Special Events

CENTRAL FLORIDA FAIR

Through March 8: Rides, live entertainment, midway games, livestock and culinary competitions make for a traditional family favorite event. Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando. centralfloridafair.com

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Through March 8: It’s not all about the strawberry shortcake; there’s a youth livestock show, rides, exhibits of commerce, and live entertainment featuring Reba McEntire, Patti LaBelle, Skillet, Chubby Checker & The Wildcats, Lynryrd Skynyrd and more. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. 303 Berryfest Place, Plant City. 813-752-9194. flstrawberryfestival.com

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS MARDI GRAS

Through April 2: The French Quarter comes to Orlando. Festive floats and spectacular performers parade through the streets of the theme park 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 May 3: Sip and sample your way around the world of coastal cuisine, wines and craft beer and enjoy live entertainment each weekend. seaworld.com

WEKIVA PAINT OUT

March 1-8: 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 INSTITUTE

March 4: U.S. poet laureate Billy Collins presents “Poetry, Painting and the Condition of Music.” 7 p.m. Tiedtke Concert Hall, Rollins College campus, Winter Park. 407-646-2145. rollins.edu/wpitickets

EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL

March 4-June 1: Take in enchanting topiaries and gather gardening tips while sampling seasonal foods from the outdoor kitchens placed throughout the theme park. Enjoy live music while picking up outdoor-living advice you can use at home. Epcot World Showcase, Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista. disneyworld.disney.go.com

SYMBOLS—EXPRESSIONS OF CULTURE

March 6: This live performance showcases the music, dance and folk celebrations of Croatian, Georgian, Nordic, Russian, Serbian, Polish, Irish, Bulgarian and other cultures. 8 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org

SCIENCE NIGHT LIVE

March 7: Grownups experience all four floors of the Orlando Science Center without the kids, taking in guest speakers, workshops, trivia games and exhibits. 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando.osc.org

MY-CON

March 7: “We Love Everything Geek!” fandom convention featuring anime, cosplay, comics, fantasy, toys, artists, exhibitors and gaming sessions. Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive, 8001 International Drive, Orlando. mystic-con.com

TASTE IN MOUNT DORA & CASINO NIGHT

March 7: 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

BRECHNER SPEAKER SERIES

March 8: Historian Peggy Macdonald examines some of the notable women who have helped shape the Sunshine State, illustrating her talk with images from the Matheson History Museum and state archives. Free. 2-3:30 p.m. Orange County Regional History Center, 65 E. Central Blvd., Orlando. 407-836-8500.
thehistorycenter.org

MORSE MUSEUM LECTURE SERIES

March 11: Richard Guy Wilson, Commonwealth Professor’s Chair in Architectural History at University of Virginia, Charlottesville, discusses “Art Nouveau in the United States,” followed by a reception. Free. 2:30 p.m. Jeannette G. and Hugh F. McKean Pavilion, 161 W. Canton Ave., Winter Park. 407-645-5311. morsemuseum.org

MIGHTY ST. PATRICK’S FESTIVAL

March 13-17: Whether you’re 100 percent Irish, just a wee bit Irish or a wannabe, head to Raglan Road for the authentic Celtic food, drink, live music, dancing and bits of blarney. Festival entry is complimentary Friday-Monday. The Rollicking Raglan Brunch runs Saturday and Sunday. There is a $10 cover charge Tuesday for adults 18 and older. Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant at Disney Springs, Lake Buena Vista. raglanroad.com

GARDEN THEATRE ENCORE

March 14: Tony Award-winning actress Kelli O’Hara headlines Encore, the Garden Theatre’s annual fundraiser, where she will share stories and songs from her stage and screen career. VIP tickets provide access to the after party with O’Hara. 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. 407-877-4736, ext. 203.
gardentheatre.org/encore

ORLANDO CARIBBEAN FESTIVAL

March 14: Cuisine from a variety of islands is available while attendees enjoy fair rides and live entertainment from Mr. Killa and the Rebel 1 Band and many more. Camping World Stadium, 1 Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando. orlandocaribbeanfestival.com

ORLANDO WHISKEY FESTIVAL

March 14: Up to 100 brands of whiskey featuring fine single malts, blends of Scotch and American whiskeys, flavored whiskeys, beer and wine, plus gourmet menu selections from some of Orlando’s most-popular restaurants, live entertainment and cigar vendors. whiskeynbizz.com

LEU GARDENS SPRING PLANT SALE

March 14-15: More than 50 growers and vendors offer plants and outdoor accessories for sale to enhance your landscape and home. Experts are on hand to help solve your landscaping problems. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. leugardens.org

OFF THE BEATEN PATH FLORIDA ARTS TOUR

March 14-15: Twelve professional artists from Orange County open their private working studios for this self-guided tour. Studios are located in Maitland, Winter Park and Orlando. artstours.org

SHEN YUN

March 18-22: 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, drphillipscenter.org

WINE & SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

March 20-22: 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.-6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, 19239 N. U.S. Highway 27, Clermont. lakeridgewinery.com

WINTER PARK SIDEWALK ART FESTIVAL

March 20-22: 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. Free. Friday-Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. wpsaf.org

PINTS N’ PAWS CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL

March 21: This pet-friendly event features more than 100 craft brews, plus local food trucks and live entertainment. All profits go to Dolly’s Foundation and Pet Rescue by Judy. 2-6 p.m. Along 2nd Street between Sanford and Palmetto avenues, Sanford. pintsandpaws.com

SPRING JAZZ AND ART FESTIVAL

March 21: Saxophonists Paul Taylor and Michael Lington join forces to headline the festival, which will also feature the opening day of the 7th Annual Experience Contemporary art exhibit. Bring blankets and chairs for an evening of jazz, food and drink. 5-9 p.m. Lake Concord Park, 95 Triplet Lake Drive, Casselberry. 407-262-7700, ext. 1507. casselberry.org

MOUNT DORA SPRING FEST    

March 21-22: More than 250 vendors display an eclectic mix of art, collectibles and crafts on the downtown streets of Mount Dora. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 352-217-8390. mountdoraspringfest.com

COUNTRY THUNDER MUSIC FESTIVAL

March 27-29: Top names in country music such as Kane Brown, Dierks Bentley and Eric Church converge on Kissimmee for three days of live music. Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spurs Lane, Kissimmee. ohpark.com, countrythunder.com/fl

CENTRAL FLORIDA SOULFEST

March 28: Indulge in urban music, art and food in a festive environment. Performers include Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Michael Baisden, K. Michelle and Rod Z. Gates open 1:30 p.m. Show starts 2:30 p.m. $50 general admission. Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando. centralfloridasoulfest.com

FLORIDA WILDFLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL

March 28: Vendors line up along downtown DeLand’s West Indiana Avenue to offer garden and nature-related items for sale while presentations take place at the Athens Theater in Chess Park. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. mainstreetdeland.org

TASTE OF OVIEDO

March 28: This annual event features restaurants in the Oviedo area offering their best fare. This year, cheese will be the star as each restaurant offers its cheesiest dish for all to purchase. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 1700 Oviedo Mall Blvd., Oviedo. tasteofoviedo.org

APOPKA ART AND FOLIAGE FESTIVAL

March 28-29: Approximately 75 juried artisans and crafters will be hand to showcase their work, plus more than 20 local foliage growers, food and music. Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Kit Land Nelson Park, 35 S. Park Ave., Apopka. apopkaartandfoliagefestival.org

FESTIVAL OF FINE ARTS AND FLOWERS

March 29-31: A museum-wide showcase featuring fresh floral designs inspired by works from the Orlando Museum of Art’s permanent collection and current exhibition. Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando. 407-896-4231, ext. 254. omart.org

TASTE OF LAKE MARY

March 30: Gourmet food and wine-tasting with live entertainment held in the courtyard between the Lake Mary Marriott and the Park Place at Heathrow. 5:30-8 p.m. 1501 International Parkway, Lake Mary. lakemaryrotary.com

Ongoing Events

Monthly happenings around town

EATONVILLE CRAFTS & CULTURE MARKET

March 1: Experience the history, heritage and culture that is the historic Town of Eatonville with storytellers, performers, reenactments, local merchants and more, the first Sunday of each month. Free. 1-5 p.m. 100 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville. eatonvillechf.com

STORY TIME AT LEU GARDENS

March 2: The 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

FIRST THURSDAYS AT OMA

March 5: Mingle with local artists and view their work, enjoy live music and walk through the galleries of the Orlando Museum of Art. Food and drink available for purchase. This month’s theme: “Feminine Vision.” 6-9 p.m. Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando. omart.org

SANFORD’S ALIVE AFTER 5 STREET PARTY

March 12: 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

THORNTON PARK 2ND THURSDAY ART AND WINE WALK

March 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

ART AND MUSIC IN THE PARK

March 13: 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 IN THE ALLEY

March 13: Downtown galleries are open to the public while art exhibitors and musicians line Royellou Lane showcasing original works, handmade goods and acoustic sounds. Free. Galleries open 6-8 p.m.; sidewalk exhibitions until 9 p.m. 138 E. Fifth Ave., Mount Dora. mountdoracenterforthearts.org

3RD THURSDAY GALLERY HOP & ART WALK

March 19: Visitors converge on the core of Orlando’s Downtown Arts District to browse the galleries and nontraditional 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

EVENING EXCHANGE

March 20:  Every third Friday, meet at East End Market for interactive workshops and a chance to browse wares from over 30 artisans, plus culinary demonstrations, specialty cocktail bars and food specials. 3201 Corrine Drive, Orlando. 321-236-3316. eastendmkt.com

World of Good

March Fundraisers

March 5

MOVERS AND SHAKERS, a group fitness and cocktail party, benefits the city’s homeless through the  Orlando Union Rescue Mission. RDV Athletic Club, Orlando. rdvmoversshakers.com

March 6

A PAIR TO REMEMBER, benefits Easter Seals Florida. Luncheon and designer shoe auction. The Mall at Millenia, Orlando. easterseals.com

March 21

CATTLE BARON’S BALL, benefits the American Cancer Society. Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, Orlando. 407-815-3425. cattlebaronsballorlando.com

JIM PAYNE 5K RUN, benefits Kids House Children’s Advocacy Center. Preceded by a pancake breakfast. Wop’s Hops Brewing Co., Sanford. 407-878-7819. sanford365.com, wopshopsbrewing.com

WALK TO DEFEAT ALS, benefits the Florida chapter of the ALS Association. Lake Eola Park, Orlando. 813-637-9000, ext. 121. alsa.org

March 27

SIDELINE WINE & DINE, benefits the Florida Citrus Sports Foundation, in particular its summer camp program for the children of West Lakes. Camping World Stadium, Orlando. floridacitrussports.com

March 28

An evening at THE PALACE gala, benefits special-needs children through United Cerebral Palsy of Central Florida. Hosted by Cheryl Hines, RJ Mitte and Rachael Harris. Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace at Disney Springs. ucpcfl.org

FIGHT FOR AIR CLIMB, raises funds for patient programs for people affected by lung disease, as participants climb the 512 stairs at 390 N. Orange Ave., Orlando. 407-425-5864. climborlando.org

WALK MS—ORLANDO, benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Blue Jacket Park, Orlando. 855-372-1331. walkms.org

ORLANDO HEART BALL, supports the American Heart Association with dinner, silent auction and live auction. Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Orlando. ahaorlando.ejoinme.org

March 28-29

UCF KNIGHT-THON, 20-hour dance marathon benefits Greater Orlando Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Addition Financial Arena, UCF, Orlando. 407-823-4496. osi.ucf.edu/knight-thon

March 29

TOUR DE CURE, benefits the American Diabetes Association. Lake Nona Town Center, Orlando. caamevents.com/event/tour-de-cure-lake-nona