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Fort Lauderdale Events & Festivals

A Year-Round Celebration

View of the beach and hotel exterior from the hotel.

Your Front-Row Seat to Best Annual Events

Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach puts you directly on Fort Lauderdale Beach, near the city’s most celebrated events, minutes from the world-famous Boat Show to the Tortuga Music Festival and beyond.

Explore Fort Lauderdale's biggest events, and exactly where we fit in.

Events Worth the Wait 

Spring Break

Every March and April, Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard transforms into one of the most iconic Spring Break destinations in the country. The action centers along A1A and the beachfront, putting your near the heart of the celebration.

  • Beachfront access on Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard (A1A) 
  • Walking distance to dining, nightlife, and entertainment 
  • No transportation needed for beach days 

Tortuga Music Festival

Held each April at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, Tortuga Music Festival brings together country, rock, and roots artists for a three-day celebration on the sand. The festival is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. 

  • Three days of live music steps from the Atlantic 
  • Approximately 2 miles from the hotel 
  • Water taxi and rideshare options available throughout the weekend 

Air Dot Show Fort Lauderdale

Held each May, the air show performances take place directly over Fort Lauderdale Beach between Sunrise Boulevard and Las Olas Boulevard, putting Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach right in the middle of the flight path.  

The Blue Angels, U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and other elite performers are visible from the beach or a private balcony. Groups looking for an elevated vantage point can reserve the Penthouse event space, with floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping views of the flight path above the Atlantic. 

  • Free event along Fort Lauderdale Beach
  • Hotel sits within the primary viewing area between Sunrise Blvd and Las Olas Blvd 
  • No transportation needed 

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Held each October/November across five waterfront venues, FLIBS is the world’s largest in-water boat show. The main hub at Bahia Mar Marina, Broward County Convention Center, is approximately one mile south of the hotel, with additional venues at Las Olas Marina. 

  • Five venues connected along the Intracoastal Waterway 
  • Bahia Mar Marina, the main venue, is a 5-minute car drive or scenic Water Taxi ride 
  • Water Taxi connects all Boat Show locations throughout the city 
Friends raising their glasses in a cheerful toast, capturing a moment of celebration and camaraderie.

Make the Most of Your Stay

Packages designed to complement your Fort Lauderdale experience

Water Taxi Package

Explore Fort Lauderdale like a local. Save up to 20% and enjoy over $170 in added value when you explore Fort Lauderdale by water. Use promo code TAXI.

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Plan Now, Play Later

Already eyeing the Air Show dates or locking in Tortuga weekend? Reward your planning with our advance booking package. Secure your stay early and enjoy preferred rates.

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Join Us for Breakfast

Start your event day with a complimentary breakfast. Whether you're stepping outside to catch the Air Show along Sunrise Boulevard or making your way to nearby festivities, a satisfying morning meal is the ideal way to begin the day.

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Florida/Georgia Residents Rate

Live in Florida or Georgia? Treat yourself to a refreshing getaway and enjoy up to 20% off our best available rate.

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A man and woman in swimsuits relax on lounge chairs, reading magazines under the sun.

Your Post-Event Retreat

Unwind in Style

Step away from the crowd into something just as memorable. 
 
Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach has rooms and suites with stunning ocean views, a year-round outdoor pool made for long, unhurried afternoons, and an on-site restaurant serving Caribbean-American cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and waterfront sunsets to remember.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about Fort Lauderdale events & festivals

Where is Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach located?

Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach is located at 999 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, directly on Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard (A1A), steps from the Atlantic Ocean and within walking distance of the city’s most popular event venues.

What are the parking options and costs?

The hotel offers on-site valet parking. 

Parking fees include: 

  • Overnight parking: $58 + tax per night 
  • Day parking (up to 8 hours): $36 + tax 

Please note: Self-parking is not available onsite. 

During major events like the Boat Show, Air Show, and Tortuga Music Festival, we recommend planning as demand in the area increases. For guests attending nearby events, the Water Taxi is a convenient and scenic alternative to driving. 

How loud is it during the Air Show?

The Fort Lauderdale Air Show is a spectacular and yes, loud experience. Performances take place directly over the beach between Sunrise Boulevard and Las Olas Boulevard, so guests can expect significant noise during show hours, typically over the first weekend of May.  

Earplugs are recommended for noise-sensitive guests, and we suggest embracing the view from the pool deck or balcony with a drink in hand. 

Can I watch the Air Show from my hotel room?

Yes, all guest rooms at the hotel offer ocean views, meaning every guest has a front-row perspective of the performances as they take place directly over the beach.  

 

The pool deck and beachfront are also excellent vantage points for taking in the full spectacle of the show. 

Is the hotel ADA accessible for event-goers with mobility needs?

Yes. Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach offers ADA-accessible rooms and facilities. For guests attending events, our beachfront location minimizes the need for long commutes, the Air Show is visible directly from the property, and the Water Taxi provides an accessible transportation option for reaching other venues.  

 

Contact our front desk team ahead of your stay and we’ll make sure everything is arranged for a comfortable visit.
 

Do I need a car to get around during the Boat Show?

Not necessarily. The Water Taxi is the most popular way to navigate Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show week, connecting all five waterfront venues along the Intracoastal Waterway.  

 

The main hub at Bahia Mar Marina is just a 5-minute drive or a scenic Water Taxi ride from the hotel.

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