Hot Spots Calendar Archives

Calendar Archives

January, 2012

January 2: Capital One Bowl - Kick off the new year with a football game at the the Citrus Bowl, this year featuring the Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. the South Carolina Gamecocks.

January 5 - 8: Walt Disney World Marathon - Enjoy a weekend of racing, culminating with the full marathon on January 9th, through all four Disney theme parks.

January 12 - 16: Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus - Give yourselves and your kids a special treat with a brand new edition of the circus titled Dragons, at the Amway Center. Come 60 minutes early for the all-access pre-show, free to all ticket holders.

January 17 - 22: Les Miserables - Tony Award-winning Broadway musical based on Victor Hugo's classic novel, presented by Broadway Across America at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center.

January 21: Red Hot Chilly Peppers - New Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, playing at the Amway Center.

January 21 - 29: Zora Neale Hurston Festival - Celebrate the life and work of writer Zora Neale Hurston with a an impressive roster of arts, humanities, and cultural programming. Taking place at various venues in Eatonville.

January 25 - March 17: Romeo and Juliet - William Shakespeare's classic tragedy, playing at the Shakespeare Theater.

January 28 -29: Blue Spring Manatee Festival - Check out the Florida manatees in their natural environment at Blue Spring State Park in Orange City. And while you're there, be sure to enjoy the free music and arts and crafts show.

January 28: Monster Jam - Super-size your fun with the monster trucks at the Citrus Bowl.

January 28: Gasparilla Pirate Fest - Watch the pirates invade Tampa, then join in the fun at the parade along Bayshore Drive. Get ready to catch lots of beads and other pirate booty. Definitely worth the drive. For a more "adult-oriented" fare, head to the Gasparilla Night Parade, February 12th in Ybor City. This is Tampa's version of Mardi Gras, and it's just as wild.

December, 2011

September 17 - December 11: Maze Adventures - Lose yourself at Central Florida's only corn maze, located at Long & Scott Farms in Zellwood. Open weekends only.

November 10 - January 7: Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights - Light up your holidays with this spectacular display of millions of glittering lights synchronized to holiday music at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

November 11 - January 1: Light Up UCF - Enjoy 50 nights of music, light shows, holiday films and Orlando's only outdoor skating rink, all taking place at the UCF Arena.

November 16 - January 2: Ice! - Experience Orlando's coolest holiday tradition, with monuments and sculptures hand-carved from 2 million pounds of ice at the Gaylord Palms Resort. This year's theme features characters from the Shrek movies.

November 26 - December 31: Now Snowing - Yes, it really does snow in Florida - nightly, every hour on the hour at Celebration Town Center. While you're there, enjoy strolling carolers, horse drawn carriage rides, visits from Santa, and a new ice skating rink.

November 30 - December 30: A Tuna Christmas - Laugh out loud at the play about Tuna, a small town where Christmas festivities are in jeopardy. Two talented men portray all 24 citizens of Texas' third smallest town, at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater.

December 1: Christmas in the Park - Kick off the holiday season with the lighting of nine century-old Tiffany windows and a free concert by the Bach Festival Choir in downtown Winter Park. While there, try out the new ice skating rink, open through January 8th.

December 2: Orlando Fantasy vs. Cleveland Crush - Kick off the home opener of Orlando's Lingerie Football League at the Citrus Bowl.

December 3: Light Up the Holidays - Come see Central Florida's biggest Christmas tree, along with live musical performances, a holiday fountain show, and a special fireworks presentation, all at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs.

December 3 - January 1: Macy's Holiday Parade - If you couldn't make it to New York, you can still enjoy some of the most popular floats and balloons directly from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, now a popular holiday tradition at Universal Studios.

December 4: Paul Simon - Musical legend proves he's still crazy after all these years, at the UCF Arena.

December 6 - 12: South Pacific - Escape the cold with this new production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic, at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center.

December 11: Trans Siberian Orchestra - Enjoy the holiday rock spectacle "Christmas Eve and Other Stories" at the Amway Center.

December 15 - 18: The Nutcracker - Delight in visions of Sugarplum fairies and Snow Kings, as the Orlando Ballet presents this holiday classic complete with stunning sets and costumes, special effects, beautiful music and exquisite dancing at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center.

December 29: Champs Sports Bowl - Football powerhouses FSU and Notre Dame fight it out at the Citrus Bowl.

December 31: Orlando Citrus Parade - Don't miss Central Florida's biggest parade, taking place in downtown Orlando. The floats feature over 100,000 pieces of fresh Florida Citrus, and you can help decorate them at the Orange County Convention Center from December 27th to 30th.

November, 2011

September 17 - December 11: Maze Adventures - Lose yourself at Central Florida's only corn maze, located at Long & Scott Farms in Zellwood. Open weekends only.

September 30 - November 13: Epcot International Food and Wine Festival - Sample delectable food and drinks from around the world, then enjoy some great music nightly at the Eat to the Beat Concert Series.

November 1 - 6: The Addams Family - They're creepy and they're kooky, and now they're in a new Broadway musical where Wednesday falls in love with a "normal" guy. Playing at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center.

November 3 - 6: Playfest - Enjoy a fast-paced weekend packed with world premiere plays, distinctive panels, and lively parties at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater.

November 5 -6: Fall Fiesta in the Park - Enjoy food, live entertainment, and over 400 arts and crafts booths at Lake Eola. Free Admission.

November 5 - 6: Cocoa Beach Air Show - Get a lift from military jet demonstrations and civilian aerobatic performance - all while you work on your tan on Cocoa Beach.

November 5 - 6: Winter Park Concours d'Elegance - Check out more than 120 prestigious show cars on Park Avenue, now in its 10th year. Free admission.

November 11 - January 1: Light Up UCF - Enjoy 50 nights of music, light shows, holiday films and Orlando's only outdoor skating rink, all taking place at the UCF Arena.

November 12 - 14: Festival of the Masters - Brush elbows with over 150 award-winning artists at Downtown Disney. Now in its 36th year, this festival also includes over 6,000 square feet of sidewalk chalk art, and an activities area where children can create their own masterpieces. Free Admission.

November 12 - 13: Orlando Calling - Rock out at the new music festival featuring over 50 artists from all genres, including Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, Kid Rock, and the Killers. On 4 different stages at the Citrus Bowl.

November 12 - 20: Festival of Trees - Get a jump on the holidays with gingerbread creations, holiday vignettes, and over 40 trees decorated by local designers, at the Orlando Museum of Art.

November 18 - 19: Florida Classic - Enjoy the battle of the bands on Friday at the Amway Center, then the classic football game between Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M on Saturday at the Florida Citrus Bowl.

November 24 - 27: Central Florida International Auto Show - See the latest cars and vehicle trends at the Orange County Convention Center.

November 26: Home for the Holidays - Celebrate the season, as the Orlando Philharmonic presents holiday music from around the world, at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center.

October, 2011

September 17 - December 11: Maze Adventures - Lose yourself at Central Florida's only corn maze, located at Long & Scott Farms in Zellwood. Open weekends only.

September 23 - October 31: Halloween Horror Nights - Confront your most terrifying fears at one of the world's largest and most elaborate Halloween celebrations at Universal Orlando. This year, host Lady Luck will show you that the house always wins.

October 8: Heart of the King - Elvis is in the house! Join two of America's top Elvis tribute artists, as they follow his roots from the '50s to his elaborately staged Vegas shows at the Bob Carr.

October 8 - 9: Autumn Arts Festival - Enjoy artwork from 150 outstanding Florida artists at the Winter Park Autumn Arts Festival, located in Central Park. Free admission.

October 11: Peter Frampton - Spend an evening with rock legend Peter Frampton, as he brings his Comes Alive tour to the Hard Rock Live.

October 13 -16: Southern Women's Show - Get some great shopping, cooking, and fashion ideas at the Orange County Convention Center.

October 15: Jazz 'n Blues Stroll - Bring a picnic basket and blanket, and enjoy live blues and jazz under a starry sky at Leu Gardens.

October 16: Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival - Cheer on your favorite team or join in the fun as a paddler at Downtown Disney.

October 20 -23: Biketoberfest - Join more than 125,000 motorcycle enthusiasts in Daytona Beach for a weekend of rides, concerts, food, and plenty of fun. And don't miss the coleslaw wrestling.

October 21: Enrique Iglesias - Hot Latin rocker brings his Euphoria Tour to the Amway Center. Bachata king Prince Royce and rapper Pitbull are the opening acts.

October 22 - 30: Zoo Boo Bash - Trick or treat in the wildest neighborhood in town at the Central Florida Zoo. This is a fun and not too scary event for young and old alike. Take a haunted hay ride, visit the pumpkin patch, and learn about all sorts of animals.

October 23: Calle Orange Festival Latino - Enjoy food, music, and dancing at Central Florida's largest Hispanic festival. Taking place on Orange Avenue, in downtown Orlando.

October 28: Guns N' Roses - Rockers bringing the house down at the Amway Center.

October 29: Josh Groban - Spend an evening with smooth crooner Josh Groban at the Amway Center.

October 31: Plazaween - Dressed up or not, come join the fun at the biggest Halloween celebration in Orlando, taking place on Wall Street Plaza, downtown. Enjoy food, drinks, music, and of course, the midnight costume contest.

September, 2011

September 1 - 30: Orlando Magical Dining Month - Satisfy your culinary cravings throughout the month as over 60 of Central Florida's finest restaurants offer 3-course dinners for the fixed price of $30.

September 1 - 5: NKF Pro Am Surf Festival - Enjoy food, bands, bikini contests, and plenty of surfing at the 26th annual surf festival to benefit the National Kidney Foundation, taking place at Shepard's Park in Cocoa Beach.

September 8 - 14: Fashion Week - Celebrate Fashion Week at the Mall at Millenia with fashion shows, champagne receptions, and special in-store activities throughout the week.

September 9 - 10: Kevin Nealon - Laugh out loud with Saturday Night Live alumnus Kevin Nealon, at a special engagement at the Orlando Improv.

September 9 - 10: Night of Joy - Rock your soul with some great contemporary Christian music at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

September 9 - 10: Rock the Universe - Same as Night of Joy, but at Universal Studios. You pick!

September 9 - 11: Disney on Ice - Join some of Disney's favorite princesses, as they Dare to Dream, at the Amway Center.

September 9 - 11: Orlando Fall Home & Garden Show - Get some great gardening and home-improvement ideas, at the Orange County Convention Center.

September 10: Florida International Piano Competition - Witness 22 world class pianists from around the world, as they compete for honor and prizes at the Bob Carr.

September 14 - October 9: The Importance of Being Earnest - Discover one of the most cherished plays in the English language, in Oscar Wilde's rousing, romantic comedy, playing at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater.

September 17 - December 11: Maze Adventures - Lose yourself at Central Florida's only corn maze, located at Long & Scott Farms in Zellwood.

September 17: Headdress Ball - Lose your inhibitions at Orlando's most outrageous black tie event. This gala, which benefits the Hope and Help Center, features a gourmet dinner, a Las Vegas style show, and plenty of big head pieces, all at the Orlando Hilton. Did we mention that it's wild?

September 17: So You Think You Can Dance Tour - Whirl and twirl with the top 10 finalists from the hit FOX TV show, as they kick off their national tour at the Amway Center.

September 19: Marc Anthony - Top-selling Latin salsa singer in concert at the Amway Center.

September 21 - 25: Cirque du Soleil Dralion - Be amazed as the traditional Chinese acrobatic arts meets the multidisciplinary approach of Cirque du Soleil in this touring production, coming to the UCF Arena.

September 24 - 25: Fiesta del Coqui - Celebrate the tiny frog of Puerto Rico with music, dancing, and fabulous local cuisine at the Central Florida Zoo.

August, 2011

June 11 - September 5: Sci-Fi Summer - Help launch the maiden voyage of Sci-Fi Summer at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where NASA's science fact meets with Star Trek's science fiction. And while there, you can enter a contest for a free trip into space (really!) on XCOR Aerospace's Lynx Vehicle.

July 2 - September 10: Games People Play - Discover how electronic games evolved from the pinball machines through the rise and fall of video arcades, to the advanced gaming consoles of today, at the Orange County History Center.

August 20: Jazz Jams Uptown - Escape the heat with some cool jazz at Uptown Altamonte. This month's featured performer is Four80East, and best of all, the concert is free.

August 20 - 21: August Stomp - Kick back with food, wine, live music, and of course a grape stomping competition at Lakeridge Winery.

August 27: Red Chair Affair - Kick off Central Florida's arts and cultural season with a sampling of some of the upcoming season's best offerings, at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center.

July, 2011

July 2: Coke Zero 400 - Enjoy the fireworks on and off the track as the stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series face off at the Daytona International Speedway. Come early for the Martina McBride concert, and stay late for the fireworks.

July 2 - 4: Red, White and Zoo - Celebrate the Central Florida Zoo's 36th birthday with live music, food, games, and zoo animal encounters.

July 3: Red Hot and Boom - Celebrate our nation's birthday with free music and fireworks at Uptown Altamonte.

July 4: Fireworks at the Fountain - If you can't get enough of a good thing, then head over to Lake Eola for more free music and fireworks. Come early to see the first light show from the newly restored fountain.

July 7 - August 7: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Kids bored this summer? Then bring them to this play at the Orlando Shakespeare Center, based on the classic fairy tale, but told with help from younger members of the audience.

July 8: Space Shuttle Atlantis - Be there as the space shuttle era comes to an end with the last launch of the Atlantis.

July 17: Sade - Smooth operator returns to the world stage with her Soldier of Love Tour, at the Amway Center.

July 20: Britney Spears - Join Britney and her all female Femme Fatale Tour, featuring Nicki Minaj, Jessie and the Toy Boys, and Nervo, at the Amway Center.

July 22: New Kids on the Block & Back Street Boys - Boy bands blast into the Amway Center.

July 24: American Idol Live - Amway Center heats up with performances from this season's top 11 performers.

July 29 - 30: Celebrity Mascot Games - Thirty mascots from sports teams across the country compete in wacky gladiator themed events at the Amway Center.