Outdoor Events in Florida: May 2025
Looking for fun, family-friendly outdoor events in Florida this May?
Whether you’re passionate about conservation, love fishing, or just want to get outside and explore, there’s something for everyone happening across the Sunshine State. From the Panhandle to Central Florida, here are some can’t-miss events to add to your calendar.
The Highlights
Multiple Locations – May 17 – Junior Ranger Jamboree at Florida State Parks
Celebrate the Junior Ranger program with a day full of fun activities across Florida State Parks. Perfect for families!
Destin – May 17-18 – Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Tournament
Join LIVE WILDLY at the Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Tournament!
As proud sponsors of the largest lionfish tournament in the world, we’re excited to join the fight against invasive lionfish and protect marine ecosystems.
- Compete & Win Big: Remove as many lionfish as possible for your chance to win cash and gear prizes. Pre-tournament participants can score monthly prizes too!
- Taste Lionfish: During Lionfish Restaurant Week, local chefs will serve up delicious lionfish dishes—don’t miss this unique foodie experience.
- Family-Friendly Festival: The Lionfish Festival features vendors, fun activities, and educational opportunities for all ages. See lionfish up close, learn about their impact, and even taste them!
Join us for an exciting weekend of action, conservation, and community. Stop by the LIVE WILDLY booth, say hi, and help make a difference for the ocean!
Panhandle Events
Defuniak Springs – May 9-10 – LakeFest 2025
Enjoy water sports, food vendors, and live entertainment at LakeFest, a two-day celebration of outdoor fun.
Panama City Beach – May 10 – One Day Youth Fishing Blitz
Introduce young anglers to fishing with this exciting competition designed for kids and teens.
Milton – May 17 – Fundy Bayou Paddle Tour
Explore scenic waterways on this guided paddle tour through Fundy Bayou. Beginners are welcome!
Wewahitchka – May 17, 9am-4pm – Tupelo Honey Festival
Celebrate Wewahitchka’s famous tupelo honey with live music, crafts, and delicious local treats.
North FL Events
Gainesville – May 4, 7am-11:30am – A Little Sit (Birdwatching) at Sweetwater Wetlands
Join local birders for a peaceful morning of birdwatching at Sweetwater Wetlands Park.
Flagler Beach – May 23, 10am-11am – Turtle Talk: A Sea Turtle’s Journey
Learn about sea turtles and their incredible journeys at this engaging educational talk.
Ocala – May 29, 12-1:30pm – Creative Currents: Exploring Florida’s Waters through Art
Discover Florida’s waterways through art in this interactive workshop.
Micanopy – May 31, 10am-2pm – Creek Family Fest at Tuscawilla Preserve
Enjoy family-friendly activities, crafts, and outdoor fun at Tuscawilla Preserve’s Creek Family Fest.
Central FL Events
Mount Dora – May 3-4 – Florida Flower Fest
Celebrate spring with vibrant blooms, gardening workshops, and live entertainment at this two-day festival.
Babson Park – May 7, 8am-12pm – Group Volunteer Workdays at Tiger Creek Preserve
Help preserve local habitats with this rewarding volunteer opportunity at Tiger Creek Preserve.
Bushnell – May 9, 10am-12pm – Palm Weaving/Boondoggle Class
Learn the art of palm weaving in this hands-on workshop.
Celebration – May 22, 2pm – UF/IFAS Rain Garden Workshop
Learn how to create a rain garden to improve water conservation and add beauty to your yard.
Poinciana – May 24, 8am-10am – Bellini Preserve Hike
Take a guided hike through Bellini Preserve’s lush trails.
East FL Events
West Palm Beach – May 2-4 – The Florida Outdoor Expo
Discover outdoor sports, meet industry experts, and shop gear at this exciting expo.
Boca Raton – May 3, 9am-11am – Pocket Refuge Planting at Pearl City Community Garden
Join the community to plant native vegetation and support urban wildlife habitats.
Vero Beach – May 7, 7am-8:30am – Sunrise at Sexton Cleanup by Coastal Connections
Start your morning with a rewarding beach cleanup at sunrise.
Pierson – May 9 – Migratory Bird Eco-Buggy
Experience Florida’s bird migration season with a guided eco-buggy tour.
Miami – May 10, 9am-12pm – SOMI Spring Cleaning at Fuchs Park
Join local volunteers for a community cleanup at Fuchs Park.
Miami – May 11, 1pm-3pm – Conservation Workshop Series: Plant Propagation at Deering Estate
Learn how to propagate plants in this engaging workshop at the Deering Estate.
Rockledge – May 16, 6:30pm-8:30pm – Space Coast Audubon Monthly Meeting & Potluck
Connect with fellow birding enthusiasts at this potluck and supply drive.
Cocoa Beach – May 29 – Bring Your Own Kayak Water Tour
Paddle through Cocoa Beach’s beautiful waterways on this guided kayak tour.
West FL Events
Palmetto – May 10 – Nature Journaling at Felts Audubon Preserve
Capture the beauty of nature in this guided journaling session.
Plant City – May 10 – Bird Hike at McIntosh Preserve
Join a guided birding hike with expert Bob Snow at McIntosh Preserve.
Tarpon Springs – May 10 – Sleep-in Saturday Hike
Sleep in and then hit the trails with this relaxed morning hike.
Naples – May 22 – Ancient Forest Tour at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Explore one of the oldest forests in Florida on this guided tour.
Brooksville – May 31 – Beginner Archery with FWC
Try your hand at archery in this beginner-friendly class with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Tampa – Every Saturday – Volunteer Workdays at the Sustainable Living Project’s Garden
Help grow a community garden and learn about sustainable agriculture
