Fall Events in Orlando Florida 2006

Not only does Orlando have thrilling theme parks, endless shopping options and exciting nightlife, but it also has thriving events and festivals that take place all year. The following list highlights some of the best of what Central Florida has to offer this fall and winter.

Information about additional events is available on Orlando’s online calendar at orlandoinfo.com

SEPTEMBER
Orlando’s Magical Dining Month                                                                                                 Sept. 1-30
Thrill-seeking travelers from around the globe know Orlando for its world-class attractions and sunny resorts, but local foodies experience a different kind of thrill when they indulge their senses at Orlando’s extensive dining facilities. This September, visitors can taste the good life during Orlando’s Magical Dining Month, a rare opportunity to indulge in some of the area’s fine dining restaurants. Participating restaurants will offer three-course prix fixe menus for $17 at lunch and $29 at dinner.    
orlandomagicaldining.com 407-363-5872
Kidpalooza at Cypress Gardens Adventure Park                                                                        Sept. 1-25
A festival for children and the young-at-heart, Kidpalooza appeals to the inner child because it’s all about having fun. The event will feature special shows by Curious George and Clifford the Big Red Dog, storytelling, face painting and other kid friendly activities. Admission: Included in regular park admission. Adult $39.95, Children ages 3-9 $34.95, Children ages 2 and under free.        
cypressgardens.com 863-324-2111
Caribbean Festival at Silver Springs                                                                                    Sept. 2-4, 9-10
A celebration of the laid-back lifestyle of the Caribbean and Florida Keys including live bands playing reggae and Jimmy Buffet-style music, dancing, specialty Caribbean dishes, games and decorations. Admission: Included in regular park admission. Adult $32.99, Children ages 3-10 $23.99. Children ages 2 and under free.
silversprings.com 352-236-2121
Rock The Universe at Universal Studios                                                                                       Sept. 8-9
Chart-topping Christian music stars from across the nation come together during the annual two-day concert event at Universal Studios. The event is designed to highlight the diversity within today’s exploding Christian music scene. This year’s headliners include Relient K, the Newsboys and MXPX. Event also features some of today’s most popular and entertaining Christian speakers. Admission: $38.95. 
rocktheuniverse.com 407-363-8000
24th Annual Night of Joy                                                                                                               Sept. 8-9
Night of Joy at the Magic Kingdom includes a star-studded collection of Grammy and Gospel Music Association Dove Award winners. This year’s headliners include MercyMe, Casting Crowns, Kirk Franklin and tobyMac.  Admission: $39.95.
disneyworld.com  407-824-4321
Global Peace Film Festival                                                                                                       Sept. 14-21
Guests can celebrate film and its power to promote new understanding at the 4th Annual Global Peace Film Festival. Held in conjunction with the UN’s International Day of Peace, the festival promotes the art of motion picture to further the goal of peace on earth, beyond anti-war, ideology and activism. Events include film programs, panels and a special concert. The event will present screenings and discussions at various community centers, schools and colleges. Admission: $8 for regular screenings.
peacefilmfest.org 212-427-9331
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party                                                    Select Nights Sept. 15 – Oct. 31
Guests are invited to dress in costumes and trick-or-treat through the park from 7 p.m. to midnight each evening. The family friendly fun includes the newly expanded “Boo-to-You” Halloween parade and the bewitching “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks spectacular. Admission: Adult $42.95, Children ages 3-9 $35.95, Children ages 2 and under free.
disneyworld.com 407-934-7639
Italian Festival at Silver Springs                                                             Sept. 16-17, 23-24 and 30 – Oct. 1
This three-weekend event will feature live Italian music, dancing, and authentic Italian food. Menu items will include a variety of pasta dishes such as baked ziti, pizza, Italian sausage, salads, bread, Italian ice dessert, wines and domestic/imported beers and ales. In addition, the area will be decorated with Italy’s national colors and members of the local Sons of Italy club will be on hand to join in the dancing, singing and festivities. Admission: Included in regular park admission. Adult $32.99, Children ages 3-10 $23.99. Children ages 2 and under free.                                                                            
silversprings.com 352-236-2121                 
Orlando Home Show                                                                                                                 Sept. 22-24
Held at the Orange County Convention Center, the Orlando Home Show is Central Florida’s leading and largest consumer showcase of new products and services for home remodeling and interior décor. The show features local, regional and national experts in remodeling, building, decorating and landscaping, instructional seminars, giveaways, contests and more than 600 exhibits with the industry’s latest products. Celebrity guests include Andrew Firestone of ABC’s “The Bachelor,” and Suzanne Wang of HGTV’s “House of Hunters.” Admission: Adult $9, Children ages 6-12 $5. Children ages 5 and under free.  
orlandohomeshow.com 904-730-3356
11th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival                                                   Sept. 29 – Nov. 12
From the seasoned connoisseur to the knowledge-seeking amateur, this popular event attracts a diverse audience to sip, sample and savor treasures from some of the world’s most famous wineries and celebrated chefs. Guests can boost their wine IQ at any of the hundreds of wine and beer seminars and polish their culinary skills at the numerous culinary demonstrations and tastings. They can also enjoy the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, a blend of classic rock, oldies, jazz and funk featuring performances by Survivor, The Beach Boys, Little Richard and Gloria Gaynor, among others. Included in regular park admission. Admission: Adults $67, Children ages 3-9 $56, Children ages 2 and under free.
disneyworld.com 407-824-4321
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando                                         Select Nights Sept. 29 – Oct. 31
Celebrating its “Sweet 16,” the event is considered one of the world’s largest, most elaborate Halloween celebrations. Universal enlists a “scream team” of designers to research the human psyche and its deepest fears so that Halloween Horror Nights’ guests can confront their most terrifying nightmares. There are specially designed haunted houses, inescapable scare zones and hundreds of street performers.  Admission: $59.95.         
halloweenhorrornights.com 407-363-8000
Phobia at Cypress Gardens Adventure Park                                             Select Nights Sept. 29 – Oct. 31
Guests can come face-to-face with the known and unknown at Phobia, with frightful haunted houses, a creepy Black Forest and other ghastly delights. As darkness descends, the goblins and ghouls come out to play and they have some favorite spots to gather. “Scare Zones” pop up around the park. “Friendly Frights” await the little ones, with a Boo House and fun Halloween activities. Even the entertainment takes a turn to the dark side with comedy, magic and illusion and much more. Admission: Included in regular park admission.  Adult $39.95, Children ages 3-9 $34.95, Children ages 2 and under free.
cypressgardens.com 863-324-2111
OCTOBER
118th Annual Silver Spurs Rodeo                                                                                                  Oct. 6-8
Have a rootin’, tootin’, buckin’ good time at the 118th Annual Silver Spurs Rodeo, the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi, located at Osceola Heritage Park. Top cowboys and cowgirls from across the United States compete in events including Bare Back Bronco, Barrel Racing, Bull Riding, Steer Wrestling and more. Admission: Advance $15, $25; Gate $18, $30; Children ages 10 and under free. 
silverspursrodeo.com 407-847-4052
SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular                                                    Oct. 7-8, 13-15, 21-22, 28-29 and 31
The theme of SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular will be an underwater “FantaSea” where kids can dress up in their Halloween costumes, play with friendly sea creatures, enjoy treats galore and groove to special entertainment. Admission: Included in regular park admission. Adult $61.95, Children ages 3-9 $49.95, Children ages 2 and under free.
SeaWorld.com 407-363-2259

Oktoberfest at Silver Springs                                                                               Oct. 7-8, 14-25 and 21-22
This three-weekend event will feature live Bavarian and polka music, dancing, authentic German food and a wide selection of imported and domestic beers. Menu items will include a choice of bratwurst, knackwurst, sliced roast pork or foot-long hot dogs, plus sauerkraut, German potato salad and red cabbage. Admission: Included in regular park admission. Adult $32.99, Children ages 3-10 $23.99. Children ages 2 and under free.  
silversprings.com 352-236-2121
2006 Dew Action Sports Tour                                                                                                      Oct. 12-15
The Dew Action Sports Tour is the season-long professional multi-sport tour. It features top professional athletes competing in skateboarding, BMX and freestyle motocross. The season culminates in Orlando with the PlayStationPro®. Concerts, new product demonstrations and prize giveaways round out the event. Admission: $12 per day or $30 for four-day pass.
dewactionsports.com 407-849-2020
Fall Jazz Stroll                                                                                                                                Oct. 14
Guests can enjoy an evening of live jazz music performed by Sunnie Paxson, Dr. Otto Gomez Band & The Robert Harris Group with candlelit walkways in the garden.  Dinner picnic basket and blanket or chairs are recommended. Admission: $17, $13 for members of the gardens. 
leugardens.org 407-246-2620
33rd  Annual Winter Park Autumn Art Festival                                                                            Oct. 14-15
A community-oriented juried art show with a 30-year tradition. More than 40,000 people attend this free event held in Central Park that features work by outstanding Florida artists. Event features live entertainment and food provided by local restaurants. Children’s art workshops are also offered.  Admission: Free.
winterparkartfestival.com 407-644-8281
FUNAI Classic at Walt Disney World Resort                                                                                Oct. 19-22
A field of 144 top PGA TOUR players will quest for shares of a Classic-record $4.6 million purse. The 72-hole event is played on Disney’s Magnolia and Palm courses. The winner earns $828,000 and takes part in a 36-year Classic tradition: a winner’s-circle pose with Mickey Mouse. Admission: $30 general admission, $50 week-long admission.                         
disneyworld.com 407-835-2525
Biketoberfest                                                                                                                              Oct. 19-22
Biketoberfest in Daytona Beach is a rousing, fun-filled weekend that attracts more than 100,000 motorcycle enthusiasts from near and far. Activities include rides, concerts, food and much more.  Admission: Free. 
biketoberfest.org 386-271-3120
Mount Dora Craft Fair                                                                                                                  Oct. 21-22
This nationally ranked juried event continues to attract more than 250,000 visitors and more than 350 of the best crafters in the country to the quaint streets of downtown Mount Dora. Admission: Free.
mountdora.com 352-735-1191
5th Annual Winter Park Concours d’Elegance                                                                             Oct. 19-22
More than 185 exotic and rare automobiles representing numerous international marques are on display on elegant Park Avenue. Guests won’t want to miss the Tour d’Elegance, an exotic car parade. Automobiles will compete for class awards and 10 major awards including “Best in Show.” Admission: Free. 
tscevents.com 352-383-1181
Kissimmee-St. Cloud Great Outdoor Fest                                                                                   Oct. 28-29
This event is the region’s largest environmental celebration packed with exciting activities that draw a weekend crowd expected to exceed 20,000. The two-day extravaganza features informative environmental and outdoor recreation exhibits, family games, cardboard raft races, ski show, nationally advertised fishing competitions and live music concerts. Admission: Free. 
greatoutdoordays.com  407-847-5000
Christmas at Dixie Stampede                                                                                     Oct. 28 – Jan. 7, 2007
Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show celebrates the holidays with spectacular music, ice-skating, majestic horses, snowfalls and an appearance by Jolly Ole St. Nick. Admission: Included in regular admission. Adult $48.99, Children ages 4-11 $21.99. Children ages 3 and under free.  
dixiestampede.com 407-238-4455
8th Annual Festival Calle Orange                                                                                                    Oct. 29
Central Florida’s largest Hispanic festival brings together people of many nationalities, religions and backgrounds to enjoy food, music and dancing in the streets of downtown Orlando. The festival began as a primarily Puerto Rican gathering but now encompasses a myriad of cultures – from Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Admission: Adult $15, Children 10 and under free.
renesproductions.com 407-381-5310

August 31, 2006   Posted in: United States SouthEast