Orlando Events

In addition to numerous events sponsored by each of the large resorts, the greater Orlando area also hosts a number of annual events that celebrate holidays and important dates in the history of Central Florida. Its climate and proximity to world class amusements and entertainment also make Orlando a favorite convention destination, and many national and international organizations hold their annual expositions here. Many events are sponsored by and occur within particular hotels. Your concierge can fill you in on everything of interest going on today. Below, we present a small list of events celebrated all over the Orlando area, including special events that might not receive full coverage where you happen to be staying.

Always call the phone numbers provided, as special circumstances may affect schedules, for the most up to date information.

| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |

January

Hurston Festival of Arts and Humanities
The historic ties to the Harlem Renaissance are celebrated towards the end of January in the town of Eatonville, near Orlando, where you can hear famous poets read their works, watch dramatic presentations, and enjoy food and live music.
Call (407) 647-3307 for more information.

Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights
Disney- MGM Studios lights up the season with over 5 million bulbs, through the New Year holiday week.
Call (407) 824-321 for more information.

A Palette for the Senses – Grand Wine Tasting and Silent Auction
The Orlando Museum of Art hosts an exposition of the culinary arts, in mid-January, with a tasting of exceptional wines included in the price of admission.
Call (407) 896-4231 for more information.

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February

Louis Comfort Tiffany Collection
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park houses the largest Tiffany collection in the world, which is open throughout the year, but offers a greater variety of programs and exhibits during the winter tourist season.
Call (407) 645-5311 for more information.

Manatee Migration
Several sighting cruises with informative guides are offered during the month of February, when the migration of manatees is at its peak.
Call (850) 488-5607 for more information.

Mount Dora Arts Festival
In early February, artists, photographers and film makers from all over the world congregate in the town of Mount Dora in a festival sponsored by the Mount Dora Center for the Arts.
Call (352) 383-0880 for more information.

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March

Central Florida Boat Show
The Orange County Convention Center hosts an exposition for boaters and boat dealers during the first week in March.
Call (407) 345-9800 for more information.

Central Florida Fair
In early March, the Central Florida Fairgrounds opens with rides, a circus midway and children’s petting zoo.
Call (407) 295-3247 for more information.

Spring Flower Festival
In mid-March, Cypress Gardens offers one of the best flower and topiary exhibitions in the country, complete with live peacocks and swans, in their pre-Easter festival.
Call (800) 282-2123 for more information.

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April

Artistry of the Earth
During the third week of April, Earth Day is celebrated at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom with a special exhibit of butterflies, photos, paintings and African furnishings.
Call (407) 824-4321 for more information.

International Migratory Bird Day
The Disney Wilderness Preserve celebrates the return migration of Central and South American, Caribbean and Mexican birds to North America, in mid-April, with guided bird-watching tours that span Osceola and Polk Counties.
Call (407) 682-3664 for more information.

Wine Tasting
In mid-April, sample local wines at the Winter Park Farmer’s Market, at a tasting sponsored by the Orlando Science Center.
Call (407) 677-9119 for more information.

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May

Cinco De Mayo Festival
On May 5, enjoy authentic Mexican dancing, traditional food provided by local restaurants, and strolling Mariachis at this annual Mexican street festival.
Call (407) 224-WALK for more information.

Clydesdale Preparation
May 28 is open house for the famous Clydesdale horses, where you can see them groomed and dressed before their walk through the park.
Call (407) 351-3600 for more information.

Zellwood Sweet Corn Festival
The town of Zellwood sponsors an all-you-can-eat corn festival, complete with rides, a corn eating contest, crafts booths and a picnic lunch.
Call (407) 886-0014 for more information.

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June

Cape Canaveral
June is a favorable month for launches and landings, which also occur throughout the year, and most are open to the public.
Call (407) 452-2121 for more information.

Florida Film Festival
Independent American and European film directors presents their latest works at this annual festival hosted by the Enzian Theater in Maitland, sponsored by Universal Studios, in mid-June.
Call (407) 629-8587 for more information.

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July

Carillon Recital
The Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, at the highest elevation in Florida, demonstrates its 60-bell carillon each day at 3 PM, beginning July 1. Special recitals are given around the 4th of July holiday.
Call (863) 676-1408 for more information.

Independence Day Celebrations at Walt Disney World
Watch the spectacular “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks around Cinderella’s Castle, stroll among famous people from American history dressed in period costumes, and enjoy all of the live bands on the 4th.
Call (407) 824-4321 for more information.

Warren Park Sand Volley Ball
During the month of July, Warren Park hosts free co-ed matches on Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings.
Call (407) 858-3289 for more information.

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August

1st Thursdays
Each month, the Associates of the Orlando Museum of Art host an after-work party on the first Thursday of each month, featuring live music and good food. August is the least crowded month when you stand the best chance of mingling with the artists.
Call (407) 896-4231, ext. 256 for more information.

Discovery Cove
Snorkel with tropical fish, explore natural coral reefs and watch the exotic birds at this least hurried time of the year, any day this month.
Call (877) 434-7268 for more information.

Gatorland
Animal shows, alligator wrestling and jumping and poisonous snake acts are featured every day, and August is the least crowded time to see them.
Call (800) 393-JAWS for more information.

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September

Florida Nursery and Allied Trades Show
The Orange County Convention Center hosts the largest horticultural clearinghouse in the country, during the third week of September, with an attractive exposition of plants and trees.
Call (800) 375-3642 for more information.

A Tale of Two Cities Heritage Tour
Take a guided coach tour of Orlando and Kissimmee, where you will learn all about the history of Central Florida.
Call ( 800) 430-2774 for more information.

Tarpon Springs Greek Adventure Tour
The tour departs from Kissimmee and explores the authentic Greek pastry shops, sponge docks and orthodox churches of Tarpon Springs.
Call (800) 430-2774 for more information.

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October

Cypress Gardens’ Oktoberfest
German entertainment, food and lake cruises are featured at Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven for most of the month of October, in connection with Oktoberfest.
Call (863) 324-2111 for more information.

Silver Spurs Rodeo and Kissimmee Ribfest
For the first half of October, rodeo cowboys from all over the southeastern United States compete for prizes, along with teams competing for the People’s Choice Awards for best ribs and sauce, in Kissimmee.
Call (407) 847-3174 for more information.

Taste of Bavaria
The hilly Central Florida region with its German bakeries, local wineries and restaurants are explored on this all-day guided coach tour, during Oktoberfest in mid-October.
Call (800) 430-2774 for more information.

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November

Christmas at Pinewood
From Thanksgiving through the first week in January, the Bok Tower Gardens decorates its rooms in the theme of the twelve days of Christmas. Special recitals featuring the famous 60-bell carillon are scheduled throughout the holiday season.
Call (863) 676-1408 for more information.

Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
Dozens of wineries and breweries from all over the world offer samples of their products along with examples of native cuisine at this annual festival, held at Epcot’s World Showcase Lagoon in mid-November.
Call (407) 824-2222 for more information.

Poinsettia Festival
Enjoy the illuminated plants and immense display of poinsettias in bloom, accompanied by Christmas carolers and a special musical production, beginning the third week of November and extending throughout the holiday season.
Call (800) 282-2123 for more information.

Renninger’s Antique Extravaganza
On the third weekend in November, antique dealers from all over the South gather at Renninger’s Twin Markets in Mount Dora’s, where you can find the best selection of antiques available anywhere in the South.
Call (352) 383-8393 for more information.

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December

Holidays Around the World
Storytelling, tree-lighting ceremonies and candlelight processions are presented each day at the Epcot Center, as world cultures and how each of them celebrates the holidays are featured.
Call (407) 824-4321 for more information.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Mickey Mouse celebrates Christmas during the month of December at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
Call (407) 824-2222 for more information.

Tree Lighting
SeaWorld features a tree lighting each night in December, and dresses up Shamu as Santa Claus, ending the month’s festivities with a spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks and laser light show.
Call (888) 800-5447 for more information.