Downtown’s big days, explained
New to Dade City, or new to doing business here? Here is what each of the standing traditions is, when it happens, and what it means for the shops on the street.
What is the Kumquat Festival?
The chamber of commerce, then the Greater Dade City Chamber and now the Greater East Pasco Chamber of Commerce, held the first Kumquat Festival downtown in 1998, and it has been the last Saturday of January ever since.
It celebrates the fruit Dade City is known for: kumquats have been grown in the hills around it since 1912. Expect vendors from one end of 7th Street to the other, kumquat pie and everything else kumquat, music and the biggest crowd downtown sees all year. Admission and parking are free.
Next: Saturday, January 30, 2027Historic downtown, info booth at 7th Street and Meridian Avenue
What is the Cruise-In?
Classic cars park around the historic courthouse on the first Saturday of the month from September through May. Owners show their cars, visitors walk the rows, and the afternoon ends in the restaurants on the square.
Next: Saturday, November 7, 2026Around the Historic Courthouse
Sources
What is the Christmas Parade?
Floats, bands and lights roll down 7th Street from MLK Boulevard to Church Street on the first Friday evening of December. Families line the route early.
Next: Friday, December 4, 20267th Street, MLK Boulevard to Church Street
Sources
What is the Country Christmas Stroll?
Downtown’s signature evening event, running for more than 40 years (2025 was the 41st). The storefronts are lit, carolers stroll, Santa is in town, carriage rides loop the streets and the shops stay open into the night. Admission is free.
Next: Saturday, December 12, 2026Historic downtown
What is the Street Bash?
Dade City Brew House closes 7th Street between Meridian Avenue and MLK Boulevard for an evening night market: vendors, food trucks, live music, a kid zone and a local car club. Many are themed, like a January pajama party or a Valentine’s edition, and they usually run from 5 to 9 PM.
Next date not posted yet7th Street between Meridian Avenue and MLK Boulevard
Running something that belongs here?
If your event comes back every year, tell us what it is and who runs it, and we will add it to this page.