Orlando Florida’s 2010 Special Events & Festivals
ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando is well-known for offering visitors the opportunity to visit one-of-a-kind attractions, but the destination also gives visitors the chance to attend unique festivals and special events. And with more than 15 events with ticket prices $10 or under, visitors on a budget can easily incorporate one of Orlando’s special events into an upcoming vacation.
The following list highlights some of the best of what Central Florida has to offer in annual festivals and special events from February – July 2010*. More information is available on Orlando’s online calendar at VisitOrlando.com.
FEBRUARY
Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida Saturdays and Select Nights Feb. 6 – April 17
On select nights in March and April, the streets of Universal Studios theme park turn into the largest Mardi gras celebration outside New Orleans. In addition to a fabulous concert series, a nightly parade features hundreds of costumed characters, stilt walkers, festively decorated Mardi gras floats and throngs of beads tossed from float riders. Admission: Included in regular park admission. Adults $79, children ages 3 – 9 $68. Children ages 2 and under free.
universalorlando.com 407-363-8000
Bands, Brew & BBQ! Feb. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28
SeaWorld and Busch Gardens are pairing some of the biggest names in country and classic rock with smokin’ barbecue and ice-cold Budweiser for Bud & BBQ. Admission is included with any single-day admission or annual pass.
SeaWorld.com 407-363-2259
28th Annual Antiques Show & Sale Feb. 19 – 21
The Orlando Museum of Art hosts this perennial favorite for antique lovers and collectors. The show features distinguished dealers from throughout the eastern United States who offer an array of fine antique furniture, paintings, jewelry and porcelain. Admission: $10.
omart.org 407-896-4231, Ext.254
123rd Annual Silver Spurs Rodeo Feb. 19 – 21
Central Florida attracts cowboys from the pro circuit to compete in the Silver Spurs Rodeo, the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi and rated one of the top 50 events sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Located at Silver Spurs Arena in Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee. Admission: $15; Children ages 10 and under free.
silverspursrodeo.com 407-847-4052
75th Annual Bach Festival Feb. 20 – March 7
Year after year, this festival brings world-class talent to Knowles Memorial Chapel on the Rollins College campus in Winter Park. Festival highlights include performances featuring the works of J.S. Bach and other great composers by the highly acclaimed Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra. Admission: Prices vary by performance and series. Call for more information.
bachfestivalflorida.org 407-646-2182
Bike Week Orlando Feb. 27 – March 7
More than 100,000 Harley-Davidson enthusiasts from across the globe turn out for this annual event, headquartered at the Orlando Historic Factory Dealership, a detailed re-creation of the 1910 factory and the 1903 “shack” in which the Harley legend was born. Festivities include live music, games and shows. orlandoharley.com 407-423-0346
MARCH
Atlanta Braves Spring Training March 3 – April 3
The Atlanta Braves, one of baseball’s most dominant teams for more than a decade, opens drills in February, at Cracker Jack Stadium located at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Their Grapefruit League games – typically a home schedule of 16 dates – are played throughout March. Ticket prices vary.
disneyworldsports.com 407-939-4263
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 3 – May 16
Walt Disney World guests welcome spring with a full dose of beauty. From elaborate gardens and incredible topiaries to helpful seminars and nightly musical entertainment from the ‘60s and ‘70s, the festival offers an array of special activities for all green-thumb levels. Admission: Included in regular park admission. Adults $79, Children ages 3-9 $68, Children ages 2 and under free.
disneyworld.com 407-824-4321
Florida Strawberry Festival March 4 – 14
Celebrate the fabric of American life through ethnic traditions, social events, competitive contests, youth developmental programs and top-name entertainment. Enjoy exhibits of agriculture, commerce, industry, livestock, fine arts, horticulture and crafts. Headlining entertainment includes Billy Currington, Julianne Hough, Sara Evans, Switchfoot and Lynyrd Skynyrd. The Florida Strawberry Festival takes place in Plant City, off Interstate 4, between Orlando and Tampa. Admission: $10 for adults at the gate, some concerts also require $10 – $35 additional admission.
flstrawberryfestival.com 813-752-9194
Festival of Chocolate at the Orlando Science Center March 6 – 7
The festival will feature chocolate tastings, a creative workshop for kids, an educational chocolate museum, and more. Admission is included in Orlando Science Center ticket price: Adults $17, Seniors (55+) $16, children ages 3-11 $12, children under 3 free.
Festivalofchocolate.com 407-351-3600
Viva La Musica at SeaWorld Orlando March 7, 8, 14, 15, 28, 29
SeaWorld Orlando hosts this celebration of Hispanic music, food and culture. The event features the sights, sounds and tastes of various Latin cultures through music, dance, crafts, food and concerts. Admission included in single-day park admission or annual pass. Park admission is $68.95 for Florida residents and $78.95 for visitors.
SeaWorld.com 407-363-2259
Valiant Air Command’s Tico Warbird Air Show March 12 – 14
See vintage C-47s and sophisticated 440 mph (708 kph) F-86 Saber Jets at one of the biggest air spectacles of the year. Located at the Space Coast Regional Airport, just south of Titusville. Admission: Adults $20, Children ages 4-12 $15.
vacwarbirds.org 321-268-1941
The Central Florida Home & Garden Show March 19 – 21
Held at the Orange County Convention Center, the largest consumer home and garden show in Central Florida features local, regional and national experts in remodeling, building, decorating and landscaping, instructional how-to seminars, giveaways and more than 600 exhibits with the industry’s hottest home and garden products.Admission: Adults $10, Children ages 6-12 $5.
centralflhomeandgardenshow.com 877-871-7469
51st Annual Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival March 19 – 21
The festival is one of the nation’s most prestigious outdoor arts events, rated sixth best by Sunshine Artists. Some 1,400 artists from around the world apply for entry and an independent panel of judges selects approximately 275 to participate in the show. The three-day event also features show-stopping jazz, children’s activities and great eats. Admission: Free.
wpsaf.org 407-672-6390
Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard at Bay Hill March 22 – 28
One of the crown jewels of the PGA Tour, the event annually attracts one of the strongest international fields of the season. Past Arnold Palmer Invitational champions who regularly play in the tournament include Fred Couples, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Tim Herron and Tiger Woods. Proceeds from the Arnold Palmer Invitational benefit the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies. Admission: Prices start at $45.
arnoldpalmerinvitational.com 407-876-2888
APRIL
PlayFest! The Harriett Lake Festival of New Plays April 2 – 11
Enjoy a 10-day festival packed with dynamic and diverse new plays at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Loch Haven Park. The annual event includes readings, workshops and productions of new plays (all followed by lively post-show discussions), e-mail plays, revivals of Orlando International Fringe Festival favorites, keynote addresses and seminars by award-winning playwrights, new music, food, drink and more. Admission: TBD. orlandoshakes.org 407-447-1700
Easter Weekend Open House April 2 – 4
Visitors can browse The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, showcasing the largest collection of Tiffany glass in the world. Admission: Free.
morsemuseum.org 407-645-5311
46th Annual Ron Jon Surf Shop Easter Surfing Festival April 2 – 4
Enjoy the sun, surf and sand along beautiful Cocoa Beach, just one hour east of Orlando, as you watch championship surfers from ages 12 to 80 from around the world compete in this annual surfing competition. An Easter egg hunt and food court, as well as surf clinics and demonstrations are part of the fun. Admission: Free. eastersurffest.com 321-799-8888
Spring Fiesta in the Park April 3 – 4
Enjoy a myriad of booths offering tasteful regional arts and crafts along the banks of Lake Eola in downtown Orlando. The 20th annual festival provides entertainment, goodies and homemade items for sale. Admission: Free. cityoforlando.net 407-246-2121
84th Annual Easter Sunrise Service April 4
Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales invites Easter morning worshippers to greet the dawn of this special day by watching the sun rise while listening to a 60-bell carillon and brass ensemble with the Lake Wales Chorale. Admission: Adults $10, Children ages 5-12 $3, Children 5 and under free.
boktowergardens.org 863-676-1408
19th Annual Florida Film Festival April 9 – 18
The Florida Film Festival showcases the best in cutting-edge current cinema; indulgent experiences in food and wine; a mix of industry parties and special events; and a star-packed attendee list. Accredited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the festival welcomes more than 25,000 guests each year, playing host to more than 100 visiting directors, producers, and award-winning talent. Admission: Ranges from $10 (single show) to $600 (multi-show package).
floridafilmfestival.com 407-644-5625 ext. 321
23rd Annual Fiesta Medina April 11
As part of Orlando’s longest running Latin community festival, national and international performers take the stage to celebrate Latin culture and music at Festival Park in Orlando. The festival also features streets lined with displays and food along with a children’s carnival area. Admission: $15 for adults, free for children 12 and under.
renesproductions.com 407-381-5310
2nd Annual PLAYGROUND Arts & Music Festival April 18
Held at Lake Eola from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., the event features live music, kids’ yoga sessions, creative performances, storytelling, art center, fire dancers, talent searches, karaoke, puppet shows and more. The festival brings out more than 10,000 families each year. Admission: Free.
playground-magazine.com 407-221-4932
The Great American Pie Festival April 24 – 25
Enjoy endless samples of pies with close family and friends. Held in Celebration, the Pie Festival includes demonstrations, bake-offs, pie tastings and pie-eating contests. Admission: Free. Buffet tickets: Adults $10, Seniors and Children ages 5-12 $5, Free for Children under 5.
piecouncil.org 407-566-1200
8th Annual Children’s Art Festival April 25
Held at the Maitland Art Center from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., the event exposes kids and families to the visual and performing arts. Presented in a fun and relaxed atmosphere, activities include hands-on art, open studio demonstrations, interactive puppet theater, children’s art exhibits, scavenger hunts and face painting. Admission: Suggested donation of $3 for adults, Children free.
maitlandartcenter.org 407-539-2181
8th Annual Cabaret Festival April 30 – May 16
Life is indeed a cabaret, at least for a few weeks during the downtown Orlando Mad Cow Theatre’s celebration of musical theatre. Cabaret artists and acts are featured in more than 40 evening and lunchtime performances. Ticket prices vary from $12 – $28.
orlandocabaret.com 407-297-8788
MAY
Spring Jazz Stroll at Harry P. Leu Gardens May 1
Guests can enjoy an evening of live jazz music and candlelit walkways in a beautiful garden setting. Dinner picnic basket and blanket or chairs are recommended. Lawn seating only. Admission: $17.
leugardens.org 407-246-2620
20th Annual Concert Under the Stars May 1
Spend an enchanted evening under the stately, moss-covered oak trees at the Bok Tower Gardens, featuring the Imperial Symphony Orchestra. Admission: Adults $10, Children ages 5-12 $3, Children 5 and under free. boktowergardens.org 863-676-1408
Jack Hanna Weekend at SeaWorld Orlando May 1 – 2
Jack Hanna, renowned animal expert and host of TV’s “Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures,” showcases some of his furry and feathered animal friends from all parts of the world. Hanna introduces unique and exotic animals, shares amazing animal stories and shows hilarious bloopers. Admission: $78.95, Children ages 3-9 $68.95, Children ages 2 and under free. See Web site for Fun Card and Passport prices.
SeaWorld.com 407-363-2259
Stellar Awards Mother’s Day Gospel Music Festival May 7 – 9
In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the Stellar Awards brings the inaugural Stellar Awards Mother’s Day Gospel Music Festival to Orlando. The three-day festival features uplifting performances by the country’s greatest gospel music artists, an awards show recognizing the outstanding contributions of mothers in the community, cultural and recreational activities at major attractions, as well as the world’s largest Mother’s Day brunch and fashion show. Admission ranges from $55 to $200.
thestellarawards.com 888-627-7060
Florida Music Festival May 14 – 16
Florida Music Festival is a three-day celebration of up-and-coming musicians held in downtown Orlando. The festival lets fans experience live music, film, visual arts and the cultural community. The event welcomes more than 250 performers from alternative, pop, country, urban, hip hop and acoustic formats, along with hundreds of filmmakers and dozens of visual artists. Admission: TBD.
floridamusicfestival.com
Waves of Glory May 15
Wet n’ Wild’s new Contemporary Christian music event featuring a Battle of Christian rock bands, Praise bands and choirs. Admission: TBD.
wetnwild.com 407-351-1800
19th Annual Orlando International Fringe Festival May 20 – 31
The oldest, non-juried festival in the United States, the Orlando International Fringe Festival is a 12-day celebration of theater, art and music. Fringe encompasses hundreds of shows, the Visual Fringe, outdoor concerts and “The Kids Fringe Tour.” Events are held at various venues in and around downtown Orlando. True to Fringe roots, all acts remain uncensored, exposing patrons to performances from mild to wild. Admission: $5-10 per show.
orlandofringe.org 407-648-0077
Star Wars Weekends May 21 – 23, May 28 – 30, June 4 – 6, June 11 – 13
Star Wars characters come to life at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where guests of all ages can come face-to-face with Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Queen Amidala as well as other favorite sci-fi characters from the famous film series. Star Wars Weekends are scheduled for four consecutive weekends. Admission: Included in regular park admission. Adults $79, children ages 3 – 9 $68, children ages 2 and under free.
disneyworld.com 407-824-4321
Glory at the Gardens TBD
This event, held at Busch Gardens, brings together some of the biggest names in contemporary Christian and Christian rock. Admission: Adult $69.95, Children ages 3-9 $59.95, Children ages 2 and under free. See Web site for Fun Card and Passport prices.
buschgardens.com 813-987-5524
JUNE
Gay Days June 1 – 7
The Gay Days celebration is a renowned gay and lesbian vacation experience. Gay Days is comprised of multiple events staged at world-famous attractions and gay and lesbian clubs and unique venues.
gaydays.com 407-896-8431
U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Astronaut Induction June 5
Guests can share in a historical American event as space heroes gather to honor their own during the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame’s 2009 Induction Ceremony at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Past inductees include Jim Lovell, John Glenn, Gene Cernan, John Young, Sally Ride and Norm Thagard. Admission: Included in regular park admission. Adults $38, Children ages 3-11 $28, Children 2 and under free.
kennedyspacecenter.com 321-452-2121
Sounds Like Summer Concert Series at EPCOT June 15 – August 9
Families can gather together for an unforgettable night of music and memories in the open-air America Gardens Theater at Epcot. Admission: Included in regular park admission. Adults $79, children ages 3 – 9 $68, children ages 2 and under free.
disneyworld.com 407-824-4321
19th Annual Harvest Festival June 18 – 20
Held at Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards in Clermont, the event offers arts and crafts, live music, free tours, grape stomping, wine tasting and plenty of free parking. Food and beverages available for purchase. Admission: $2 donation for Hospice Foundation.
lakeridgewinery.com 352-394-8627
11th Annual Fiesta San Juan TBD
In celebration of the alluring Latin culture, Wet ‘n Wild – Orlando provides nonstop food, live music, dancing and contests that all reflect Latin heritage. The park remains open until midnight, so guests can honor the tradition of “The Night of San Juan” by taking a big splash in the water at midnight for good luck. Admission: TBD.
wetnwild.com 407-351-1800
Juneteenth and Jazz Music Festival TBD
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of Slavery in the United States. Events are held at Wells’ Built Museum, Wells’ Heritage House and Lake Eola Park. Enjoy family friendly activities including a jazz, blues and gospel concert at Lake Eola Park featuring local artists. Admission: TBD. pastinc.org 407-245-7535
JULY
Coke Zero 400 July 3
Formerly the Pepsi 400, this series has been an Independence Day weekend tradition for nearly five decades, and this year’s event promises to be the best ever. Motorhead fans are on the edge of their seats as racing stars tackle the 31-degree high banks of Daytona International Speedway. Enjoy the spectacle of night time racing followed by a fireworks extravaganza. Admission: TBD.
daytonainternationalspeedway.com 386-253-7223
Red Hot & Boom July 3
Held at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte, Red Hot & Boom is an Independence Day celebration that features big name performances. The event also features food, beverage and a fireworks display. Admission: Free. uptownaltamonte.com 407-571-8180
Independence Day at Universal Orlando Resort July 4
Guests can enjoy a special version of the popular Universal 360: A Cinesphere Spectacular, complete with a patriotic finale and dazzling fireworks display; or the All-American Barbecue Celebration at Universal CityWalk from 5-9 p.m. Admission: TBD
universalorlando.com 407-224-2691
Independence Day at Walt Disney World Resort July 4
All four theme parks come alive with special shows celebrating the Fourth of July. Admission: Included in regular park admission. Adults $79, Children ages 3-9 $68, Children ages 2 and under free.
disneyworld.com 407-824-4321
Fireworks Over the Fountain July 4
Celebrate United States independence at the free fireworks display and laser show around Lake Eola in downtown Orlando. Residents and visitors alike pack their picnic baskets, comfy blankets and fun-loving kids and head out to Lake Eola for an old-fashioned summertime picnic. Admission: Free.
cityoforlando.net 407-246-2121
Fourth of July at Celebration Town Center July 4
Celebration Town Center celebrates the 4th of July with a parade, live music and fireworks. Admission: Free. celebrationtowncenter.com 407-566-4015
4th Annual Target Family Festival July 16 – July 25
Held at the Orlando Repertory Theatre, the Target Family Festival brings together various performers who aim their talents at children. Admission: TBD.
orlandorep.com 407-896-7365
*Details related to festivals and special events are subject to change.
For more information about vacation experiences in Orlando, to order a complimentary vacation planning kit that includes a comprehensive Official Vacation Guide and Orlando Preferred Visitor MagicardTM or to purchase discount attraction tickets, visitors can log onto Orlando’s official Web site at VisitOrlando.com or call an Official Travel Counselor at 1-800-551-0181 (United States and Canada) or 407-363-5872. For real time updates, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/VisitOrlando or Facebook at facebook.com/VisitOrlando. While in Orlando, visitors may stop by the Official Visitor Center located at 8723 International Drive, at the southeast corner of International Drive and Austrian Row. The Official Visitor Center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (closes at 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving, Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 and is closed Dec. 25).
February 16, 2010
Posted in: United States SouthEast