South Florida Travel Calendar for March

Feb. 17: Mardi Bras & Boxers, Cape Coral. This fundraiser event for battling cancer involves original artistic creations of local artists using bras and boxers. Live music, live and silent auctions, French Quarter Raffle, and an Art Bra Fashion Show. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life of Cape Coral. Cape Coral Yacht Club. $50 in advance; $65 at the door. 239-541-5202. http://www.mardibrasandboxers.com/

Feb. 18-March 11: Carnaval Miami, Miami area. Largest Hispanic festival in the nation, with a variety of events including a beauty contest, footrace, art and jazz performances, cooking contest, domino and golf tournaments, and Calle Ocho, the world's largest street party, which takes place on March 11. 305-644-8888. www.carnavalmiami.com

Feb. 24-March 4: Southwest Florida and Lee County Fair, North Fort Myers. Old-fashioned and fun, this fair offers midway rides, livestock exhibits, pig races, a petting farm, and entertainment ranging from a comic master hypnotist, clows, family shows and local talent. On weekdays, the fun begins at 5 a.m. and doesn't shut down until around 11 p.m., except on Fridays, when Moonlight Madness runs until 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday hours are noon to midnight. Adult admission tickets cost $6 or $4 in advance. Admission price for children 6 to 12 is $3. Children under 5 are admitted free. Advance-purchase mega-passes allow holders admission and unlimited rides for any day of their choice. On Wednesday Family Days, admission is two for the price of one. For Midnight Madness, $20 wristbands go on sale at 8 p.m. for admission and unlimited rides. 239-543-8368. www.leeciviccenter.com

March 2: Happy 108th Birthday, Dr. Seuss, Miami. Commemorates one of the greatest children's book storytellers, with games, celebrity story readers, art projects, giveaways and contests from 2 to 6 p.m. At Miami Children's Museum. Free and open to the public. 305-373-5437. www.miamichildrensmuseum.org

March 1-3: Sanibel Shell Fair and Show, Sanibel Island. In celebration of this world-renowned shelling island, the Shell Fair features shell displays and crafts, food, and entertainment. The fair takes place inside and outside of the Community House. 239-472-2155. www.sanibelcommunityhouse.net/events/72nd-annual-shell-fair-show/

March 2-11: Miami International Film Festival, Miami. Brings the best of world cinema to South Florida, exhibiting U.S. and international films, with a special focus on Ibero-American cinema. During the last five years the festival has presented films from more than 50 countries, including Oscar nominees and winners and many international prizewinners. At various locations throughout Miami and Dade County. 305-237-3456. www.miamifilmfestival.com/

March 3: Conch Shell Blowing Contest, Key West. Enthusiastic contestants, from children to seniors, are polishing their conch shells, puckering up, and are ready to demonstrate their shell-blowing talents. The occasion is the Conch Shell Blowing Contest, sometimes called the "Conch Honk." The event, which has been held for 50 years, celebrates the historic importance of the conch in the Keys, where the far-reaching sounds from conch shells were used by Calusa Indians for communication, by sailors as fog horns, and by early Key Westers to signal salvagers that a sinking ship had been spotted offshore. The contest, sponsored by the Old Island Restoration Foundation, will take place in the garden of the Oldest House. There is no cost to enter or compete, and no experience is necessary. Conch shells will be available for purchase for those who do not have their own. 305-294-9501. http://www.oirf.org/event.php?id=10

March 3-4: 16th Annual Butterfly & Garden Festival, Davie. Flamingo Gardens and Wildlife Sanctuary hosts this special event featuring everything for the yard, garden or patio and to bring nature into the home. Sunday features a fundraising auction of plants and garden accessories. Admission. 954-473-2955. www.flamingogardens.org

March 3-4: Conquistador Cup Regatta, Punta Gorda. 19th annual regatta of Punta Gorda Sailing Club, the largest sailboat regatta in Southwest Florida. Races on Saturday and Sunday. Best viewing points Fishermen's Village or Ponce de Leon Park. www.pgscweb.com

March 3-4: Swamp Buggy Spring Championship Race, Naples. The world's fastest and muddiest races, only at Florida Sports Park in Naples. Admission. 239-774-2701. swampbuggy.com

March 3-27: Sanibel Music Festival, Sanibel Island. Tuesdays and Saturdays in March, Sanibel hosts accomplished musicians from around the world, including the Opera Theater of Connecticut, the Jupiter String Quartet and Gould Piano Trio. Concerts begin at 8 p.m. Sanibel Congregational Church. Admission. 239-344-7025. www.sanibelmusicfestival.org

March 4: 13.1 Marathon Miami, Miami Beach. This event is a half marathon consisting of 13.1 miles, of which 45-50 percent of the route will take participants through Miami Beach. Walkers welcome. Course remains open for three and a half hours. 305-278-8668. www.131marathon.com/

March 9-10: Englewood Music Festival, Englewood. Features live music and a BBQ Cook-off where patrons can sample various dishes and vote on a favorite. Held at the Englewood Sports Complex. Proceeds benefit The Englewood Rotary Youth Foundation. $15 at the gate, $12 online, children 12 and younger free. www.englewoodmusicfestival.com

March 10-May 6: 33rd Annual Week of the Ocean Festival Sea-son, Fort Lauderdale. Marine-related events to further awareness of the wonderful world of water. Ocean expo, waterway cleanups, school marine fair and regatta. 954-462-5573.www.national-week-of-the-ocean.org

March 11-13: All-Florida Championship Rodeo, Arcadia. This 83rd annual rodeo includes Calf Scramble, Mutton Bustin', barrel racing, Shootout and more. Admission. 800-749-7633. http://www.arcadiarodeo.com

March 9-11: Fairchild's 10th Annual International Orchid Festival, Coral Gables. Explore the wonder of orchids during one of our many garden workshops and walking tours where local and national vendors will sell an amazing variety of orchids and orchid products. Free for members and children 5 and under. $25 for adults, $18 for seniors 65 and up. $12 for children 6 to 17. 305-667-1651. www.fairchildgarden.org

March 9-18: Firefighters' Indian River County Fair, Vero Beach. Since 1980, proceeds from this event have supported Indian River County Burn Fund, high school scholarships, Fairground Improvements and other charitable activities. At county fairgrounds. Admission. 772-562-2974. http://www.firefightersfair.org

March 10: St. Patrick's Day Festival, Coral Gables. Sponsored by the South Florida Emerald Society, this annual event offers great Irish entertainment, food, beverages, Irish crafts and many kid's events such as rock climbing and a giant slide. Noon to 6 p.m. 305-949-8400. www.emeraldsocietysfl.com

March 3-11: Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival and Parade, Fort Myers Beach. Fresh shrimp from the local docks to you. Enjoy delicious shrimp cooked a variety of ways and many other taste-tempting foods. Also offered are arts and crafts booths, live entertainment and many children's activities. Coordinated and sponsored by the Fort Myers Beach Lions Club, this is the 53rd year for this shrimp festival. Call Lion Ted 239-454-0043. www.fortmyersbeachshrimpfestival.com

March 10-11: Original Marathon Seafood Festival, Marathon. Celebrate the fishing heritage of the Middle Keys at this popular event offering lobster, stone crab, conch chowder and fritters, local fish, smoked fish dip, key lime pie and more. Also includes arts and crafts, boat show, nautical market, and live entertainment. At Marathon Community Park. $5 per person, free for children 10 and under. 305-743-5417. http://www.marathonseafoodfestival.com/

March 10-11: Peace River Seafood Festival, Punta Gorda. A variety of tasty seafood, live entertainment, arts and crafts, children's activities at Laishley Park. $1 admission. 941-206-1188. http://www.charlotteharbortravel.com/events/

March 10-11: 23rd Annual Art Fest by the Sea, Juno Beach. This festival brings together longtime favorites and newest names in the contemporary art scene. Life-size sculptures, paintings, one-of-a-kind jewels, photography, ceramics and more. At A1A Donald Ross Rd. and Marcinski. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. 954-472-3755. www.artfestival.com

March 11: Calle Ocho Festival, Miami. A grand celebration of Hispanic culture. Known as the world's largest street party, the festival spans 23 city blocks, filled with musical stages, youth activities, folkloric sites and food vendors. In Miami's Little Havana section, on SW 8th Street between 4th and 27th. 305-644-8888. www.carnavalmiami.com

March 14-17: 60th Annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. Sebring. Each year on the third Saturday of March, Sebring International Raceway hosts thousands of race fans from around the world to witness the historic 12-hour classic. All the legends have raced at Sebring, including Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, Dan Gurney, Stirling Moss, Juan Manuel Fangio, Phil Hill and dozens of others, driving race cars built by the world's great manufacturers such as Ferrari, Porsche, Jaguar, Audi, Ford, Maserati, Aston Martin and Nissan. Gates open on Wednesday and remain open 24 hours a day through Saturday's title race. Admission. 800-626-RACE. www.sebringraceway.com

March 17: Fishermen's Village St. Annual Patrick's Day Celebration, Punta Gorda. Features Lee County Pipes and Drums followed by Paul Cottrell and Friends. Includes American standards, Broadway hits and gunfighter ballads. At Fishermen's Village Center Stage. Free. 941-639-8721. http://www.fishville.com/

March 15-Apr.2: Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition, Miami. This county fair offering nearly 50,000 exhibits, concerts, a circus, strolling entertainment, food, games, shopping and a 100-ride midway. At Fair Expo Center. Admission. 786-315-5266. http://www.fairexpo.com

March 16-17: 52nd Annual Historic House Tours, Key West. Presented by the Old Island Restoration Foundation, this house and garden tour offers a rare opportunity to see inside some of Key West's charming tropical residences. Each tour showcases five homes chosen for their contribution to the Key West community as significant historic buildings, creative renovations or examples of the Keys lifestyle. Tour participants will discover unique interiors filled with art collections and antiques as well as lush gardens and imaginatively designed outdoor living areas. Admission $25 per person. Tours available 10 a.m to 4 p.m. 305-294-9501. www.oirf.org/housetour.htm

March 17: Lee County Reading Festival, Fort Myers. This 12th annual event features more than 30 noted local, children's and other nationally known authors including Lisa Scottoline and R.L. Stine. Also includes storytelling, puppet shows, author panels - including Pretty Little Liars' author Sara Shepard - and other activities. At Harborside Event Center and Centennial Park. Free. 239-337-7323. www.lee-county.com/library/readingfestivalhome.htm

March 17-18: Peace River National Arts Festival, Punta Gorda. Charlotte County's most prestigious annual outdoor art festival featuring 130 nationally recognized juried artists representing various mediums including art glass, fiber arts, jewelry, leather, metalwork, oil paintings, photography, pottery, sculpture and watercolor. Also includes a children's project tent, live music, and food and beverages. At Laishley Park. Admission. 239-293-9448. www.boulderbrook.net/peace-river-national-art-festival.html

March 17-18: Coral Springs Festival of the Arts, Coral Springs. A two-day celebration of arts and culture with a fine art show, contemporary craft festival, theatrical performances and full line-up of live music. Life-size sculptures, paintings, one-of-a-kind jewels, photography, ceramics, a separate craft festival, Green Market and more. At the Walk in Coral Springs. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. 954-472-3755. www.artfestival.com

March 17-18: Festival of the Arts, Coral Springs. Two-day celebration of the arts and culture complete with art show and craft festival, theatrical performances, literary workshops, children's area and a full lineup of entertainment. At The Walk on University Drive. Free. 954-472-3755. www.artfestival.com

March 17-18: Key Biscayne Art Festival, Miami. Works of 150 nationally known artists will display paintings, sculptures, photos, glass, wood, jewelry, collage and ceramics along The Village Green. The public can meet and talk with the artists individually. Free admission. 954-472-3755. www.artfestival.com

March 17-18: Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival, Miami. This event has become one of the best jazz festivals in South Florida, raising the bar each year with its star-studded line-up. More than 25,000 people are expected to enjoy this year's diverse mix of music genres from jazz to rhythm and blues to soul. Guests include MC Lyte, Mary J. Blige, Doug E. Fresh and Kenny G. At Sun Life Stadium. 305-576-3790. www.jazzinthegardens.com

March 24: Florida Wiener Dog Derby, North Fort Myers. Cash prizes, giveaways and more. Free admission, but registration fee. Lee County Civic Center. 239-839-7760. www.floridawienerdogderby.com

March 24: Downtown Naples Festival of the Arts, Naples. An annual event for the entire family. Along Fifth Avenue South in downtown Naples. Free. 239-262-6517. www.downtownnaplesassociation.com

March 25: Deering Seafood Festival on the Bay, Miami. Enjoy South Florida's freshest seafood, cooking demos with local celebrity chefs, boat rides and a Lil' Shrimp Kids Zone. Activities for all ages. At Deering Estate. Admission. 305-235-1668. www.deeringestate.org

March 31: Annual Spring Fine Arts Festival, Englewood. Stroll the avenue viewing the work of more than 100 artists from around the country while you enjoy live entertainment, shopping and snacks along the way. Downtown area. $1 admission. 941-474-5511. www.charlotteharbortravel.com