Check Out The March 2022 Orlando Calendar

Join the party for Universal Orlando Resort’s annual festive Mardi Gras celebration through April 24. (COURTESY UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT)

SPECIAL EVENTS

WEKIVA PAINT OUT

Through March 5: A premier plein air art event, with artists painting in the open surroundings of Wekiva Island. The Paint Out helps benefit the Wekiva Wilderness Trust and Keep Seminole Beautiful. Artwork will be available for purchase in-person and online. 1014 Miami Springs Drive, Longwood. 407-463-3363. wekivapaintout.com

DRAGONS & FAIRIES

Through March 11: Journey through a forest of light and meet magical fairies and larger-than-life animatronic dragons in this family-friendly show brought to life by the team at Creative City Project. 9:30 p.m. Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. 407-246-2620. leugardens.org

DRAGONS—HIDDEN TREASURE QUEST

Through April 3: This daytime counterpart to the Dragons & Fairies nighttime show urges seekers to use a map of the gardens to hunt for the dragons’ hidden treasure. Included with regular admission. Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. 407-246-2620. leugardens.org

FRIENDS MUSICAL INSIGHTS 2022

Through April 4: The award-winning musical-awareness series presented by the Friends of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra returns with a promise to explore an array of musical subjects. 5 p.m. The Plaza Live, 425 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando. 407-896-6700. friendsorlandophil.org

March 7: JAZZ! with Percussionist Heather Thorn

April 4: Made in America with Christopher Confessore

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S MARDI GRAS 2022

Through April 24: The parades are back. The beads are back. The concerts are back. It’s time to let loose, party and enjoy all the flavors of New Orleans’ French Quarter. Included with regular admission. universalorlando.com

SEAWORLD SEVEN SEAS FOOD FESTIVAL

Through May 8: Sip and sample your way around the world of coastal cuisine, wines and craft beer and enjoy live entertainment each weekend. SeaWorld Orlando. seaworld.com

SCIENCE FICTION, SCIENCE FUTURE

Through May 9: Explore the innovations that classic science fiction predicted for our future—such as holograms, robots and invisibility—while imagining what is coming next. Orlando Science Center, 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando. 407-514-2000. osc.org

EPCOT’S INTERNATIONAL FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL

March 2-July 4: Take in enchanting topiaries and gather gardening tips while sampling seasonal foods from the outdoor kitchens placed throughout the theme park. Enjoy live music while picking up outdoor-living advice you can use at home. Epcot World Showcase, Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista. disneyworld.disney.go.com

CENTRAL FLORIDA FAIR

March 3-13: Celebrate community at the 110th anniversary of the Central Florida Fair. Rides, live entertainment, midway games, livestock and culinary competitions make for a traditional family-favorite event. 4603 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando. 407-295-3247. centralfloridafair.com

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

March 3-13: It’s not all about the strawberry shortcake; there’s a youth livestock show, rides, exhibits of commerce and live entertainment featuring The Beach Boys, The Oak Ridge Boys, Sammy Hagar & The Circle, Lauren Daigle, Lee Greenwood and many others. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. 303 BerryFest Place, Plant City. 813-752-9194. flstrawberryfestival.com

OKEECHOBEE MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL

March 3-6: Lovers of music and the outdoors will converge on the wilds of Okeechobee for four days of camping, arts, wellness and top music acts, including Tame Impala, Porter Robinson and Denzel Curry. Sunshine Grove, 12517 NE 91st Ave., Okeechobee. okeechobeefest.com

OFF THE BEATEN PATH FLORIDA ARTS TOUR

March 5-6: Twelve professional artists from west Volusia County open their private working studios for this self-guided tour. Studios are in DeLand, DeLeon Springs and Lake Helen. Use an interactive map on your phone at artstours.org/west-volusia-tour. artstours.org

ORLANDO WHISKEY FESTIVAL

March 12: Sample 100 brands of whiskey, including fine single malts, blends of Scotch and American whiskeys, flavored whiskeys, beer and wine, plus gourmet menu selections, live entertainment and cigar vendors. Backyard at Ace Café, 100 W. Livingston St., Orlando. 7 p.m. 407-432-3400. whiskeynbizz.com

LEU GARDENS SPRING PLANT SALE

March 12-13: More than 50 growers and vendors offer plants and outdoor accessories for sale to enhance your landscape and home. Experts on hand can help solve your landscaping problems. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. 407-246-2620. leugardens.org

MIGHTY ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL

March 12-17: If you’re a wee bit Irish or a wannabe, head for the Irish food, drink, live music, dancing and bits of blarney at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant at Disney Springs, Lake Buena Vista. 407-938-0300. raglanroad.com

THE 25TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CARILLON FESTIVAL

March 16-20: Bok Tower Gardens hosts the international festival, this year celebrating the legacy of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Sr. Four of the world’s top carillonneurs will present concerts at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. daily, included in the price of admission. Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. 863-676-1408. boktowergardens.org

THE 63RD WINTER PARK SIDEWALK ART FESTIVAL

March 18-20: One of the nation’s largest and most-prestigious outdoor art festivals, drawing more than 350,000 visitors each year and featuring a wide variety of fine arts and crafts. Booths are located throughout Central Park, along Park Avenue between New England and Garfield avenues in downtown Winter Park. Friday-Saturday 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 407-644-7207. wpsaf.org

MOUNT DORA SPRING FESTIVAL OF ARTS AND CRAFTS    

March 19-20: More than 250 vendors display an eclectic mix of art, collectibles and crafts on the downtown streets of Mount Dora. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 352-217-8390. mountdoraspringfest.com

MISS ROSE DYNASTY PAGEANT

March 20: The family-friendly drag queen pageant, hosted by Momma Ashley Rose and Madeline Rose, features interviews, evening gown, talent and onstage Q&A portions. 6:30 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org

NATIONAL MISS COMEDY QUEEN

March 24: Drag queen contestants from around the country compete in comedic talent, outrageous evening gown and 60-second spokeswoman and will be judged on comedic value, creativity and quick wit. 8 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org

ART IN BLOOM—FESTIVAL OF FINE ARTS AND FLOWERS

March 25-27: A museum-wide showcase featuring fresh floral designs inspired by works from the collections of the Orlando Museum of Art. Explore pop-up shops, curated antiques and an outdoor farmer’s market bursting with blooms. 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando. 407-896-4231. omart.org

UPTOWN ART EXPO

March 25-27: Stroll the 45-acre Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs while browsing the works of more than 140 art and fine craft exhibitors. Watch street artists create chalk paintings on the park’s sidewalks and stay for world-class entertainment at Cranes Roost Amphitheater. Food trucks, craft beer and more all three days. 274 Cranes Roost Blvd., Altamonte Springs. 407-592-0002. uptownartexpo.com

CENTRAL FLORIDA SOUL FEST

March 26: Indulge in urban music, art and food in a festive environment. Performers include Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Michael Baisden, K. Michelle and comedian Rod Z. Gates open 1:30 p.m. Show starts 2:30 p.m. $50 general admission. Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando. 507-722-8343. centralfloridasoulfest.com

57th DELAND OUTDOOR ART FESTIVAL

March 26-27: One sure sign of spring is DeLand’s outdoor fine art and handcrafts festival. More than 130 artists will compete for thousands of dollars in prizes. Festival foods, live entertainment and drawings round out the schedule. Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Earl Brown Park, 750 S. Alabama Ave., DeLand. 386-717-1888. delandoutdoorartfest.com

FLORIDA WILDFLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL

March 26: Vendors line up along downtown DeLand’s West Indiana Avenue to offer gardening and nature-related items for sale while presentations are featured in Chess Park. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 386-738-0649. mainstreetdeland.org

MYCON

March 26: “We Love Everything Geek!” fandom convention featuring anime, cosplay, comics, fantasy, toys, artists, exhibitors and gaming sessions. Avanti Palms, 6515 International Drive, Orlando. mystic-con.com

TASTE OF OVIEDO

March 26: The 28th annual event features restaurants in the Oviedo area as well as stage performances, Oviedo Roots Farmer’s Market and many family activities. This year’s theme is Hot & Spicy!, with vendors highlighting one hot or spicy dish. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 1700 Oviedo Mall Blvd., Oviedo. 407-278-4871. tasteofoviedo.org

DANIEL HABIF

March 27: Writer, philanthropist and entrepreneur Habif has reached millions of Spanish-speaking people with his message of self-help and meditation. 7 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org

TASTE OF LAKE MARY

March 28: The Rotary Club of Lake Mary’s 15th annual evening of fellowship, gourmet dining and networking takes place in the courtyard between the Orlando Marriott Lake Mary and Park Place at Heathrow. All proceeds benefit local charities. 5:30-8 p.m. 1501 International Parkway, Lake Mary. 407-687-7471. lakemaryrotary.com