IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Florida Children’s Book Festival
WHAT: This inaugural event, from Orlando Family Stage and Writer’s Block Bookstore, is designed to be a joyful celebration of imagination, creativity, and the power of storytelling to connect us all. The festival will feature storytime readings, hands-on creative experiences, author signings, character meet-and-greets and panel discussions that bring books to life on stage and beyond. Designed with both fun and learning in mind, the Florida Children’s Book Festival champions literacy, representation and access to books — especially for Florida’s youngest readers.
WHEN: Feb. 22-26, 2026
WHERE: Orlando Family Stage, 1001 E. Princeton St. in Orlando
INFO: orlandofamilystage.com
YOUR SEASON PLANNER
Schedules are subject to change, so always double-check before heading to an event.
APOPKA WOMAN’S CLUB
Proceeds from the Apopka Woman’s Club annual festival go to scholarships and charitable contributions for the community. The event takes place at Kit Land Nelson Park, 35 S. Park Ave. in Apopka. Information: apopkaartandfoliagefestival.org
64TH ANNUAL APOPKA ART & FOLIAGE FESTIVAL: April 25-26, 2026. Arts and crafts, plant doctors, children’s art area, entertainment, food and more.
ASSOCIATION TO PRESERVE THE EATONVILLE COMMUNITY
The organization presents its annual festival along East Kennedy Boulevard in Eatonville. More information: Zorafestival.org
HATITUDE CULTURAL FLAIR BRUNCH: Oct. 18 at the Venue on Lake Lily, 641 Maitland Ave. South in Maitland. The program highlights the importance of culture as a reflection of humanity, featuring a master designer and “fine fashion, good fellowship and delicious cuisine.”
ZORA NEALE HURSTON FESTIVAL: Jan. 29-Feb 1, 2026. Annual festival celebrating the life and legacy of Eatonville author Zora Neale Hurston. The theme of the fest’s 2026 Academic Conference, Jan. 29-30, 2026, is “Entering the Zoraverse: People, Places and Spaces,” focusing on the connection between Zora Neale Hurston’s work and communal spaces and places.
CELEBRATION FOUNDATION
The nonprofit, which also runs a concert series (see Music: classical listings), is also planning a holiday home tour. Information: celebrationfoundation.org
HOLIDAY HOME TOUR: Dec. 6-7. The self-guided tour allows access to seasonally decorated homes throughout Celebration, as well as a stop at the Magical Marketplace, which offers holiday decor and gifts for purchase.
CENTRAL FLORIDA SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES
The annual event is at Central Winds Park, 1000 Central Winds Drive in Winter Springs. Information: flascot.com
SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES: Jan. 17-18, 2026. Scottish athletics, bagpipe bands, Highland dancing, Celtic music, cultural exhibits, kids’ games, food and more.
Pipers march during the opening ceremonies of the Central Florida Scottish Highland Games at Central Winds Park in Winter Springs in 2020. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
CLERMONT PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
The arts center is at 3700 U.S. 27 in Clermont. More information: clermontperformingarts.com
PUPPY PALS LIVE: April 3, 2026. In this family show full of canine comedy, adopted and rescued dogs perform spectacular stunts and breathtaking feats.
CREATIVE CITY PROJECT
Seasonal events take place at Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave. in Orlando, while the Immerse festival happens in the streets of downtown Orlando. More information: creativecityproject.com
DAZZLING NIGHTS: Nov. 28, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026. A million lights fill Leu Gardens with holiday cheer in this walk-through attraction featuring music and art.
IMMERSE: Feb. 20-22, 2026. A festival celebrating creativity in all the arts takes over the streets of downtown Orlando.
DR. PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
The arts center is at 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando. More information: drphillipscenter.org
Family Series
STARDEW VALLEY: SYMPHONY OF SEASONS: Sept. 27. A 35-piece orchestra plays music from the game while imagery including Pelican Town and Ginger Island is projected.
BLIPPI: JOIN THE BAND! TOUR: Sept. 28. Blippi and friends explore the sounds, rhythms and instruments that create music.
GABBY’S DOLLHOUSE LIVE: Oct. 13. Stage show with songs and puppetry in which Gabby and the Gabby Cats must find the colors of the rainbow after a mishap.
DOG MAN THE MUSICAL: Nov. 14-15. Touring production of the musical based on the children’s books.
MOANA LIVE-TO-FILM CONCERT: Nov. 25. Live performances by Hollywood studio musicians, Polynesian rhythm masters and vocalists accompany a screening of the animated Disney film.
See, or rather, hear Disney’s 2016 animated film “Moana” in a new way at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. (Courtesy Walt Disney Co.)
STRAIGHT NO CHASER — HOLIDAY ROAD: Dec. 27. The all-male a cappella singing group celebrates the holiday season.
PEPPA PIG — MY FIRST CONCERT: April 17, 2026. The animated porcine family leads an interactive introduction to a live orchestra for ages 18 months and older.
Other special events
TASTINGS WITH MASTER SOMMELIER GEORGE MILOTES: Sept. 2, Nov. 2 and Dec. 7. The Judson’s Live master sommelier leads a wine-tasting workshop, including six 2-ounce pours and charcuterie.
RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE — WERQ THE WORLD 2025: Sept. 10. As Joan Rivers, Jimbo hosts festivities as drag artists perform in the style of celebrities such as Britney Spears, Ariana Grande and Beyoncé. Ages 18 and older only.
WALKING WITH GHOSTS — REAL LIFE HAUNTINGS WITH AMY BRUNI: Oct. 1-2. The paranormal researcher, author and podcaster tells tales of hauntings that originated from real-life murders, followed by a Q&A.
THE BASEMENT YARD: Oct. 17. Podcast hosts Joe Santagato and Frank Alvarez lead an unscripted, interactive night.
DAVID SEDARIS: Nov. 3. The New York Times bestselling author and humorist shares his famous wit, keen observations and deeply personal storytelling.
Author David Sedaris, pictured in New York in 2020, is Orlando-bound. (Vincent Tullo/The New York Times)
FIESTA IN THE PARK
These free annual celebrations take place in Lake Eola Park, 512 E. Washington St. in Orlando. More information: fiestainthepark.com
54TH ANNUAL FALL FIESTA IN THE PARK: Nov. 1-2. More than 300 artists, craftspeople and food vendors.
37TH SPRING FIESTA IN THE PARK: April 4-5, 2026. Arts, crafts, food, drink, entertainment and a Kids Zone.
FUSIONFEST
The annual celebration of Central Florida’s diverse cultures takes place in downtown Orlando between the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and City Hall on Orange Avenue. More information: FusionFest.org
FUSIONFEST: Nov 29-30. A celebration of global cultures with food, music, art and more.
GAYLORD PALMS
The resort is at 6000 W. Osceola Parkway in Kissimmee. More information: christmasatgaylordpalms.marriott.com
POMP, SNOW AND CIRQUEUMSTANCE: Nov. 14, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026. A 30-minute immersive circus-style holiday show, based on Neil Goldberg’s book, about three friends who learn music, magic and circus skills at a secret school.
ICE! FEATURING RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: Nov. 14, 2025-Jan. 7, 2026. Giant ice sculptures, slides and more frozen fun.
Gaylord Palms’ annual Ice! display will be themed to the animated TV classic “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” (Courtesy Gaylord Palms)
HANNIBAL SQUARE HERITAGE CENTER
The center, a program of Crealdé School of Art, is located at 642 W. New England Ave. in Winter Park. Hours are noon-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. More information: 407-539-2680 or hannibalsquareheritagecenter.org
UNITY HERITAGE FESTIVAL: Jan. 18–19, 2026. Annual celebration of the life of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., featuring music, food and cultural presentations at Shady Park and the Heritage Center.
THE SPIRIT OF SANKOFA — JUNETEENTH AT THE HANNIBAL SQUARE HERITAGE CENTER: June 19, 2026. An immersive celebration of freedom featuring spoken word, live music, interactive art activities and exhibitions exploring African-American history and the continuing pursuit of justice and equity.
KIA CENTER
The center is at 400 W. Church St. in Orlando. More info: Kiacenter.com
DISNEY ON ICE: Aug. 29-31. Mickey and pals from “Frozen,” “Encanto,” “Zootopia,” “Toy Story” “Moana 2” and “Inside Out 2” skate into town with a new show.
LAKE COUNTY QUILTERS GUILD
The group has its annual show at the Venetian Center, 1 Dozier Circle in Leesburg. Information: lakequiltguild.com
42ND ANNUAL FANTASTIC QUILT SHOW: Nov. 14-15. Quilts, vendors and more.
LEU GARDENS
The Harry P. Leu Gardens are at 1920 N. Forest Ave. in Orlando. Information: leugardens.org
Exhibits
ORIGAMI IN THE GARDEN: Through Sept. 3. Large installations based on the Japanese art of paper folding.
DRAGONS HIDDEN TREASURE QUEST: Sept. 8-Nov. 3. Set off on a mythical adventure through the gardens’ 50 acres.
“Painted Ponies” are one of the highlights of “Origami in the Garden” at Leu Gardens in Orlando. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Events
FREE DAY AND STORY TIME: Oct. 6. Activities with Orange County Public Library for children age 5 and younger.
DOG DAY: Sept. 27. Goody bags for dogs, and contests for them to enter.
MOUNT DORA BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL
The event takes place in Donnelly Park, 539 N. Donnelly St. in Mount Dora. Information: MountDoraBlueberryFestival.com
12TH MOUNT DORA BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL: April 25-26, 2026. Food, crafts, music and a blueberry pie-eating contest.
MOUNT DORA CRAFT FAIR
The annual event is free, with a parking shuttle located at 900 Lincoln Ave. in downtown Mount Dora. Information: MountDoraCraftFair.com
41ST MOUNT DORA CRAFT FAIR: Oct. 25-26. More than 300 exhibitors from across the country, with food, drink and live music.
MOUNT DORA EARTH DAY
The free event, run by Mount Dora Friends of the Environment, is in Donnelly Park at 539 N. Donnelly St. in Mount Dora. Information: mountdoraenvironment.org
31ST ANNUAL MOUNT DORA EARTH DAY CELEBRATION: April 11, 2026. Live music, exhibits, craft and plant vendors, interactive informational booths for children, educational workshops and more.
MOUNT DORA PLANT AND GARDEN FAIR
The free event takes place in Donnelly Park, 530 N. Donnelly St. in Mount Dora. Information: MountDoraPlantandGardenFair.com
31ST ANNUAL MOUNT DORA PLANT AND GARDEN FAIR: Nov. 1-2. More than 100 vendors and nurseries from around the state showcase native and exotic plants, as well as garden wares and arts and crafts.
MOUNT DORA SPRING FESTIVAL
A free parking shuttle for this event in downtown Mount Dora is at 900 Lincoln Ave. Information: MountDoraSpringfestival.com
29TH ANNUAL MOUNT DORA SPRING FESTIVAL OF ARTS & CRAFTS: March 21-22, 2026. More than 250 exhibitors, food and drink.
ORLANDO FAMILY STAGE
The theater for young audiences is at 1001 E. Princeton St. in Orlando’s Loch Haven Park. It’s full season of plays for families is detailed in the Theater listings. Information: orlandofamilystage.com
FLORIDA CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL: Feb. 20-22, 2026. Presented with Writer’s Block Bookstore, this series of community events unites nationally recognized authors, beloved characters, and Central Florida families in a love of reading.
A promotional image released to announce a national tour of “Hokus Pokus Live” features Ginger Minj (foreground) along with co-stars Jujubee (from left), Sapphira Cristál and Landon Cider. (Courtesy Witch House Public Relations)
THE PLAZA LIVE
The venue is at 425 N. Bumby Ave. in Orlando, and also presents concerts, comedians and film events. More information: plazaliveorlando.org
HOKUS POKUS LIVE: Sept. 4. Drag artists Ginger Minj, Jujubee and Sapphira Cristál star in a parody tribute to “Hocus Pocus.”
BOULET BROTHERS’ DRAGULA: Sept. 8. The horror performers bring their “Season 666 Tour” to Orlando, with guests Asia Consent, Grey Matter, Auntie Heroine and others. For ages 18 and up only.
WHAT WE SAID LIVE: Sept. 19. Podcast hosts present an evening that’s “part therapy and part slumber party.”
THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER: Oct. 23. The Australian male burlesque troupe is on its “Temptation” tour. For ages 18 and older only.
SESAME STREET LIVE: Dec. 8. “Elmo and Friends Say Hi” is the title of this outing, which features Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby and other muppets.
Australia’s Thunder From Down Under troupe is ready to turn up the heat in Orlando. (Orlando Sentinel file photo)
RITZ THEATER
The Ritz Theater, at 201 S. Magnolia Ave. in Sanford, is home to concerts, plays, movie screenings and other entertainment. Information: ritztheatersanford.com
LATIN FESTIVAL FIESTA: Oct. 24. Music and dance celebrate Latin American cultures.
MAGICAL EVENING WITH JOHN WESTFORD: Feb. 7, 2026. Magic, illusions and comedy.
INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS: April 3, 2026. Colorful dances and music celebrate various world cultures.
SEMINOLE CULTURAL ARTS COUNCIL
Details listed with each event.
4TH ANNUAL A NIGHT OF THE MYSTIC ARTS FESTIVAL: Oct. 10 at Lake Concord Park, 95 Triplet Lake Drive in Casselberry. Live music, candy, tarot, palm reading and crystals demonstrations, Phantasmagoria performers and a market of items related to ghosts, spiritualism, mysticism, New Age arts and the unexplained. More information: historiccasselberry.com
TASTE OF THE ARTS GALA: Jan. 31, 2026, at the Casselberry Arts Center, 137 Quail Pond Circle. A showcase of fine arts, performing arts and culinary arts that benefits the Seminole Cultural Arts Council. More information: seminoleculturalarts.org/tastearts
TIMUCUA ARTS FOUNDATION
The organization, at 2000 S. Summerlin Ave. in Orlando, is mainly known for concerts (See the Music: Classical, choral, opera, jazz listings). It also hosts a monthly open-mic night. Information: timucua.com
AUTHENTIC SELVES POETRY OPEN MIC NIGHT: Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 16 and Dec. 21, 2025; Jan. 18, Feb. 15, March 15, April 19, May 17, June 21 and Aug. 16, 2026. Hosted by Lauren White. Performances in English, Spanish or any language. Sign up to share your soul.
UCF CELEBRATES THE ARTS
Events staged by University of Central Florida students, faculty and guests take place at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando. Information: arts.cah.ucf.edu/celebrates
12TH ANNUAL UCF CELEBRATES THE ARTS: March 30-April 12, 2026. Events include a full production of “Legally Blonde,” along with jazz, orchestra and opera performances, visual art, lectures and more.
WINTER PARK ARTS & CULTURE ALLIANCE
The group promotes the city’s cultural scene. More information: wpinspires.org/artsweekend
ARTS WEEKEND — A TAPESTRY OF EXPERIENCES: Feb.5-8, 2026. Dozens of community events at the city’s museums, theaters, outdoor spaces and the main stage in Central Park.
— Listings compiled by Matthew J. Palm
