Special Events

ASIAN LANTERN FESTIVAL—INTO THE WILD

Through Jan. 19: A stunning evening experience with larger-than-life illuminated lanterns celebrating the culture, art and beauty of Asia’s traditional lantern festivals. Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, 3755 W. Seminole Blvd., Sanford. 407-323-4450. centralfloridazoo.org

MISS AMERICA & MISS AMERICA’S TEEN

Jan. 1, 2, 4, 5: Join the hopefuls for an evening of entertainment, empowerment and celebration as 52 delegates in each age division vie for the coveted crown. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org

MECUM COLLECTOR CAR AUCTION

Jan. 7-19: Expect to see about 4,500 examples straight from a gear head’s favorite dream, including American muscle cars, antiques, exotics, classics, Corvettes, hot rods, trucks and more, along with old auto signs, hood ornaments and other memorabilia. 8 a.m. Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee. 321-697-3333. ohpark.com, mecum.com

Courtesy WDW Magic

Jan. 17-Feb. 24: See artistry in action as you “sip, savor and stroll.” Browse the works of new and established artists, enjoy songs from award-winning Disney on Broadway musicals and indulge in culinary masterpieces. Included with park admission. EPCOT, 200 EPCOT Center Drive, Lake Buena Vista. 407-939-5277. disneyworld.disney.go.com

FLORIDA STORYTELLING FESTIVAL

Jan. 23-26: The festival is known nationally for its combination of workshops, concerts, youthful voices and sense of community. Listen to featured storytellers, learn from masters and tell your own tale in workshops, swaps and slams. Lakeside Inn, 100 N. Alexander St., Mount Dora. 352-234-6422. flstory.com

AN EVENING WITH AUTHOR JOHN GREEN

Jan. 24: Gain insight into Green’s literary journey in this moderated conversation about the inspirations and themes that dominate the novelist’s works, including the best-selling “The Fault in Our Stars.” 8 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org

Florida’s Biggest Christian Music Festival, Rock the Universe, comes to Universal Studios Florida Jan. 24-25. ©Universal Studios Florida

ROCK THE UNIVERSE

Jan. 24-25: Raise your hands. Raise your voice. Raise your spirit. Rock the Universe is Florida’s biggest Christian music festival and it draws the big names, including Matthew West, Brandon Lake, Katy Nichole and Forrest Frank. Separately ticketed event. 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Universal Studios Florida, 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando. universalorlando.com

DOG DAY AT LEU GARDENS

Jan. 25: Doggos are invited to bring their favorite humans for a fun day of exploring and socializing. Every pup will receive a goody bag (while supplies last) and all are encouraged to join one or all three special competitions: Best Dressed, Owner Look-Alike and Best Kisser. Winners will receive prize packs. $15 adults, $10 children, $5 dogs; children under four years, active military and garden members free admission. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. 407-246-2620. leugardens.org

ORANGE CITY BLUE SPRING MANATEE FESTIVAL

Jan. 25-26: Each winter, 100 or more manatee visit the clear, warm waters of Blue Spring. Celebrate this unique aquatic mammal and enjoy live music, crafts, face painting, dancing, rides and, of course, manatee viewing. Valentine Park, 1511 W. French Ave., Orange City. themanateefestival.com

FRIENDS MUSICAL INSIGHTS

The award-winning music-awareness series presented by Friends of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra returns to explore an array of musical subjects. 5 p.m. Palmer Room at The Plaza Live, 425 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando. 407-896-6700. friendsorlandophil.org

Jan 27: Eric Jacobsen—Learn the timeless allure of the cello through the words and music of a virtuoso. 

HILTON GRAND VACATIONS LPGA TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS

Jan. 30-Feb. 2: Winners from the two previous LPGA Tour seasons and more than 50 celebrities, athletes and entertainers play the Tom Fazio-designed course at Lake Nona. Tour champions compete for $2 million in prize money and celebrities play alongside fans to win $500,000. Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, 9801 Lake Nona Club Drive, Orlando. hgvlpga.com

ZORA! OUTDOOR FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

Jan. 31-Feb. 2: This festival celebrates the life and words of a Central Florida icon—author, anthropologist, filmmaker and folklorist Zora Neale Hurston (1891-1960.) Zora Neale Hurston National Museum, 344 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville. 407-647-3307. zorafestival.org