The sidewalks of Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando will be bustling with art and life this weekend as Fall Fiesta in the Park pops up for its annual show.
The event, now in its 54th year, returns Nov. 1-2 with more than 200 artists, crafters and food vendors from Florida and beyond showing paintings, pottery, jewelry, edible goods, pet products, fabric art and more. Tens of thousands of visitors seek out the festival throughout the weekend to spend time outdoors and get an early start on holiday shopping.
“It’s eclectic and affordable,” said Brian Young, one of the festival organizers. “Some pieces start at $4,000 at fine art festivals. We target a whole different bunch of people with this event. You can get items here for as low as $5 and up to $500 for handmade chairs and things like that.”
Visitors to the pet and family-friendly festival can experience live music, a children’s area and food options in addition to the artistic offerings. The show also presents a chance to purchase a special, handmade gift that can’t be found at a big-box store.
“You can finish your Christmas shopping in one weekend with unique, handmade stuff that you can’t get at Walmart,” Young said. “We try to only bring in professional handmade crafters and artists.”
For years, the event took place with many vendors set up on Robinson Street. In recent years, Young and fellow organizer Janet Gamache have worked with the City of Orlando to move artists inside the park where there is more shade.
Fall Fiesta in the Park returns to Orlando’s Lake Eola Nov. 1-2 with more than 200 artists, crafters and food vendors. (Courtesy Brian Young)
In addition to providing a gathering place for the community, Fiesta in the Park gives back to Orlando by giving a percentage of profits to the Orlando Community & Youth Trust. Previously, the festival’s committee, which also hosts a springtime festival, donated money to help beautify Lake Eola and buy police horses and dogs.
Young encouraged the community to attend the festival this weekend, especially given the favorable forecast.
“The weather this weekend is going to be unbelievable with a high of 74 on Saturday and 79 on Sunday,” he said. Young also noted the level of art and crafts the festival tends to attract. “Our method is to attract the best quality possible, and it’s working.”
Fall Fiesta in the Park returns to Lake Eola Nov. 1-2 with more than 200 artists, crafters and food vendors. (Courtesy Brian Young)
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If you go
Fall Fiesta in the Park is 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 1-2 at 512 E. Washington St. in Orlando. The event is pet-friendly, family-friendly and free to attend. For more information, visit fiestainthepark.com.