A relaxed crowd enjoys musical performers at the Florida Folk Festival at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, White Springs, FL.

For many travelers, just exiting the interstate and taking in the rolling hills of White Springs, Florida, takes them back to a simpler time. That’s why this small town, with just over 800 residents, is the perfect place to host to the Florida Folk Festival, as it’s done every year for the last 60 years.

Over the years, many Floridians and visitors have attended the festival to experience music, arts, crafts, folk life and good ol’ fashion fun. These days, the festival attracts around 20,000 people each year. Many are regulars, who will tell you that they have attended the festival every Memorial Day weekend that they can remember. Some may be newcomers, but they quickly become enthralled and join the ranks of those who attend every year.

Throughout the three-day festival, Florida songwriters, musicians and singers perform on more than 14 stages throughout the park. Jam sessions spontaneously pop up, as old friends run into each other, catch up and share their music. Each evening features headline acts from famous Floridians. This year, Florida native, Grammy award-winning country music star Billy Dean kicks off the festival Friday evening.  Saturday, Florida resident and iconic American folk singer Arlo Guthrie will present his Boys Night Out show.  Sunday evening, Florida native John Anderson, nominated for three Country Music Association awards for “Seminole Wind” and “Straight Tequila Night,” will play into the night.

Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 1-877-6FL-FOLK (1-877-635-3655) through May 18. Advance tickets for adults are $20.00 per day or $40.00 for the weekend and children six to 16 are $4.00 (good for all three days). At the gate, tickets for adults will be $25.00 per day or $50.00 for the weekend and children six to 16 will be $5.00 (good for all three days). Children under six are admitted free.

For more information, visit www.FloridaFolkFestival.com. 

A cannon at Fort Clinch State Park in Fernandina Beach.

To honor the current and former members of the armed forces, both chambers of the U.S. Congress recognize May as Military Appreciation Month, with the celebration ending with Memorial Day, a national holiday, on Monday, May 28. The Florida Park Service supports veterans, current military personnel and their families and honors the sacrifices of members of the armed forces. 

History buffs will appreciate the variety of preserved and restored historic forts found at state parks in Florida. 

South of Tallahassee in St. Marks, the museum at San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park displays pottery and tools unearthed near the original site of the fort built in 1679 and telling the stories of the Spanish explorers and others who occupied the fort over time.

Fort Clinch State Park in Fernandina Beach is one of the most well-preserved 19th century forts in America. This park will hold a Union Garrison and Encampment the weekend of May 5 and 6. Living historians re-create life at Fort Clinch during the Civil War. Activities may include black powder artillery demonstrations and marching drills, as well as soldiers and civilians taking up duty in the laundry, infirmary and kitchen. There is a candlelight viewing Saturday evening. $6.00 per vehicle, up to 8 people, plus $2 for each person entering the fort. Memorial Day weekend, the park will hold a World War II event, honoring the soldiers of that conflict. The event will feature military displays and memorabilia of the Allies, Axis and Homefront. 

A memorial marks the site of the Civil War battle that took place in 1865 at the Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park. A visitor center shares historic information and artifacts year-round.

In Inverness, Dade Battlefield Historic State Park commemorates the battle that started the Second Seminole War in 1835. A visitor center provides information and a video about the battle.

Fort Foster is a reconstructed fort that guards the bridge over the river at Hillsborough River State Park north of Tampa. Ranger guided tours are offered on Saturdays at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 11 a.m. This Second Seminole War fort offers a look at the 1830s.

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in Key West was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973. Built in the mid-1800s, this fort served in the Civil War and the Spanish-American War. Guided tours are available daily.

Florida’s state parks provide discounts on the purchase of Annual Entrance Passes or free Annual Entrance Passes to those who currently serve or have served in the United States military branches, veterans with service related disabilities and surviving spouses of members of the U.S. military who have fallen in combat.

The discounted Florida State Parks Annual Entrance Pass is only available for purchase at any Florida State Park staffed ranger station. Learn more. 

A family fishes off the Lake Dixie Pier in Lake Louisa State Park.

Florida State Parks offer more than just their award-winning natural beauty for their visitors’ enjoyment; many parks hold family-friendly cultural and natural history events, as well.  A sampling of events being held this May is below. Visit the Florida State Park website for more information and a searchable list of events happening in your area.

• May 5 – 6^th Annual Kid’s Fishing Clinic at Lake Griffin State Park 
• May 12 – Family Fun Fest at Ichetucknee Springs State Park 
• May 12 – 5^th Annual Family Fun Arts Fest at Henderson Beach State Park 
• May 13 – Bluegrass Music – Conch Stomp Band at  
• May 19 – Music in the Park at Highland Hammock State Park 
• May 19 – Nature Fest at Lake Louisa State Park 
• May 20 – Bluegrass Music – Untold Riches Band at  
• May 25-27 – Florida Folk Festival at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park 
• May 26 – Things That Go Bump in the Night at Fort George Island Cultural State Park