Your Inside Look into the Up-and-Coming Arts and Culture Scene in Greater Fort Lauderdale

Written for Visit Lauderdale

While lounging in the sand and strolling by the shore are both vacation-musts, there’s so much more to Greater Fort Lauderdale beyond the beach.  

Beneath every palm tree is a new experience. And behind every door is a chance to let your inner artist shine. After all, the true way to get to know a destination is to immerse yourself in its arts and culture.  

From street murals to unforgettable venues, we’ve gathered the best hotspots and hidden gems in the Greater Fort Lauderdale creative scene. Once you see all we have to offer, you’ll be painting the town in no time.  

1. Rock out at a music festival on the beach

You don’t have to stray far from the shore to dive into the music scene. In fact, Greater Fort Lauderdale brings the music scene to the shore.  

Fans, rejoice! You can attend a music festival with your toes in the sand just steps from the Atlantic Ocean. Each year, thousands gather on Fort Lauderdale beach to show their support for their favorite performers at a variety of beachside music festivals.  

If you dig alternative music, attend Riptide Music Festival in late November. Produced by Entercom South Florida, the weekend-long festival is the ultimate rock n’ roll experience. Past performers include Panic! At the Disco, Third Eye Blind, Sublime with Rome, The Jacksons and 311.  

In the spring, Tortuga Music Festival arrives on Fort Lauderdale beach with an unbelievable country and roots music lineup. Superstars like Jason Aldean, Joan Jett, Maren Morris and Kenny Chesney have performed their top songs in front of a sea of cowboy hats and boots — not to mention the actual sea. 

Maybe it’s the salt water in the air, or maybe it’s the stunning views of the horizon line, but festivals on the beach take live music to a whole other level. Each one creates an energetic atmosphere filled with passionate fans, great artistry and pure joy. If you’re lucky enough to score tickets, be on the lookout for fun sponsor booths surrounding the stages. From live art activations to festival freebies, your trip to Greater Fort Lauderdale will be a hit. 

2. Explore unique entertainment venues 

Those who prefer to be indoors can still be entertained in this destination. There are dozens of arenas, performing arts centers and concert halls throughout Greater Fort Lauderdale’s 300 miles of winding waterways.  

The BB&T Center in Sunrise attracts the hottest world and nation-wide tours, from music superstars to one-of-a-kind, over-the-top productions. The 20,000-seat arena always has a stellar lineup; it hosts over 200 events annually, so you can definitely find the event that’s right for your vacation. 

In the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District, Broward Center for the Performing Arts puts Broadway in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale. Hamilton, Waitress and more of Broadway’s best have set up shop at the Broward Center’s stunning theater. Why bother with the hustle and bustle of Manhattan when you can see musical theatre in paradise?  

And the shows don’t stop there. Parker Playhouse, Hard Rock Live, Revolution Live, local bars and other venues in the area entertain year round.   

3. Visit a Fort Lauderdale Museum 

If you’re in the mood for a more sophisticated artistic experience, go to an art museum in Fort Lauderdale.  

As part of Nova Southeastern University, the NSU Art Museum serves as an anchor of the city’s downtown riverfront area and a popular gathering place for both locals and tourists.  

The internationally recognized museum welcomes art lovers from all over with an impressive roster of exhibitions. Play art critic and interpret work from the world’s leading artists — the museum’s notable permanent collection includes the world’s largest collection of works by American painter and Ashcan School founder, William Glackens. It also holds the largest collection in America of work by post-World War II European Cobra artists.  

NSU Art Museum has become a staple in the arts community by hosting musical performances, talks, workshops and other special events for you to learn from and enjoy. 

Another notable art museum is in a less-than-typical location. Bonnet House Museum and Gardens actually sits within a native barrier island ecosystem. The spot serves as a great backdrop for an artistic afternoon well-spent.  

You can get a taste of two families’ impressive art collections throughout the house. The pieces complement the vibrant atmosphere of the tropical environment. Wander through 35 acres, snap a few photos and get lost in an urban oasis right off Fort Lauderdale beach.  

4. Stroll Through an ArtWalk 

Monthly art walks will add splashes of color and urban vibes to your evening plans.  

Showcased in FATVillage (Flagler Arts and Technology), a series of installations, exhibitions and murals amp up the area’s cool factor. The vibrant, lively streets have evolved into a magnet for an emerging creative universe. Artists put their innovative work on display every last Saturday of the month. You can walk through galleries, warehouses and studios in the neighborhood, as well as wander around food trucks, music, crafts, clothing and live art demonstrations. 

Hollywood offers a similar art walk experience every 3rd Saturday of the month. Its event features a free guided walking tour of the award-winning Downtown Hollywood Mural Project, a live performance of Impulse Art by internationally acclaimed “foot-painter” Daniel Pontet with Resurrection Drums and over 60 vendors selling unique, vintage and hand-made items at the Downtown Hollywood Artisan Market. 

5. Make Movie Magic 

Hollywood, Florida turns out to be a movie epicenter after all. The destination hosts a variety of film festivals and events at Independent Theaters all over town.  

Cinema Paradiso has made its mark on the downtown Hollywood map for years. The theater is almost like a time machine -- with an old-fashioned aesthetic fit for the golden age. It has two seats on each side of the aisle sitting less than 30 viewers per screening.  

You may have to see a lesser-known flick at this theater, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worthy of five star reviews. Many of the films shown at Cinema Paradiso are award-winning indies that really make you think.   

The  Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival is held every November for an extended period of time and celebrates the best in movie magic. Hosts of the event,The Broward Film Commission, also feature a fall showcase called “Filmed in Broward.” You can see shorts, animation, features and other film content that were crafted in the very place you’re staying. Subscribe to the mailing list at artscalendar.com to keep up with more showcases for thrillers, horror films, Brazilian cinema and others. 

Hollywood loves movies so much, it even hosts an outdoor movie screening every week. Bask in the glow of the ocean breeze as you go on a date night at Hollywood’s Young Circle ArtsPark during Friday Movie Night. The event plays a different film every Friday from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.  

6. Get Cultured on a CHAT Tour 

You don’t always need to go looking for a cultural experience; sometimes, a curated experience comes to you. South Florida’s Cultural Heritage Alliance for Tourism hosts Cultural Heritage Tours, which allow you to dive into local culture in an organized, immersive fashion. 

The Black Heritage Tour and Tasting is one option that digs deep into the rich African American heritage found throughout Broward County. As a combined walking and bus trip, the Black Heritage Tour takes you to cultural gems, historic sites and neighborhoods. 

Significant stops include the African American Research Library & Cultural Center, Old Dillard Museum, Bowles-Strachan House, the Ali Cultural Center, Blanche Ely Museum, and Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park. CHAT Tours are perfect for a group setting, from team-building employee outings to family vacations. Throughout the tour, you’ll also get a taste of Soul Food and Caribbean cuisine from local restaurants. Made with pride, you can just taste the authenticity in every bite.  

7. Attend Mouthwatering Annual Food Events 

When it comes to dining, locals don’t mess around. In fact, food festivals in Greater Fort Lauderdale have made the destination a cultural food hub.  No matter what month you’re here, there’s probably a grub event going down.  

 Want to escape the cold during winter? KISS Country Chili CookOff heats up your January with a competitive chili competition and a killer lineup of country superstars.  

Coming for spring break? Las Olas Food Wine & Festival has made its mark every April for the last 20 years. Get to know the hotspots on the boulevard; tickets include entry into the festival, as well as access to over 50 restaurants and 40 wineries and lounges.  

Or maybe you’re traveling near Thanksgiving. John Offerdahl’s Gridiron Grill Off pits NFL players to the ultimate cooking test every November. Watch Miami Dolphins players show off their grilling skills all to benefit charity -- and your taste buds.  

8. Follow the Create Map 

To truly get a feel for how many notable artistic sites there are, follow the Underground Create map. Available online, this map will guide you to contemporary pieces all around town.  

“Greater Fort Lauderdale is known for its beautiful beaches and attractions; however, we have so much more flourishing in the destination. The Underground Create initiative brings forth the destination’s unique identity, diversity and edgy ‘sense of place,’ appealing to tourists and locals with an artsy flair,” said Noelle P. Stevenson, Vice President, Film, Music & Entertainment, for Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB’s Film, Music, Fashion & Create division.  

Make your Greater Fort Lauderdale a  “Choose Your Own Adventure” masterpiece. Pick the stops that pique your curiosity and discover creative hotspots that surprise you. Along the way, you’ll find that creativity shapes the aesthetic of each lush, local landscape.