Mango Fest 2019 - There are two July mango-centric events in SoFla, both guaranteed to please the palate – one on the east coast and one on the west coast. East coast: Fairchild International Mango Festival. West Coast: Pine Island MangoMania. A variety of mango-related activities will be offered at both, including yummy tastings, recipes, food demonstrations, refreshing mango smoothies, mango trees for sale, pie-eating contests, island-flavored music and children’s activities.

Where: Respectively, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables and the German American Club in Cape Coral (the event got so big it had to be moved off Pine Island).

Web: Respectively, fairchildgarden.org and mangomaniafl.net

INTERNATIONAL HISPANIC THEATRE FESTIVAL OF MIAMI – At this long-running annual event, you’ll be able to see some of the best theater companies from Latin America, Europe and the United States.

Where: Various venues throughout Miami and Key Biscayne

Web: teatroavante.com

MIAMI SPA MONTH – Dang, it’s hot out there. What better way to chill than to pamper yourself at some of Miami’s world-famous luxury spas – at discount prices, no less. Actually, it’s not one month, it’s two months long!

Where: Various luxury spas throughout Miami-Dade County.

Web: miamispamonth.com

THE KEY LIME FESTIVAL – Who would think that condensed milk, egg yolks and the juice from tiny Key limes could be the basis for such a famously delicious dessert? This event is a yummy celebration of Florida’s official state pie. Includes, of course, pie eating and pie making contests, but also much more: an attempt to make a world-record largest Key Lime pie, the Key Lime Bar Sip & Stroll, a wacky talent show, samplings of Keys-distilled rum flavored with the tangy lime and the Miss Key Lime Pie and L’il Miss Key Lime pageants.

Where: Various locations in Key West

Web: keylimefestival.com

 ANNUAL UNDERWATER MUSIC FESTIVAL – Divers and snorkelers go deep at this quirky concert for divers and snorkelers that emphasizes reef preservation and is a whole lot of fun. Classic rock is piped in underwater via speakers suspended from boats hovering above the third largest reef in the world.

Where: Looe Key Reef (about six miles south of Big Pine Key).

Web: fla-keys.com

BUGFEST BY-THE-SEA – Win thousands of dollars by catching big bugs – as in lobsters. It’s timed to coincide with Florida’s two-day lobster mini-season. Also included: bug hunting seminars, a wreck-diving workshop, underwater photo and video contests, a lobster cook-off and much more. If you haven’t yet been to Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, this is the perfect time to see this quaint town. Hotels are offer 10 per cent off their already lower summer rates.

Where: Lauderdale-By-The-Sea

Web: lbtsevents.com/bugfest

FUNKSHION SWIM WEEK – It’s a four-day long platform for innovative designers who are emerging on the Miami and international fashion scenes. The designers will show case their latest swim-suit creations at various locations in and around Miami Beach, including four fabulous runways that protrude over the water. There’s almost always a DJ to accompany the shows and don’t miss the dinner parties and after-show parties.

Where: Various locations in Miami Beach

Web: funkshion.com

HEMINGWAY DAYS – The annual Papa-fest features readings, a museum exhibit of rare Ernest Hemingway memorabilia, a zany Running of the Bulls, a three-day marlin tournament, a short story competition, street fair and, of course, the famous Look-Alike Contest.

Where: Various locations in Key West

Web: fla-keys.com/hemingwaymedia

PALM BEACH SUMMER BEER FEST – Is there anything better than that first sip of an ice cold brewski on a hot summer day? Now that we have your attention, don’t miss this event that features an amazing array of more than 150 craft beers. The hot music will go great with your cold beers.

Where: South Florida Fairgrounds, West Palm Beach

Web: palmbeachfl.com

MEL FISHER DAYS – Has it really been over 30 years since famed treasure hunter discovered the shipwrecked Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Atocha near Key West? Yup. Fisher fans, past and present crew members, Fisher family members and treasure-hunting enthusiasts will gather to celebrate the discovery. Events include a treasure hunt on land ($5,000 to the winner!), a rockin’ block party on Duval Street, pirate pub crawl and ball, bingo brunch, poker and a dock party.

Where: Various locations in Key West

Web: melfisherdays.com

MIAMI SALSA CONGRESS – Five days. Five hundred performers. Five thousand fans. Miami Salsa Congress presents non-stop salsa action, showcasing world-renowned international dancers strutting their stuff and showing others how they do it. Highlights include dance workshops, concerts, all-star DJs, parties and exhibition dances.

Where: Deauville Beach Resort, Miami Beach

Web: miamisalsacongress.com

SARASOTA IMPROV FESTIVAL – Comedy troupes from all over the country – and some from overseas – bring three days of laughs and performances, including all-female acts, musicals, audience interactive plays and other entertaining displays of off-the-cuff talent. Participants can also buy tickets to workshops and seminars.

Where: Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota

Web: floridastudiotheatre.org