To celebrate the diversity of both Orlando’s local community and visitors from across the globe, local groups and theme parks honor multiple cultures with events, festivals, concerts, parades, museums, galleries and more. Explore and celebrate different corners of the world with these 10 events occurring throughout 2021 – without ever leaving Orlando.
Jan. 16
Escape to Scotland for the day at the 2021 Central Florida Scottish Highland Games. Visitors can virtually experience traditional Scottish Highlands athletics, dance, art, music, culture, food and history. The event takes place 30 minutes away from downtown Orlando in Winter Springs.
Admission: Prices vary
Jan. 7 - 31
ZORA! Festival is a multi-day, multi-disciplinary, intergenerational event composed of public talks, museum exhibitions, theatrical productions, arts education programming and a three-day Outdoor Festival of the Arts. This celebration of African American culture is inspired by Zora Neale Hurston, the dominant female voice of the Harlem Renaissance Era and American author most known for her novel “Their Eyes were watching God." The event takes place primarily in Eatonville, Florida (10 miles north of Orlando).
Admission: Festival admission free, performance prices vary
Feb. 5 - May 9
This festival gives guests the opportunity to savor over 200 offerings, from international cuisines to domestic and imported craft beers and unique wines. New this year, visitors can explore more than 50 fresh global cuisine choices to pair with over 75 wine and cocktail selections and 75 craft beers, as well as a diverse lineup of live musical performances presenting rock, Latin, Christian, country and more.
Admission: Free with regular admission to the park
March
Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant hosts its annual, all-ages Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival which showcases three days and nights of live Irish music. The festival features live entertainment, Authentic Irish Grub and Ragland Road Irish Dancers.
Admission: Prices vary (First come first serve)
July 15 – Nov. 20
Held every fall at Walt Disney World Resort’s Epcot, the festival is a celebration of global cuisines and music, featuring a wide diversity of wine, beer, food and entertainment from around the world.
Admission: Included in regular admission to the park, food and beverages are an additional cost.
Sept. 18
This event was established to promote the Puerto Rican community, culture and heritage in the state of Florida. The parade begins in downtown Orlando and ends at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts with live music, food, art and vendors.
Admission: Prices vary
Oct. 16
This event offers guests the opportunity to explore and experience the wonders of Asian culture through performances, crafts and exhibitions. The event takes place in Turkey Lake at Bill Frederick Park, minutes from some of Orlando’s largest attractions.
Admission: Free
Oct. 24
This vibrant one-day event celebrating the Hispanic community features over 40 artists, vendors with authentic food and drinks throughout 10 city blocks of downtown Orlando.
Admission: free
Nov. 27-28
This two-day event in downtown Orlando is one of the city’s most unique cultural celebrations, representing 160 different heritages and featuring dishes from around the world, interactive experiences and contests celebrating fashion, music, dance, short films and more.
Admission: Free
About Visit Orlando
Home to seven of the world’s top theme parks, Orlando is the country’s No. 1 favorite family vacation destination and Theme Park Capital of the World®. Visitors create cherished memories with friends and family by immersing in the open-air adventures and lands of legendary theme parks from Disney, Universal and SeaWorld; relaxing at world-class water parks; soaring on outdoor thrill rides; exploring activities in nature; and dining al fresco at award-winning restaurants. With 450 hotels, Orlando offers a wide range of lodging choices, from wide-open expansive resorts to uniquely themed boutique hotels, many with elaborate pools featuring waterfalls, lagoons, water parks and even lazy rivers. Home to the most recognized travel brands in the world, Orlando’s theme parks, attractions, hotels and other businesses have developed comprehensive safety measures and worked closely with medical experts to create safe travel experiences. Please note that Orange County requires the use of face masks in public places.
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