Orlando is bringing on spring with theme park celebrations and other special events you won’t want to miss (Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval at Universal Orlando Resort pictured).
Updated Jan. 27, 2023
Stop dreaming of a spring getaway and head to sunny Orlando where one-of-a-kind events are blooming all over — including seasonal celebrations at Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld® Orlando and LEGOLAND® Florida Resort that are included with park admission.
Throw in immersive cultural festivals, gorgeous weather, and resorts for every preference and budget, and it’s no wonder why we’re consistently one of the country’s top spring break and Easter destinations. Put on some comfortable shoes and sunblock: It’s time to bring on spring in Orlando.
ZORA!® Festival Season (Select Dates Through May 20, 2023)
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 and throughout Orange County.
Discover: African American History & Culture
Kicking off on Hurston’s birthday (January 7), the ZORA! Festival Season offers a wealth of fun, engaging programs, including many that are free to attend. In 2023, they include the Sundays in Eatonville: Art & Heritage series (Sundays, Jan. 8 – 22), an opening exhibition at The Zora Neale Hurston Museum of Fine Arts (aka The Hurston; Jan. 21), the Zora Neale Hurston Book Club (select dates through May 20), and more. The celebration’s main event is the open-air Outdoor Festival of the Arts (Jan. 27 – 29) in downtown Eatonville, offering free admission on the first day.
Spring Sports and Concerts at Amway Center and Camping World Stadium (Feb. 6 – June 13, 2023)
Downtown Orlando’s Amway Center and Camping World Stadium are gearing up for a stellar spring packed with can’t-miss concerts and sports events. At Amway Center, they include WWE Raw (Feb. 6), Jay Wheeler (Feb. 14), Rauw Alejandro (March 8), NCAA March Madness (March 16 & 18), Ana Gabriel (March 25), and Paramore (June 13). At Camping World Stadium, they include the home opener of the Orlando Guardians, part of the new XFL, versus the San Antonio Brahmas (Feb. 26), as well as Monster Jam (March 4). The Guardians will also face off at home against the Houston Roughnecks (March 11), Seattle Sea Dragons (March 25), D.C. Defenders (April 2), and Arlington Renegades (April 8).
Discover: Orlando Sports & Outdoor Recreation
Black History Month Events (Throughout February 2023)
If you’ll be in Orlando this February, you can look forward to Black History Month events throughout the destination, including uplifting celebrations of the arts and engaging educational forums. Check back for details about 2023 events as they’re announced.
Discover: Orlando History
Broadway on the Rocks (Feb. 18, March 4 & March 31, 2023)
To celebrate the reopening of newly renovated Rocks Lounge, the AAA Four Diamond Hyatt Regency Orlando will host Broadway on the Rocks — three intimate evenings featuring stars from some of Broadway’s most beloved musicals. The series kicks off on Saturday, Feb. 18 with husband-and-wife duo the Broadway Bradshaws, followed by Lindsay Northen of WICKED (March 4) and Jared Bradshaw of Jersey Boys (March 31).
64th Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival (March 17 – 19, 2023)
Launched in 1960, the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival is one of the oldest, largest and most prestigious outdoor art festivals in the country. The juried show features hundreds of national artists displaying paintings, sculpture, glasswork, jewelry, woodworking and much more. Admission is always free.
Discover: Winter Park
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.
MEGACON Orlando (March 30 – April 2, 2023)
The largest comics, sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming celebration in the southeastern U.S., MEGACON Orlando takes place at the Orange County Convention Center in the heart of Orlando’s International Drive Entertainment District. The three-day event features appearances by comic book creators, Hollywood celebrities, “How To” workshops, cosplay competitions, 400,000 square feet of shopping and countless other reasons to visit. Confirmed celebrities for 2023 include Anson Mount and Ethan Peck (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds), Steve Burns (Blue’s Clues), and comic book artist Greg Capullo (Batman), to name a few.
Discover: International Drive
32nd Florida Film Festival (April 14 – 23, 2023)
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
32nd Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival (May 16 – 29, 2023)
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.
Discover: Orlando Neighborhoods
Although many events are intended for mature audiences, the festival’s Kids Fringe series serves up family-friendly fun on May 20 – 21 & 27 – 28. This year’s edition will also be the first since Orlando Fringe opened Fringe ArtSpace, a year-round physical venue in the heart of downtown Orlando.
Discover: New Things to See in Orlando
Spring Theme Park Events in Orlando
Spring is in the air at Orlando’s expansive theme parks, all of which have late winter and springtime events that are included with admission. Make plans now to join the fun.
Universal Orlando Resort
What’s even more exciting than Mardi Gras? Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval, exclusively available at Universal Studios Florida.
Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval (Feb. 4 – April 16, 2023)
Universal is going beyond the bayou with an awesome party inspired by Carnaval celebrations from around the world. Watch parades of spectacular floats (on select nights). Sample flavors from the bayou to Brazil and beyond. Enjoy live music all around and concerts (on select nights). Then, go ahead and get your beads — and your party — on.
Please note: Prices, times, dates, entertainment, event and/or experience details are subject to changes and/or cancellation without notice.
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.
Save on discount tickets: SeaWorld Orlando
Seven Seas Food Festival (Thursdays Through Sundays, Feb. 3 – May 7, 2023)
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.
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. (Please note that Walt Disney World requires reservations in addition to park admission.)
Save on discount tickets: WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort
EPCOT® International Festival of the Arts (Through Feb. 20, 2023)
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts presents an inspiring way to celebrate the best of the visual, culinary and performing arts, all in one destination. This year will feature the popular Disney on Broadway Concert Series, with three shows each evening headlined by Broadway stars performing beloved songs from more than 25 years of award-winning stage productions.
You will also discover a delicious variety of art-inspired menus at 16 Food Studios throughout World Showcase, as well as the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine. Visual art comes to life, too, with more than 100 Disney and visiting artists showcasing their dazzling works, plus many other reasons to visit.
EPCOT® International Flower & Garden Festival (March 1 – July 5, 2023)
The horticulture team at Walt Disney World Resort is busy producing topiaries, hanging baskets, flower towers and more in preparation for the 2023 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 2023, 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.
LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
LEGOLAND® Florida Theme Park has a special event on tap that fans of pirates won’t want to miss.
Save on discount tickets: LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Pirate Fest Weekends (Saturdays & Sundays, Jan. 21 – Feb. 19, 2023)
During Pirate Fest Weekends, Captain Redbeard returns ashore from his adventures to recruit the best of the best in the latest class of pirates. His ultimate mission: Take over LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park to bury his treasure. Join the pirate invasion fun with exclusive LEGO® character meet-and-greets, pirate-themed shows, LEGO build activities and more — including the all-new ride Pirate River Quest and Brickbeard’s Watersport Stunt Show.
Check back for more ways to bring on spring in Orlando as they’re announced, or head to our Events Calendar to see what’s happening during your next visit.
Map of Spring Events in Orlando for 2023
Use this interactive map to track down all of the spring events featured in this blog. (Click here if you found us via Google and don’t see a map or images.)
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