Special Events

BUSCH GARDENS SUMMER NIGHTS 

Through Aug. 11: Party zones with exclusive summer food and drink menus take the theme park experience to the next level. Fireworks Spectacular at 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Included with admission. Busch Gardens, 10165 N. McKinley Drive, Tampa. 813-884-4386. buschgardens.com

LEGOLAND SUMMER BRICK PARTY

Through Aug. 11: It’s like a block party, get it? With bricks! Celebrate summer with all-new shows, favorite costumed characters and seasonal foods and beverages. Included with park admission. Check website for park hours. LEGOLAND Florida Resort, 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven. 888-690-5346. legoland.com

FAIRY DOORS AT LEU GARDENS

Through Aug. 25: Enter the enchanting world of fairies as you explore the 20 whimsical entryways designed for each fairy’s personality. Search for the doors among the garden’s 50 stunning acres. Open daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m., last admission 5 p.m. Included with regular admission. Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. 407-246-2620. leugardens.org

SEAWORLD BANDS, BREWS & BBQ

Through Aug. 25: Weekends get hot and tasty with this festive, family-friendly celebration featuring live concerts, barbecue and specialty beers. Included with admission. SeaWorld Orlando, 7007 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando. 407-545-5550. seaworld.com

Disney H20 Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon makes August nights a little cooler. ©Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

DISNEY H2O GLOW AFTER HOURS AT DISNEY’S TYPHOON LAGOON

Through Aug. 31: Glow with the flow at this special after-hours event that takes place after the sun goes down. See beloved Disney characters, enjoy shorter wait times for rides and delight in complimentary ice cream treats, popcorn and select beverages as the park is illuminated for these special evenings. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Orlando, 407-939-5277. disneyworld.disney.go.com

Strawberry cheesecake soft serve with cheesecake on top, served in a souvenir cup. COURTESY WALT DISNEY WORLD

EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

Through Nov. 18: Explore the world of culinary treasures on a leisurely tour of marketplaces featuring authentic global foods and beverages throughout the World Showcase. Dance and dine at the Eat to the Beat concert series. Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista. disneyworld.disney.go.com

THE LORD OF THE RINGS—THE TWO TOWERS

Aug. 9-11: Composer Howard Shore brings J.R.R. Tolkien’s literary masterpiece to vivid life with an immense symphonic work drawn from centuries of musical styles and performed here by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Friday, Saturday 7 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 407-358-6603. drphillipscenter.org

Witches Fingers: Green cookie fingers with sour apple mousse.

MICKEY’S NOT SO SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY

Aug. 9-Oct. 31: Gently spook your little ones with not-terribly terrifying parades, stage shows, special effects, projections, music, fireworks and foods. 7 p.m. Separately ticketed event. Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista. disneyworld.disney.go.com

PAW PATROL LIVE! HEROES UNITE

Aug. 10-11: Mayor Humdinger has dognapped Robo Dog and made clones. Now it’s up to the pups of Paw Patrol, and the audience as honorary members of the pack, to catch the clones and rescue Robo in this “tail” filled with exciting visual effects and a vibrant musical score. Saturday 10 a.m. & 2 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. & 3 p.m. Addition Financial Arena, 12777 Gemini Blvd., Orlando. 407-823-3070. additionfiarena.com

FAIRY NIGHTS AT LEU GARDENS

Aug. 16: For those who love and celebrate the world of fairies, Leu Gardens has even more fun during its Summer of Fairies at this separately priced after-hours event. Dress in fairy-inspired attire and explore the 20 unique fairy doors placed throughout the gardens, meet “real” fairies, indulge in magical activities and make whimsical art. Foxtail Coffee & Café, Cholo Dogs and Peak Season Pops will have foods available for purchase. Call for start times. Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. 407-246-2620. leugardens.org

THE 9TH ANNUAL FLORIDA KIDS & FAMILY EXPO

Aug. 17-18: Enjoy a day of family fun and discovery through exhibits and events that encourage little minds to grow. With more than 200 exhibitors, there is something for every member of the family at the nation’s largest family expo. $10 advance. Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Orange County Convention Center, West Concourse, Hall C, 9800 International Drive, Orlando. mycentralfloridafamily.com

ORLANDO BOAT SHOW

Aug. 23-25: Wouldn’t it be great to spend the summer chilling on the deck of your own little yacht? Now is the time to browse the newest and best, including bowriders, ski boats, cruisers and bass boats. There are also seminars taught by experts. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Orange County Convention Center, West Hall B & C, 9400 Universal Blvd., Orlando. orlandoboatshow.com

TAY TAY DANCE PARTY

Aug. 24: Steinmetz Hall’s concert floor is cleared and “Taylor-made” to accommodate hundreds of hardcore Swifties as they let loose for a two-hour synchronized laser and light dance party featuring DJ Swiftie, spinning you-know-who. 7:30 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 407-358-6603. drphillipscenter.org

THE 4TH ANNUAL BLK JOY FESTIVAL

Aug. 24: Come for the healing, stay for the joy at this festival presented by the Black Health Commission. A sense of community can be found among the many and celebrated through food, live music, art and games. Local groups will be on hand to provide resources for social services. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Lake Lorna Doone Park, 1519 W. Church St., Orlando. 407-801-4877.
blackhealthcommission.com

RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE ALL STARS LIVE

Aug. 27: Drag Race fan favorites Angeria, Jorgeous, Plastique Tiara, Roxxxy Andrews and more bring their high kicks and low splits to the stage to highlight the Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve and Talent it takes for a queen to become an all-star. 18 and up. 7:30 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 407-358-6603. drphillipscenter.org

DISNEY ON ICE

Aug. 30-Sept. 1: Mickey and his pals are rocking the DJ table as they remix favorite Disney tunes while a cast of characters glide into the spotlight. And it all gets a little bit crazier when guest DJ Stitch does the cutting and scratching. Friday 7:30 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m., 3 & 7 p.m.; Sunday 1 & 5 p.m. Kia Center, 400 W. Church St., Orlando. 407-440-7900. kiacenter.com

GREAT IRISH HOOLEY BOUTIQUE MUSIC FESTIVAL

Aug. 30-Sept. 2: Irish, Canadian and American bands rock Raglan Road’s indoor and outdoor stages with jigs and ballads, Celt grass, folk mainstays and pop tunes. In keeping with the Hooley spirit (Gaelic for a lively, family-friendly party), the restaurant will debut new dishes, beers and whiskeys. Disney Springs, Lake Buena Vista. raglanroad.com