Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fort Lauderdale events and things to do, from Las Olas Boulevard and the beach to water taxis, Hard Rock Hollywood concerts, Panthers hockey and canal cruises.
Fort Lauderdale Events & Things to Do: Beaches, Las Olas, Boat Tours & Concerts
Quick answer: The best things to do in Fort Lauderdale include relaxing on Fort Lauderdale Beach, cruising the canals on a "Venice of America" boat tour, strolling and dining on Las Olas Boulevard, riding the Water Taxi, taking an Everglades airboat tour, and catching the Florida Panthers in nearby Sunrise. Fall and winter bring the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and the Winterfest Boat Parade.
Searching for things to do in Fort Lauderdale this weekend or with the family? Known as the Venice of America for its 165 miles of canals, Fort Lauderdale pairs a wide, walkable beach with dining on Las Olas Boulevard, boat rides along the New River, Florida Panthers hockey in Sunrise, and big-name shows at Hard Rock Live in nearby Hollywood. Browse South Florida events for concerts, sports, and festivals happening now.
Browse South Florida Events: Miami Events Calendar • Concerts • Sports • Comedy • Festivals & Seasonal • Family • Attractions • Food & Drink
Start Here: Your Fort Lauderdale Trip Planner
Use these Get Your Ticket guides to plan every part of your trip:
- Historic Stranahan House Museum Tours & Tickets: Museum tickets and guided visits.
- Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale Tours & Tickets: Boat trips, beach time, and water tours.
- Fort Lauderdale Beachfront Tours & Tickets: Boat trips, beach time, and water tours.
- Las Olas Boulevard Tours & Tickets: Walking tours, food stops, and local history.
- Fort Lauderdale Food, Wine & Nightlife: Browse food, wine & nightlife in Fort Lauderdale.
Quick Links: Fort Lauderdale Tours & Activities • Fort Lauderdale Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises • Fort Lauderdale Seasonal & Special Occasions • Fort Lauderdale Outdoor Activities
Upcoming Fort Lauderdale Events in 2026 and 2027
- Florida Panthers home opener: The Panthers host the Minnesota Wild at Amerant Bank Arena on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
- Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show: The 67th annual show runs October 28 to November 1, 2026 across multiple waterfront locations.
- Winterfest Boat Parade: Lighted boats cruise the New River and Intracoastal on Saturday, December 12, 2026.
Find Tickets: Intracoastal Waterway Fort Lauderdale Tours & Tickets • Fort Lauderdale Art & Culture • Fort Lauderdale Sunset Cruises
Why Is Fort Lauderdale Called the Venice of America?
Fort Lauderdale has 165 miles of scenic inland waterways winding through the city, lined with waterfront homes, yachts, and marinas. That's why it's known as the "Venice of America."
The best way to experience it is from the water. You can book a narrated canal cruise, hop on the Water Taxi to explore different neighborhoods, rent a boat, or take a sunset cruise along the Intracoastal.
Explore: Venice of America Boat Tour • Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi • Fort Lauderdale Day Cruises
What Are the Best Beaches in Fort Lauderdale?
- Fort Lauderdale Beach: The city's famous beachfront along A1A, with a wave wall, palm trees, and plenty of restaurants and bars.
- Hugh Taylor Birch State Park: A peaceful state park with direct beach access, kayaking, and nature trails.
- Las Olas Beach and Sebastian Street Beach: Popular spots for swimming, people-watching, and sunrise views.
- Lauderdale-By-The-Sea: A laid-back small town just north, known for snorkeling right off the beach.
Explore: Las Olas Beach Tours & Tickets • Hugh Taylor Birch State Park Tours & Tickets • Fort Lauderdale Zoos & Wildlife Parks
What Is There to Do on Las Olas Boulevard?
Las Olas Boulevard is Fort Lauderdale's signature street for dining, shopping, art galleries, nightlife, and people-watching. It runs from downtown toward the beach, passing boutiques, sidewalk cafés, and the Riverwalk along the New River.
It's also a hub for events, from art festivals to the Winterfest Boat Parade viewing area.
Explore: Fort Lauderdale City Tours • Las Olas Boulevard Tours & Tickets • Fort Lauderdale Food, Wine & Nightlife
Fort Lauderdale Sports & Live Entertainment
- Florida Panthers: NHL hockey at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, about 20 minutes west of downtown.
- Miami sports nearby: The Dolphins, Heat, Marlins, and Inter Miami are all a short drive south.
- Live entertainment: Concerts, comedy, and Broadway shows at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, plus big shows at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood nearby.
Find Tickets: Fort Lauderdale Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours • Fort Lauderdale Fishing Charters & Tours • Fort Lauderdale Snorkeling
Day Trips From Fort Lauderdale
- The Everglades: Airboat tours, alligators, and wildlife, often less than an hour from town.
- Miami: South Beach, Wynwood, Little Havana, and big-city events about 30 miles south. See our guide to visiting Miami for an event.
- Key West and the Florida Keys: A bucket-list road trip down the Overseas Highway.
- Palm Beach: Upscale shopping, dining, and historic estates to the north.
Explore: Everglades Airboat Tour • Fort Lauderdale Airboat Tours • Fort Lauderdale Dining Experiences
Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale With Kids
Traveling with kids? Fort Lauderdale has plenty of family-friendly attractions and activities, including the beach, the Museum of Discovery and Science, Water Taxi rides, Everglades airboat tours, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, and Panthers games.
Explore: Museum of Discovery and Science Tours & Tickets • Hugh Taylor Birch State Park Tours & Tickets • Fort Lauderdale Sightseeing Tickets & Passes
Free Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale
- Fort Lauderdale Beach and the Wave Wall: Walk the palm-lined promenade along A1A and swim at one of Florida's best-known beaches.
- Las Olas Boulevard: Browse galleries and boutiques and people-watch from sidewalk cafés.
- Riverwalk: A shaded path along the New River linking downtown parks, yachts, and historic sites.
- Shore snorkeling at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea: Reefs sit a short swim from the beach near Anglin's Pier.
Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale for Adults & Couples
- Water Taxi hop: Ride the canals past mansions and megayachts and stop for drinks along the way.
- Gondola or sunset cruise: A slower way to see the Intracoastal after dark.
- Dinner on Las Olas: Waterside restaurants and wine bars stay busy late on weekends.
- Concerts at Hard Rock Live: Headliners and comedy nights at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, about 20 minutes south.
Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale This Weekend & Today
A typical Fort Lauderdale weekend means a beach morning, a Water Taxi or canal cruise in the afternoon, and dinner on Las Olas. In season, add a Panthers game at Amerant Bank Arena or a show at Hard Rock Live. See what's scheduled in our South Florida events calendar.
Browse Now: Fort Lauderdale Tours & Activities • Fort Lauderdale Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises • Fort Lauderdale Art & Culture • Fort Lauderdale Seasonal & Special Occasions
Popular Fort Lauderdale Questions
What are the best free things to do in Fort Lauderdale?
Free favorites in Fort Lauderdale include Fort Lauderdale Beach and the Wave Wall, Las Olas Boulevard, Riverwalk, and shore snorkeling at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. See the free things to do section above for details.
What are the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale for adults and couples?
Popular picks for adults and couples in Fort Lauderdale include water Taxi hop, gondola or sunset cruise, dinner on Las Olas, and concerts at Hard Rock Live.
When is the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2026?
The 67th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show runs October 28 to November 1, 2026.
When is the Winterfest Boat Parade 2026?
The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Why is Fort Lauderdale called the Venice of America?
Because of its 165 miles of inland waterways and canals that wind through the city.
Where do the Florida Panthers play?
The Panthers play at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, just west of Fort Lauderdale. Their 2026–27 home opener is October 10 vs. the Minnesota Wild.
When is the best time to visit Fort Lauderdale?
November through April brings warm, dry weather and the busiest event season. Summer is hotter and more humid, with afternoon storms, but often better hotel deals.
How far is Fort Lauderdale from Miami?
Fort Lauderdale is about 30 miles north of Miami, usually a 35 to 60 minute drive depending on traffic. The Brightline train also connects the two cities.
What is there to do in Fort Lauderdale this weekend?
Browse Fort Lauderdale tours and activities for boat tours, Everglades trips, and experiences you can book for your dates.
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Plan Your Fort Lauderdale Trip
Relax on the beach, cruise the canals of the Venice of America, dine on Las Olas, catch the Panthers, see the Boat Show, or head south to Miami and the Keys.
Start exploring Fort Lauderdale with Get Your Ticket and discover your next event, tour, or waterfront adventure.
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