IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Disney on Ice — Spotlight Magic
WHAT: The latest Disney on Ice spectacular boasts multiple firsts: The arrival of the Disney villains to the ice rink, for one. (Watch out, Mickey and pals!) On a cuddlier note, Stitch’s girlfriend Angel also makes her North American debut, and pop sensation Gazelle and sly newcomer Gary De’Snake from “Zootopia 2” as they join Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. More than 30 characters are featured in all, including familiar faces from “Tangled,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Toy Story” and “Monsters, Inc.”
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WHEN: Opens at 7 p.m. Sept. 4, with multiple shows Sept. 5 and 6
WHERE: Kia Center, 400 W. Church St. in Orlando
INFO: kiacenter.com
YOUR SEASON PLANNER
Schedules are subject to change, so always double-check before heading to an event.
APOPKA WOMAN’S CLUB
Proceeds from the Apopka Woman’s Club annual festival go to scholarships and charitable contributions for the community. The event takes place at Kit Land Nelson Park, 35 S. Park Ave. in Apopka. Information: apopkaartandfoliagefestival.org
65TH ANNUAL APOPKA ART & FOLIAGE FESTIVAL: April 24-25, 2027. Arts and crafts, plant doctors, children’s art area, entertainment, food and more.
ARTS AT THE J
The program of special cultural events takes place at the Rosen Family Jewish Community Center, 11184 S. Apopka-Vineland Road in Orlando. More information: rosenjcc.org/arts-at-the-j
BROADWAY MEETS OPERA: Nov. 12. Opera Orlando singers perform a mix of showtunes and arias.
LANAKILA’S POLYNESIAN HOLIDAY LUAU: Dec. 13. A festive celebration of Polynesian culture through music, dance, costumes and storytelling.
FENOMERICA: Jan. 23, 2027. Flamenco del Sur offers this dance-theater performance filled with passion, rhythm, drama and circus-inspired staging.
I NEVER SAW ANOTHER BUTTERFLY: Feb. 27, 2027. The Bridge Theatre performs this play based on children’s poetry from the Nazis’ Terezin internment camp that reflects on memory, resilience, identity and bearing witness.
ASSOCIATION TO PRESERVE THE EATONVILLE COMMUNITY
The organization presents its annual festival along East Kennedy Boulevard in Eatonville. More information: Zorafestival.org
HATITUDE CULTURAL FLAIR BRUNCH: Oct. 17. at Eola View, 150 E. Central Blvd. in Orlando. The program highlights the importance of culture as a reflection of humanity, featuring a master designer and “fine fashion, good fellowship and delicious cuisine.” This year’s event, hosted by Star 94.5’s JoJo O’Neal, features fashion designer Chuks Collins.
ZORA NEALE HURSTON FESTIVAL: Jan. 29-31, 2027. Annual festival celebrating the life and legacy of Eatonville author Zora Neale Hurston.
CASSELBERRY LATIN JAZZ AND ART FESTIVAL
The free annual event takes place at Lake Concord Park, 95 Triplet Lake Drive in Casselberry. More information: casselberry.org/656/Latin-Jazz-Concert
FESTIVAL: Sept. 12. Grammy-winner Nestor Torres, Emmy-nominated Fabiola Mendez and friends will headline the Puerto Rican-inspired concert. The event also includes food, shopping and an exhibit by Latin American artists at City Hall.
CELEBRATION FOUNDATION
The nonprofit, which also runs a concert series (see Music: classical, choral, opera, jazz listings), is also planning a holiday home tour. Information: celebrationfoundation.org
HOLIDAY HOME TOUR: Dec. 5-6, with a VIP Sparkle Soiree on Dec. 4. The self-guided tour allows access to seasonally decorated homes throughout Celebration, as well as a stop at the Magical Marketplace, which offers holiday decor and gifts for purchase.
CENTRAL FLORIDA SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES
The annual event is at Central Winds Park, 1000 Central Winds Drive in Winter Springs. Information: flascot.com
49TH SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES: Jan. 16-17, 2027. Scottish athletics, bagpipe bands, Highland dancing, Celtic music, cultural exhibits, kids’ games, food and more.
CHURCH ON THE DRIVE
The church is at 1914 Edgewater Drive in Orlando. More information: churchonthedrive.org
CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS: Jan. 30, 2027. An exhibition showcases the work of local visual artists.
CREATIVE CITY PROJECT
Seasonal events take place at Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave. in Orlando, while the Immerse festival happens in the streets of downtown Orlando. More information: creativecityproject.com
DAZZLING NIGHTS: Nov. 20, 2026-Jan. 3, 2027. A million lights fill Leu Gardens with holiday cheer in this walk-through attraction featuring music and art.
IMMERSE: Feb. 19-21, 2027. A festival celebrating creativity in all the arts takes over the streets of downtown Orlando.
DR. PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
The arts center is at 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando. More information: drphillipscenter.org
BOURBON TASTINGS: Sept. 17 (Smoke & Oak: Bourbon & BBQ) and Dec. 17 (Spirit of the Season), in Judson’s Live. Barrel master leads guests through an experience of the beverage, combining storytelling and spirits, with entertainment from Beemo, an Americana-folk-strings ensemble.
WINE TASTINGS: Oct. 4 (The Red Collection), Nov. 1 (The Blind Tasting Experience), Dec. 6 (The World of Sparkling Wine) and Feb. 7, 2027 (Grand Cru Reserve), all in Judson’s Live. Master sommelier George Miliotes leads this intimate, workshop-style series that blends education and storytelling through six hand-selected pours at each event.
FRONTYARD HOLIDAY FESTIVAL: Nov. 27-Dec. 31. Food, drink and fun on the center’s Seneff Arts Plaza. Among the offerings: Concerts and other live entertainment, themed nights, holiday movie screenings, nightly snowfall, interactive experiences, light displays and a carillon of bronze bells weighing in at nearly 4 tons.
CIRQUE ALICE: March 12-14, 2027. This theatrical acrobatic extravaganza takes place in Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland, with aerialists, contortionists, dancers and puppeteers performing to a soundtrack of contemporary arrangements of classical hits.
FIESTA IN THE PARK
These free annual celebrations take place in Lake Eola Park, 512 E. Washington St. in Orlando. More information: fiestainthepark.com
55TH ANNUAL FALL FIESTA IN THE PARK: Nov. 7-8. More than 300 artists, craftspeople and food vendors.
FUSIONFEST
The annual celebration of Central Florida’s diverse cultures takes place in downtown Orlando between the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and City Hall on Orange Avenue. More information: FusionFest.org
9TH ANNUAL FUSIONFEST: Nov. 28-29. A celebration of global cultures with food, music, art and more.
GARDEN THEATRE ON PLANT
The city of Winter Garden in partnership with DNA Productions presents plays (see Theater listings), concerts (see Music: classical, choral, opera, jazz listings) and other entertainment at the theater, 160 W. Plant St. in Winter Garden. More information: gardentheatreonplant.com
Family Shows
WILD WORLD OF ANIMALS: Nov. 14. Grant Kemmerer hosts this hands-on wildlife experience that brings audiences face to face with critters.
MUTTS GONE NUTS: Jan. 23, 2027. A canine comedy spectacular starring a cast of rescue dogs doing tricks and stunts.
GAYLORD PALMS
The resort is at 6000 W. Osceola Parkway in Kissimmee. More information: christmasatgaylordpalms.marriott.com
CHRISTMAS AT GAYLORD PALMS: Nov. 13, 2026-Jan. 3, 2027. The “Pomp, Snow & Cirqueumstance” show returns, among other entertainment offerings and activities, such as indoor ice tubing. This year’s signature Ice! exhibit, consisting of large-scale ice sculptures, is themed to the movie “The Polar Express.:
HANNIBAL SQUARE HERITAGE CENTER
The center, a program of Crealdé School of Art, is located at 642 W. New England Ave. in Winter Park. Hours are noon-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. More information: 407-539-2680 or hannibalsquareheritagecenter.org
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UNITY HERITAGE FESTIVAL: Jan. 16-19, 2027. Annual celebration of the life of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., featuring music, food and cultural presentations at Shady Park and the Heritage Center.
THE SPIRIT OF SANKOFA — JUNETEENTH AT THE HANNIBAL SQUARE HERITAGE CENTER: June 19, 2027. An immersive celebration of freedom featuring spoken word, live music, interactive art activities and exhibitions exploring African-American history and the continuing pursuit of justice and equity.
HOPE & HEALTH OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
The nonprofit’s signature event returns this year at the Hilton Orlando, 6001 Destination Parkway. More information: headdressgala.com
HEADDRESS GALA: Sept. 19. Grammy-winning Motown star Thelma Houston will headline the fashion-forward night of entertainment that raises money for Hope & Health, a nonprofit that provides HIV and STI prevention, testing, treatment, and care services across seven counties.
KIA CENTER
The center is at 400 W. Church St. in Orlando. More info: Kiacenter.com
DISNEY ON ICE — SPOTLIGHT MAGIC: Sept. 4-6. Characters from “Zootopia 2,” “Tangled,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Toy Story” and “Monsters, Inc.” put on their skates, along with Disney villains and Mickey and pals.
LAKE COUNTY QUILTERS GUILD
The group has its annual show at the Venetian Center, 1 Dozier Circle in Leesburg. Information: lakequiltguild.com
43RD ANNUAL FANTASTIC QUILT SHOW: Nov. 13-14. Quilts, vendors and more.
LEU GARDENS
The Harry P. Leu Gardens are at 1920 N. Forest Ave. in Orlando. Information: leugardens.org
FREE DAY: First Monday of each month.
FAIRY DOORS: Through Sept. 7. Whimsical displays among the foliage.
WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING: Sept. 4. The rom-com is screened as part of the movie series.
FALL INTO THE GARDENS: Sept. 12-Nov. 2. Seasonal displays, plus a “Garden Chicken Hunt,” in which families can search for funny chickens hidden throughout the gardens. A Craft Day, with family activities, kicks off the celebration on Sept. 12.
SCIENCE SUNDAY: Sept. 26. Experience hands-on exploration, interactive demonstrations and other family-friendly fun.
THE MOTHMAN PROPHECIES: Oct. 2: The cinematic thriller is screened as part of the movie series.
DOG DAY: Oct. 31. Pets are invited to explore the gardens with their families. Pups will receive goody bags while supplies last, a Doggie Boutique will be open, and three Hall-O-Ween canine costume contests will take place.
MOUNT DORA BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL
The event takes place in Donnelly Park, 539 N. Donnelly St. in Mount Dora. Information: MountDoraBlueberryFestival.com
13TH MOUNT DORA BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL: April 24-25, 2027. Food, crafts, music and a blueberry pie-eating contest.
MOUNT DORA CRAFT FAIR
The annual event is free, with a parking shuttle located at 900 Lincoln Ave. in downtown Mount Dora. Information: MountDoraCraftFair.com
42ND MOUNT DORA CRAFT FAIR: Oct. 24-25. More than 300 exhibitors from across the country, with food, drink and live music.
MOUNT DORA EARTH DAY
The free event, run by Mount Dora Friends of the Environment, is at Sunset Park, 230 W. 4th Ave, in Mount Dora. Information: mountdoraenvironment.org
32ND ANNUAL MOUNT DORA EARTH DAY CELEBRATION: April 24, 2027. Live music, exhibits, craft and plant vendors, interactive informational booths for children, educational workshops and more.
MOUNT DORA PLANT AND GARDEN FAIR
The free event takes place in Donnelly Park, 530 N. Donnelly St. in Mount Dora. Information: MountDoraPlantandGardenFair.com
32ND ANNUAL MOUNT DORA PLANT AND GARDEN FAIR: Nov. 7-8. More than 100 vendors and nurseries from around the state showcase native and exotic plants, as well as garden wares and arts and crafts.
MOUNT DORA SPRING FESTIVAL
A free parking shuttle for this event in downtown Mount Dora is at 900 Lincoln Ave. Information: MountDoraSpringfestival.com
30TH ANNUAL MOUNT DORA SPRING FESTIVAL OF ARTS & CRAFTS: March 20-21, 2027. More than 250 exhibitors, food and drink.
ORLANDO FAMILY STAGE
The theater for young audiences is at 1001 E. Princeton St. in Orlando’s Loch Haven Park. Its full season of plays for families is detailed in the Theater listings. Information: orlandofamilystage.com
FLORIDA CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL: Feb. 20, 2027. Presented with Writer’s Block Bookstore, this series of community events unites nationally recognized authors, beloved characters, and Central Florida families in a love of reading.
OPEN SCENE
The organization, which brings world cultures to Orlando in multilingual performances, has a residency at the A&H Museums of Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Ave. in Maitland. More information: openscene.org
VI FLAE: Oct. 12-18. Open Scene’s International Performing Arts Festival includes international performances, immersive art, dramatic readings artist encounters and cinema workshops.
THE PLAZA LIVE
The venue is at 425 N. Bumby Ave. in Orlando, and also presents concerts, comedians and film events. More information: plazaliveorlando.org
CRYSTAL METHYD — THE ENCHANTED FOREST. March 13, 2027. The runner-up from season 12 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and an “All-Stars” competitor on that series’ 11th season, the drag performer stars in a one-woman show.
ST. JOHN’S RIVERBOAT CO.
The company programs entertainment aboard its ship, the Barbara Lee, which departs from the marina at 433 N. Palmetto Ave. in Sanford. More information: stjohnsrivershipco.com
MURDER ON THE BARBARA LEE: Sept. 10, 13 and 17; Oct. 4, 11 and 15, Nov. 8, 15 and 19. The captain is dead, and there’s a crew of suspects aboard the ship in this madcap mystery played more for laughs than suspense. Dinner is included with the show.
SEMINOLE CULTURAL ARTS COUNCIL
Details listed with each event.
5TH ANNUAL A NIGHT OF THE MYSTIC ARTS FESTIVAL: Oct. 9 at Lake Concord Park, 95 Triplet Lake Drive in Casselberry. Live music, candy, tarot, palm reading and crystal demonstrations, Phantasmagoria performers and a market of items related to ghosts, spiritualism, mysticism, New Age arts and the unexplained. More information: historiccasselberry.com
UCF CELEBRATES THE ARTS
Events staged by University of Central Florida students, faculty and guests take place at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando. Information: arts.cah.ucf.edu/celebrates
13TH ANNUAL UCF CELEBRATES THE ARTS: April 5-18, 2027. Events include a full production of “Young Frankenstein,” along with jazz, orchestra and opera performances, visual art, lectures and more.
WINTER PARK ARTS & CULTURE ALLIANCE
The group promotes the city’s cultural scene. More information: wpinspires.org/artsweekend
ARTS WEEKEND — A TAPESTRY OF EXPERIENCES: Feb. 4-7, 2027. Dozens of community events at the city’s museums, theaters, outdoor spaces and the main stage in Central Park. Among the highlights: “Economic, Education & Emotion” conversation at a free community breakfast on Feb. 4, a free community concert in Central Park on Feb. 5 and “Art in the Park” on Feb. 6.
WINTER PARK LIBRARY
Events occur in the Edyth Bush Theatre at the library, 1052 W. Morse Blvd. in Winter Park. For more information, call 407-623-3300 or go to winterparklibrary.org
GAMBLE ROGERS: Oct. 17-18. The library celebrates musician-storyteller Gamble Rogers, a Winter Park favorite son. On Oct. 17, the film “Gamble Rogers: Down at the Terminal Tavern” will be screened, courtesy of the Gamble Rogers Memorial Foundation. On Oct. 18, in partnership with Central Florida Folk, a concert featuring Gamble friends Bob Patterson and Jerry Mincey will be performed. Register online for both events.
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— Listings compiled by Matthew J. Palm