Events On The Town: January 2019
30 Special Events and 8 fundraisers happening in the month of January.
SPECIAL EVENTS
GAYLORD ICE!
Through Jan. 6: This holiday season, guests can experience “ICE! A Christmas Story” through interactive ice sculptures and displays. Children can also enjoy ice slides and ice tubing. 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee. 407-586-4423. tickets.gaylordpalms.com
HOLIDAYS AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
Through Jan. 6: Muggles are invited to spend Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are transformed with wondrous spirit. Visitors can watch Universal’s Holiday Parade and the live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s classic holiday tale, the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.” Activities included in park admission. Universal Orlando, 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando. universalorlando.com
CHRISTMAS AT BOK TOWER GARDENS
Through Jan. 6: The 1930s Mediterranean-style mansion comes alive with holiday color and lights for this annual event. 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. 863-676-1408. The gardens are open daily 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; the Visitor Center is open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with home tours from 10 a.m-5 p.m. boktowergardens.org
STETSON MANSION CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
Through Jan. 15: Tours guides share the details of the decorations and historic highlights of the mansion, including the inspiring story of the current owner’s extensive restoration. Reservations required. Stetson Mansion, 1031 Camphor Lane, DeLand. stetsonmansion.com
FIRST THURSDAYS AT OMA
Jan. 3: 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 theme: “The Age of Aquarius.” 6-9 p.m. Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando. omart.org
MECUM COLLECTOR CAR AUCTION
Jan. 3-13: Expect to see thousands of antique, muscle and exotic cars for sale, along with old auto signs, hood ornaments and other memorabilia. Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee. mecum.com
WINTER MUSIC SERIES AT THE WINERY
Jan. 5, 12, 19 & 26: Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards offers live music on Saturday afternoons in January, with bands performing on an outdoor stage. Along with complimentary winery tours and tastings, food, wine and soft drinks are available for purchase. Noon to 4 p.m. 19239 N. U.S. Highway 27, Clermont. lakeridgewinery.com
EATONVILLE CRAFTS & CULTURE MARKET
Jan. 6: Experience the history, heritage and culture that is the historic Town of Eatonville featuring storytellers, performers, reenactments, merchants and human services. Free. 1-5 p.m. 100 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville. eatonvillechf.com
STORY TIME AT LEU GARDENS
Jan. 7: Orange County Library System comes to the gardens to share stories and songs with infants at 10 a.m., toddlers at 10:20 a.m. and preschoolers at 10:40 a.m. Free. 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. 407-246-2620. leugardens.org
WWE RAW
Jan. 7: Join superstars like International Champion Seth Rollins, Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey and Braun Strowman as they battle it out for this televised WWE experience. 7:30 p.m. Amway Center, 400 W. Church St., Orlando. 407-440-7000, 800-745-3000. amwaycenter.com
THORNTON PARK 2ND THURSDAY ART AND WINE WALK
Jan. 10: 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 FIVE STREET PARTY
Jan. 10: AA5 is Central Florida’s largest recurring monthly street party with live music, local artists, and food and beverage samplings. 5-8 p.m. 230 E. First St., Sanford. sanfordwelcomecenter.com
ART AND MUSIC IN THE PARK
Jan. 11: Artwork and live music in the park between Casselberry City Hall and Lake Concord. Food trucks and other vendors on site as well. 6 p.m. Free. Casselberry City Hall, 95 Triplet Lake Drive, Casselberry. 407-262-7700, Ext. 1507. casselberry.org
MOUNT DORA 2ND FRIDAY ART SPLASH
Jan. 11: 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
EATONVILLE MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. PARADE
Jan. 13: The nation’s oldest incorporated African-American municipality begins its parade at 2 p.m. on Kennedy Boulevard near the center of town. townofeatonville.com
3RD THURSDAY GALLERY HOP & ART WALK
Jan. 17: Visitors converge on the core of Orlando’s Downtown Arts District to browse the galleries and art venues that spotlight the best of established and emerging Orlando-based artists. 6 p.m. Rogers Kiene Building, 39 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 3rdthu.com
OTRONICON
Jan. 18-21: See cutting-edge technologies from the video-game and simulation industries. Meet industry leaders and learn more about STEM (science-technology-engineering-math) careers. And, adults can enjoy an Otronicon edition of Science Night Live from 8-11:30 p.m. on Jan. 19. Orlando Science Center, 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando. otronicon.org
EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
Jan. 18-Feb. 25: The trifecta of fabulous with artistic cuisine, visual arts to see and be a part of, and live entertainment from local bands and Disney on Broadway performances. Included with park admission. Walt Disney World Epcot Showcase, 200 Epcot Center Dr., Orlando. disneyworld.disney.go.com
METROPOLITAN OPERA NATIONAL COUNCIL AUDITIONS/VOCAL COMPETITION
Jan. 19: As many as 40 young, classically trained singers compete for the opportunity to sing on stage at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Trinity Preparatory School, 5700 Trinity Prep Lane, Winter Park. 407-922-4688. metauditionsflorida.org
MONSTER JAM
Jan. 19: Oversized, high-powered trucks and new and old favorites compete for a place in the Monster Jam World Finals. Gates open at 5 p.m.; the show begins at 7 p.m. Camping World Stadium, One Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando. monsterjam.com
CENTRAL FLORIDA SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES
Jan. 19-20: You don’t have to look good in plaid to appreciate the strength and skill displayed by the Scottish Highland Games’ athletic competitors, dancers, pipers and drummers. Exhibits and concessions feature all things Scottish. Event times are subject to change. Central Winds Park, Winter Springs. flascot.com
WINTER PARK UNITY HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Jan. 21: Join the mayor and city officials in the Hannibal Square neighborhood for a special Martin Luther King, Jr. symbolic program, including the annual Heritage activities with food and music. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Shady Park, 721 W. New England Ave., Winter Park. cityofwinterpark.org
ORLANDO BALLET UNCORKED!
Jan. 22: Orlando Ballet dancers perform and answer questions. 7 p.m. The Abbey, 100 S. Eola Drive, Orlando. 407-704-6103. abbeyorlando.com, orlandoballet.org
Sean Baker—A Conversation with an American Filmmaker
Jan. 23: The award-winning director of “The Florida Project” discusses his career making independent feature films. 7:30 p.m. Bush Auditorium, Rollins College. 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park. winterpark.org
AN EMPOWERING NIGHT OF LAUGHTER
Jan. 24: Nine of Orlando’s fearlessly funny women step out of their comfort zones and take center stage to perform a comedic routine they’ve written themselves. Hosted by Ybeth Bruzual. Mixer begins at 6 p.m.; show starts at 7 p.m. The Abbey, 100 S. Eola Drive #100, Orlando. 407-704-6261. orlandonewsroom.com/an-empowering-night-of-laughter
WOODSTOCK WINTER PARK—A GROOVY AFFAIR
Jan. 26: Grab your bell bottoms and love beads to enjoy a far-out evening under the stars complete with an array of food and cocktails, plus a live concert. 6-10 p.m. Mead Botanical Garden, 1300 S. Denning Drive, Winter Park. 407-599-2800. meadgarden.org
ORLANDO SHAKES AND CFCARTS
Jan. 26: Audiences are invited to a collaborative double-feature showing CFCArts Theater’s production of A Doll’s House followed by A Doll’s House–Part 2 presented by Orlando Shakes. Between shows, guests enjoy a buffet dinner and an artistic panel with cast members and creative team members. 2 p.m. 407-447-1700, ext. 1. Orlando Shakes!, 812 E. Rollins St., Orlando. dollshouseplay.com
ORANGE CITY BLUE SPRINGS MANATEE FESTIVAL
Jan. 26-27: Typically, 100 or more manatees visit the springs each winter. Celebrate this unique mammal and enjoy live music, crafts, face-painting, dancing and rides. Valentine Park, 1511 W. French Ave., Orange City. themanateefestival.com
ZORA! FESTIVAL
Jan. 26–Feb. 3: Celebrate the life of author and folklorist Zora Neale Hurston in her hometown of Eatonville with public talks, museum exhibitions, theatrical productions, arts education programming and a 3-day Outdoor Festival of the Arts. Most are free and open to the public. Zora Neale Hurston National Museum, 227 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville. zorafestival.org
MORSE MUSEUM LECTURE SERIES
Jan. 30: This annual lecture series focuses on topics related to the museum’s new exhibition, Earth into Art—The Flowering of American Art Pottery. Programs take place in the Jeannette G. and Hugh F. McKean Pavilion and are followed by a reception. Free. 2:30 p.m.161 W. Canton Avenue, Winter Park. 407-645-5311. morsemuseum.org
World of Good
January Fundraisers
1/5-13
TORCH ICON CAMPAIGN, benefits Special Olympics Florida. Publix stores throughout Orlando and across the state. 352-243-9536, specialolympicsflorida.org
1/9-13
WALT DISNEY WORLD MARATHON WEEKEND, benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista. rundisney.com/disneyworld-marathon
1/16-20
DIAMOND RESORTS INVITATIONAL, benefits the Florida Hospital for Children. Tranquilo Golf Club at Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando. golf.diamondresorts.com
1/19
PARK AVENUE 5K, benefits the Track Shack Youth Foundation. Central Park, Winter Park. trackshack.com
1/25
LAKELAND PIG FEST, benefits several Lakeland charities. SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus, Lakeland. lakelandpigfest.org
1/26
FIRE IN THE PARK CHILI COOKOFF FOR A CURE, benefits the Florida Hospital for Children’s Pediatric Oncology. Downtown Avalon Park, Orlando. avalonparkchilicookoff.com
FLORIDA HOSPITAL LADY TRACK SHACK 5K, benefits the Florida Hospital Breast Cancer Care Fund. Loch Haven Park, Orlando. trackshack.com
5K RUN & WALK FOR RA, benefits the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation. Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake, Orlando. helpfightra.org
