Metro Orlando Annual Events Calendar

July through January

February through June

July —

This annual fireworks display is held in the City of Altamonte Springs adjacent to the Altamonte Springs shopping mall behind Route 436. Access through Central Parkway or the Mall's parking lot.
407-571-8857.

July —

A local tradition, the Lake Eola Fourth of July celebration features games, activities, entertainment and spectacular fireworks. Location: Lake Eola, Rosalind Avenue (between Central Boulevard and Robinson Street), downtown Orlando. Time: 3 p.m.-9 p.m.
407-246-2827.

July 4th will feature an Independence Day Costume Parade with kids from infants to sixth graders ath the Lake Eola Disney Amphitheater
call 407-648-9636.

July —

Free to the Public on July 4th -- Independence Day Morse Museum "4 Seasons" is part of the Louis C. Tiffany exhibit. The Winter Park museum will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in conjunction with Winter Park's Old Fashioned July 4th Celebration in Central Park. The city celebration includes a program of live patriotic music by the Bach Festival Orchestra and Choirs, games for children and adults, arts and crafts and hotdogs and sodas.
The museum houses the world's most comprehensive collection of works by American artist Louis Comfort Tiffany. On July 4th, visitors to the museum will be able to see art and architectural elements from Tiffany's Long Island estate, Laurelton Hall; the chapel Tiffany created for the 1893 Chicago world's fair; plus American Art Pottery and late 19th and early 20th century American paintings.
Regular admission to the museum is $3 for adults, $l for students and free to children under 12.
Summer hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday- Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. The Morse is closed on Monday.

July —

On July 4th, The Mount Dora Cannonball, a 1913 Baldwin oil fired steam engine, will travel the rails from Altamonte Springs to Wooten park in Tavares in Lake County to enjoy the fourth of July celebration and fireworks display. Price: Adults: $27.50. Children: $13.75. Call for reservations and additional information 352-383-5716.

July —

The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra performs the rousing sounds of freedom as a dazzling fireworks display illuminates the sky at SeaWorld's Bayside Stadium. The Fourth of July celebration includes a spectacular Shamu nighttime show and also showcases the park's 400-foot red, white and blue lighted sky tower -- one of the tallest patriotic landmarks in the country.

July 4th Patriotism runs high on Main Street, U.S.A. - and throughout Walt Disney World Resort with fireworks celebrations, traditional bluegrass music, and colonial-themed decor. Performances by Spirit of America, American Vybe and Voices at Epcot celebrate American heritage while Hoe Down showcases traditional bluegrass musical stylings throughout the day. Colonial costumed characters share stories of our nation's birth. There will also be special appearances by Betsy Ross, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. A patriotic fireworks finale set to "Yankee Doodle" and "Stars and Stripes Forever" rounds out Epcot's 4th of July celebration. Enjoy the "Fantasy in the Sky" fireworks over Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom along with a medley of patriotic music to cap off Independence Day revelry at Walt Disney World Resort.
407-824-4321).

July —

One of the largest patriotic celebrations and fireworks displays in Osceola County. A variety of entertainment as well as arts and crafts are also featured in the all-day festivities. Location: between Monument and Ruby streets along the Kissimmee lakefront.
407-933-8368.

The City of Kissimmee would like to invite you and your family to the Kissimmee July 4th Celebration. This is fun-filled day which includes free bingo, free Karaoke, old-fashioned children's games, a food festival arts and crafts, misting tent and live entertainment. July 4th starts at Noon.
407-93E-VENT

Music by Daryle Singletary, Rhett Atkins?, Jeff Carson?, James Platt and the Ace's and Eight's Band, Deja, Cuco Reyes y su Orquesta Vibracion and High Tide, arts and crafts, Karaoke, bingo, and fireworks at 9 p.m.

August 9-12—

Are you into the "Disney Pin" collecting craze? If so, you're gonna love this event. Cashing in its success with pin trading, Walt Disney World will hold its first pin festival at Epcot this summer. The "Pins Around Our World" festival is planned for August 9-12 in the former Millennium Village building in World Showcase Lagoon. 20 new limited-edition pins will be released and signings by Disney artists will be the highlight of the weekend's events. The average cost per pin is between $8.50 and $15.00. There will also be pins from Disneyland Paris and Tokyo.

Mid-August—

Maude the Elephant celabrates her birthday with visitors at the Central Florida Zoological Park. Children enjoy birthday cake with Maude and participate in hands-on activities.

Mid September—

This day of festivities at Lake Eola commemorates Mexican Independence Day and highlights Mexican traditions, food, arts, music and folklore.

Mid September —

This Christian Music festival usually runs the same weekend as Disney's Nights of Joy, featuring a hipper, edgier festival, playing to a younger crowd. It showcases less mainstream artists whose sound is a little harder; but whose message is still sacred. Tickets can be purchased from the Guest Relations desk at either Universal theme park or from any TicketMaster location. For reservations, call (407) 224-5500.

Mid September—

Artists from across the state exhibit oil paintings, watercolors, sculptures, photography and graphics along the shores of Lake Tohopekaliga. The annual festival also features food and entertainment. Location Admission: free. Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

October —

October 26, 27 and 31 —

hosts, goblins and things that go bump in the night return to Cypress Gardens every year during these Halloween festivities. "Ghostly Gardens" is geared for children 3-12. Don't miss "Creepy Corners" -- a spine tingling garden path filled with special effects and a Trick or Treat trail. Note that a separate admission ticket is required.

October —

Daytona International Speedway's newest event will feature monster truck racing and expositions. TRUXPO activities are geared towards three types of trucks and sport utility vehicles: four-wheel drives, two-wheel drives/classics and mini-trucks. Awards and prizes will be given in an off-road competition and stereo, hydraulics, and burn out contests. One and two-day passes are available.

October

International event attracts more than 75,000 motorcycle enthusiasts to the Daytona Beach area. Festivities include motorcycle races, charity rides, street festivals and expos. Biketoberfest is a family-oriented event that gives motorcycle enthusiasts that one last ride before the winter. Biketoberfest takes place at various locations throughout the Daytona Beach area.

October 20, 2001 - November 18, 2001 —

Walt Disney World guests can take their tastebuds on a culinary trip around the globe during the annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. This outdoor event in Epcot World Showcase celebrates the rich culinary culture of more than 30 nations through authentic cuisine, wine and entertainment. Some tantalizing treats include: wine from more than 100 wineries at 23 international food and wine marketplaces located around the World Showcase Lagoon; The Walt Disney World Marketplae, featuring the culinary specialities from around the world. Culinary demonstrations and wine seminars led by some of the top chefs and wine connoisseurs in America. Call 407-WDW-DINE.

October —

Individual and professional chefs face-off to showcase their culinary talents by serving up some gator tail at the Annual Greater Gator Cook-off. Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve, combining "Old Florida" charm with exciting, new exhibits and entertainment. The park opened as a roadside attraction in 1949. Gatorland offers affordable priced family-fun with thousands of alligators and crocodiles, a breeding marsh with boardwalk and observation tower, one-of-a-kind reptilian shows, miniature water-park, aviary, petting zoo, educational programs and much, much more. Call 1-800-393-JAWS.

October —

Magic Kingdom guests can join Mickey and his Disney character pals for a far-from-frightening good time at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Guests are invited to dress in costumes and trick-or-treat through the park. The boo-free bash also includes parades, live music and storytelling, culminating with a bewitching fireworks spectacular. This Magic Kingdom event is a good choice for the younger tourist. Call 407-W-DISNEY.

October —

Pleasure Island will host a Halloween party for guests searching for sounds that rack, groove and go bump in the night. Visitors can compete for hauntingly huge prizes during the Halloween costume contest. The Pleasure Island party scene also includes: awesome clubs, live bands, dnacers and comedians nightly. The Halloween party is included with regular Pleasure Island admission.