Bring on spring in Orlando with gorgeous weather, cultural celebrations, sports — and of course, our world-famous theme park festivals (EPCOT® International Flower & Garden Festival at WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort pictured; ©Disney).
Updated April 4, 2024
Stop dreaming of a spring getaway and head to sunny Orlando where gorgeous weather, accommodations for every preference and budget, and one-of-a-kind events are blooming all over. Between immersive cultural festivals and seasonal theme park celebrations, it’s no wonder that we’re consistently one of the country’s top spring break and Easter destinations. Put on some comfortable shoes and sunblock and enjoy the best spring ever in Orlando.
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Outdoor Art Festivals (Select Dates Through April 17, 2024)
In addition to ZORA! Festival, the Orlando area hosts a dazzling array of nationally recognized art festivals during late winter and spring, and none are older or larger than the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival (March 15 – 17, 2024). Launched in 1960, the juried show features hundreds of national artists displaying paintings, sculpture, glasswork, jewelry, woodworking and much more. Packed with acclaimed restaurants, upscale shopping and numerous art galleries, the gorgeous city of Winter Park is approximately 25 minutes northeast of our main tourism districts.
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Other local outdoor art festivals taking place this season include the UpTown Art Expo in Altamonte Springs (March 22 – 24, 2024), Spring Fiesta in the Park at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando’s Thornton Park District (April 6 – 7, 2024), and the Hannibal Square Heritage Center Folk & Urban Art Festival in Winter Park (April 27, 2024). All of these events offer free admission.
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33rd Florida Film Festival (April 12 – 21, 2024)
Hosted by the Enzian Theater in Maitland, about 25 minutes north of our main tourism districts, the Florida Film Festival is an Oscar-qualifying event that premieres the best in current, independent and international cinema. During the 10-day gala, you can enjoy more than 160 films and events, including appearances by filmmakers and celebrities, as well as handcrafted cocktails and a delicious menu from the on-site Eden Bar. (Pro tip: All food and beverages can be enjoyed inside the Enzian, too.)
Discover: Orlando Arts & Entertainment
33rd Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival (May 15 – 27, 2024)
Running two full weeks, the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival — aka Orlando Fringe — is an immersive cultural experience featuring hundreds of ticketed theatrical performances from local, national and international artists, plus a free outdoor music festival. Loch Haven Park close to downtown Orlando serves as the event’s main campus, and select programming is also held at venues in nearby neighborhoods.
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Although many events are intended for mature audiences, the festival’s Kids Fringe series serves up family-friendly fun. If you can’t make it to this year’s edition, you can still check out Fringe ArtSpace, the year-round physical home of Orlando Fringe in downtown Orlando’s City District.
ZORA!® Festival Season (Select Dates Through May 18, 2024)
First presented in 1990, the ZORA! Festival Season is a multi-disciplinary, intergenerational series of events that include public talks, conferences, movie screenings, arts education programming and other things to do. The celebration takes place primarily in Eatonville, which is about 30 minutes from our tourism districts, and throughout Orange County.
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Although the centerpiece Outdoor Festival of the Arts (Jan. 26 – 28) has passed, the ZORA! Festival Season offers a wealth of other fun, engaging programs, including many that are free to attend. Other ZORA! Festival Season events planned for 2024 include the Zora Neale Hurston Book Club (select dates through May 18), and more.
Discover: Things to Do in Eatonville
Spring Theme Park Events in Orlando
Spring is in the air at Orlando’s theme parks, all of which have springtime events that are included with admission. Make plans now to join the fun.
Save on discount tickets: Orlando Theme Parks & Attractions
Universal Orlando Resort
What’s even more exciting than Mardi Gras? Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval, exclusively available at Universal Studios Florida at Universal Orlando Resort.
Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval (Through April 7, 2024)
It’s the beads and fun of Mardi Gras and beyond! Enjoy Universal Mardi Gras, an awesome party inspired by Carnaval celebrations from around the world. Catch the spectacular parade, beads by the handful, live concerts on select nights, and amazing international cuisine along with sizzling New Orleans favorites*.
Please note: Prices, times, dates, entertainment, event and/or experience details are subject to changes and/or cancellation without notice. *Food available for purchase.
SeaWorld® Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando is serving up a bounty of fresh flavors, ice-cold beverages and electric live entertainment as part of its Seven Seas Food Festival.
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Seven Seas Food Festival (Select Dates Through May 19, 2024)
Explore fresh global cuisine choices to pair with refreshing wine and cocktail selections, including craft beers. Revitalize your taste buds as you share this welcoming, open-air experience on select days throughout the week. Add a taste of rock, country, Latin or throwback sounds at live music shows, and enjoy even more diverse entertainment and surprises at special times like Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day and Cinco de Mayo. This year, the park is also inviting you to celebrate Brazilian Carnaval — stay tuned for more details.
With exquisite flavors to top off exhilarating coasters and extraordinary animal encounters, SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival is a voyage to stir the soul — and warm the belly.
Walt Disney World® Resort
At Walt Disney World® Resort, EPCOT® kicks off the year with two unique festivals serving fantastic food and beverages, and you still have time to experience the second one.
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EPCOT® International Flower & Garden Festival (Starting Feb. 28 – May 27, 2024)
The horticulture team at Walt Disney World Resort is busy producing topiaries, hanging baskets, flower towers and more in preparation for the 2024 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. Once this popular and fragrant festival springs to life, you can enjoy fresh cuisine, colorful gardens, playful topiaries and vibrant entertainment.
The popular Garden Rocks Concert Series is back in 2024, featuring favorite tunes at the America Gardens Theatre. And of course, fresh flavors will be on the menu at Outdoor Kitchens and other food and beverage locations throughout the park, among other delights.
Map of Spring Events in Orlando for 2024
Use this interactive map to track down all of the spring events featured in this blog.
Discover: Spring Food Festivals
Stay Connected to Orlando
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