YOUR SEASON PLANNER<\/p>\n
Schedules are subject to change, so always double-check before heading to an event.<\/p>\n
APOPKA WOMAN\u2019S CLUB<\/p>\n
Proceeds from the Apopka Woman\u2019s Club annual festival go to scholarships and charitable contributions for the community. The event takes place at Kit Land Nelson Park, 35 S. Park Ave. in Apopka. Information: apopkaartandfoliagefestival.org<\/a><\/p>\n 65TH ANNUAL APOPKA ART & FOLIAGE FESTIVAL: April 24-25, 2027. Arts and crafts, plant doctors, children\u2019s art area, entertainment, food and more.<\/p>\n ARTS AT THE J<\/p>\n The program of special cultural events takes place at the Rosen Family Jewish Community Center, 11184 S. Apopka-Vineland Road in Orlando. More information: rosenjcc.org\/arts-at-the-j<\/a><\/p>\n BROADWAY MEETS OPERA: Nov. 12. Opera Orlando singers perform a mix of showtunes and arias.<\/p>\n LANAKILA\u2019S POLYNESIAN HOLIDAY LUAU: Dec. 13. A festive celebration of Polynesian culture through music, dance, costumes and storytelling.<\/p>\n FENOMERICA: Jan. 23, 2027. Flamenco del Sur offers this dance-theater performance filled with passion, rhythm, drama and circus-inspired staging.<\/p>\n I NEVER SAW ANOTHER BUTTERFLY: Feb. 27, 2027. The Bridge Theatre performs this\u00a0play based on children\u2019s poetry from the Nazis\u2019 Terezin internment camp that reflects on memory, resilience, identity and bearing witness.<\/p>\n ASSOCIATION TO PRESERVE THE EATONVILLE COMMUNITY<\/p>\n The organization presents its annual festival along East Kennedy Boulevard in Eatonville. More information: Zorafestival.org<\/a><\/p>\n HATITUDE CULTURAL FLAIR BRUNCH: Oct. 17. at Eola View, 150 E. Central Blvd. in Orlando. The program highlights the importance of culture as a reflection of humanity, featuring a master designer and \u201cfine fashion, good fellowship and delicious cuisine.\u201d This year\u2019s event, hosted by Star\u00a0 94.5\u2019s JoJo O\u2019Neal, features fashion designer Chuks Collins.<\/p>\n ZORA NEALE HURSTON FESTIVAL: Jan. 29-31, 2027. Annual festival celebrating the life and legacy of Eatonville author Zora Neale Hurston.<\/p>\n CASSELBERRY LATIN JAZZ AND ART FESTIVAL<\/p>\n The free annual event takes place at Lake Concord Park, 95 Triplet Lake Drive in Casselberry. More information: casselberry.org\/656\/Latin-Jazz-Concert<\/a><\/p>\n FESTIVAL: Sept. 12. Grammy-winner Nestor Torres, Emmy-nominated Fabiola Mendez and friends will headline the Puerto Rican-inspired concert. The event also includes food, shopping and an exhibit by Latin American artists at City Hall.<\/p>\n CELEBRATION FOUNDATION<\/p>\n The nonprofit, which also runs a concert series (see Music: classical, choral, opera, jazz listings), is also planning a holiday home tour. Information: celebrationfoundation.org<\/a><\/p>\n HOLIDAY HOME TOUR: Dec. 5-6, with a VIP Sparkle Soiree on Dec. 4. The self-guided tour allows access to seasonally decorated homes throughout Celebration, as well as a stop at the Magical Marketplace, which offers holiday decor and gifts for purchase.<\/p>\n The annual event is at Central Winds Park, 1000 Central Winds Drive in Winter Springs. Information: flascot.com<\/a><\/p>\n 49TH SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES: Jan. 16-17, 2027. Scottish athletics, bagpipe bands, Highland dancing, Celtic music, cultural exhibits, kids\u2019 games, food and more.<\/p>\n CHURCH ON THE DRIVE<\/p>\n The church is at 1914 Edgewater Drive in Orlando. More information: churchonthedrive.org<\/a><\/p>\n CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS: Jan. 30, 2027.\u00a0 An exhibition showcases the work of local visual artists.<\/p>\n CREATIVE CITY PROJECT<\/p>\n Seasonal events take place at Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave. in Orlando, while the Immerse festival happens in the streets of downtown Orlando. More information: creativecityproject.com<\/a><\/p>\n DAZZLING NIGHTS: Nov. 20, 2026-Jan. 3, 2027. A million lights fill Leu Gardens with holiday cheer in this walk-through attraction featuring music and art.<\/p>\n IMMERSE: Feb. 19-21, 2027.\u00a0 A festival celebrating creativity in all the arts takes over the streets of downtown Orlando.<\/p>\n The arts center is at 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando. More information: drphillipscenter.org<\/a><\/p>\n BOURBON TASTINGS: Sept. 17 (Smoke & Oak: Bourbon & BBQ) and Dec. 17 (Spirit of the Season), in Judson\u2019s Live. Barrel master leads guests through an experience of the beverage, combining storytelling and spirits, with entertainment from Beemo, an Americana-folk-strings ensemble.<\/p>\n WINE TASTINGS: Oct. 4 (The Red Collection), Nov. 1 (The Blind Tasting Experience), Dec. 6 (The World of Sparkling Wine) and Feb. 7, 2027 (Grand Cru Reserve), all in Judson\u2019s Live. Master sommelier George Miliotes leads this intimate, workshop-style series that blends education and storytelling through six hand-selected pours at each event.<\/p>\n FRONTYARD HOLIDAY FESTIVAL: Nov. 27-Dec. 31. Food, drink and fun on the center\u2019s Seneff Arts Plaza. Among the offerings: Concerts and other live entertainment, themed nights, holiday movie screenings, nightly snowfall, interactive experiences, light displays and a carillon of bronze bells weighing in at nearly 4 tons.<\/p>\n CIRQUE ALICE: March 12-14, 2027. This theatrical acrobatic extravaganza takes place in Lewis Carroll\u2019s Wonderland, with aerialists, contortionists, dancers and puppeteers performing to a soundtrack of contemporary arrangements of classical hits.<\/p>\n FIESTA IN THE PARK<\/p>\n These free annual celebrations take place in Lake Eola Park, 512 E. Washington St. in Orlando. More information: fiestainthepark.com<\/a><\/p>\n 55TH ANNUAL FALL FIESTA IN THE PARK: Nov. 7-8. More than 300 artists, craftspeople and food vendors.<\/p>\n FUSIONFEST<\/p>\n The annual celebration of Central Florida\u2019s diverse cultures takes place in downtown Orlando between the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and City Hall on Orange Avenue. More information: FusionFest.org<\/a><\/p>\n 9TH ANNUAL FUSIONFEST: Nov. 28-29. A celebration of global cultures with food, music, art and more.<\/p>\n GARDEN THEATRE ON PLANT<\/p>\n The city of Winter Garden in partnership with DNA Productions presents plays (see Theater listings), concerts (see Music: classical, choral, opera, jazz listings) and other entertainment at the theater, 160 W. Plant St. in Winter Garden. More information: gardentheatreonplant.com<\/a><\/p>\n Family Shows<\/p>\n WILD WORLD OF ANIMALS: Nov. 14. Grant Kemmerer hosts this hands-on wildlife experience that brings audiences face to face with critters.<\/p>\n MUTTS GONE NUTS: Jan. 23, 2027. A canine comedy spectacular starring a cast of rescue dogs doing tricks and stunts.<\/p>\n Patrick Connolly \/ Orlando Sentinel<\/p>\n Gaylord Palms’ holiday celebrations will be anchored by its annual ice-sculpture display, this year themed to the movie “The Polar Express.” (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel) The resort is at 6000 W. Osceola Parkway in Kissimmee. More information: christmasatgaylordpalms.marriott.com<\/a><\/p>\n CHRISTMAS AT GAYLORD PALMS: Nov. 13, 2026-Jan. 3, 2027. The \u201cPomp, Snow & Cirqueumstance\u201d show returns, among other entertainment offerings and activities, such as indoor ice tubing. This year\u2019s signature Ice! exhibit, consisting of large-scale ice sculptures, is themed to the movie \u201cThe Polar Express.:<\/p>\n HANNIBAL SQUARE HERITAGE CENTER<\/p>\n The center, a program of Creald\u00e9 School of Art, is located at 642 W. New England Ave. in Winter Park. Hours are noon-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. More information: 407-539-2680 or hannibalsquareheritagecenter.org<\/a><\/p>\n UNITY HERITAGE FESTIVAL: Jan. 16-19, 2027. Annual celebration of the life of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., featuring music, food and cultural presentations at Shady Park and the Heritage Center.<\/p>\n THE SPIRIT OF SANKOFA \u2014 JUNETEENTH AT THE HANNIBAL SQUARE HERITAGE CENTER: June 19, 2027. An immersive celebration of freedom featuring spoken word, live music, interactive art activities and exhibitions exploring African-American history and the continuing pursuit of justice and equity.<\/p>\n HOPE & HEALTH OF CENTRAL FLORIDA<\/p>\n The nonprofit\u2019s signature event returns this year at the Hilton Orlando, 6001 Destination Parkway. More information: headdressgala.com<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n HEADDRESS GALA: Sept. 19. Grammy-winning Motown star Thelma Houston will headline the fashion-forward night of entertainment that raises money for Hope & Health, a nonprofit that provides HIV and STI prevention, testing, treatment, and care services across seven counties.<\/p>\n KIA CENTER<\/p>\n The center is at 400 W. Church St. in Orlando. More info: Kiacenter.com<\/a><\/p>\n DISNEY ON ICE \u2014 SPOTLIGHT MAGIC: Sept. 4-6. Characters from \u201cZootopia 2,\u201d \u201cTangled,\u201d \u201cBeauty and the Beast,\u201d \u201cToy Story\u201d and \u201cMonsters, Inc.\u201d put on their skates, along with Disney villains and Mickey and pals.<\/p>\n The group has its annual show at the Venetian Center, 1 Dozier Circle in Leesburg. Information: lakequiltguild.com<\/a><\/p>\n 43RD ANNUAL FANTASTIC QUILT SHOW: Nov. 13-14. Quilts, vendors and more.<\/p>\n LEU GARDENS<\/p>\n The Harry P. Leu Gardens are at 1920 N. Forest Ave. in Orlando. Information: leugardens.org<\/a><\/p>\n FREE DAY: First Monday of each month.<\/p>\n FAIRY DOORS: Through Sept. 7. Whimsical displays among the foliage.<\/p>\n WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING: Sept. 4. The rom-com is screened as part of the movie series.<\/p>\n FALL INTO THE GARDENS: Sept. 12-Nov. 2. Seasonal displays, plus a \u201cGarden Chicken Hunt,\u201d in which families can search for funny chickens hidden throughout the gardens. A Craft Day, with family activities, kicks off the celebration on Sept. 12.<\/p>\n SCIENCE SUNDAY: Sept. 26. Experience hands-on exploration, interactive demonstrations and other family-friendly fun.<\/p>\n THE MOTHMAN PROPHECIES: Oct. 2: The cinematic thriller is screened as part of the movie series.<\/p>\n DOG DAY: Oct. 31. Pets are invited to explore the gardens with their families. Pups will receive goody bags while supplies last, a Doggie Boutique will be open, and three Hall-O-Ween canine costume contests will take place.<\/p>\n MOUNT DORA BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL<\/p>\n The event takes place in Donnelly Park, 539 N. Donnelly St. in Mount Dora. Information: MountDoraBlueberryFestival.com<\/a><\/p>\n 13TH MOUNT DORA BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL: April 24-25, 2027. Food, crafts, music and a blueberry pie-eating contest.<\/p>\n MOUNT DORA CRAFT FAIR<\/p>\n The annual event is free, with a parking shuttle located at 900 Lincoln Ave. in downtown Mount Dora. Information: MountDoraCraftFair.com<\/a><\/p>\n 42ND MOUNT DORA CRAFT FAIR: Oct. 24-25. More than 300 exhibitors from across the country, with food, drink and live music.<\/p>\n MOUNT DORA EARTH DAY<\/p>\n The free event, run by Mount Dora Friends of the Environment, is at Sunset Park, \u200b230 W. 4th Ave, in Mount Dora. Information: mountdoraenvironment.org<\/a><\/p>\n 32ND ANNUAL MOUNT DORA EARTH DAY CELEBRATION: April 24, 2027. Live music, exhibits, craft and plant vendors, interactive informational booths for children, educational workshops and more.<\/p>\n MOUNT DORA PLANT AND GARDEN FAIR<\/p>\n The free event takes place in Donnelly Park, 530 N. Donnelly St. in Mount Dora. Information: MountDoraPlantandGardenFair.com<\/a><\/p>\n 32ND ANNUAL MOUNT DORA PLANT AND GARDEN FAIR: Nov. 7-8. More than 100 vendors and nurseries from around the state showcase native and exotic plants, as well as garden wares and arts and crafts.<\/p>\n MOUNT DORA SPRING FESTIVAL<\/p>\n A free parking shuttle for this event in downtown Mount Dora is at 900 Lincoln Ave. Information: MountDoraSpringfestival.com<\/a><\/p>\n 30TH ANNUAL MOUNT DORA SPRING FESTIVAL OF ARTS & CRAFTS: March 20-21, 2027. More than 250 exhibitors, food and drink.<\/p>\n ORLANDO FAMILY STAGE<\/p>\n The theater for young audiences is at 1001 E. Princeton St. in Orlando\u2019s Loch Haven Park. Its full season of plays for families is detailed in the Theater listings. Information: orlandofamilystage.com<\/a><\/p>\n FLORIDA CHILDREN\u2019S BOOK FESTIVAL: Feb. 20, 2027. Presented with Writer\u2019s Block Bookstore, this series of community events unites nationally recognized authors, beloved characters, and Central Florida families in a love of reading.<\/p>\n The organization, which brings world cultures to Orlando in multilingual performances, has a residency at the A&H Museums of Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Ave. in Maitland. More information: openscene.org<\/a><\/p>\n VI FLAE: Oct. 12-18. Open Scene\u2019s International Performing Arts Festival includes international performances, immersive art, dramatic readings artist encounters and cinema workshops.<\/p>\n THE PLAZA LIVE<\/p>\n The venue is at 425 N. Bumby Ave. in Orlando, and also presents concerts, comedians and film events. More information: plazaliveorlando.org<\/a><\/p>\n CRYSTAL METHYD \u2014 THE ENCHANTED FOREST. March 13, 2027. The runner-up from season 12 of \u201cRuPaul\u2019s Drag Race\u201d\u00a0 and an \u201cAll-Stars\u201d competitor on that series\u2019 11th season, the drag performer stars in a one-woman show.<\/p>\n ST. JOHN\u2019S RIVERBOAT CO.<\/p>\n The company programs entertainment aboard its ship, the Barbara Lee, which departs from the marina at 433 N. Palmetto Ave. in Sanford. More information: stjohnsrivershipco.com<\/a><\/p>\n MURDER ON THE BARBARA LEE: Sept. 10, 13 and 17; Oct. 4, 11 and 15, Nov. 8, 15 and 19. The captain is dead, and there\u2019s a crew of suspects aboard the ship in this madcap mystery played more for laughs than suspense. Dinner is included with the show.<\/p>\n Details listed with each event.<\/p>\n 5TH ANNUAL A NIGHT OF THE MYSTIC ARTS FESTIVAL: Oct. 9 at Lake Concord Park, 95 Triplet Lake Drive in Casselberry. Live music, candy, tarot, palm reading and crystal demonstrations, Phantasmagoria performers and a market of items related to ghosts, spiritualism, mysticism, New Age arts and the unexplained. More information: historiccasselberry.com<\/a><\/p>\n UCF CELEBRATES THE ARTS<\/p>\n Events staged by University of Central Florida students, faculty and guests take place at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando. Information: arts.cah.ucf.edu\/celebrates<\/a><\/p>\n 13TH ANNUAL UCF CELEBRATES THE ARTS: April 5-18, 2027. Events include a full production of \u201cYoung Frankenstein,\u201d along with jazz, orchestra and opera performances, visual art, lectures and more.<\/p>\n WINTER PARK ARTS & CULTURE ALLIANCE<\/p>\n The group promotes the city\u2019s cultural scene. More information: wpinspires.org\/artsweekend<\/a><\/p>\n ARTS WEEKEND \u2014 A TAPESTRY OF EXPERIENCES: Feb. 4-7, 2027. Dozens of community events at the city\u2019s museums, theaters, outdoor spaces and the main stage in Central Park. Among the highlights: \u201cEconomic, Education & Emotion\u201d conversation at a free community breakfast on Feb. 4, a free community concert in Central Park on Feb. 5 and \u201cArt in the Park\u201d on Feb. 6.<\/p>\n WINTER PARK LIBRARY<\/p>\n![\"Pipers](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/OS-Central-Florida-Highland-Games-03.jpg\")
<\/a>Pipers and drummers from Rosie O’Grady’s Highlanders march during the 43rd annual Central Florida Scottish Highland Games at Central Winds Park in Winter Springs in 2020. The festivities return this year. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)
\nCENTRAL FLORIDA SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES<\/p>\n![\"Dazzling](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/tos-l-SNAP4-dazzling-nights1281.jpeg_a4d70a.jpg\")
<\/a>Dazzling Nights will once again light up the holiday season. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda\/Orlando Sentinel)
\nDR. PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS<\/p>\n![\"Gaylord](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/52AEPHUW2ZBOTLPKYIOBYLXL6E.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\nGAYLORD PALMS<\/p>\n![\"Who](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/TOS-L-ASP26-special-events-03.jpg\")
<\/a>Who knew that along with talking to mirrors, poisoining apples and transforming into a witch that Evil Queen’s special skills also include ice skating? Disney villains make their skating debut in “Disney On Ice \u2014 Spotlight Magic.” (Courtesy Disney On Ice)
\nLAKE COUNTY QUILTERS GUILD<\/p>\n![\"Crystal](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2275090720.jpg\")
<\/a>Crystal Methyd, pictured in New York City in May, will bring her one-woman show to Orlando this season. (Santiago Felipe\/Getty Images for Paramount+)
\nOPEN SCENE<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/TOS-L-barbara-lee-murder-mystery-04.jpg\")
<\/a>A comical cast of suspects awaits aboard the Rivership Barbara-Lee for a new murder-mystery show titled “Deadly Secrets.” (Courtesy ‘Deadly Secrets’)
\nSEMINOLE CULTURAL ARTS COUNCIL<\/p>\n