January
Annual Capitol One Bowl
This six decade-old New Year’s Day classic, now at the Florida Citrus Bowl at One Citrus Bowl Plaza (1610 West Church Street), brings on the clash between two powerhouse football conferences. Call (407) 423-2476 for more information.
CompUSA Florida Citrus Bowl
This nationally televised collegiate football game is played between second-ranked teams from the Southeastern Conference and the Big Ten Conference. The Florida Citrus Bowl at One Citrus Bowl Plaza (1610 West Church Street), hosts the grid action. Call (407) 423-2476 for more information.
Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities
This African American festival, drawing more than 100,000 each year, celebrates visual arts, gospel and R&B music, modern dance and Pulitzer-prize winning poetry. Call (321) 281-2085 for more information.
February
Bach Festival
Greater Orlando’s Bach Festival on the Rollins College campus, and first held in 1935, hails the birth of composer Johann Sebastian Bach. Call (407) 646-2182 for more information.
Mount Dora Arts Festival
Free to the public, Mount Dora magically transforms into one gigantic art museum with more than 300 artists, performers, temporary shops, and games, sponsored by the Mount Dora Center for the Arts. Call (352) 383-0880 for more information.
Houston Astros Spring Training
Fans can watch the pros in practice at Osceola County Stadium, completing an $18.4 million renovation in 2003 and home to Houston Astros Spring Training. Call (407) 944-2424 for more information.
Central Florida Fair
Carnival rides, games, food, music, exhibits and more add to the merriment at the Central Florida Fairgrounds. Call (407) 295-3247 for more information.
Florida Fun Fest
As a Coca-Cola and soda-related item swap meet staged in Altamonte Springs, Florida Fun Fest is sponsored by the Central Florida Chapter of the Coca-Cola Collectors Club. Call (407) 688-7084 for more information.
Silver Spurs Rodeo
Greater Orlando attracts cowboys from the pro circuit to the Silver Spurs Arena for one of the largest rodeo competitions east of the Mississippi. Call (407) 847-4052 for more information.
March
Central Florida Fair
Carnival rides and games, food, exhibits, music, and much more beckon from the Central Florida Fairgrounds. Call (407) 295-3247 for more information.
Kissimmee Blue Grass Festival
This four-day event in the Silver Spurs Arena features bluegrass and gospel music, arts and crafts, food and more. Call (407) 473-7773 for more information.
Kissimmee / Kiwanis Bluegrass Festival
Osceola Heritage Park is the scene for this bluegrass celebration going strong for some three decades. Call (321) 697-3333 for more information.
Baldwin Park Auto Show
In mid-March and November, the neighborhood of Baldwin Park hosts dealers and collectors of vintage hot rods, customs, classics and antiques, accompanied by music of the period, where the public can get close to the cars of their dreams in this fun open air event. Call (407) 937-9129 for more information.
Florida Film Festival
Right after Sundance and leading into Cannes, this film extravaganza unfolds every March in Orlando in and around the Enzian Theatre, now running well into its second decade. Call (407) 644-6579 for more information.
Winter Park Sidewalk Arts Festival
Some 1,600 artists from around the world apply each year for entry into some 275 slots at this prestigious, nearly half century old show in Winter Park's Central Park. Call (407) 672-6390 for more information.
State of the Ports
Promoted by the World Trade Center Orlando, the State of the Ports address focuses on critical roles played within the region’s transportation network by central Florida’s airports, seaport, spaceport, and foreign trade zones. Call (407) 649-1899 for more information.
April
JazzFest Kissimmee
Kissimmee’s Lakefront Park features professional and amateur jazz musicians, art exhibits, food and more at this two day festival. Call (407) 846-6257 for more information.
Rajuncajun Crawfish Festival
At the Isle of Pines South Beach Park, this traditional Louisiana Cajun Crawfish Festival celebrates Cajun heritage with music, dancing, and fabulous food. Call (407) 380-5715 for more information.
May
Orlando Carnival
Staged around Memorial Day, this nearly two decade old Caribbean-style Mardi Gras features a street parade downtown leading to Thunder Field, opposite the Florida Citrus Bowl, and adjoing Tinker Field and nearby Orlando Sports Complex, where other events take place. Call (407) 952-6464 for more information.
Inside / Outside Cookout
Celebrating Norwegian Independence Day at Viking World Orlando 3-501 (the area lodge for Sons of Norway), the annual Inside / Outside Cookout welcomes all, with speakers and opportunity to make acquaintances. 2641 Red Bug Lake Road, Casselberry. Call (407) 696-2880 for more information.
Cinco De Mayo Bash
Orlando’s Cinco De Mayo takes on libation dimension at Adobe Gila’s, with drink specials from open to close, live music with assorted bands, and no cover charge. Call (407) 903-1478 for more information.
Fulton’s Crab House Seafood Alaska Festival
From mid-May through mid-June, seafood stars at this Downtown Disney Marketplace restaurant. Call (407) 934-8424 for more information.
Orlando International Fringe Festival
With roots extending to Scotland, Orlando’s celebration of the theatrical and performing arts takes place over 10 days in the streets, theaters, and converted office spaces of downtown Orlando. Call (407) 648-0077 for more information.
International Flower and Garden Festival
Flower and garden displays represent themes of Epcot Theme Park's World Showcase. Call (407) 824-4321 for more information.
Port Orange Arts & Craft Show The Port Orange Association of the Arts hosts vendors, craftsmen and artists in May and December in the town of Port Orange near Daytona Beach, about an hour's drive northeast of Orlando. Call (386) 756-8700 for more information.
June
Florida Film Festival
Featuring more than 100 films, documentaries and shorts from around the world, the Florida Film Festival unfolds at Enzian Theater, 1300 South Orlando Avenue. Call (407) 629-1088 for more information.
July
Lake Eola Picnic in the Park
Lake Eola Park’s celebration includes games, entertainment, and more. For more information call (407) 246-2827.
Kissimmee Old Fashioned 4th of July Kissimmee
Kissimmee puts on a large fireworks display, accompanied by a variety of entertainment. Call (407) 93-EVENT for more information.
President’s Job Fair
In mid-July, over 100 employers will be looking to fill thousands of career positions, and all job-seekers are invited to Central Florida Fair Exposition Park. Bring resumes, dress professionally, no children please. Sponsored by the Central Florida Employment Council. Call (407) 834-4022 for more information.
Celebrity Mascot Games
During the last weekend in July, the Amway Arena hosts over 30 professional sports team mascots, representing MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL leagues, competing in stunts and games in this unique 3-day contest. Call (407) 648-4900 for more information.
August
Sounds of Summer
Beginning in June and extending through August on selected Thursday evenings at Harry P. Leu Gardens, musicians from the Philharmonic present varied programs including Going for Baroque. Call (407) 896-6700 for more information.
College Park Rotary Barbecue
Staged at Orlando's Edgewater High School, the Rotary of College Park piles on the fun with a barbecue dinner of pulled pork, chicken, and trimmings before the football kickoff between Edgewater Eagles and Oakridge Pioneers. Call (407) 522-6151 for more information.
Summer Music Games World Championships
Drum Corps International stages world championships at the Florida Citrus Bowl. Call (630) 495-9866 for more information.
September
College Football
NCAA Football, created in 1997 to promote college football ideals, makes no bones about the importance of each game. Losing at any time during the season can thwart a team's chances for postseason action or an NCAA Championship. No wonder NCAA Football marketers have adopted a tagline of "NCAA Football: Every Game Counts." Bethune-Cookman Wildcats, UCF Golden Knights
911 Charity for Charities
September 11 brings the annual 911 Charity for Charities, a gala with many Central Florida non-profits pooling resources to produce one of the largest FUNdraisers of its kind at the Orange County Convention Center. On tap are Vegas-style gaming, bands, silent / live auctions, dinner and more.
Mexican Fiesta
Commemorating Mexican Independence Day, the fiesta highlights Mexican traditions, food, music and more at Lake Eola Park. Call (407) 895-5061 for more information.
New Smyrna Beach Jazz Festival
Staged on Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna’s Jazz Festival includes performances, fashion show, wine tasting and more. Nearby attractions include shops, art galleries and bird watching in a biologically diverse estuary. Call (800) 541-9621 for more information.
Alcon / Heart of Florida United Way Golf Classic
Stoneybrook Golf Club East is the scene for this Alcon-hosted golf event benefiting Heart of Florida United Way. Fun includes a lunch buffet and raffle prizes. Call (407) 384-6888 for more information.
Miracle Mile
Miracle Mile, one of only three 15k runs in Florida, attracts athletes from across the nation to race, starting at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children & Women. Call (321) 841-5836 for more information.
Orlando Home Show
Orlando Home Show, at Orange County Convention Center, is among the region’s largest consumer showcases for remodeling and interior décor. Call (800) 645-7798 for more information.
Osceola Art Festival
Artists feature oil paintings, sculptures, photography, and more at Kissimmee's Lakefront Park. Call (407) 931-1646 for more information.
Fall Harvest Festival
A healthy celebration of autumn unfolds with opportunity to register for prizes and a sampling feast of free natural / organic taste treats at Chamberlin's Natural Foods, locations in Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Kissimmee, Lakeland, Oviedo and Winter Park. Call (918) 664-2136 for more information.
Real Estate Expo
As a pioneer in consumer real estate shows, Real Estate Expo, Inc. conducts its Orlando expo to bring together builders, developers, realty firms, financial institutions, home design firms and ancillary industries under one roof to provide a one-stop resource to investors and buyers. Call (305) 531-4663 for more information.
October
Boot Hill Saloon Biket Oberfest Party
East of Orlando across from the Daytona Beach cemetery, this saloon serves as the central region’s Biketoberfest capital, with live music to the crunch of chainsaw ice sculpturing. Call (386) 258-9506 for more information.
Dick Batchelor Run & Kids’ Fun Run
Participants are encouraged to come in Halloween costumes for this holiday sporting event at downtown Orlando’s Lake Eola Park with lots of treats and plenty to entertain kids. Call (321) 841-5836 for more information.
Calle Orange
Calle Orange, spreading out over 16 blocks of downtown Orlando, has kiosks lining streets, bands performing on stages and more. Call (407) 381-5310 for more information.
Oktoberfest in Kissimmee
Kissimmee’s Osceola Heritage Park stages the family-oriented Oktoberfest with authentic German food, beer and wine, great live entertainment, and cash prizes. Call (321) 697-3333 for more information.
Oktoberfest in Kissimmee
On the second weekend in October, Kissimmee Town Center becomes a German biergarten, where Autumn is celebrated with live music, food and assorted vendors, falling leaves on Market Street, hay rides and more. Call (407) 566-4007 for more information.
Halloween Horror Nights
Throughout October, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure feature haunted houses, spooky shows and lots of roaming monsters. Call (877) 284-GORY for more information.
Buckler’s Holiday Craft Fair
At both St. Lucie County Fairgrounds near Fort Pierce and the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, this show features one-of-a-kind items in gold / silver jewelry, home accessories, pet items, homemade fudge and more. Call (386) 860-0092 for more information.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween
Mickey hosts a Halloween party featuring trick-or-treating around the park, a children's costume parade and more in the Magic Kingdom Park. Call (407) 824-4321 for more information.
Polish Fest
Polish food, polka competition and more make for a festive annual celebration of all things Polish at the Winter Park Elks Lodge. Call (407) 365-2586 for more information.
International Food and Wine Festival
From late October through mid-November, cooking demonstrations and food and wine sampling from around the world takes place at Epcot Theme Park. Call (407) 824-4321 for more information.
Lake Eola Kissimmee in the Park
Orlando’s Lake Eola Park features singers, bands and musicians from Walt Disney World Resort, with food, games and fireworks. Call (407) 246-2827 for more information.
Shamu’s Halloween Spooktacular
SeaWorld Adventure Park’s Halloween festivities treat families to a safe, happy celebrations with parades, costumes and Halloween-inspired shows. Call (800) 327-2424 for more information.
Viva Osceola Festival
Viva Osceola Festival celebrates Latin culture at Lakefront Park in downtown Kissimmee. Call (407) 847-3174 for more information.
Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival
In the Florida Panhandle, north of Destin between Panama City and Pensacola, Niceville's Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival draws throngs for quality art, crafts, and a staggering array of food concessions including the humble fish so key to area livelihood. Call (850) 729-4545 for more information.
November
Festival of the Masters
Downtown Disney is the site of this acclaimed open air art festival. Call (407) 934-7639
Festival of the Trees
Festival of the Trees features designer Christmas trees, carolers, seminars and more at the Orlando Museum of Art. Call (407) 672-3838 for more information.
Baldwin Park Auto Show
In mid-March and November, the neighborhood of Baldwin Park hosts dealers and collectors of vintage hot rods, customs, classics and antiques, accompanied by music of the period, where the public can get close to the cars of their dreams in this fun open air event. Call (407) 937-9129 for more information.
