Welcome to another fun filled edition of our popular Weekend Guide, and as always we've brought together a bumper list of amazing things to do here in Orlando and throughout Central Florida.
Discover the BEST Things to Do in Orlando This Weekend!
Check out our bumper weekend list with something happening for everyone
2023 Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval
Universal Studios Florida
Now through April 16, 2023
Every spring, the fun and excitement of the Big Easy makes its way to Universal Orlando Resort for an authentic celebration that completely transforms Universal Studios Florida into a family-friendly version of the famed New Orleans street party.
Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval runs through April 16, 2023.
The parkwide celebrations will transform Universal Studios Florida into Florida’s biggest party, complete with the return of the parade, the beads, the tribute store, the food, and the big name concerts.
This weekend on Sunday 19 February catch WILLOW performing live!
The 2023 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
Now through February 20, 2023
Eat, drink and be dazzled by creative culinary masterpieces during the 2023 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts presented by AT&T.
This is your last weekend to enjoy the festival!
Celebrate the visual arts, performing arts and culinary arts during an art festival that features more than 100 Disney and visiting artists that are showcasing their eye-catching works of art.
Guests of all ages can express their creative side by learning to draw a Disney character at Animation Academy, leaving their own creative mark at Expression Section: A Paint by Number Mural and helping Figment learn about art on a scavenger hunt around World Showcase.
Each evening, the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series will feature talented entertainers performing Disney songs live at America Gardens Theatre.
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is available with valid theme park admission and a park reservation for the same date.
The Disney On Broadway Concert Series
Now through Sunday, February 20, 2023
The DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series is returning for the 2023 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts presented by AT&T,
This is where you can see some of your favorite Disney Broadway stars perform Disney musical numbers, live at America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase.
This weekends performers:
February 17 Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins) and Michael James Scott (Aladdin)
February 18 Kissy Simmons (The Lion King) and Josh Strickland (Tarzan)
February 19 Kissy Simmons (The Lion King) and Josh Strickland (Tarzan)
The DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series is available with valid theme park admission and a park reservation for the same date.
The 2023 SeaWorld Orlando Seven Seas Food Festival
Now through May 7, 2023
Oceans of flavor and fun are waiting at SeaWorld. From foodies to families, everyone will find tasty delights among more than 200 distinct offerings.
Explore more than 50 fresh global cuisine choices to pair with over 75 refreshing wine and cocktail selections, including more than 75 craft brews.
Add a taste of rock, country, Latin, or throwback sounds at our 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 weekends performers
Saturday, February 18:
Collective Soul (Rock)
Sunday, February 19:
Jerry Rivera (Latin)
With so many exquisite flavors to top off exhilarating coasters and extraordinary animal encounters, the Seven Seas Food Festival is a voyage to fill the belly!
Available with valid theme park admission
MARDI GRAS at SeaWorld Orlando
Now through February 26, 2023 (excluding Feb. 20 and 22)
POP-UP PARADE – The Wild Arctic Plaza will come to life as entertainers, bead captains, stilt walkers, and musicians bring the Mardi Gras spirit to SeaWorld during this special pop-up parade. Select times from 12:30 - 6 p.m.
LIVE MUSIC – Immerse yourself in the music of New Orleans as our live band brings Cajun and jazz classics to Orlando. Select times from 12:30 - 6 p.m.
STREET PARTY – The sights and sounds of Bourbon Street will take over Wild Arctic Plaza with a DJ, street performers, and physically distant dance party. Select times from 12:30 - 6 p.m.
GULF COAST FLAVORS – Enjoy classic Gulf Coast flavors as part of our Seven Seas Food Festival including beignets, po’ boys, and southern libations. 1:00 p.m. to park close.
Mardi Gras At Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Now through Sunday, March 5, 2023
Get jazzed up with Mardi Gras-style live music and New Orleans-inspired entertainment. every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday though March 5, 2023 at Busch Gardens Mardi Gras.
Catch some festival beads from strolling performers throughout the day, and get caught up in the fun as you dance through the park.
Feast like kings and queens on classic Cajun cuisine as Busch Gardens brings the “Big Easy” to Tampa Bay.
Mardi Gras At Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is available with valid theme park admission.
Nunsense A-Men! at The Winter Park Playhouse
Now through February 18, 2023
This side-splitting musical comedy performed at The Winter Park Playhouse is the original Off-Broadway musical Nunsense with all the characters portrayed by men!
Think of it as "Mrs. Doubtfire enters the Convent."
The Little Sisters of Hoboken discover their cook, Sister Julia, Child of God, has accidentally poisoned 52 of the sisters so they put on a variety show to raise funds for the burials.
Suitable for Most Audiences (Age 13 & up)
The Sanford Mardi Gras Street Party
Saturday, February 18, 2023
Historic Downtown Sanford is bringing the Big Easy to Central Florida with the ninth annual Mardi Gras Street Party on Saturday, February 18, from 4 pm to 9 pm.
Guests can enjoy great food, music and fun with food trucks, live music, craft beer, cocktails and more.
Gathering starts at 3. 30 pm and then at 4 pm, sashay your way down Sanford Avenue all the way down to West End Trading Co. with musicians such as Kid Dutch’s Perseverance Band and The Smoking Jackets, golf carts, dancers, artists and the community!
Orlando's Massive Mardi Gras Celebration!
Saturday, February 18, 2023
This year, Chillers, Cahoots, and High Tide are joining forces to bring you an unforgettable night of partying in Church Street, Downtown Orlando.
Whether you're a seasoned Mardi Gras veteran or a newcomer to the festivities, you will want to attend this exciting event.
You'll have the opportunity to explore and party in three other locations all in one night! This means you'll always have things to see and do, and you'll always have a new adventure.
The atmosphere is electric, the music is lively, and the drinks are flowing.
So get your friends together, put on your dancing shoes, and get ready to party like it's Mardi Gras in the French Quarter!
This event is for 21+
City of Casselberry Mardi Gras Music Festival
Saturday, February 18, 2023
The Porchdogs, who have been playing spicy Louisiana Cajun and zydeco and New Orleans R&B classics since 1992, headline the City of Casselberry’s fifth annual Mardi Gras Music Festival on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Lake Concord Park.
The band, which performs at 7: 30 p.m., has had numerous extended performances at Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens and many fairs and festivals, including nine years of daily performances at the Florid State Fair.
Besides Porchdogs, there will be the 60 Street Band performing (6 p.m. to 7 p.m.) and the famous Junkanoos will make an appearance (7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.).
Before the music and fun, there will be the Mardi Paw Dog Parade at 5 p.m. with a host of dogs dressed up to strut their stuff before judges with potential to win prizes.
Osceola County Fair at Osceola Heritage Park
Now through February 19, 2023
The much loved Osceola County Fair takes over Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee from February 10 through 19, 2023, and it promises to be bigger, better, and with more entertainment than ever before. The Osceola County Fair features endless amusement rides, thrilling games, exciting exhibits, livestock shows, amazing fair food, toe tapping live music, and much more! In 2023, the fair features amazing family friendly entertainment including the Space Adventures Thrill Show, a Demolition Derby, and Live Concerts by country music artists including Chase Matthew, and Tobacco Rd Band.
Plus, the fan favourite pig races are back with the Rosaire's Royal Racers, together with a staple at the Osceola County Fair, the Eudora Farms, Petting Zoo returns.
The Florida State Fair, Tampa
Now through February 20, 2023
The Florida State Fair, features free entertainment, agriculture exhibits, competitive exhibits, historical village, crafts, food, and the largest midways in the United States.
The 2023 Florida State Fair runs from February 9 through 20, and boasts the largest Midway in the USA, plus shopping, food, livestock, non stop entertainment, and so much more, including racing pigs!
Antiques Extravaganza
February 17 through until Sunday, February 19, 2023
Happening from Friday, February 17 through until Sunday, February 19, the Antiques Extravaganza takes place this weekend at Renningers Florida Twin Markets, 20651 US-441, Mount Dora.
The Antiques Extravaganza will feature over 800 vendors selling antiques, collectibles, vintage, and more.
The show is outdoors, under open air buildings, tents and includes the Indoor Antiques Center and the Street of Shops at the Antiques Center.
The 150th Silver Spurs Rodeo
Now through until Sunday, February 19
The Silver Spurs Rodeo is one of Osceola County’s longest and most treasured traditions, hosted every 3rd weekend in February at the Silver Spurs Arena at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee.
The rodeo features all seven traditional rodeo events: bull riding, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, and barrel racing.
In between all the rodeo action, there will be an act by the rodeo clown and the famous and fast Silver Spurs Quadrille team, who perform a square dance on horseback.
Dru Hill & Friends at Addition Finanical Arena Friday, February 17, 2023
R&B super group Dru Hill are coming to Orlando, and the've brought together a night of Love & Laughter featuring R&B legends Silk, Sunshine Anderson, and Changing Faces!
This one off night of hits is set to bring a party night of soulful R&B to Addition Financial Arena on Friday, February 17, 2023 at 6:00pm.
Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster
Art After Dark in Lake Nona
Friday, February 17, 2023
Every Friday night, Art After Dark takes over Lake Nona Town Center from 6 pm.
Perfectly nestled between Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen and Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine of Lake Nona, Art After Dark is a perfect evening out for the whole family.
Enjoy a stroll through our Town Center as you explore hand crafted artisan products, and tasty cuisine.
Be sure to grab a glass a wine, stay a while to enjoy the art displayed on the six story art installation, The Beacon.
Orlando Wetlands Festival
Saturday, February 18, and Sunday, February 19, 2023
The Wetlands Festival returns this weekend, and this year the festival is being held entirely at the Orlando Wetlands Park!
Enjoy a free event for all ages, explore environmental exhibits, guided hikes and tours, live animals and presentations, demonstration trucks and equipment, kids’ activities, native plant give-away, door prizes and more.
The Orlando Wetlands Festival returns on Saturday, February 18, 2023, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
The festival is a free event for all ages, explore environmental exhibits, guided hikes and tours, live animals and presentations, demonstration trucks and equipment, kids’ activities, native plant give-away, door prizes and more!
Bert Kreischer
Saturday, February 18, 2023
Comedian Bert Kreischer is bringing his Tops Off Tour to downtown's Amway Center here in Orlando on Saturday evening..
The Tops Off Tour has Kreischer travelling across the world, with stops in Europe, Australia, New Zealand. and North America.
Renowned comedian, podcast host, and author Kreischer has three Netflix specials, Secret Time, The Machine and his latest, Hey Big Boy, he also hosts the podcasts Bertcast and 2 Bears 1 Cave. Plus, he hosts The Go-Big Show on TBS with celebrity judges Snoop Dogg, Rosario Dawson, Jennifer Nettles and Cody Rhodes. the show features large scale entertainments including monster trucks and motorcycle stunts.
John Mellencamp
Saturday, February 18, and Sunday, February 19, 2023
John Mellencamp's latest U.S. tour “Live and In Person 2023” brings the Hurts So Good singer to Orlando, Melloncamp perform on both Saturday, February 18, and Sunday, February 19 at Dr Phillips Center in downtown Orlando.
Tickets for the "John Mellencamp Live and In Person 2023" tour are still on sale, grab them now before its too late!
Bear-vard Zoo Days
Saturday, February 18 until Monday, February 20, 2023
Did you know that all Florida black bears are born in January or February?
While Brevard Zoo is not sure of their exact birthdates, they estimate that their bear trio were all born sometime in February – making this a bear-y special time for them!
Bear-vard Zoo Days will allow everyone to celebrate the zoo's trio, with a fun weekend full of bear-themed activities!
From Saturday, February 18 until Monday, February 20, you’ll also learn more about the Zoo’s work ensuring that the three bears live in an enriching environment full of meaningful choices and safe challenges. While the trio can’t be safely returned to their natural range, you’ll also learn more on how to safely co-exist with this native species.
HeartSupport Fest 2023
Saturday, February 18, and Sunday, February 19, 2023
HeartSupport Fest 2023 is happening this weekend at the Orlando Amphitheater at the Central Florida Fairgrounds on West Colonial.
The festival is taking place on two stages over two days, with Saturday's lineup including The World Alive, Comeback Kid, The Devil Wars Prada, Underoath, Dance Gavin Drive and headliners Parkway Drive.
Sunday's headliner is Rise Against, with The Ghost Inside, Sprit Box, Senses Fail , Silent Planet, Harms Way and more! The goal of HeartSupport Fest 2023 is to create a high-energy festival experience and bring the mental health conversation to the forefront of the festival community. ickets are available now, with single day tickets costing $85, with two day general admission tickets costing $150.00.
Broadway on the Rocks Cabaret Series
Saturday, February 18, 2023
The Rocks Lounge at the Hyatt Regency Orlando on International Drive is hosting three intimate evenings featuring stars from some of Broadway’s most beloved musicals.
The Broadway on The Rocks series kicks off on Saturday, February 18 with a special performance by The Broadway Bradshaws, Jared Bradshaw (Jersey Boys, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory) and Lindsay Northen (WICKED, The Sound of Music).
The husband and wife duo will share songs and stories from their lives on-stage, accompanied by pianist John Mason. stars from some of Broadway’s most beloved musicals. stories from their lives on-stage, accompanied by pianist John Mason. Before the show, enjoy a welcome drink and selection of hors d'oeuvres from the hotels renowned culinary team. The performance begins at 7:30pm. Doors open at 6:30pm.
Tickets start at $45 (must be 21 years and over in age). Buy tickets here.i
Rock Of Ages at Garden Theatre, Winter Garden
Now through Sunday, February 26, 2023
ROCK OF AGES takes you back to the time of big bands with big egos playing big guitar solos, and sporting even bigger hair! This five-time Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical features the hits of bands Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, and more.
The show features an all-star cast, including American Idol Bo Bice, The Voice finalist Omar Cardona, and Broadway star Justin Sargent.
Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, until March 5, 2023
In this powerful musical production, you’ll laugh as much as you cry while Billie Holiday sings her most famous songs and reminisces about the great triumphs and losses of her life.
The time is 1959. The place is a seedy bar in Philadelphia. The audience is about to witness one of Billie’s last performances—four months before her untimely death.
With the help of her piano man, Jimmy Powers, she lets music tell her story, sharing soulful, heart-wrenching, and bawdy songs from her memorable canon including: “Strange Fruit,” “God Bless the Child,” “When a Woman Loves a Man,” and “T’Ain’t Nobody’s Business If I Do.”
Pirate Fest Weekends at LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Saturdays & Sundays through February 19, 2023
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 Theme Park to bury his treasure.
Join the pirate invasion fun with exclusive LEGO characters meet-and-greets, pirate-themed shows, LEGO build activities, and more!
This is your last chance to enjoy Pirate Fest!
Pirate Fest Weekends is included with Daily Tickets and select Annual Passes.
Free Family Movie Night at Aquatica Beach Nights
Saturday, February 18, 2023
Free family movies are back at Aquatic Water Park.
The whole family can enjoy fun days and nights at SeaWorld Orlando’s Aquatica Beach Nights.
Saturday, February 18 Movie at 5:45 pm, Aladdin (1992)
From thrilling slides like Riptide Race to relaxing waterways like Loggerhead Lane and more, Aquatica has splashy surprises for the whole family.
Aquatica’s pools and waterways are even heated to maintain the perfect temperature throughout your day during “Florida winter.”
After a day of fun in the water stay late for family-friendly movies and games on Orlando’s largest beach!
Bring a blanket or sit on one of our beach chairs and enjoy a different movie every weekend.
Fresh popcorn, delicious food, snacks, hot chocolate, and fountain drinks will be available for purchase at Kura’s Beachside Panini.
The Central Florida Chili Cookoff
Saturday, February 18, 2023
It's getting hotter this weekend, and we're not only talking about the weather, as the second annual Central Florida Chili Cookoff is happening this Saturday, between 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm.
The Central Florida Chili Cookoff is a fundraiser to support local students and teachers while sampling 60+ chilis provided by local restaurants and chefs of all varieties.
Enjoy a bite from the food trucks and dessert vendors while enjoying live music, adult and family-friendly refreshments as well as a Kids Zone play area, and you can even take part in theblind draw doubles cornhole tournament!
The chili fest is taking place at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center on North Lakeshore Drive in Ocoee.
Event access provides chili samples, music and kid's zone entertainment and 1 (one) entry into the blind draw doubles cornhole tournament with access to food trucks and adult and family beverages for an additional fee.
General Admission to the Central Florida Chili Cookoff is $15 for adults, and $5 for kids (6-12 y/o), with under 6 year olds free.
Carnaval at Lake Nona
Saturday, February 18, 2023
Get ready to party, as Carnaval is coming to Lake Nona this weekend!
Save the date for a colourful and fun party on February 18, 2023, as the Lake Nona Town Center and Boxi Park will transform into a colorful and vibrant Rio-styled block party to celebrate Carnaval. Locals can don their beads and enjoy authentic food vendors, Samba dancers, live music, pop-up bars, photo-ops, contests and other show-stopping activities.
So gather your friends, and loved ones, and come experience the excitement of Carnaval at Lake Nona this weekend!
Live entertainment will begin in Boxi Park at 1 p.m. and continue into the evening with festivities taking place in Town Center from 5 p.m. through 10 p.m.
Lake Nona Town Center event entry is free; Boxi Park event entry is free until 5 p.m., with a $10 cover charge thereafter.
Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures Farmers Marke
Saturday, February 18, 2023
Popular Kissimmee attraction Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures is launching a new Farmers Market in Southport Park at 2001 Southport Rd. Kissimmee, where the attraction is located.
The market will be held on the third Saturday of each month, starting this Saturday, from 10 am until 2 pm.
There will be fresh produce, crafts, and food trucks serving a variety of tasty treats.
It promises to be a great family fun day out with face painting, a bounce house and more for the kids.
Everyone who attends the new farmers market will receive free admission to spend the day at Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures Park!
Mount Dora Scottish Highland Festival
Saturday, February 18 and Sunday, February 19, 2023
Come embrace your Scottish side, (even if it's just for the weekend!) at the Mount Dora Scottish Highland Festival.
The two day festival is taking place at Donnelly Park and Elizabeth Evans Park.
Celebrating the Scottish culture, the festival will feature the Pipes and Drums, Highland Athletics, Celtic Music, Tartan Parade, Highland Dancing, Scottish Reenactment Camps, Society and Heritage Clan Village, Border Collie Demonstrations, and much more.
There will be live music form Celtic Nova, The Harp Twins, North of Argyll, Nova Scotia, City of Mount Dora Pipe Band and others.
There will be vendors selling their wares along with delicious food and drinks, oh and don't forget the shortbread contest!
This is a family friendly event, with tickets costing $12 in advance, or $15 at the gate.
Orlando Area Farmers Markets
Saturday, February 18, 2023
Every weekend there are some awesome farmers markets happening throughout the area,
Winter Garden Farmers Market
The Winter Garden Farmers Market is your hometown market open every Saturday from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm. in beautiful Historic Winter Garden.
Winter Park Farmer's Market
The Saturday Farmers’ Market is one of the best produce and plant markets in central Florida which takes place every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Central Park.
Lake Mary Farmer's Market
The Lake Mary Farmers Market features local vendors of produce, plants, baked goods, and arts and crafts. The market is open every Saturday, from 9am-1:30pm at Lake Mary City Hall.
City of Longwood Farmer's Market
Visit every Saturday at the City of Longwood Farmer's Market at Reiter Park from 9 am to 2 pm, with locally sourced seafood and produce to handmade crafts and more.
Lake Nona Farmers Market
Join in every Saturday morning in Lake Nona in the beautiful Town Center from 11 am - 3 pm, shop local with the freshest produce and more.
Orlando Area Farmers Markets
Sunday, February 19, 2023
Every weekend there are some awesome farmers markets happening throughout the area,
Orlando Farmers Market at Lake Eola Park
One of the most popular farmers markets in Central Florida, Orlando Farmer’s Market is located in the heart of Orlando at Lake Eola park, and takes place Sundays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Celebration Farmers Market
Every week at Celebration Farmers Market there are multiple vendors here selling everything from fresh food and produce, to local crafted jewelry, and much more, with a beautiful backdrop of Lakeside Park, this is a must go to farmers market on Sundays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m
East Orlando Farmer's Market
The popular East Orlando Farmers Market offers hand selected produce, creative local small business owners, along with botanical varieties to chose from. Every Sunday 11 am - 4 pm.
Clermont Farmer's Market
Clermont Farmer's Market features over 60 vendors selling seafood, organic produce, and other household items, this popular market is the place to go on Sundays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Downtown Mount Dora Village Market
Mount Dora’s open-air Mount Dora Village Market in Sunset Park is open Sundays from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm offering fresh products from over 50 market vendors.
