Miles of lagoons and waterways make Greater Fort Lauderdale one of the most popular areas on Florida’s Gold Coast. Getting around Greater Fort Lauderdale is half the fun: One of the city's main thoroughfares is the New River, where you can hop on a water taxi and take in the sights. This South Florida city, known as the “Venice of America,” has 300 miles of navigable waterways, has a reputation for gracious living and is one of the country's largest yachting centers. Restaurants and bars overlook the canals, and several of the city's special events, including a Winterfest Boat Parade that draws local, national and international celebrities, revolve around boating and the water. Major redevelopment in the 1990s left Fort Lauderdale with an abundance of excellent museums, art galleries, restaurants, hotels, and sidewalk cafes.

An elegant beachfront promenade attracts upscale vacationers from all over the world. Once known strictly as a tourism-based economy, Greater Fort Lauderdale now supports a diverse range of industries, including marine, manufacturing, finance, insurance, real estate, high technology, avionics/aerospace, film and television production. Incorporated on March 27, 1911, the City of Fort Lauderdale is situated on the southeast coast of Florida, centrally located between Miami and Palm Beach. Encompassing more than 33 square miles with a population of nearly 167,000, Fort Lauderdale is the largest of Broward County's 31 municipalities and the seventh largest city in Florida. It is strategically located along a stretch of Blue Wave beach.

Several nearby coastal communities make up Greater Fort Lauderdale. To the north are Pompano Beach (where sportfishing is a favored pastime), Lauderdale-by-the-Sea (a small seaside oasis) and Deerfield Beach (virtually untouched by beach erosion). To the south are Port Everglades (the country's second-busiest port, frequented by five star cruise lines), Dania Beach (known for its antiques), Hallandale Beach (a seaside community formerly home to retirees but now popular with younger folks, as well) and Hollywood (its Broadwalk parallels the ocean). Las Olas Boulevard, which follows the New River as it flows toward the Atlantic Ocean, is Fort Lauderdale's upscale shopping and dining district. If you are a history buff, the restored Victorian home of city founder Frank Stranahan, now a museum, can easily be included in a boulevard stroll.

The NHL's Florida Panthers play at the BankAtlantic Center in nearby Sunrise. In spring, South Florida is a mecca for baseball teams: Fort Lauderdale hosts the Baltimore Orioles. South Florida is home to the NFL's Miami Dolphins, MLB's Florida Marlins and the NBA's Miami Heat.

Bargain shoppers will enjoy Pompano Beach's Festival Flea Market Mall which houses more than 800 vendors, an arcade and a farmers market, and the Swap Shop, the state's largest indoor/outdoor flea market. Sawgrass Mills is a vast, totally enclosed, climate controlled shopping city. This super sized outlet mall is so large that it is marked off inside with street signs. Some of the less traditional shopping areas, frequented mostly by locals, are of great interest to the visiting treasure hunter. Antique buffs may want to head to Dania Beach's Antique Row with its dozens of shops within a few blocks along US 1 Federal Highway.

At the heart of the city's cultural life is the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts operas, ballets, theater productions, symphony concerts and other performances by both local and touring companies. Greater Fort Lauderdale offers an outstanding quality of life, highlighted by a semi-tropical climate, rich natural beauty and array of cultural and entertainment amenities.

Population: 152,397
Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time.
Language: English

Local Seasons:
Fort Lauderdale is a complete city offering year round enjoyment, regardless of the season. Winter tends to be the busiest time of year when people from the north come to experience the beautiful beaches, with swaying palm trees and warm ocean breezes, not to mention theater, festivals, great shopping, and a host of sports activities. However, at any time of year, the city is alive with tourists from throughout the world. When summer arrives there is an influx of visitors from both South America as well as Europe, making this truly an international destination. Spring and fall tend to be less crowded and are wonderful for enjoying all the city has to offer with a few less people. With temperatures during this time hovering in the 80’s F during the day and the 70’s at night; visitors can work on the perfect tan during the day, and then enjoy a splendid meal while dancing the night away, or taking in one of the numerous cultural events taking place year round.

National Holidays:
New Year’s Day, January 1, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the third Monday in January, President’ Day, the third Monday in February, Memorial Day, the last Monday in May, Independence Day, July 4, Labor Day, the first Monday in September, Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, December 24 and 25, New Year’s Eve, December 31

January Annual Las Olas Art Fair
Held in early January, Location:Las Olas Boulevard, Downtown Fort Lauderdale, 954-472-3755
Admission:Free. Outdoor art festival featuring the finest national and international exhibiting artists.

Annual Sunshine Millions
Held in late January, Location:Gulfstream Park, 954-454-7000. The annual battle for supremacy between California and Florida thoroughbreds with millions of dollars at stake in total purses.

Annual Body, Mind & Spirit Expo - the Expo of Heart!
Held in mid January Location:Broward County Convention Center 954-630-1610
Admission Charged at the door A one day event featuring natural foods, music, art and health exhibits as well as speakers and demonstrations.

Annual Verizon Wireless Dixie Amateur Golf Championship
Held in early January ,Location:Palm Aire Country Club, Pompano Beach, 954-975-6244

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Held in mid January, Location:Washington Park, Hollywood, 954-921-3404

Fedex Orange Bowl
Held on January 1, at 8:30pm, Location:Pro Player Stadium, 305-341-4700.

Florida Renaissance Festival
Held in late January through the month of February, Location:Quiet Waters Park, Deerfield Beach
954-771-7117 Admission Charged. A celebration of 16th Century culture featuring music, crafts, food, games, jousting and falconry.

Gulfstream Park Thoroughbred Racing Season
Open January through late April, Location:Gulfstream Park, Hallandale Beach 954-457-6224. Admission Charged

KISS Country Chili Cookoff
Usually held in late January . Location:C.B. Smith Park, Pembroke Pines. 954-764-7642. Admission Charged. Country music and a competitive chili cook-off.

Paradise City Arts Festival
Held in late January, Location:Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale, 800-511-9725
Admission Charged.

February Annual 5k Butterfly Run
Usually held in late February, Location:5005 NW 39th Ave., Coconut Creek, 954-956-1580. Registration starts 6-7am; race starts 7:30am. Admission Charged. The 5k is a USA track and field certified course event that is timed by split second timing and partial proceeds will benefit the National Wildlife Federation.

Annual Deerfield Beach Founders' Days Celebration
Held in mid February , Location:Deerfield Beach, 954-480-4433. A celebration on the beach including arts & crafts, food, a Saturday morning parade and bed race, auto and motorcycle shows and a family carnival. Live entertainment all weekend and a grand fireworks display.

Fort Lauderdale Dragon Boats Festival
Held in late February, Location:Mills Pond Park, Fort Lauderdale, 888-679-4222. Originating in China, dragon boat racing has evolved into a modern day race which features corporate and community teams racing over a 500 meter course in friendly competition. Team building is at the heart of a good dragon boat race, with 22 people working in synchronization.

Greek Festival
Held in early February, Location:St. Demetrios Orthodox Church, 954-467-1515. Admission Charged. Greek delicacies, dancers, and live music.

Mardi Gras Fiesta Tropicale
Held in mid February Location:Young Circle Park, Downtown Hollywood, 954-926-3377. New Orleans-style music and food festival, downtown Mardi Gras-style parades with beads and elaborate floats.

Seminole Tribal Festival
Held in mid February Location:Bergeron Arena, Davie, 954-364-4221, Admission Charged. Pow-wow dancing, Native American arts and crafts, foods, alligator-wrestling shows, and rodeo/bull riding.

The Italian-American Festival
Held in late February . Location: Coral Springs Center for Arts, 954-344-5990. Admission Charged. One of the largest and most comprehensive indoor show and sale of juried, museum-quality crafts and fine art in Southeast Florida.

South Florida Senior Games
Held in late January – early February , Location:Venues throughout Broward County, 954-357-8170

March Annual $1 Million Florida Derby
Held in mid March , Location:Gulfstream Park, Hallandale Beach, 954-454-7000. Major, nationally televised preview to the Triple Crown.

Fort Lauderdale International Auto Show
Held in mid – late March
Location:Broward County Convention Center
954-765-5900

Las Olas Art Fair
Held in early March
Location:Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
954-472-3755
AdmissionFree
Outdoor street art festival featuring the finest national and international exhibiting artists.

Lauderdale By The Sea Craft Fair
Held in mid March
Location:Lauderdale by the Sea
954-472-3755

Orange Blossom Festival
Held in early March or late February Location:Davie
954-797-1163

Dania Beach Centennial Main Street Tomato Festival
Held in mid March Location:Frost Park, Dania Beach 954-924-3600
Jai-Alai tomato tournament on Friday, gala on Saturday, tomato festival parade on Sunday.

April Annual Turkish American Festival
Held in mid April
Location:Tradewinds Park, Coconut Creek
954-472-9893
Celebrating Children's Day. Turkish food, music, folk dancing, arts and crafts and children's entertainment.

AVP Pro Beach Volleyball
Held in early April Location:Fort Lauderdale Beach
310-426-7171
Admission Free, charge for reserved seats The world’s leading men’s and women’s professional beach volleyball players compete for over $100,000 in prizes. Three-day South Florida community beach party includes Sports and Fitness Expo, food, family fun, great contests and entertainment.

May

Annual Cajun/Zydeco Crawfish Festival
Held in early May
Location:Fort Lauderdale Festival Site 954-828-5934
Admission Charged
Five stages, 30,000 lbs. live crawfish boil, national Cajun & Zydeco bands, Cajun and Creole food, entertainment.

June Bank of America FIESTA!
Held in late June
Location:Las Olas Riverfront, Riverwalk
954-527-0627
Admission Free
Bring out the red, white and blue clothes, lace up your comfortable shoes and wave the flag at Las Olas Riverfront. Great line-up of Latin entertainers, ethnic foods and drink, kid’s games, dozens of artisans and exhibitors; tourists and locals alike can enjoy the boutique shops and attractions.

USTA Open Clay Court Championships
Held in early June, sometimes beginning in late May Location:Jimmy Evert Tennis Complex, Fort Lauderdale
954-828-5378 Admission Charged

July Along the Coast Family Celebration
Held on July 4
Location:Fort Lauderdale Beach
(954)-828-3260

Fourth of July Celebration
Held either July 3 or July 4
Location:Plantation Central Park, Plantation
954-452-2502

Hometown Family Fourth of July
Held on July 4
Location:Hollywood Beach & Boardwalk
954-921-3404

Independence Day Celebrations
Held on either July 3 or July 4
Location:Dania Beach
954-929-1211
Family entertainment and food.

August Hollywood Beach Latin Festival
Held in mid August
Location:Hollywood Beach & Boardwalk
954-921-3404
Entertainment stages, international & top local entertainers, Latin food, arts & crafts displays.

September Annual Las Olas Art Fair
Held in early September
Location:Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
954-472-3755
Admission Free
Outdoor street art festival featuring the finest national and international exhibiting artists.

October South Florida Pet Expo
Held in early October
Location:War Memorial Auditorium,downtown Fort Lauderdale 954-921-9600
Admission Charged A showcase and expo for all types of pets, pet services and pet products. Canines, felines, equines, birds, reptiles, rabbits/cavies, aquatics, and exotics are just some of the animals for purchase and on display. There are exhibits of exotic animals, the Fly Ball/Frisbee Team, a reptile adventure plus a pet costume contest. Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome.

Art Fair
Held in mid October
Location:Pompano Beach Air Park
Honoring the veterans from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and the war birds they flew. Several historic aircraft from Wings Over Miami. Fokker DR-1, AT-6D, PBY and much, much more!

Broward Carnival 2004
Held in mid October
Location:Fort Lauderdale
954-972-9628
Admission Charged Entertainment, arts & crafts, food & activities for the entire family.

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Held in late October Location:Bahia Mar Yachting Center; Hyatt Pier 66; Marina Marriott; Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center
954-764-7642
Admission Charged One of the largest boat shows in the world, covering six sites.

Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival
Held in mid October
Location:Fort Lauderdale
954-760-9898
Admission Free
Competitive film festival showcasing independent cinema from around the world. The festival features premieres, documentaries, student film competition, black tie galas, celebrities and seminars.

Hollywood International Art & Music Festival
Held in mid October
Location:Downtown Hollywood
954-921-3404
Admission Free

Oktoberfest
Held in early October
Location:Hollywood Beach Boardwalk
954-924-2980
Celebrate in the true tradition of Oktoberfest with non-stop Bavarian music, dancing, singing, German food and drink.

Super Power Boat Grand Prix
Held in early October
Location:Deerfield Beach
954-480-4433

Viva Broward Hispanic Heritage Festival and Expo
Held in early October
Location:Stranahan Park in front of Main Library in Downtown Fort Lauderdale
954-527-0627
Admission Free Music, dancing, art, crafts, food and fun with more than 200 booths, 3 stages of entertainment, and an expanded children's area.

November Annual Riverwalk Blues & Music Festival
Held in mid November
Location:Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Riverwalk
A multi-cultural celebration of music and the arts in its original location on the Riverwalk.

Annual Holiday Parade
Held in mid – late November
Location:Plantation
954-587-1410

Sunshine State "Championship" Bull riding
Held in late November
Location:4271 Davie Road, Bergeron Rodeo Grounds, Davie
954-384-7075
Admission Charged

Annual Bike Show
Held in mid November Location: Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center
954-765-5900

Annual Hollywood Jazz Festival
Held in mid November Location:Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center, 1770 Monroe Street, Hollywood
877-877-7677

Broward County Fair Held in mid November
Location:Pompano Park Harness Track
954-922-2224
One of Broward County’s largest family events, with rides, games, food, attractions, and concerts.

Christmas on Las Olas
Held in late November
Location:Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale
954-522-5064
An evening of Christmas past with a snow mountain and carolers.

City Link Music Fest
Held in mid November Location:Downtown Hollywood
954-926-3377

Fort Lauderdale Home Design & Remodeling Show
Held in mid November
Location:Broward County Convention Center
954-765-5900

Holiday Fantasy of Lights
Held in mid November
Location:Tradewinds Park North, Coconut Creek
954-968-3885

Promenade in the Park
Held in mid November Location:Fort Lauderdale
Phone:954-828-5380

December Annual Weston Art Festival
Held in early December
Location:Weston
954-472-3755

Christmas by the Sea
Held in early December
Location:Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
Sidewalk sale, entertainment, window painting contest, Santa and it will be snowing.

Hollywood Greyhound Track Racing Season
Season runs early December – Early May
Location:Hallandale Beach
954-454-9400

Plantation Historical Museum Winter Wonderland
Held in early December
Location:Plantation
954-797-2722
Admission Free
Over 35 trees & cultural displays.

Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade
Held in mid December
Location: Intracoastal waterway, Pompano Beach
954-941-2940

Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
Held in mid December
Location:Fort Lauderdale, Port Everglades to Lake Santa Barbara
954-767-0686 Admission Free, charge for reserved seats
Winterfest is South Florida's, and particularly Fort Lauderdale's, most unique and special event. This holiday festival features a variety of quality events most of which are scheduled during the month of December. A lighted boat parade and shoreline decorating along the Intracoastal waterway, a Black Tie Ball and Grand Marshal Reception make up the major Winterfest components. Arts and Entertainment

Office Depot Center One Panther Parkway
Sunrise, FL 33323 954-835-8000\ Call for schedule and additional information A variety of performances and special events held year round.

Broward Center for the Performing Arts 201 SW Fifth Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312
954- 522-5334 Call for performance schedule and additional information Whatever your tastes -- Broadway musical or serious drama, modern dance or ballet, classical music or Grammy-winning pop concerts -- the Broward Center will have something for you.

Fort Lauderdale Children’s Theatre 640 N. Andrews Ave
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311
954-763-6882 All of the productions are performed by young people with actors, technicians and backstage
crew members ranging in age from 6 to 18. Sports

Florida Marlins Professional Baseball Games played at Pro Player Stadium 2267 Dan Marino Blvd. Miami, Florida 33056 305-623-6100 Call for ticket information Season runs from April – October

Miami Heat Professional Basketball Games played at the American Airlines Arena 601 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33132 786-777-1000 Call for ticket information Season runs October – April

Florida Panthers Professional Hockey Games played at the Office Depot Center, located in Sunrise, FL, approximately 45 minutes from Miami. Office Depot Center One Panther Parkway Sunrise, FL 33323 954-835-PUCK Season runs October – April.

Miami Dolphins Professional Football Games played at Pro Player Stadium 2267 Dan Marino Blvd. Miami, Florida 33056 305-623-6100 Call for ticket information. Season runs September – January

Gulfstream Park Thoroughbred Racing 901 S. Federal Hwy. Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
954-454-7000 Call for ticket information Season runs January – April

Dania Jai Alai Profession Jai Alai 301 E Dania Beach Blvd. Dania, FL 33004 954-920-1511 Call for schedule and additional information

Shopping Sawgrass Mills 12801 W Sunrise Blvd. Sunrise, FL 33323 954-846-2300 Bring your walking shoes and don't forget where you parked, because people have been known to wander the lots for days looking for their cars. The Oasis is a dining and entertainment wing where you can chow down on a variety of foods from around the globe or see a movie at the 23-screen multiplex. Riverwalk Located on Las Olas Boulevard in downtown Fort Lauderdale Take a stroll through this unique area. Many fine restaurants and shops to explore while viewing the boats meandering down the river.