Because of its beautiful weather year-round, the Cape Canaveral area hosts many events throughout the year, and not all of them about aeronautics. Weekends are alive with frequent and free city music performances and craft fairs. Birders and other wildlife watchers in the area in late January should attend the Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival at the Brevard Community College campus in Titusville. And for everything to do with the latest in air and space technology, don't miss the World Space Expo in November.

For a complete list of community events, contact the Space Coast Office of Tourism. Phone 321-637-5483 or toll-free 800-872-1967. http://www.space-coast.com. For a detailed listing of festivals and events in the area, visit http://www.focusonbrevard.com.

To call any of the phone numbers listed in this calendar from outside the U.S. or Canada, you must first dial your country's international access code, followed by the U.S. country code, 1.

Information in this calendar is subject to change and should be confirmed.

September, 2008

1 Sep—Labor Day. Public holiday. Some businesses are closed.

12 Sep—Melbourne Friday Fest. Historic Downtown Melbourne fills with street vendors, arts and crafts, and music. Lots of activities for children. For information, call 321-724-1741. http://www.downtownmelbourne.com.

13 Sep—Farmers Market. A farmers market and crafts fair is held the second Saturday of each month on the grounds of city hall, Palm Bay. Phone 321-952-3441 for information. http://www.artsbrevard.org.

Throughout September—Cocoa Village Friday Fun Fest. Cocoa Village's Friday Fest features food, fun and free entertainment, with a new theme each month. The event is typically held the second or third Friday of the month; see Web site for details. Riverfront Park, Cocoa Village. For information, call the City of Cocoa at 321-639-7550. http://www.cocoavillage.com/events/FridayFunFest.html. Continues through late December

October, 2008

10 Oct—Melbourne Friday Fest. Historic Downtown Melbourne fills with street vendors, arts and crafts, and music. Lots of activities for children. For information, call 321-724-1741. http://www.downtownmelbourne.com.

11 Oct—Farmers Market. A farmers market and crafts fair is held the second Saturday of each month on the grounds of city hall, Palm Bay. Phone 321-952-3441 for information. http://www.artsbrevard.org.

18, 19 Oct—Cocoa Village Craft Fairs. Seasonal craft shows are held throughout the year along the streets of Historic Cocoa Village. For more information, call 321-631-9075. http://www.cocoavillage.com/craft_fairs.

Mid-Late October—Concert. The Melbourne Municipal Band stages many free concerts and a US$5 Swingtime Series. Concession stands are available, but you may take your own food and drinks (alcohol is prohibited). Concerts are held at the Melbourne Municipal Auditorium, 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd., Melbourne. For information, call 321-724-0555. http://www.mmband.org. Continues through mid April 2009

Throughout October—Cocoa Village Friday Fun Fest. Cocoa Village's Friday Fest features food, fun and free entertainment, with a new theme each month. The event is typically held the second or third Friday of the month; see Web site for details. Riverfront Park, Cocoa Village. For information, call the City of Cocoa at 321-639-7550. http://www.cocoavillage.com/events/FridayFunFest.html. Continues through late December

November, 2008

1 Nov—Art Exhibit. Many art galleries in town remain open until 10 pm, some with activities. Free. Throughout Cocoa Village. For information, call 321-637-2787. http://www.cocoavillage.com/events.

8, 9 Nov—World Space Expo. This huge annual event celebrates everything that has to do with aeronautics. Meet astronauts, check out the latest technology and watch demonstrations. Opening weekend includes an air show featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Kennedy Space Center. For information, call 321-449-4273.

8 Nov—Farmers Market. A farmers market and crafts fair is held the second Saturday of each month on the grounds of city hall, Palm Bay. Phone 321-952-3441 for information. http://www.artsbrevard.org.

14 Nov—Melbourne Friday Fest. Historic Downtown Melbourne fills with street vendors, arts and crafts, and music. Lots of activities for children. For information, call 321-724-1741. http://www.downtownmelbourne.com.

27 Nov—Thanksgiving. Public holiday. Most businesses are closed.

Throughout November—Cocoa Village Friday Fun Fest. Cocoa Village's Friday Fest features food, fun and free entertainment, with a new theme each month. The event is typically held the second or third Friday of the month; see Web site for details. Riverfront Park, Cocoa Village. For information, call the City of Cocoa at 321-639-7550. http://www.cocoavillage.com/events/FridayFunFest.html. Continues through late December

Throughout November—Concert. The Melbourne Municipal Band stages many free concerts and a US$5 Swingtime Series. Concession stands are available, but you may take your own food and drinks (alcohol is prohibited). Concerts are held at the Melbourne Municipal Auditorium, 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd., Melbourne. For information, call 321-724-0555. http://www.mmband.org. Continues through mid April 2009

December, 2008

6, 7 Dec—Cocoa Village Craft Fairs. Seasonal craft shows are held throughout the year along the streets of Historic Cocoa Village. For more information, call 321-631-9075. http://www.cocoavillage.com/craft_fairs.

12 Dec—Melbourne Friday Fest. Historic Downtown Melbourne fills with street vendors, arts and crafts, and music. Lots of activities for children. For information, call 321-724-1741. http://www.downtownmelbourne.com.

13 Dec—Farmers Market. A farmers market and crafts fair is held the second Saturday of each month on the grounds of city hall, Palm Bay. Phone 321-952-3441 for information. http://www.artsbrevard.org.

25 Dec—Christmas. Public holiday. Most businesses are closed.

31 Dec—New Year's Eve. Celebrations start early and end in the new year.

Throughout December—Concert. The Melbourne Municipal Band stages many free concerts and a US$5 Swingtime Series. Concession stands are available, but you may take your own food and drinks (alcohol is prohibited). Concerts are held at the Melbourne Municipal Auditorium, 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd., Melbourne. For information, call 321-724-0555. http://www.mmband.org. Continues through mid April 2009

Throughout December—Cocoa Village Friday Fun Fest. Cocoa Village's Friday Fest features food, fun and free entertainment, with a new theme each month. The event is typically held the second or third Friday of the month; see Web site for details. Riverfront Park, Cocoa Village. For information, call the City of Cocoa at 321-639-7550. http://www.cocoavillage.com/events/FridayFunFest.html. Concludes late December

January, 2009

1 Jan—New Year's Day. Public holiday. Most businesses are closed.

9 Jan—Melbourne Friday Fest. Historic Downtown Melbourne fills with street vendors, arts and crafts, and music. Lots of activities for children. For information, call 321-724-1741. http://www.downtownmelbourne.com.

10 Jan—Farmers Market. A farmers market and crafts fair is held the second Saturday of each month on the grounds of city hall, Palm Bay. Phone 321-952-3441 for information. http://www.artsbrevard.org.

19 Jan—Martin Luther King Day. Public holiday. Some businesses are closed.

21-26 Jan—Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival. This annual festival focuses on the unique birding and wildlife-viewing opportunities in Brevard County. Also workshops, outings and a trade show. Brevard Community College at Titusville campus, 1311 N. Highway 1, Titusville. For information, contact the Brevard Nature Alliance at 321-268-5224. http://www.nbbd.com/fly.

Throughout January—Concert. The Melbourne Municipal Band stages many free concerts and a US$5 Swingtime Series. Concession stands are available, but you may take your own food and drinks (alcohol is prohibited). Concerts are held at the Melbourne Municipal Auditorium, 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd., Melbourne. For information, call 321-724-0555. http://www.mmband.org. Continues through mid April

February, 2009

13 Feb—Melbourne Friday Fest. Historic Downtown Melbourne fills with street vendors, arts and crafts, and music. Lots of activities for children. For information, call 321-724-1741. http://www.downtownmelbourne.com.

14 Feb—Farmers Market. A farmers market and crafts fair is held the second Saturday of each month on the grounds of city hall, Palm Bay. Phone 321-952-3441 for information. http://www.artsbrevard.org.

16 Feb—Presidents' Day. Public holiday. Some businesses are closed.

Mid February—Chowder Cook-Off. The area's best chefs compete to see who makes the best chowder. Visitors get to sample it all in Cocoa Beach. For information, call the Cocoa Beach Chamber of Commerce at 321-454-2022. http://www.cocoabeachchamber.com.

Throughout February—Concert. The Melbourne Municipal Band stages many free concerts and a US$5 Swingtime Series. Concession stands are available, but you may take your own food and drinks (alcohol is prohibited). Concerts are held at the Melbourne Municipal Auditorium, 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd., Melbourne. For information, call 321-724-0555. http://www.mmband.org. Continues through mid April

March, 2009

7, 8 Mar—Cocoa Village Craft Fairs. Seasonal craft shows are held throughout the year along the streets of Historic Cocoa Village. For more information, call 321-631-9075. http://www.cocoavillage.com/craft_fairs.

13 Mar—Melbourne Friday Fest. Historic Downtown Melbourne fills with street vendors, arts and crafts, and music. Lots of activities for children. For information, call 321-724-1741. http://www.downtownmelbourne.com.

14 Mar—Farmers Market. A farmers market and crafts fair is held the second Saturday of each month on the grounds of city hall, Palm Bay. Phone 321-952-3441 for information. http://www.artsbrevard.org.

Throughout March—Concert. The Melbourne Municipal Band stages many free concerts and a US$5 Swingtime Series. Concession stands are available, but you may take your own food and drinks (alcohol is prohibited). Concerts are held at the Melbourne Municipal Auditorium, 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd., Melbourne. For information, call 321-724-0555. http://www.mmband.org. Continues through mid April

April, 2009

4 Apr—Art Exhibit. Many art galleries in town remain open until 10 pm, some with activities. Free. Throughout Cocoa Village. For information, call 321-637-2787. http://www.cocoavillage.com/events.

10 Apr—Good Friday. Public holiday. Most businesses are closed.

10 Apr—Melbourne Friday Fest. Historic Downtown Melbourne fills with street vendors, arts and crafts, and music. Lots of activities for children. For information, call 321-724-1741. http://www.downtownmelbourne.com.

11 Apr—Farmers Market. A farmers market and crafts fair is held the second Saturday of each month on the grounds of city hall, Palm Bay. Phone 321-952-3441 for information. http://www.artsbrevard.org.

12 Apr—Easter Sunday. Public holiday. Most businesses are closed. Some businesses are closed the following Monday.

16-19 Apr—Indian River Festival. Titusville's annual spring fling with food and entertainment. Sandpoint Park, Titusville. Phone 321-267-3036. http://www.nbbd.com/festivals/IRF.

25, 26 Apr—Melbourne Art Festival. The work of the area's best artists is showcased in downtown Melbourne. The festivities include a parade and live entertainment. For information, call 321-722-1964. http://www.melbournearts.org.

Early-Mid April—Concert. The Melbourne Municipal Band stages many free concerts and a US$5 Swingtime Series. Concession stands are available, but you may take your own food and drinks (alcohol is prohibited). Concerts are held at the Melbourne Municipal Auditorium, 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd., Melbourne. For information, call 321-724-0555. http://www.mmband.org. Concludes mid April

May, 2009

8 May—Melbourne Friday Fest. Historic Downtown Melbourne fills with street vendors, arts and crafts, and music. Lots of activities for children. For information, call 321-724-1741. http://www.downtownmelbourne.com.

9 May—Farmers Market. A farmers market and crafts fair is held the second Saturday of each month on the grounds of city hall, Palm Bay. Phone 321-952-3441 for information. http://www.artsbrevard.org.

16, 17 May—Cocoa Village Craft Fairs. Seasonal craft shows are held throughout the year along the streets of Historic Cocoa Village. For more information, call 321-631-9075. http://www.cocoavillage.com/craft_fairs.

25 May—Memorial Day. Public holiday. Some businesses are closed.

Early May—SpringFest. Annual celebration of the variety of seafood caught off Cape Canaveral. Continuous entertainment, fair rides and various displays. This is one of the area's premier festivals. For information, call 321-459-2200. http://www.cocoabeachchamber.com.

Early May—Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. New Hall of Fame inductees join fellow astronauts such as John Glenn and Buzz Aldrin. The festivities include an autograph session and a book signing. For information and tickets, call 321-449-4400. http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com.

Late May—Beach Fest. Thousands of people show up to view sand sculptures, military exhibits and beach sports. Cocoa Beach Pier. For information, call 321-639-3976. http://www.cocoabeachpier.com.

June, 2009

12 Jun—Melbourne Friday Fest. Historic Downtown Melbourne fills with street vendors, arts and crafts, and music. Lots of activities for children. For information, call 321-724-1741. http://www.downtownmelbourne.com.

13 Jun—Farmers Market. A farmers market and crafts fair is held the second Saturday of each month on the grounds of city hall, Palm Bay. Phone 321-952-3441 for information. http://www.artsbrevard.org.

Mid June—Dance. Nearly 50 dancers hit the floor for Burn the Floor, an exciting ballroom-dancing spectacle. Maxwell King Center, Melbourne. http://www.burnthefloor.com.

July, 2009

4 Jul—Independence Day. Public holiday. Most businesses are closed.

10 Jul—Melbourne Friday Fest. Historic Downtown Melbourne fills with street vendors, arts and crafts, and music. Lots of activities for children. For information, call 321-724-1741. http://www.downtownmelbourne.com.

11 Jul—Farmers Market. A farmers market and crafts fair is held the second Saturday of each month on the grounds of city hall, Palm Bay. Phone 321-952-3441 for information. http://www.artsbrevard.org.

Late July—Cocoa Village Friday Fun Fest. Cocoa Village's Friday Fest features food, fun and free entertainment, with a new theme each month. The event is typically held the second or third Friday of the month; see Web site for details. Riverfront Park, Cocoa Village. For information, call the City of Cocoa at 321-639-7550. http://www.cocoavillage.com/events/FridayFunFest.html. Continues through late December

August, 2009

8 Aug—Farmers Market. A farmers market and crafts fair is held the second Saturday of each month on the grounds of city hall, Palm Bay. Phone 321-952-3441 for information. http://www.artsbrevard.org.

14 Aug—Melbourne Friday Fest. Historic Downtown Melbourne fills with street vendors, arts and crafts, and music. Lots of activities for children. For information, call 321-724-1741. http://www.downtownmelbourne.com.

Throughout August—Cocoa Village Friday Fun Fest. Cocoa Village's Friday Fest features food, fun and free entertainment, with a new theme each month. The event is typically held the second or third Friday of the month; see Web site for details. Riverfront Park, Cocoa Village. For information, call the City of Cocoa at 321-639-7550. http://www.cocoavillage.com/events/FridayFunFest.html. Continues through late December