Calendar Archives

August, 2010

August 1:  Cyndi Lauper - Hot '80s pop rocker brings her Memphis Blues tour to the House of Blues.

August 4:  Justin Bieber - Teen sensation brings his first headlining tour - My World - to the Amway Arena.

August 4 - 5:  Nickelodian Storytime Live - Bring your pre-schoolers to meet Dora the Explorer and the Backyardigans at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center.

August 10:  Norah Jones - Soulful jazz and pop singer performs in her The Fall tour at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center.

August 11:  Alejandro Sanz - Spanish singing sensation performs at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center.

August 12 - 15:  Star Wars Celebration V - Join fans from all over the world and see everything Star Wars at the Orange County Convention Center.  This event features appearances by creator George Lucas, Carrie Fisher who played Princess Leia, and many other actors from the Star War films.

August 21 - 22:  Live at the Gardens - Relive the music of the 50s and 60s with the Repeatles and "Elvis" at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales.

August 21 - 22:  August Stomp - Enjoy food, wine, live music, and of course a grape stomping competition at Lakeridge Winery.

August 28:  Tears for Fears - English pop rock band performs a free concert at Orlando City Hall as part of the WMMO downtown concert series.

July, 2010

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

July 3:  Coke Zero 400 - The last race before they resurface the track at the Daytona International Speedway.

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.  And while you're there, check out the newly restored fountain.

July 9 - 11:  Curious George Live - Watch as Curious George once again tries to save the day, at the UCF Arena.

July 16 - 17:  Celebrity Mascot Games - Thirty mascots from sports teams across the country compete in wacky gladiator themed events at the Amway Arena.

July 17:  Jazz Jams Uptown - Join local saxophonist Erly Thornton for a free concert at Uptown Altamonte.

July 19:  Smashing Pumpkins - Alternative rockers perform at the House of Blues.

July 21:  Weird Al Yankovic - Singer/comedian appearing at Hard Rock Live.

July 25:  Vans Warped Tour - See 65 bands performing on 7 stages at the Firestone Amphitheater.

July 30:  Crowded House - Australian rock band performs at Hard Rock Live.

June, 2010

May 1 - July 31:  Turtle Walks - Take a walk on the wild side and see endangered sea turtles as they come ashore to lay their eggs.  Space is limited, so book your reservation early with Canaveral National Seashores (for Playalinda Beach or New Smyrna Beach) or the Sea Turtle Preservation Society (for Melbourne Beach).

June 1:  Backstreet Boys - Join Orlando's own "boy band", as they bring their "This is Us" tour to Hard Rock Live.

June 4:  Retro Game Night - Play Clue, Battleship, Twister, and many more nostalgic games with old and new friends at the Orange County History Center.

June 4:  Joan Rivers - Laugh out loud with comedian Joan Rivers at Hard Rock Live.

June 4:  Cheap Trick - Re-ignite the flame with Cheap Trick, in concert at House of Blues.

June 12 - July 31:  Sounds Like Summer Concert Series - Relive some old time rock and roll at EPCOT Center this summer.  Each week features a different tribute band for the likes of U2, the Rolling Stones, the Eagles, and Chicago.

June 15 - 20:  Chicago - Come see the Tony Award winning, razzle-dazzle musical at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center.

June 18:  The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Add a little magic to your life at the grand opening of this new attraction at Universal's Islands of Adventures.  New attractions include Hogwarts Castle and the Forbidden Journey ride.

June 18 - 20:  Harvest Festival - Enjoy wine, music, art, and of course grape stomping at  Lakeridge Winery.

June 30:  Shen Yun Performing Arts - Witness dazzling dances and spectacular stunts by dozens of Chinese acrobats at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center.  But also brace yourself for some propaganda as well.

May, 2010

April 30 - May 16:  Orlando Cabaret Festival - Choose a 45-minute midday performance during your lunch break, or plan a full night of beautiful music with one of the evening shows, all at the Mad Cow Theater.

May 1:  Spring Jazz Stroll - Escape the hot weather with some cool jazz under a starry sky at Leu Gardens.  Bring your picnic basket and blanket for a truly relaxing evening.

May 1 - July 31:  Turtle Walks - Take a walk on the wild side and see endangered sea turtles as they come ashore to lay their eggs.  Space is limited, so book your reservation early with Canaveral National Seashores (for Playalinda Beach or New Smyrna Beach) or the Sea Turtle Preservation Society (for Melbourne Beach).

May 4:  Disguise, Deception, and Illusion - Don't tell anyone, but you can learn some state secrets from two former CIA Chiefs of Disguise, at the Orange County History Center.

May 8:  My Fair Lady - Enjoy a "semi-staged" production of one of the greatest musicals of all time, presented by the Orlando Philharmonic and the Mad Cow Theatre, at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center.

May 9:  Wynonna Judd - Join this 5-time Grammy Award winner for a Mother's Day evening full of great country music, at the Silver Spurs Arena.

May 14 - 16:  Florida Music Festival - Rock with some of the best up and coming bands at various venues in downtown Orlando.

May 18 - 23:  Spring Awakening - Explore the interplay of morality, sexuality, and rock and roll with this Tony Award winning musical about teenagers coming of age, at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center.

May 20 - 31:  Orlando International Fringe Festival - Spice up your life with a wild mix of theater, dance, and art, all taking place at Loch Haven Park.

May 21-23, May 28-30, June 4-6, June 11-13:  Star Wars Weekends - There's no need to journey to a galaxy far far away to meet some of your favorite Star Wars characters.  Just head to Disney's Hollywood Studios.

May 22:  Jazz Jams Uptown - Kick off the fifth year of this popular free concert series with Grammy-nominated guitarist Craig Chaquico, at the Edie Rose Amphitheater at Uptown Altamonte.

April, 2010

April 2 - 4:  Easter Surf Festival - Soak up some surf, sun and sand, as you work on your tan at this 46th annual festival hosted by Ron Jon Surf Shop.  This is one of the biggest surfing events on the East Coast, and includes competitions for men and women ages 6 to 60.  Taking place at Shepard Park and the Cocoa Beach Pier.

April 2 - 4:  Morse Museum Open House - Take advantage of the free admission and come see the world's most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, including jewelry, paintings, lamps and glass windows.

April 2 - 11:  Playfest - Enjoy 10 days of readings, workshops, and new plays at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater.

April 3:  Smucker's Stars on Ice - Now you can see some of the world's best skaters in person, including recent Olympic gold medallists Evan Lysacek, and Shen & Zhao, at the Amway Arena.

April 3 -4:  Spring Fiesta in the Park - Take a stroll around Lake Eola and check out arts and crafts from more than 400 exhibitors.

April 9 - 18:  Florida Film Festival - See a great mix of independent films and enjoy tasty culinary delights, at the 19th Annual Florida Film Festival, taking place at the Enzian Theatre.

April 11:  Fiesta Medina - Celebrate Orlando's oldest Latin community festival with plenty of food and music at Festival Park.

April 17 -18:  Board and Waves Expo - Touch, feel, and learn about the latest surfboards and accessories from over 70 manufacturers at the Cocoa Expo Sports Center.

April 19:  Nickelback - Grammy-nominated, mega-platinum rock powerhouse brings their Dark Horse world tour to the Amway Arena.

April 22:  Celtic Woman - Songs from the Heart - Enjoy lush Irish classics and contemporary arrangements at the Amway Arena.

April 23 - 25:  Le Corsaire - Pirates, shipwrecks, royalty, and adventure - and yes, it's a ballet.  Presented by the Orlando Ballet at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center.

April 24 - 25:  Great American Pie Festival - Come hungry to this festival, taking place at Lakeside Park in Celebration.  Activities include cooking demonstrations, pie eating contests, and the Never-Ending Pie Buffet.

April 27 - May 2:  Xanadu - Broadway Across America presents a hilarious, roller skating, musical adventure about following your dreams despite limitations.  At the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center.

April 30 - May 16:  Orlando Cabaret Festival - Choose a 45-minute midday performance during your lunch break, or plan a full night of beautiful music with one of the evening shows, all at the Mad Cow Theater.

March, 2010

March 3 - April 3:  Atlanta Braves Spring Training - Have a ball at the newly renamed ESPN Wide World of Sports.

March 3 - May 16:  Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival - Celebrate Springtime with gardening exhibits and activities during the day, then enjoy the Flower Power concert series on weekend night, featuring popular bands from the 60's and 70's.

March 4 - 14:  75th Annual Florida Strawberry Festival - Celebrate the strawberry harvest in Plant City with rides, exhibits, and award-winning entertainment from top names like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sara Evans, and Julianne Hough.

March 5:  Taylor Swift - Join the Grammy Award-winning singer, as she brings her Fearless tour to the Amway Arena.

March 5 - 7:  Central Florida Boat Show - Check out the latest water crafts at the biggest boat show in Central Florida.  Taking place at the Orange County Convention Center.

March 6 -7:  Festival of Chocolate - Savor a sweet weekend at the Orlando Science Center.  Learn from award winning chefs, then indulge in candy, cakes, and even a chocolate spa treatment.

March 6, 13, 20, 27:  Viva La Musica - Hot music and delicious cuisine combine to create a vibrant Latin flare at this celebration of Hispanic heritage.  Concerts are included with regular admission to Sea World.

March 9 -14:  In the Heights - Come see this Tony award-winning musical about chasing your dreams and finding a true home - at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center.

 March 10:  Michel Bouble - Fresh from his stint at the Olympics, the smooth crooner continues his Crazy Love tour at the Amway Arena.

March 12 -14:  TICO Warbird Airshow - If you feel the need for speed, then check out the planes and aerobatics happening Space Coast Regional Airport in Titusville.

March 13:  Eric Clapton with special guest Roger Daltrey - Get two rock legends for the price of one, at the Amway Arena.

March 19 - 21:  Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival - Delight in one of the country's most prestigious art festivals, featuring 225 artists from all over the world, a children's section, and several free concerts.  Taking place at Central Park.

March 19 - 21:  Battle of the Sexes - The Orlando Ballet presents an evening of powerful and provocative contemporary choreography, at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center.

March 19 - 21:  Central Florida Home & Garden Show - Get some great gardening and home-improvement ideas, at the Orange County Convention Center.

March 22 -28:  Arnold Palmer Invitational - Watch some of the world's best golfers compete in this classic event at Bay Hills.  Sorry, no Tiger this year :-(

February, 2010

February 6 -7:  Mount Dora Art Festival - Kick off the festival season with 285 artists and 300,000 of your closest friends, in downtown Mount Dora.

February 6 - May 16:  Out of this World - See an exhibit of more than 40 costumes, props and models from popular science fiction films such at Star Wars, Star Trek, Terminator, and Batman.  At the Orange County History Center.

 February 6 - April 17:  Mardi Gras - Let the good times roll with spectacular parades and concerts, Saturday nights at Universal Studios.

February 10 - March 14:  All's Well That Ends Well - Enjoy Shakespeare's classic comedy about youth, love, and self-awareness, at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater.

February 11 -13:  Nude Nite - Join hundreds of artists in this juried exhibition celebrating the body through visual and performing arts.  Adults only, in the Lake Ivanhoe Antique District.

February 14:  Valentine's Concert - Treat your sweetheart to a special concert under the stars at Leu Gardens, featuring Orlando's own Michael Andrew and Swingerhead.

February 14:  Daytona 500 - Feel the roar of the engines, as 43 of the best stock car drivers compete in NASCAR's biggest and richest race at the Daytona International Speedway.

February 19 -21:  Silver Spurs Rodeo - Grab your cowboy hats and head out to the rodeo, at Osceola Heritage Park.  And while you're there, be sure to check out the Osceola County Fair, too.

February 19:  Bob Saget - See the comedian and TV personality in concert at Hard Rock Live.

February 20:  Pops a la Arthur Fiedler - Tap your toes to popular classics and classic pops, with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra at the Amway Arena.

February 25:  Jimmy Buffet - Bring your flip flops and margaritas to the "Summerzcoool" Tour, at the Amway Arena.

February 25 - 28:  Space Coast Mardi Gras - Enjoy family-oriented street parties, midway rides, concerts, and a masquerade ball, and catch lots of beads at the big Mardi Gras parade.  All at Cocoa Village and Riverfront Park.

February 25 - March 7:  Central Florida Fair - Enjoy regional arts and crafts, livestock shows, carnival rides and lots of food and music, at the Central Florida Fairgrounds.

February 26:  George Strait & Reba McEntire - Join the king and queen of country music, with special guest Lee Ann Womack, all in concert at the Amway Arena.

February 26 - 28:  Carmen - Celebrate the return of opera to Orlando, with Bizet's masterpiece, at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center.  This is a "concert opera," presented by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.

February 26 - March 7:  Bike Week - Make the annual pilgrimage to Daytona Beach and enjoy hot bikes, hot babes, and coleslaw wresting.  Need we say more?

February 27:  Harlem Globetrotters - Don't miss the winningest team in professional sports, as the Harlem Globetrotters take center court at the UCF Arena.

January, 2010

January 1:  Capital One Bowl - Kick off the new year with a football game at the the Citrus Bowl, this year featuring Penn State vs. LSU.

January 3:  Lady Gaga - Wear your wildest fashions to the Monster Ball Tour, at a new venue - the UCF Arena.

January 7 - 10:  Walt Disney World Marathon - Enjoy a weekend of racing, culminating with the full marathon on January 10th, through all four Disney theme parks.

January 10:  Itzhak Perlman - Enjoy an amazing classical program with master violinist Itzhak Perlman and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center.

January 14 - 17:  Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus - Give yourselves and your kids a special treat with a brand new edition of the circus called FUNundrum, at the Amway Arena.  Come 90 minutes early for the animal open house and all-access preshow, free to all ticket holders.

January 20 - February 14:  Phantom of the Opera - Come experience the music, the romance, and the spectacle of the longest running show on Broadway, playing at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center.

January 23 -24:  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 23 - 24:  Golfest - Try and buy the latest golf equipment at the country's largest outdoor golf lifestyle event, taking place at the Championsgate Golf Club.  Sponsored by Golfweek.

January 23 - 31:  Zora Neale Hurston Festival - Celebrate the life and work of writer Hurston with a an impressive roster of arts, humanities, and cultural programming.  Taking place at various venues in Eatonville.

January 27 - March 13:  Hamlet - To be or not to be - that is the question.  Find the answer at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater.

January 30:  Monster Jam - Super-size your fun with the monster trucks at the Citrus Bowl.

January 30:  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 6th in Ybor City.  This is Tampa's version of Mardi Gras, and it's just as wild.