The City of Sunrise plays host to numerous events that attract and delight residents of all ages. Just a few of these annual favorites are:
Cultural Festival
The Cultural Festival is held each November in City Park. It is a family-friendly event designed to celebrate, highlight, and unify the diverse cultures in our City. The event focuses on the commonalities we all share: the importance of family, friends, a cohesive community, and preserving the legacy of our collective pasts. To this end, the festival showcases multi-ethnic foods, music, art, and dance. It features activities for children, live entertainment, and food and retail vendors. This is a free event.
Earth Day Festival
Each April, Sunrise celebrates green living with a free, family-friendly Earth Day Festival at Sawgrass Sanctuary. This day of outdoor fun is sponsored by the City of Sunrise Utilities Department and All Service Refuse.
The Earth Day Festival features live music; children's rides and activities; a farmer's market; unique, handcrafted goods, ethnic and traditional foods, and eco-conscious organizations. Giveaways include BPA-free water bottles that can be filled throughout the day at the City's complimentary water station.
Fall Harvest Festival
Each year, during the month of October, the City of Sunrise hosts its annual Fall Harvest Festival at Welleby Park. Residents and non-residents are invited to bring the whole family for an afternoon of games, music, arts and crafts, and face fainting. Seasonal touches include costume contests, horse-drawn hay rides and an old fashioned pumpkin patch (pumpkin prices vary according to size). This is a registered event and it is offered at a nominal fee.
Fourth of July Parade & Fireworks
Each year, Sunrise pulls out all the stops to celebrate our nation's birthday. The celebration begins with a patriotic parade along Sunset Strip, complete with floats and costumed characters. The parade ends with a family-friendly party featuring free food, rides and live entertainment. Then, through the City's public/private partnership with the BB&T Center, the festivities continue with a large-scale July 4th evening celebration featuring fireworks, live music, children's activities and more. Parking and admission are free. A variety of food and beverage vendors are on hand during the evening activities. Be sure to bring your umbrella and lawn chair. No coolers please.
Jingle Bell Jog
Sunrise is the site of the Jingle Bell Jog - a Florida tradition for more than 25 years. This popular 5K run and fitness walk, held each December, welcomes entrants in a wide range of age categories. All of the proceeds from the Jingle Bell Jog benefit the Wellness Center at Broward General Medical Center.
Memorial Day Ceremony
Every May, the City of Sunrise holds a special ceremony in honor of those who gave their lives in the service of our nation. The ceremony features a 21-gun salute, speakers, and the presentation of colors. Refreshments are provided at the conclusion of the ceremony.
September 11 - Remembrance Ceremony
Each year on September 11, the City hosts a Remembrance Ceremony to honor of the victims, heroes and survivors of the 2001 terrorist attacks on America. The ceremony will be attended by City officials and representatives from the Police and Fire-Rescue departments. Featured will be remarks from distinguished speakers, the presentation of colors, vocal and instrumental selections. Light refreshments are offered at the conclusion of the ceremony. Beginning on September 11, 2011, the ceremony will be held at the Sunrise Public Safety Complex.
"Sunrise at Sunset" Concert Series
The City of Sunrise showcases some of South Florida's top musical acts at the Sunrise Sunset Concert Series. Now in its 12th season, this free outdoor concert series is held on the second Friday of each month from January through May. All concerts are performed outside at the Sunrise Civic Center Amphitheater.
Veteran's Day Celebration
Each November, the City of Sunrise joins together with its residents to pay special tribute to all veterans. The ceremony typically features selections by the Piper High School Band, a presentation by the Piper High School Army JROTC, a bagpipe selection, a 21-gun salute by the Sunrise Police Department, and guest speakers. Light refreshments are served after the ceremony.
Woodstock Arts & Crafts Festival
According to some annual festival-goers, Woodstock marks the beginning of the holiday season in Sunrise. Held at Welleby Park, this popular City-sponsored event was founded in 1980, and draws approximately 15,000 visitors and 150 vendors each year.
In addition to handmade crafts, Woodstock features international foods, roving entertainment and children's rides and games.
Woofstock
Woofstock is the newest addition to the City's list of annual festivals. Held in February at Sawgrass Sanctuary, it's a day of fun for our dog friends and their owners. The event features live entertainment, demonstrations, food and retail vendors. Contests include "Grooviest Threads" and "Gnarliest Pet Tricks." Guests include rescue groups searching for new homes for their charges. Please note that all dogs must have a current dog tag for admittance, and retractable leashes are not permitted.