Celebrate Summer Food Holidays in Florida
Published: June 23, 2026Modified: July 27, 2026
Summer is a great time to celebrate national food holidays in Florida. These occasions highlight popular dishes and drinks found across the state’s diverse dining scene. From casual bites to social dining experiences, each holiday offers something worth exploring.
Both locals and visitors can enjoy seasonal specials while discovering new restaurants, cafés, and bars throughout Florida.
Whether you’re a resident looking to try something new or a visitor exploring Florida’s food culture, summer offers opportunities to enjoy great food and memorable dining experiences.
July Food Holidays
Comfort Food Favorites
July 6 – National Fried Chicken Day: Enjoy crispy, golden fried chicken in celebration of the day. Fried chicken appears on menus at local restaurants, gastropubs, and modern bistros.
July 10 – National French Fry Day: French fries are a classic comfort food side to enjoy with a meal. Diners, gastropubs, and casual restaurants offer a variety of styles, including classic cuts, steak fries, and truffle fries to suit a variety of tastes.
July 14 – National Mac & Cheese Day: Indulge in the creamy mac and cheese variations at comfort food restaurants, and casual dining spots. Some bistros also offer elevated versions.
July 29 – National Chicken Wing Day: Enjoy wing favorites ranging from buffalo and BBQ to Korean wings, garlic parmesan, and jerk at sports pubs, casual dining restaurants, and gastropubs.
Summer Cocktails & Drinks
July 10 – National Piña Colada Day: Try tropical cocktails featuring rum, pineapple, and coconut flavors. These are often served at South Florida beach bars, rooftop lounges, and resort-style restaurants.
July 11 – National Mojito Day: Enjoy refreshing classic and fruit-infused mojitos with fresh mint and lime. These are popular at Latin restaurants, cocktail bars, and waterfront dining spots. Many venues also serve creative variations.
July 24 – National Tequila Day: Raise a glass with tequila-based cocktails, including margaritas, palomas, and tequila sunrises, at lively Mexican restaurants, bars, and cantinas. Many venues also highlight tequila tastings and selections.
July 25 – National Wine and Cheese Day: Experience National Wine and Cheese Day with wine pairings and artisan cheese boards at tapas-style restaurants, wine bars, bistros, or tasting events.
July 27 – National Scotch Day: Celebrate National Scotch Day with a range of Scotch whiskies, from smoky single malts to smooth blended varieties, at whiskey bars, cocktail lounges, or tasting events.
Desserts & Sweet Treats
3rd Sunday in July – National Ice Cream Day : During hot Florida summers, one of the best ways to cool off is by indulging in ice cream for dessert at outdoor cafés or restaurants. Ice cream parlors can also be found along lively streets near South Florida beaches. For instance, you’ll see great options on Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas Boulevard or the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. Similarly, Miami Beach’s Ocean Drive and Lincoln Road, or Delray Beach’s Atlantic Avenue are good places to explore.
July 30 – National Cheesecake Day: National Cheesecake day is a great time to indulge in classic New York–style cheesecake and seasonal fruit variations for dessert at a local restaurant or bakery.
August Food Holidays
August 10 – National S’mores Day: Explore classic s’mores and elevated variations, from skillet-baked to deconstructed versions and table-side experiences. Smore’s can also be found on dessert menus at gastropubs, resorts, and modern American restaurants. Or, enjoy during a beach day with s’mores.
August 16 – National Rum Day: Celebrate National Rum Day with a vibrant rum punch or island-inspired cocktail drink. South Florida features lively tiki bars and beachside lounges offering a tropical vibe with rum-based cocktails. For instance, you can find energetic options along the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk or in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. Similarly, there are waterfront venues off the scenic highway of the Florida Keys serving up island-inspired cocktails.
September Food Holidays
September 16 – National Guacamole Day: For an elevated social dining experience, enjoy fresh guacamole prepared table-side at Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants, or avocado dishes at modern cafés, gastropubs, and casual or upscale dining spots.
September 18 – National Cheeseburger Day: Enjoy classic American and gourmet cheeseburgers, at gastropubs, casual dining restaurants, sports bars, and upscale casual restaurants.
Summer Food Challenge
Can you find the best spots in South Florida and beyond serving these dishes? Explore restaurants, cafés, and bars across the region to discover top destinations for each national food holiday.
Participating in these food holidays helps diners:
- Discover new favorite restaurants and bars
- Sample seasonal dishes across casual and upscale dining
- Experience the region’s unique social dining culture
- Support local restaurants and businesses
Restaurants, Bars, and Event Hosts:
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National food holiday dates are sourced from widely recognized industry calendars such as National Day Calendar and Days of the Year.
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