19 and 20. For more information, see http://www.csfoa.com/
More Fort Lauderdale Resources:
To search for more arts festivals in Fort Lauderdale and other areas, visit ArtFestival.com
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