Events On The Town: March 2018
37 Special Events and 14 fundraisers happening in the month of February.
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 World theme park’s World Showcase. Enjoy live music while picking up outdoor-living advice you can use at home. epcotinspring.com
FIRST THURSDAYS AT OMA
March 1: 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: “The Art of Fashion” as a form of self-expression, confidence and beauty. 6-9 p.m. Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando. omart.org
OKEECHOBEE MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL
March 1-5: This four-day event features nearly 100 musical acts including, Powow! featuring Snoop Dogg, Foster the People, Magic!, Travis Scott, Khalid and more. Gates open Thursday at noon and close Monday at noon. Sunshine Grove, Okeechobee. okeechobeefest.com
FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
March 1-11: It’s not all about the strawberry shortcake; there’s a youth livestock show, rides, exhibits of commerce and live entertainment featuring Jerry Lee Lewis, Reba McEntire, Trace Adkins and many others. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. 303 N. Lemon St., Plant City. 813-752-9194. flstrawberryfestival.com
CENTRAL FLORIDA FAIR
March 1-18: Rides, midway games, livestock and culinary competitions make for a traditional, family favorite event. Schedule extends over three weekends; closed Mondays and Tuesdays. 4603 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando. centralfloridafair.com
PECHAKUCHA NIGHT ORLANDO V22
March 2: Drawing its name from the Japanese term for “chitchat,” this night of learning rests on a simple idea—20 images in 20 seconds—keeping the presentations concise and moving rapidly. This event’s theme is “Rise Up.” 6 p.m. Dr. Philips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. drphillipscenter.org
SONNY’S SMOKIN’ SHOWDOWN
March 3: This all-day event hosts one of the nation’s biggest barbeque competitions with more than 50 nationwide pit masters participating and features live music, food vendors, a kid zone, a rib-eating contest and cooking demonstrations for barbeque enthusiasts. 11 a.m. Tinker and McCracken fields, Camping World Stadium, 1 Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando. sonnysshowdown.com
WILD KRATTS LIVE
March 3: The animated Kratt Brothers, Martin and Chris, come to life and activate some fan-favorite creature power suits to confront a comic villain. 1 p.m. Bob Carr Theater, 401 W. Livingston St., Orlando. drphillipscenter.org
GASPARILLA FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
March 3-4: Hundreds of artists working in all sorts of media are on hand for this annual fine-art and craft show. Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Tampa. gasparillaarts.com
CRAFTS AND CULTURE MARKET
March 4: 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. facebook.com/EatonvilleCHF
THE ILLUSIONISTS LIVE FROM BROADWAY
March 4: The world’s best-selling magic show brings their acts of grand illusion, levitation, mind-reading, disappearance and, for the first time, a full-view water torture escape to Melbourne. 4 p.m. King Center for the Performing Arts, 3865 N. Wickham Rd., Melbourne. kingcenter.com
WINTER PARK INSTITUTE
Authors, historians and experts in their fields speak on a variety of disciplines. 7:30 p.m., Bush Auditorium, Rollins College, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park. rollins.edu/rollins-winter-park-institute
Story Musgrave—Farm Kid to Rocketman and Beyond
March 6: Hear the story of this veteran NASA astronaut turned scientist, surgeon and innovator.
BEST FEST
March 8: West Orange County’s largest food-tasting and business expo—“The Best of the West!” along the shore of Starke Lake. Food and drink samplings by 4Rivers Smokehouse, Crooked Can Brewing Company, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, and more. 150 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee. 407-656-1304. wochamber.com
THORNTON PARK 2ND THURSDAY ART AND WINE WALK
March 8: 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
March 8: Central Florida’s largest recurring street party, a monthly gathering with live music, local artists, and food and beverage
samples. 5 p.m. 230 E. First St., Sanford. sanfordwelcomecenter.com
ART & MUSIC IN THE PARK
March 9: Artwork and live music in the park between Casselberry City Hall and Lake Concord just east of U.S. Highway 17-92. Food trucks and other vendors on site as well. 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
March 9: 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
TASTE OF OVIEDO
March 10: This annual event features restaurants in the Oviedo area offering their best fare. Test your culinary skills in the Citrus & Celery Cook-off while the kids enjoy rides and activities. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 1700 Oviedo Mall Blvd., Oviedo. tasteofoviedo.org
SECRETS TO SPRING STYLE
March 10: InStyle magazine and local fashion expert, Melanie Pace, speak about Spring's top trends while showcasing how to put together key looks and host an exclusive audience Q&A session. Attendees will enjoy refreshments, a complimentary makeup station and hair braiding bar, plus enter to win giveaways and be the first to try on Vionic's new stylish spring shoes (with a hidden secret). 1-4 p.m. Dillard's, The Florida Mall, 8001 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando. Open to the public with RSVP to rsvp@bigpicpr.com
SPRING FLING
March 10: Experience these city-sponsored activities that promote safety awareness. Dozens of vendors, free food, games and educational activities are available. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Bill Breeze Park, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee. 407-905-3100. ocoee.org
TASTE OF MOUNT DORA MARDI GRAS PARTY & CASINO NIGHT
March 10: This culinary event, with food prepared by Mount Dora’s finest restaurants, includes a casino night with blackjack, roulette and poker tables, plus a silent auction. 6-10 p.m. Sunset Park, Fourth Avenue and Alexander Street, Mount Dora. 352-383-2165. mountdora.com
LEU GARDENS SPRING PLANT SALE
March 10-11: More than 50 growers and vendors offer plants and outdoor accessories for sale to enhance your landscape and home. Experts on hand can help solve your landscape problems. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. leugardens.org
SUNDAY IN THE PARK
March 11: An old-fashioned neighborhood celebration in College Park with a petting zoo, bounce houses, local performers, vendor booths, plus the “Best Brownies in College Park” contest. Noon-5 p.m. Dartmouth Park, 822 Dartmouth St., Orlando. mycpna.org
WEKIVA PAINT OUT
March 11-18: A premier plein air art event, with artists painting in the open surroundings of Wekiva Island. All proceeds benefit the Wekiva Wilderness Trust and Keep Seminole Beautiful. 1014 Miami Springs Drive, Longwood. 407-463-3363. wekivapaintout.com
WINTER PARK SIDEWALK ART FESTIVAL
March 16-18: One of the biggest and best juried art shows in the Southeast; booths are spread throughout Central Park, along Park Avenue between New England and Garfield avenues in downtown Winter Park. Friday-Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. wpsaf.org
3RD THURSDAY GALLERY HOP & ART WALK
March 15: 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
DAN RATHER
March 17: The notable journalist and former news anchor will deliver a speech followed by a Q&A session with the audience. 8-10 p.m. Hard Rock Live Orlando, 6050 Universal Blvd., Orlando. hardrock.com/live/locations/orlando
SANFORD ART WALK
March 17: Enjoy live music while perusing a juried art show at the Historic Sanford Welcome Center. This month’s theme: “Teacher’s Turn” in appreciation of local educators. 6-9 p.m. 230 E. First Street, Sanford. sanfordwelcomecenter.com
MIGHTY ST. PATRICK’S FESTIVAL
March 16-19: If you’re a bit Irish or want to be, head for the Irish food, drink, live music, dancing and bits of blarney at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant at Disney Springs, Lake Buena Vista. Events run each day from 11 a.m.-2 a.m. raglanroad.com
MOUNT DORA SPRING FEST
March 17-18: More than 275 vendors display an eclectic mix of art, collectibles and crafts on the downtown streets of Mount Dora. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 352-383-2165. visitmountdora.com
PEACE BREAKFAST—AN INTERFAITH GATHERING
March 21: This free breakfast, organized by the Valencia College Peace and Justice Institute, provides an opportunity for fellowship while celebrating and promoting religious and cultural diversity. Speakers include representatives of various religions and cultural traditions. 8:30 a.m. East Campus, Building 8-101, 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando. valenciacollege.edu/pji
RUNAWAY COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL
March 23-25: Top names in country music such as Florida Georgia Line, Brantley Gilbert, Darius Rucker and John Anderson converge in Kissimmee for three days of concerts. Gates open each day at noon. Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spurs Lane, Kissimmee. ohpark.com
WINE & SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
March 23-25: Celebrate springtime with seafood, wine, live music, and arts and crafts. Lakeridge wines plus beer, soft drinks and food are available; complimentary winery tours and tastings are offered. Friday-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
SHEN YUN
March 27-28: Explore the culture of China through a performance combining ancient legends with technological innovations and historically authentic costumes with animated backdrops. Classical Chinese dance tells the story of diverse ethnic and folk traditions. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. shenyun.com/fl or drphillipscenter.org
GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS
March 28: Recognized as the premiere Chinese acrobatic touring company, this show combines acrobatics, traditional dance and theatrical techniques with ancient and contemporary music. 7 p.m. King Center for the Performing Arts, 3865 N. Wickham Rd., Melbourne. 321-242-2219. kingcenter.com
EASTER EXTRAVAGANZA
March 31: It’s a fun-filled morning of activities such as the Easter egg hunt for infants up through children 12 years old, plus bounce houses, face painting, food and drinks, and pictures with the Easter Bunny himself. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Jim Beech Recreation Center, 1820 A.D. Mims Rd., Ocoee. 407-905-3180. wochamber.com
WORLD OF GOOD
March Fundraisers
3/2
A PAIR TO REMEMBER, benefits Easter Seals Florida. Luncheon and designer shoe auction, The Mall at Millenia, Orlando. mallatmillenia.com
3/3
AN EVENING WITH FABULOUS FRIENDS GALA, benefits the Mennello Museum of American Art. Four Seasons Resort Orlando, Walt Disney World. mennellomuseum.org
SIGHT & SOLE WALKFEST, benefits Lighthouse Central Florida, for those with impaired eyesight. Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs. lighthousecentralflorida.com
3/8
RUNWAY TO HAITI: A NIGHT OF IMPACT & ETHICAL FASHION, benefits REBUILD globally, a nonprofit that fights poverty in Haiti. Country Club of Orlando. rebuildglobally.org
3/10
10th ANNUAL DOGGIE DERBY, benefits Brightside Events’ Stock the Pantry Program, to feed homeless students over extended school breaks. Corrine Commons in Baldwin Park, Orlando. eventbrite.com
HEAVY AND LIGHT, benefits To Write Love on Her Arms, dedicated to helping those struggling with addiction, depression, self-injury and suicide. House of Blues, Lake Buena Vista. twloha.com
3/11
MICHAEL KRAMER FUNDRAISER CONCERT, benefits the Central Florida Jazz Society scholarship fund. Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts, Orlando. bluebambooartcenter.com
3/14
J BALL, benefits Jewish Community Center programs. Orlando Science Center, Orlando. orlandojcc.org
3/16
ORANGE BLOSSOM JUBILEE, benefits Winter Park Day Nursery. Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando. winterparkdaynursery.org/obj
3/17
OMYF BLACK TIE AND TENNIES GALA, benefits the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation. On-court mingling with NBA players. Amway Center, Orlando. nba.com/magic/omyf
3/18
WALK MS: ORLANDO, benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Harbor Park in Baldwin Park, Orlando. 407-478-8882, ext. 55128. walkms.org
3/24
FIGHT FOR AIR CLIMB, raises funds for research, education and patient programs for people affected by lung disease, as participants climb the stairs of a skyscraper. Bank of America Center, Orlando. climborlando.org
WALK TO DEFEAT ALS, benefits the Florida chapter of the ALS Association. Lake Eola Park, Orlando. 813-637-9000, ext. 125. alsa.org
3/25
TOUR DE CURE, benefits the American Diabetes Association. Lake Nona Town Center, Orlando. caamevents.com/event/tour-de-cure-lake-nona
