Events On The Town: April 2018
42 Special Events and 17 fundraisers happening in the month of April.
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS MARDI GRAS
Through Apr. 7: The French Quarter comes to Orlando. Festive floats and spectacular performers parade through the streets each night where you can catch beads, hear tunes from authentic New Orleans bands and sample Cajun cuisine. Included with regular admission. universalorlando.com
SEAWORLD SEVEN SEAS FOOD FESTIVAL
Through Apr. 15: Sip and sample your way around the world of international coastal cuisine paired with wines and craft beers and enjoy live performances from top country, rock and Latin music artists each weekend. seaworldorlando.com
EPCOT’S INTERNATIONAL FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL
Through May 28: Take in enchanting topiaries and gather gardening tips while sampling seasonal foods from the outdoor kitchens placed throughout this Disney theme park’s World Showcase. Enjoy live music while picking up outdoor-living advice and tips you can use at home. epcotinspring.com
CRAFTS AND CULTURE MARKET
Apr. 1: Happening the first Sunday of every month, this outdoor family friendly event features a kid’s corner, food trucks, artisan vendors, and music. Free. 1 p.m. 100 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville. Search Eatonville Cultural and Heritage Foundation Inc. on Facebook.
WINTER PARK INSTITUTE AT ROLLINS COLLEGE
Noted authors, historians and experts in their fields speak on a variety of topics. 407-691-1995. winterparkinstitute.org
Writings on the Wall—An Evening with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Apr. 4: The veteran athlete, activist and author speaks about his personal perspectives on political/racial issues facing America today. 7:30 p.m. Rollins College, Warden Arena at the Alfond Sports Center, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park.
FIRST THURSDAYS AT OMA
Apr. 5: Mingle with local artists and view their work, enjoy live music, and wander the galleries of the Orlando Museum of Art. Food and drink available for purchase. This month’s art theme is “Florida Grown.” 6-9 p.m. Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando. omart.org
RAM NATIONAL CIRCUIT FINALS RODEO
Apr. 5-8: Champion rodeo cowboys and cowgirls compete for more than $1 million in cash and prizes. Silver Spurs Arena, Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee. ohpark.com, rncfr.com
CENTRAL FLORIDA MINERAL AND GEM SOCIETY SHOW
Apr. 6-8: Sparkles, glints and glimmers galore can be seen at this annual exhibition and vendor show. Friday 1-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Florida National Guard Armory, 2809 S. Fern Creek Ave., Orlando. cfmgs.org
UCF CELEBRATES THE ARTS
Apr. 6-14: A week of artistic events (highlights below) hosted by the university at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. All events are free, though tickets are required for many. 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. arts.cah.ucf.edu/schedule
Tableaux Vivants
Apr. 6-7: “Living Art” showcases the collaborative work of more than 160 School of Visual Arts and Design students. Friday 5:30-10:30 p.m., Saturday 6-10:30 p.m. in the lobbies and public spaces throughout the center.
NEA Big Read—Staged Reading of The Refugee Plays
Apr. 8: A series of short plays exploring the experiences of refugees and undocumented immigrants in the United States. 4-6 p.m. DeVos Family Room.
UCF Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band
Apr. 9: The band performs a concert piece specially commissioned for UCF called Zodiac Concerto including special guests William Caballero, horn, and Roger Oyster, euphonium. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Walt Disney Theater.
Just Like Us
Apr. 10: Orlando Rep presents a staged reading of this documentary-style play following four teenaged Latina girls in Denver through their young adulthood years. 8-9:30 p.m. Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater.
K-12 Fine Arts Showcase
Apr. 11: Students from public and private school fine arts communities in Brevard, Orange, Osceola, Lake, Hillsborough, and Seminole counties gather for performances, shows, and presentations. 2-8 p.m. DeVos Family Room.
Opera Double Feature
Apr. 13-14: Two one-act operas in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Gianni Schicchi and the Florida premier of the sequel, Buoso’s Ghost. Friday 8-10 p.m., Saturday 2-4 p.m. Alexi & Jim Pugh Theater.
FLORIDA FILM FESTIVAL
Apr. 6-15: Now an Oscar-qualifying festival, it is 10 days of over 180 films premiering the best in current, independent and international cinema, plus first-class events where film lovers can mingle with filmmakers and celebrities. Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland. floridafilmfestival.com
STARS ON ICE
Apr. 7: A rare opportunity to witness members of the U.S. Figure Skating team who competed in the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games, including U.S. National Champion, Nathan Chen. 7:30 p.m. Amway Center, 400 W. Church St., Orlando. amwaycenter.com
FERMENTATION FESTIVAL
Apr. 7: A day full of classes and workshops teaching basic and wild fermentation, the science of brewing kombucha, making kimchi paste and more. Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.com
SPRING FIESTA IN THE PARK
Apr. 7-8: More than 150,000 people are expected to stroll around Lake Eola during this annual family oriented arts and crafts event. Plenty of music, food and games available. Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Lake Eola Park, Orlando. visitorlando.com/events
SPRING FEVER IN THE GARDEN
April 7-8: Plant and garden displays, chalk painting, garden experts, live music and more in downtown Winter Garden. Free. Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 300 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. springfeveringarden.com
POD TOURS AMERICA
Apr. 8: Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, Tommy Vietor and special guests are bringing the pod to Orlando for a live, no-nonsense conversation about politics, the press, and challenges posed by the Trump presidency. 8 p.m. Bob Car Theater, 401 W. Livingston St., Orlando. drphillipscenter.org
THORNTON PARK 2ND THURSDAY ART AND WINE WALK
Apr. 12: Artists display works for sale along the streets and inside local businesses. Free, but $15 gets you a glass (pay and pickup at Olde Town Brokers) and a map of participating businesses. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Summerlin Avenue and Washington Street. thorntonparkdistrict.com
SANFORD’S ALIVE AFTER 5 STREET PARTY
Apr. 12: Central Florida’s largest recurring street party, a gathering with live music, local artists, and food and beverage samples. 5 p.m. 230 E. First St., Sanford. sanfordwelcomecenter.com
CELEBRATION EXOTIC CAR FESTIVAL
Apr. 12-15: North America’s largest collection of exotic cars, race cars and iconic Hollywood movie cars, on display. Following two exhilarating track days and racing at the Daytona International Speedway, the event moves to Celebration, Florida. celebrationexoticcars.com
FLORIDA STORYTELLING FESTIVAL
Apr. 12-15: Storytelling “concerts,” workshops and competitions, a Swapping Grounds, a Youthful Voices & Family Fun Tent, a story store and a story cruise on Lake Dora. Lakeside Inn, 100 N. Alexander St., Mount Dora. flstory.com
FIRST ANNUAL FOLK FESTIVAL
Apr. 13: Art & Music in the Park expands with a folk twist. Forlorn Strangers headlines the live music performances with food trucks, local artisans and other vendors on site. 6 p.m. Free. Casselberry City Hall, 95 Triplet Lake Drive, Casselberry. 6 p.m 407-262-7700, ext. 1507.
MOUNT DORA 2ND FRIDAY ART SPLASH
Apr. 13: An evening of art, music and hors d’oeuvres to showcase the work of regional artists, on display at several walking-distance venues. Free. 6-8 p.m. 138 E. Fifth Ave., Mount Dora. mountdoracenterforthearts.org
THE COLOR RUN HERO TOUR
Apr. 14: This year’s run is filled with superhero-inspired features as runners get doused in color at every kilometer. The event benefits Second Harvest Food Bank. 9 a.m. Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee. ohpark.com
BOOTS & BLUES CONCERT
Apr. 14: Enjoy some music under the stars with Jamie Davis Band, Mud Rooster Blues, and Beemo. Pack a picnic dinner and bring chairs or blankets. 7 p.m. Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. 407-246-2620 leugardens.org
DELANDAPALOOZA MUSIC FESTIVAL
Apr. 14: A 12-hour festival of original music and art, with acts performing on stages throughout DeLand’s historic downtown. Rock, folk, blues, jazz, country, metal and more, plus more than 40 art displays and various vendors. 1 p.m. ssa.cc/delandapalooza.html
ORLANDO ART FOR HEALING FESTIVAL
Apr. 14: This free event features jewelry and artworks by local and national artists, plus a healing garden and more. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Lake Lily Park, 701 Lake Lily Drive, Maitland. 407-739-7835.
BLUES AT THE WINERY
Apr. 14-15: Some of Central Florida’s best blues artists perform on an outdoor stage. Sip wine or beer, tour the winery and enjoy the music. Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, 19239 N. U.S. Highway 27, Clermont. lakeridgewinery.com
FLORIDA WEDDING EXPO
Apr. 15: Meet some of the Central Florida’s most popular wedding vendors while sampling hors d’oeuvres, entrees, cocktails, cakes and desserts, plus a “Style Down the Aisle” fashion show, on-the-spot beauty treatments and more. 1-5 p.m. Rosen Plaza Hotel, 9700 International Drive, Orlando. floridaweddingexpo.com
GENEROCITY ORLANDO
Apr. 18: Orlando magazine’s “Party with a Purpose” showcases local nonprofit organizations while providing an opportunity for individuals to network and learn how to give back to the community. It’s an evening of food, fun, signature cocktails and entertainment. 6-8:30 p.m. Orlando Science Center, 777 E. Princeton St., Loch Haven Park. www.orlandomagazine.com/generocity
TASTE OF WINTER PARK
Apr. 19: Sample all the best food that Winter Park has to offer. Restaurants and caterers bring out their top noshes and drinks. 5-8 p.m. Winter Park Farmers Market, 200 W. New England Ave., Winter Park. 407-644-8281. winterpark.org
3RD THURSDAY GALLERY HOP & ART WALK
Apr. 19: Visitors converge on the core of Orlando’s Downtown Arts District to browse the galleries and non-traditional art venues that spotlight the best of established and emerging Orlando-based artists. 6 p.m. CityArts Factory, 29 S. Orange Ave., Orlando. orlandoslice.com
FLORIDA MUSIC FEST & CONFERENCE
Apr. 19-21: Each night from 7 p.m.-2 a.m., more than 150 bands perform on 15 stages throughout downtown Orlando. This industry conference also offers opportunities for artists to network with music companies and to hand out resumés and demos. floridamusicfestival.com
CENTRAL FLORIDA EARTH DAY
Apr. 21: The group Vegetarians of Central Florida hosts the largest and longest-running Earth Day festival in Central Florida, with educational exhibits, speakers, live music and family activities. This is a free, vegan, dog-friendly and smoke-free event. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Lake Eola Park, Orlando. cfearthday.org
HANNIBAL SQUARE HERITAGE CENTER FOLK & URBAN ART FESTIVAL
Apr. 21: Celebrate Central Florida’s richly diverse culture through artwork and music, featuring the works of more than 25 folk and educational artisans, including members of the original Florida Highwaymen. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 642 W. New England Ave., Winter Park. crealde.org
WJRR EARTHDAY BIRTHDAY
Apr. 21: A rock concert and festival featuring three stages of live music plus vendors, art displays and more. Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. wjrr.com
SANFORD ART WALK
Apr. 21: Discover this river town’s culture, nightlife, food and art while exploring galleries and art spaces on and around First Street between Magnolia and Sanford avenues. This month’s theme is “Art is a Drag.” 6-9 p.m. sanfordwelcomecenter.com
P[ART]ICIPATION DINNER AFFAIR
Apr. 22: A feast for your senses, local artists transform dining tables into works of art and guests enjoy dinner with the artist at their creation. The evening includes live performances and demonstrations, a silent auction and more. 6 p.m. Art and History Museums Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Ave., Maitland. 407-539-2181. artandhistory.org
WINTER PARK PAINT OUT
Apr. 22-28: Artists paint outdoors at locations throughout Winter Park; completed works are displayed and available for purchase at the Polasek, whose museum and gardens are open free to the public the entire week. 407-647-6294. Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens, 633 Osceola Ave., Winter Park. polasek.org
ANIMAL KINGDOM'S 20TH ANNIVERSARY
Apr. 22-May 5: The Walt Disney World adventure park kicks off its yearlong celebration with two weeks of “Party for the Planet’’ activities starting on Earth Day, featuring enhanced interactions with some of the park’s more than 2,000 animals, conservation talks, backstage experiences at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, special photo ops, and themed dinners hosted by animal experts at Tiffins. Plus, the debut of the show “UP! A Great Bird Adventure.’’ Included with regular park admission. disneyworld.disney.go.com
READING BETWEEN THE WINES
Apr. 25: New York Times bestselling author and History Channel star Brad Meltzer headlines this fundraiser for the Adult Literacy League. The event includes food and wine offerings from some of Orlando’s top restaurants. 6-9 p.m. Orlando Science Center, 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando. 407-422-1540, ext. 111.
adultliteracyleague.org
EARTHFEST 2018
Apr. 28: Numerous businesses and causes that have an Earth-friendly initiative will be present, plus live music and healthy food. Free tree and aquatic plant giveaways, tree planting workshops, kid art workshops and a recyclable art exhibit. Noon-8 p.m. Lake Concord Park, 95 Triplet Lake Drive, Casselberry. Free. 407-262-7700, ext. 1507. casselberry.org
THE SCIENCE OF WINE
Apr. 28: More than 150 wines from all over the world are paired with gourmet foods for a tasty learning experience. 7-10 p.m. Orlando Science Center, 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando. osc.org
World of Goood
April Fundraisers
4/5
JEANS AND JEWELS, benefits Freedom Ride, which provides therapeutic horseback riding for adults and children with disabilities. Country Club of Orlando, Orlando. freedomride.com
4/7
UCF KNIGHT-A-THON, a 20-hour dance marathon that benefits Greater Orlando children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. CFE Arena, UCF campus, Orlando. 407-823-1154. osi.ucf.edu/knight-thon
AN EVENTING AT THE PALACE GALA, benefits special-needs children through United Cerebral Palsy of Central Florida. Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace, Lake Buena Vista. ucpcfl.org
4/8
TASTE AT I-DRIVE 360, benefits Florida Hospital Esophageal Cancer Program. Orlando Eye on International Drive, Orlando.
floridahospital.com/foundation
ICE CREAM SOCIAL, benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida. Rachel D. Murrah Civic Center, Winter Park.
ronaldmcdonaldhouseorlando.org
HIGH TEA & HATS, benefits Seniors First. Rosen Plaza Hotel, Orlando. Search for Seniors First Inc. on Facebook.
4/9
FLORIDA HOSPITAL GOLF CLASSIC, benefits Florida Hospital’s Centers of Excellence. Reunion Resort, Kissimmee. 407-303-9586.
floridahospital.com/foundation
4/12
CALL TO HOPE BREAKFAST, benefits Shepherd’s Hope healthcare clinics for low-income families. Rosen Centre Hotel, Orlando. 407-876-6699, ext. 228. shepherdshope.org
4/14
WALK FOR PARKINSON, benefits Parkinson Association of Central Florida. Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs. 321-348-7223. parkinsoncf.org
CATTLE BARON’S BALL, benefits the American Cancer Society. Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando. cattlebaronsballorlando.com
ORLANDO HEART BALL, benefits the American Heart Association. Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Orlando. 407-481-6314. heart.org
4/20
THE ART OF THE VINE, benefits New Hope for Kids Center for Grieving Children. Fields BMW, Winter Park. 407-331-3059, ext. 10. newhopeforkids.org
4/21
PAWS FOR PEACE WALK, benefits Harbor House’s pet kennel for victims of domestic abuse. harborhousefl.com
4/25
READING BETWEEN THE WINES, benefits Adult Literacy League of Central Florida. Featured speaker is New York Times best-selling author Brad Meltzer. Orlando Science Center, Orlando. adultliteracyleague.org
4/26
TELLING THEIR STORIES CHANGING THE WORLD BREAKFAST, benefits Ten Thousand Villages programs that aid artisans in developing countries. First United Methodist Church Gymnasium, Winter Park. telltheirstorychangetheworldfundraiser.eventbrite.com
4/28
ORLANDO TAKE STEPS WALK, benefits Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. Lake Lily, Maitland. ccfa.org
WINE, WOMEN AND SHOES, benefits Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. winewomenandshoes.com/orlando
