Special Events

Art comes to life Jan. 12-Feb. 19, 2024 as EPCOT International Festival of the Arts transforms the park into a canvas of imagination at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Guests can enjoy the magic of creativity with vibrant food, music from the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series, visual art and interactive experiences. (OLGA THOMPSON, Photographer)

EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

Through Feb. 19: Let creativity shine as you “sip, savor and stroll” among new and established artists. A trifecta of fabulous awaits as you browse their works, 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.
disneyworld.disney.go.com

EDWARDS TWINS—THE ULTIMATE VEGAS VARIETY SHOW

Feb. 1: If you remember the awesome variety shows of the 1970s and ’80s, (or just wish you were old enough to be this cool) the Edwards Twins have you covered with their on-point impersonations of all the best superstars, such as Barbra Streisand, Neil Diamond, Lionel Richie, Elton John, Sonny & Cher, Stevie Wonder, Bette Midler and more. 7 p.m. The Ritz Theater at Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, 201 S. Magnolia Ave., Sanford. 407-321-8111.
ritztheatersanford.com

RESONATE FESTIVAL

Feb. 1-5: The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra’s annual Resonate Festival delves into the blues, jazz, American music and lively Irish tunes with an orchestral concert and chamber music concert each night of the series. Enjoy the fun side of Orlando Phil at the Winter Park Library & Events Center, 1050 W. Morse Blvd., Winter Park. 407-599-3571. cityofwinterpark.org. Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra box office: 407-770-0071. orlandophil.org

Feb. 1: Blues on Bach, 7 p.m.

Feb. 1: Bach & Irish Fun, 8:45 p.m.

Feb. 3: Jazz in an Old World Town, 7 p.m.

Feb. 3: Celebrating American Music, 8:45 p.m.

Feb. 5: Zodiac, 7 p.m.

Feb. 5: All That Jazz, 8:45 p.m.

KENNEDY UNDER THE STARS

Feb. 2: Kennedy Space Center’s Visitor Complex loosens up as the sun goes down, for one night only, as it throws a cosmic party with real NASA astronauts Nicole Scott and Chris Ferguson. Indulge in signature cocktails and specialty menu items while checking out space shuttle Atlantis and a SpaceX Falcon 9 booster, then join the DJ-led techno dance party and try a round of Cosmic Glow Miniature Golf. $65. 6:30 p.m. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island. 855-433-4210. kennedyspacecenter.com

2024 U.S. OLYMPIC TEAM TRIALS—MARATHON 

Feb. 3: The nation’s elite long-distance runners will be getting a street-side view of some of Orlando’s favorite neighborhoods and business districts as they compete to qualify for a spot on Team USA for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Visit orlando.gov and orlando2024trials.com for best downtown viewing areas, road closures along the routes and more information.

THE 49TH MOUNT DORA ARTS FESTIVAL

Feb. 3-4: Explore this juried show filled with works from 300 artists who have come from across the nation for this lakeside show. 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

Mardi Gras returns to Universal Studios Florida with their International Flavors of Carnaval theme from February 3—April 7, 2024.

UNIVERSAL’S MARDI GRAS—INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS OF CARNAVAL

Feb. 3-April 7: It’s time for beads, bands and beignets as Universal’s Mardi Gras bash rolls with dancers, stilt-walkers and street performers from the bayou and beyond. Authentic parade floats come straight out of New Orleans. Indulge in Cajun delights and sample cuisine inspired by Carnaval celebrations from around the world while getting down to Louisiana’s unique zydeco music. Included with regular admission to Universal Studios Florida. 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando. 407-363-8000.
universalorlando.com

FORT MOSE JAZZ AND BLUES SERIES

Feb. 8-17: Fort Mose Historic State Park, the site of the nation’s first legally sanctioned free African settlement, is the host of this annual jazz and blues program. Doors at 6 p.m., shows at 7 p.m. Fort Mose Historic State Park, 15 Fort Mose Trail, St. Augustine. 904-823-2232. discoverfortmose.com

Feb. 8: Common

Feb. 9: Preservation Hall Jazz Band

Feb. 10: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis

Feb. 16: Christone “Kingfish” Ingram with guest Taj Farrant

Feb. 17: Keb’ Mo’

SOLO EXHIBITION “EYEDENITIY”

Feb. 9- March 7: Solo exhibition by visual artist Tasanee Durrett, originally from Chicago, who lives and works in Orlando, Florida. The exhibition focuses on themes of identity, self-love, and spiritual connectedness, is supported by United Arts of Central Florida. Opening Night reception Feb 9th 7 – 9 PM. Artist Talk Mar 16 1pm. CREDO Conduit Gallery 1001 N. Orange Ave Orlando, FL 32801. credoconduit.com

ANTIQUES AND COLLECTORS EXTRAVAGANZA

Feb. 16-18: 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 Florida Twin Markets, 20651 U.S. 441, Mount Dora. 352-383-3141. renningers.net

LOVE IS LOVE PRIDE FEST 2024

Feb. 17: Join DeLand Pride and Support Volusia in Artisan Alley 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 at Café Davinci and more. 2-9 p.m. Artisan Alley, DeLand. 386-232-8551. delandpride.org

THRIFT LOVE – GOODWILL EVENT

Feb. 17: The nonprofit will host “Thrift Love” to express gratitude to donors for their role in the mission of “Building Lives that Work.” While supplies last, community members who make a donation at their local Goodwill retail store (9 a.m. – 9 p.m.) or Donation Xpress location (8 a.m. – 7 p.m.) will receive a coupon for $5 off a $30 purchase to be used within two weeks from the donation. Donations of shoes, sneakers, clothes, housewares and small appliances are strongly encouraged. Discount coupons are not redeemable at Goodwill Outlet Store locations. GoodwillCFL.org/locations

FRIENDS MUSICAL INSIGHTS

Feb. 20-April 30: The award-winning musical-awareness series presented by Friends of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra returns to explore an array of musical subjects. Visit website to learn more about each subject and for session locations. 5 p.m. 407-896-6700. friendsorlandophil.org

Feb. 20: James Lee III—American Composer Extraordinaire! 

March 19: The Trombone—Powerhouse of the Orchestra.

April 30: A Collaboration of Choirs and Orchestras—A Journey of Joy.

Courtesy of The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, Winter Park, Florida.

MORSE MUSEUM LECTURE SERIES

Feb. 21-April 17: The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art’s 2024 free lecture series touches on a wide array of interests. Visit website to learn more about each session. 2:30 p.m. Jeannette G. and Hugh F. McKean Pavilion, 161 W. Canton Ave., Winter Park. 407-645-5311. morsemuseum.org

Feb. 21: Politics & Pageantry—Hiram Powers’ Greek Slave, Frederick Douglass, and the Capital City, with Sarah Cash.

March 27: Collecting Inspiration—Tiffany & Co.’s Edward C. Moore, with Medill H. Harvey.

April 17: An Illuminating Look at Tiffany Lighting, with Lindsy R. Parrott.

NAPOLEON DYNAMITE LIVE!

Feb. 21: Let’s hope they’re serving tater tots. Watch the low-budget, highly sardonic cult film on the big screen, then settle in for a Q&A session with Napoleon, Pedro and Uncle Rico (Jon Heder, Efren Ramirez and Jon Gries) as they attempt to answer those questions that have been bugging you for years. 7 p.m. The Plaza Live, 425 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando. 407-228-1220. plazaliveorlando.org

WINTER PARK FASHION WEEK

Feb. 24: The fashion event of the year showcases top local boutiques as well as some of the world’s top designers, with the runway show taking place at Full Sail Live. The public is encouraged to visit Park Avenue’s clothiers, boutiques and designers to see the fashions that will be modeled in the show. Full Sail Live, 141 University Park Drive, Winter Park.
winterparkfw.com