There’s always something to do and look forward to in Wilton Manors, Florida, and neighboring Fort Lauderdale. With a year-round schedule of local festivals and celebrations, retirees often find it easy to live an active lifestyle and engage in fun community activities and purposeful events.
Find our favorite local annual events in this blog, curated by Golden Bell Senior Living. Our residents enjoy participating in these exciting celebrations during scheduled off-campus excursions or at their leisure.
Popular Annual Festivals and Special Events in Wilton Manors and Fort Lauderdale
Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival | January
Launched in 2018, the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival features new culinary and restaurant trends throughout Broward County with a week-long celebration. Proceeds from the festival go to the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood, Florida.
Las Olas Food and Wine Festival | April
Visitors enjoy the impressive culinary talents of the area’s finest restaurants and wineries at this annual festival on four blocks of Las Olas Boulevard. Live music, DJs, and dancing add to the ambiance of this evening festival. Proceeds from the festival go to the South Florida American Lung Association.
Fort Lauderdale Air Show | May
The annual weekend Fort Lauderdale Air Show is a spectacular event to attend. Past participants include the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, F-22 Raptor Demo Team, Socom Para-Commandos, Air Force Reserve F-16 Vipers, and more. Enjoy an array of seating options with professional narration and music, from private Sand Boxes™ and the Drop Zone Beach to the 10th floor of the VIP Penthouse.
Summer Nights Concert Series | May – July
The free Summer Nights Concert Series is the perfect way to spend an evening with friends in the park. Attendees will experience live music, food trucks, and cash bars at this monthly summer event held at Jaco Pastorius Park in Oakland Park, Florida.
Related: 10 Best Dining Options for Retirees in Wilton Manors, Florida >>
Stonewall Pride Parade & Street Festival | June
All are welcome to this popular annual parade and day-long street festival hosted in Wilton Manors, which draws over 50,000 people. The Stonewall Pride Parade & Street Festival celebrates the LGBTQ+ human rights movement and the historic Stonewall Riots. The ticket fees help support pride initiatives throughout the year and cover the event’s security cost.
4th of July Spectacular | July
Fort Lauderdale Beach, located at State Road A1A and Las Olas Boulevard, is home to an annual patriotic beach celebration on July 4. Guests can bring family and friends for live music, children’s activities, and apple pie and hot dog eating contests. View the extravagant fireworks display from your favorite beach spot after dusk.
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show | October
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, a five-day boating event, features more U.S. and international boats than any other show in the country. Multiple show locations include the Broward County Convention Center, Hall of Fame Marina, historic Lauderdale Marina, and more. Expect over 1,300 boats representing 1,000 brands on display among 100,000 attendees.
Oakland Park Oktoberfest | October
The annual Oakland Park Oktoberfest, held at Jaco Pastorius Park, celebrates the German culture with music, beer, and other food in the Biergarten. The weekend-long celebration also hosts a few unique events featuring dachshunds! The Dachshund Dash and Doggie Fashion Show are a few of the popular highlights of the festival. Visitors can also play field games and participate in stein and beer barrel races.
Related: Live Well During Retirement in Wilton Manors, Florida >>
Staying Connected and Engaged at Independence Hall and Williamsburg Landing in Wilton Manors
Residents at Golden Bell’s Independence Hall and Williamsburg Landing live in beautiful apartment suites and enjoy daily activities and fun opportunities to pursue their interests. Many residents participate in gardening, art lessons, exercise classes, and book clubs.
Live entertainment and wonderful holiday celebrations and special events are scheduled regularly. Residents may also explore the numerous festivals throughout the year in Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale, and other nearby cities. Our dedicated, compassionate staff offers chauffeured transportation services and loves to plan personalized outings for the residents.
Life at Golden Bell Senior Living
Senior living communities like Golden Bell provide the comforts of home with the added benefits of supportive care, engaging activities, and a maintenance-free lifestyle. With your daily needs met, your loved one will live more independently and have opportunities to meet friends, discover new interests, and live each day to the fullest.
Golden Bell Senior Living offers a full continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, and respite care. Residents have personalized care plans, are treated like family, and are greeted by name in a warm, welcoming environment.
Amenities and activities include:
- Beautiful accommodations
- Landscaped grounds and gardens
- Community outings
- Recreation and social activities
- Chef-prepared meals
- Scheduled transportation
- Beauty and barber shop
- Housekeeping and maintenance services
Please contact us to learn more about our communities or set up a tour. We’d love to hear from you and are happy to help answer any questions you have about senior living. For more information about choosing senior living, download our complimentary Family Decision Toolkit.
