Special Events
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS LPGA TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS
Through Feb. 2: Winners from the two previous LPGA Tour seasons and more than 50 celebrities and athletes 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
Through Feb. 2: Celebrates the life and words of a Central Florida icon—author, anthropologist, filmmaker and folklorist Zora Neale Hurston (1891-1960). The annual event in Eatonville offers arts, cultural and humanities programs, museum exhibits, panel discussions, tours of historic Eatonville and music. Zora Neale Hurston National Museum, 344 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville. 407-647-3307. zorafestival.org
EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
Through 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
THE 50TH MOUNT DORA ARTS FESTIVAL
Feb. 1-2: Explore this juried show filled with works from 300 artists who have come from across the nation. Booths line the streets of historic downtown Mount Dora for a festive atmosphere with live entertainment, food, beverages and shopping. Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 510 N. Baker St. 352-217-8390. mountdoraart.com
The authentic sights and sounds of Carnaval come to Universal Studios Florida in Universal’s Mardi Gras, with parade floats straight out of New Orleans.
UNIVERSAL’S MARDI GRAS—INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS OF CARNAVAL
Feb. 1-March 30: It’s time for beads, bands and beignets as Universal’s Mardi Gras bash rolls with dancers, stilt-walkers and street performers. Authentic parade floats come straight out of New Orleans. Indulge in Cajun delights and sample cuisine inspired by Carnaval celebrations from around the world. Included with admission to Universal Studios Florida. 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando. 407-363-8000. universalorlando.com
ORIGAMI IN THE GARDEN
Feb. 1-Sept. 3: Origami is the name of the intricate Japanese art of folding paper into beautiful objects and Leu Gardens presents an exhibit celebrating this understated art form. More than 20 pieces, from the original folded papers to colossal metal sculptures, find a home among the acres of gardens. Included with admission. Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. 407-246-2620. leugardens.org
FLORIDA WEDDING EXPO
Feb. 2: Plan your wedding all in one place, all in one afternoon at the largest wedding expo of the year. Browse more than 150 vendors and enter to win 100-plus giveaways, including five free honeymoons. Noon-5 p.m. Orange County Convention Center, West Concourse, 9800 International Drive, Orlando. 407-571-9990. floridaweddingexpo.com
THE PANCAKES & BOOZE ART SHOW
Feb. 7: This seems to have everything one could ask for in a night on the town: free, all-you-can-eat pancakes; beer, beer, beer; body painting; live DJs and more than 75 local artists exhibiting 300 pieces of artwork. 21 and up. 8 p.m. The Abbey, 100 S. Eola Drive, Orlando. 407-704-6103. abbeyorlando.com
ALTON BROWN LIVE—LAST BITE
Feb. 13 & 15: The famed foodie reflects on 20-plus years as a television chef, kitchen scientist and game show host. Friday 7 p.m. at King Center for the Performing Arts, 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne. 321-242-2219. kingcenter.com Saturday 7:30 p.m. at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 407-358-6603. drphillipscenter.org
ANTIQUES AND COLLECTORS EXTRAVAGANZA
Feb. 14-16: Browse the goods of nearly 800 vendors from around the country selling antiques, collectibles, vintage items and more in stalls outdoors, under open-air buildings and in tents. 8 a.m. Renninger’s Mount Dora, 20651 U.S. 441, Mount Dora. 352-383-8393. renningers.net
OSCEOLA COUNTY FAIR 2025
Feb. 14-23: The 80th annual Osceola County Fair features all that we love about county fairs: fair food, rides, midway games, exhibits of all kinds, livestock shows and a demolition derby. Monday-Friday 5 p.m., Saturday, Sunday noon. Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee. 321-697-3333. ohpark.com
Florida folk artist Earl Cunningham’s works are on permanent display at the Mennello Museum.
INDIE-FOLKFEST 2025 AT THE MENNELLO
Feb. 15: The Mennello Museum celebrates its 10th annual indie and folk music festival with local musicians and artisans, a wide selection of foods and beverages and a variety of engaging activities for all. Musicians include Skinny McGee and the Handshakes, Claire Vandiver and Shine and the Shakers. Noon-5 p.m. Mennello Museum of American Art, 900 E. Princeton St., Orlando. 407-246-4278. mennellomuseum.org
LOVE IS LOVE PRIDE FESTIVAL 2025
Feb. 15: Join Volusia Pride for celebration and affirmation in DeLand’s vibrant Arts, Culture & Entertainment District. Check out the Pride Marketplace, dance party, live entertainment, youth activities, live music and more. Visit website for times. 386-232-8551. volusiapride.org
TASTE OF ALTAMONTE 2025
Feb. 20: Sip and savor your way through 45 of Orlando’s best restaurants and spirits and wine merchants amid live music at this lakeside event benefiting charitable work of The Altamonte Springs Rotary Club. VIP admission 5 p.m., general admission 6 p.m. Cranes Roost Park, 274 Cranes Roost Blvd., Altamonte Springs. 407-896-7356. altamonterotary.org
154TH SILVER SPURS RODEO
Feb. 20-23: Silver Spurs draws top contestants and national champions to compete in bull riding, saddle-bronc riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping and barrel racing. Thursday-Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. Silver Spurs Arena at Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee. 321-697-3333. ohpark.com
ORLANDO WETLANDS FESTIVAL
Feb. 22: Bring the family for a fun, hands-on day of learning about the importance of Florida’s ecological and water resources and how Orlando is working to preserve them. Join guided hikes and tours to learn about birding, photography, native plant identification and aquatic animals. FYI: There will be live animals as well as trucks and equipment to explore. Free. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Orlando Wetlands Park, 25155 Wheeler Road, Christmas. orlando.gov
SEMINOLE COUNTY GARDEN EXPO & PLANT SALE
Feb. 22: Grow your green thumb with expert tips from Master Gardeners. Explore organic and butterfly gardens, attend how-to clinics and browse plant and food vendors. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. UF/IFAS Extension office, 250 W. County Home Road, Sanford. seminolecountyfl.gov
WILD KRATTS LIVE 2.0
Feb. 22: Those wild Kratt brothers, Martin and Chris, don their Creature Power Suits to confront a villain who has put the animal world in peril. With the help of the Wild Kratts team and the audience, the animals are once again safe. 1 & 5 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 407-358-6603. drphillipscenter.org