Budget-Friendly Fun: Free Late Summer Events in the Sebring Area
Think summer excitement cools off after July? Think again. While the summer rush slows down elsewhere, August and September are prime time to experience the Sebring area like a true insider. If you’re looking to sneak away for a late-summer weekend or stretch your vacation budget a little further, the Sebring area is serving up an incredible lineup of high-speed action, vibrant local markets, and unique cultural events. Best of all? You can experience the absolute best of Sebring, Avon Park, and Lake Placid without spending a dime on admission.
From motorized surfboards blazing across our lakes to blooming fields hitting their peak colors, here is your official guide to the best free events and things to do in Sebring this August and September.
July: Big Blooms & Festive Cheer
Annual Caladium Festival
July 24-26, 2026
Stuart Park: 113 E. Interlake Blvd. Lake Placid, FL 33852
Before the calendar turns to August, the summer kicks into high gear with a celebration of the foliage that put our region on the map. As the uncontested “Caladium Capital of the World,” this Lake Placid festival includes pop-up markets for colorful plants and bulbs, local art, food, live entertainment and a car show. For a low fare, visitors can take a Caladium Field Bus Tour through blooming fields. Check out the complete list of Caladium Festival events and activities to plan your day to perfection.
Christmas in July Vendor Fair
July 25, 2026
Circle Theatre: 202 Circle Park Dr. Sebring, FL 33870
Cool off with a stroll through Sebring’s historic Circle Theatre for a festive shopping experience. This family-friendly indoor market plays host to more than 30 local artisans and small businesses offering unique gifts and one-of-a-kind art pieces. It is the perfect, relaxed setting to get a head start on your holiday shopping (or find a little something for yourself) all while keeping cool.
August: High-Speed Thrills & Local Chill
Avon Park Farmers Market
August 8 & September 12
Jacaranda Hotel: 19 E. Main St. Avon Park, FL 33825
Soak up real community charm on the second Saturday of the month. Set in the stunning lobby of the historic Jacaranda Hotel, the Avon Park Farmers Market offers a relaxed weekend morning to chat with regional farmers, discover unique finds and sample delicious local snacks, while live acoustic music sets the mood.
Pro Watercross National Championship
August 15-16
Donaldson Park: 109 E. Main St. Avon Park, FL 33825
Get ready for extreme, adrenaline-pumping action on the water! The nation’s elite jet ski racers are heading to Lake Verona at Donaldson Park. Spectators can watch gravity-defying freestyle stunts, sharp turns, and blazing speeds completely free of charge. With plenty of shoreside entertainment, food trucks, and downtown energy, it’s a phenomenal weekend for all ages.
#SurfSebring – Community Ride Experience
August 27
Lake Jackson Pier Beach: 355 W. Center Ave. Sebring, FL 33870
Serving as the unofficial kick-off to the weekend’s MotoSurf Games, #SurfSebring invites the public to experience the excitement of motorized electric surfing firsthand. Both kids and adults can ride MotoSurf’s cutting-edge 40 mph boards for free under the guidance of expert instructors. Drop in between the hours of 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm and give them a spin!
MotorSurf Games
August 28-30
Lake Jackson Pier Beach: 355 W. Center Ave. Sebring, FL 33870
Following the community ride day, the main event roars to life as MotoSurf America brings high-speed motorized surfboard racing to Lake Jackson. Spectators can watch elite global athletes carve through a tight course with sharp turns and blazing straightaways. Featuring intense qualifiers and final heats, it’s a thrilling, family-friendly weekend free of charge.
September: Still in Bloom
Sebring Garden Week
September 8-13
Wrap up your summer by immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Florida’s heartland. This week-long celebration highlights the region’s rich agricultural roots and stunning landscapes through guided garden tours, scenic nature walks, and hands-on agritourism experiences. It’s the perfect excuse for a slow-paced weekend getaway, offering a mix of vibrant autumn caladium displays, local flavors, and small-town charm.
Classic Caladiums Open House
September 11-12
1315 SR 64 West Avon Park, FL 33825
If you miss the Annual Caladium Festival in July, September’s open house offers an exclusive, intimate look at the fields at their absolute peak. Stroll through rows of neon pinks, deep crimsons, and snowy whites. Meet the multi-generational farming families behind the harvest, take a guided tour, and learn why this specific environment yields the finest bulbs on Earth.
Round Out Your Trip
While you are here enjoying the events, you can round out your visit to Sebring, Lake Placid and Avon Park with these incredible, always-free outdoor activities. It’s a perfect way to connect with Florida’s natural beauty and extend your summer vacation with a zero-dollar itinerary built around these local favorites:
- The Sebring Area GeoTour: Turn your smartphone into a real-world treasure map. Our official geocaching tour takes you through historic sites and hidden parks, earning you digital badges (and serious bragging rights).
- Sun ‘N Lake Preserve: This massive 1,350-acre protected area features 15 miles of pristine trails perfect for morning bike rides, wildlife photography, birdwatching, and catch-and-release fishing.
- Lakeside Relaxation: Spend a quiet afternoon on the sand at any of the lakeside beaches in the area. Play, picnic or fish for an unforgettable time.
It’s GO Time
Ready to lock in your budget-friendly late summer getaway? Check out our full website to discover the best local dining, charming stays, and updated event schedule for year-round fun.
