Metro Orlando Annual Events Calendar

February through June

July through January

Early February —

Live entertainment, children's activities and street vendors with food make for a festive day while enjoying the works of more than 200 artists. The artists compete for awards in painting, printmaking, photography, jewelry, sculpture and numerous other categories.
Call 352-383-2165.

Mid Feburary —

Features artisans, storytellers, music, cultural entertainment and food in the American Adventure Rotunda. Artisans include a woodcarver, fabric artists and muralists. Storytellers communicate the stories of the murals and interactive exhibits showcase cultural inventions and exploration. A jazz trio offers authentic music, and Disney chefs prepare traditional fare.
407-824-4321.

February —

Daytona International Speedway becomes the World Center of Racing during this annual event. Action kicks off with the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona, the only round-the-clock endurance of its kind held in North America followed by events leading up to the Daytona 500.
800-854-1234 — 386-254-2700.

Late February —

This event, first held in 1935 to commemorate the birth date of Johann Sebastian Bach, is now the third oldest Bach festival in the United States. The festival is accompanied by a concert series throughout the year. Location: Rollins College, Winter Park.
407-646-2182.

Early March

Entertainers in bluegrass and bluegrass gospel music perform in the four-day event. Arts and crafts booths and Southern barbecue accompany the music.
800- 473-7773.

Early March —

The Winter Strawberry Capital of the World, Plant City, Fla., hosts its annual festival of strawberry treats, country-and-western concerts, agricultural and livestock exhibits, rides, games, blue ribbon contests and arts and crafts booths.
813-752-9194.

March —

Hosted by the Bay Hill Country Club and its owner Arnold Palmer. This event has attracted top players who compete for over $2 million in prize money since 1978. The Bay Hill Club has hosted 22 annual PGA TOUR Bay Hill Invitational events. Bay Hill is rated in the top 100 courses in America.
407-876-2888.

Mid-March - Mid-May —

Popular springtime event features bigger-than-life floral topiaries, graceful swans, butterflies, peacocks, tropical fish and a 19-foot Easter bunny. The only festival of its kind in the country, the event also includes 30,000 floral bed annuals.
800-282-2123.

Mid-March —

Enjoy the coming spring with some Irish fun, the annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration in Winter Park. Kicks off with a parade down Park Avenue. Features Irish music, dancing and traditional Irish food in adjacent Central Park.
407-644-8281.

March —

Bike week is one the Daytona Beach's most popular motorcycle enthusiast festivals. Many activities such as the prestigious Daytona 200 by Arai motorcycle races at Daytona International Speedway, Expos, concerts, street festivals and the Harley-Davidson Parade through the city.
800-854-1234.

Mid-March

One of the most prestigious outdoor fine arts festivals in the nation. This annual event features three days of art, food, music and children's activities. The festival attracts more than 300,000 people each year. More than 200 artists display works in photography, sculpture, watercolor, mixed media, oils, acrylics, metal work, glass, drawing, graphics and clay.
407-644-8281.

April —

Catch more than 100 performing companies with more than 500 shows in one central location. The festval is performed on nine stages, seven storefront theaters, one kids venue and an outdoor stage at the Orange County Regional History Center's Heritage Square, within walking distance of downtown Orlando.
407.836.6200

Late April — June

The annual festival features colorful gardens, topiaries, and spectacular horticulture displays, plus workshops about innovative gardening techniques, environmentally sound gardening, entertainment and special presentations by noted garden experts. The festival is included in the regular Epcot park admission.
407-824-4321.

April —

The Orlando Science Center hosts an Annual Wine Tasting event at the Winter Park Farmer's Market. All proceeds benefit the Orlando Science Center's education programs. There is a silent auction; and a Cognac and Cigar Bar for an additional charge. Cost is $45.00 per person in advance and $50.00 per person at the door.
407-677-9119.

April —

For three days, Silver Springs' visitors will learn about the Florida Aquifer, wildlife conservation, recycling, eco-tourism and more through environmentally themed exhibits, information booths and interactive games during the park's Annual Earth Day Celebration. The exhibits surround the main spring where guests can play Earth Day carnival games, hunt for treasures in a "geo dig," enjoy live animal shows and meet Smokey Bear.
352-236-2121.

April —

SeaWorld and the Orlando-area churches join together for the park's 26th annual sunrise service on Easter Sunday. The interdenominational service is free and begins at 6:00 a.m. at SeaWorld's Bayside Stadium. Guests attending the service will receive $3.00 off admission to the park on Easter Sunday.
407-351-3600.

May —

CityWalk celebrates Cinco de Mayo with a pinata full of Mexican festivities. Strolling Mariachis along with the tastes and sounds of authentic Mexican cusine takes guests "south of the border" and dancing in the streets.
407-224-WALK.

Late May —

Join more than 30,000 people who attend and consume more than 200,000 ears of corn each year. The festival features corn-eating contests, carnival rides, live entertainment, games, arts and crafts. Ticket price includes a meal of ham, potato salad, baked beans, roll, iced tea, and all the Zellwood Sweet Corn you can eat. Zellwood (about 25 miles northwest of Orlando Take Route 436 to Route 441).
407-886-0014.

June —

The Florida Film Festival showcases the best American Independent and Foreign Films. Presented by Universal Studios Orlando, the Festival features more than 50 feature films (both narrative and documentary), over 70 shorts, and a full array of forums, parties, and other special events. These events spread across the Central Florida area with venues at Enzian Theater in Maitland, Rollins College in Winter Park, and at the Loewes Universal Cineplex at the CityWalk entertainment complex.
407-629-8587.