Orlando Events

An absolute must for all fans of the Star Wars movies, these fun weekends at the Disney-MGM Studios theme park are devoted to the much-loved sci-fi film franchise. Activities include celebrity guest appearances, prize giveaways, a Jedi training academy, a behind the scenes look at how the films were made, hyperspace hoopla, autograph signings and whole range of other Star Wars-related events and entertainments. So grab your lightsabre and may the force be with you.

One of the most colourful times of the year – and that’s saying something in this city. This is when Disney World welcomes gay and lesbian travellers for a week of theme park celebrations. Over 150,000 attendees arrive to enjoy the parks and attractions. The influx is accompanied by a whole host of events, from expos to seminars and concerts.  

This popular rodeo in Orlando's Silver Spurs Arena attracts rodeo stars from across America who come to compete in traditional rodeo events such as bareback bronco, bull riding, steer wrestling and barrel running. An absolute must for would-be cowboys and cowgirls everywhere, the annual Silver Spurs Rodeo is one of the biggest rodeos on the east of the continent.

Like everywhere else in America, 4 July marks huge celebrations, with fireworks and other entertainment. Expect a glut of patriotic events and parades in all the theme parks. Even if you’re not a huge fan of the stars and stripes, it’s hard not to enter into the spirit of things.

Savour unique foods and fine wines from many exotic locales. This festival is a culinary and cultural pot-pourri, complete with tasty sounds from the concert series and over 20 international food and wine marketplaces.

Each of the four Disney parks, as well as SeaWorld Orlando and Universal, decorate lavishly for the Christmas and New Year holidays. There are special ‘hard ticket' (that means a special ticket with a specified time and date) events throughout the season at each park.

Billed as ‘The most magical 26 miles on Earth’, this modern local tradition sees runners from all over the world racing around the parks of Disney World, with huge spectator interest. Starting atEpcot, the runners continue on to the Magic Kingdom Park,Disney's Animal Kingdom Park and Disney's Hollywood Studios before an exhilarating finish back at Epcot.

The Kissimmee area celebrates its tradition of fishing with a two-day lakeside pageant.

The annual Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival attracts over 350,000 visitors each year and is one of the biggest and most prestigious outdoor art festivals in the country. Over 1,600 artists from all over the world apply to attend the famous show and a panel of judges selects between 250 and 300 to exhibit. Visitors can view the various works on display and there are numerous entertainment acts and children's events planned for the three-day festival.