ORLANDO, Fla. — Artists and performers are center focus at IMMERSE in Downtown Orlando.

What You Need To Know

IMMERSE Festival is underway in Downtown Orlando, spanning 10 blocks along Orange Ave.

Performances include musicians, dancers and acrobats

Saturday’s event is scheduled 5 p.m – 11 p.m, while daytime fireworks are scheduled at 1 p.m on Sunday

The festival promotes the art and music scene throughout the city 

The annual festival is organized by the nonprofit Creative City Project, started by a group of friends in 2012.

“We believe that Orlando’s creative talent is world class and one of a kind, so we love platforming artists to create things that literally people can only experience here in our home,” said artistic director Cole NeSmith.

As the years went on, the crowds and lineup got larger — allowing the city to immerse itself in the creativity. Hundreds of artists and performers are part of it, such as dancers, musicians, acrobats and more.

“No matter what you experience, you’re going to experience something amazing and totally different from everybody else,” said NeSmith.

The art experience spans 10 blocks downtown. Performers are located throughout Orange Avenue, Church Street, Pine Street, Magnolia Avenue, City Hall’s City Commons Plaza, Dr. Phillips Center’s Seneff Plaza and Frontyard, Seaside Plaza, Duncan Plaza and Lake Eola.

It’s the first time Jack Ballard attended the event, alongside his friend Emma Beaty, who says she’s seen lots of art and music since walking in.

“It’s like really random and you don’t know what’s around the corner,” said Ballard. “Fun to explore for sure, like this is the most fun I’ve had exploring downtown in a while.”

It’s a first for vendors like Heather Scott, an author and artist located in the market near city hall, too.

“There’s so many people who’ve already stopped by so I’m excited to meet more people and share my art with them,” said Scott.

Organizers say they saw about 75,000 visitors last year and expect to surpass 100,000 people this year.

IMMERSE is presented by AdventHealth, but also receives support from the City of Orlando’s Downtown Development Board.

“Tourists are coming in, they’re staying in these hotels, and they’re paying a tax that benefits arts and culture,” said NeSmith. “So we’re really grateful for leaders who are committed to recognizing that the arts make a positive impact on our community.”

Saturday’s festivities kick off at 5 p.m. through 11 p.m. Sunday’s fireworks show begins at 1 p.m.