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Love is Love Pride Fest is happening this weekend. Mark it down in your calendars so you don't miss out on the fun!! The annual DeLand Love is Love Pride Fest Celebration returns this weekend, taking place on Saturday, February 17, 2024. All are welcome with a family-friendly free afternoon of entertainment from 2 pm - 9 pm at Artisan Alley, including live entertainment, youth activities, and the Pride marketplace. Then from 4 pm - 12 am adults, 18+ can enjoy live music at Cafe DaVinci! ARTISAN ALLEY SCHEDULE - ALL AGES VENUE 2pm to 9pm - Pride Marketplace 2pm - Athens Theater Youth Academy Performance 2:30pm - Fairy Tales Family Show 3:30pm - Drag Story Time 4:30pm - Drag Story Time 5:00pm - Orlando Gay Chorus Performance 5:30pm - Drag Story Time 5:45pm - Raffle Drawing 7pm to 9pm - Dance Party with DJ AL CAFE DAVINCI SCHEDULE - 18+ VENUE 4:00pm - Colors of the Rainbow Show 6:00pm - Feature Show 9:00pm to 12:00am - Live Music with Sugarvibe Band DeLand Pride is a 501(c)3 Nonprofit Corporation run by a team of volunteer staff. And with a mission is to attract LGBTQ members and their allies to the community by nurturing professional and personal relationships and providing an active and positive force in Volusia County and beyond. DeLand Pride was founded by Dagny Robertson in the wake of the Orlando Pulse Shooting in June of 2016. Dagny and her husband, Tom, have 2 sons that they extremely proud of. Their youngest son came out as gay as a teenager and lost several friends in the Pulse shooting. His entire family supported him when he came out but it was still very hard for him to just be himself and not be afraid of what might happen. After the Pulse shooting Dagny saw the entire world supporting the LGBTQ community and decided it was the right time to show support and acceptance for the diverse community of DeLand. Dagny began working with existing LGBTQ Pride groups in the area, including Collective Cares DeLand, to foster the sense of acceptance and well being in the DeLand community and develop a network of safe spaces where everyone could be themselves without fear. They are proud to be able to call Abbey Bar in Downtown DeLand home.  They have given the community a safe and welcoming place to gather, celebrate, grow, and further cement roots in Volusia County. To keep up to date with the very latest happenings in Orlando, sign up to the Gotta Go Orlando Newsletter, and follow us on our social accounts to find the best events: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Discover the best of Orlando with our daily updated news, featuring the Best Things To Do: Entertainment News, Live Music & Concerts News, Events & Festival News, Theater & The Visual Arts News, Bar, Club & Nightlife News, and Food & Drink News. For the latest events in Orlando, check out our events guides: Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Month, Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend, and FREE Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend. To feature your business with Gotta Go Orlando learn more about advertising with us, and to or list your events with us, submit your Orlando events here.

Home to America's Best Beaches, a vibrant arts community and amazing outdoor experiences, St. Petersburg/Clearwater is one of our favorite place to visit in Florida! St Pete is less than two hours from Orlando and it's an amazing spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, our favorite place to head to is the beach, and with 35 miles of the most beautiful beaches along the Gulf Coast, you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and a variety of water sports, not to mention the amazing beach bars, local seafood restaurants, and little shops dotted alongside the beach. Oh and just wait until the sun goes down, you will get to experience the most spectacular sunsets of your life, trust us, there is something quite magical about sitting on the beach and watching the sun slowly set over the horizon, St. Pete is also home to a thriving arts scene, with amazing galleries and museums, while the city's historic downtown district is filled with charming local shops, restaurants, and bars. Additionally, nature lovers can explore the 100-acre Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, which contains six different ecosystems and offers unlimiteff opportunities for hiking and bird-watching. All in all, St. Pete, really does offers something for everyone, and you'll find that St. Pete/Clearwater offers plenty of affordable and child-friendly fun, so check out this list of fun things to do that are either free, inexpensive or simply, great value for families. Cheap and Free Family Fun in St Pete/Clearwater Sunsets at Pier 60 Every sunset is memorable in St. Pete/Clearwater, but when you add artisans, jugglers, musicians and other entertainers at the nightly Pier 60 sunset celebration, you’re in for a real treat. Did we mention the celebration is free? The party takes place on famous Clearwater Beach, plus, it costs only $1 to walk to the end of the pier, or you can take your kids fishing for a nominal fee. Explore the New St. Pete Pier District This place is peerless for inexpensive family fun. Sure, you could splurge on a delicious waterfront lunch at the St. Pete Pier (hey, that’s a great idea!), but you’ll also find plenty of free and cheap options for kids. Let little ones play in the splash pad fountains, have fun at the marine-themed playground and go for a quick swim at Spa Beach. Your family won’t want to miss the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center, where kids can learn about the local marine environment through interactive exhibits. Run Free at North Shore Park If your kids need to run off some steam, St. Pete’s waterfront North Shore Park is the perfect place to do it. Kids will be entertained by the parade of runners, walkers with dogs, bicyclists and rollerbladers. Parents will appreciate the opportunity to let the kids run and play in a place where no one tells them to slow down or be quiet. A few minutes’ drive north, check out the pirate-themed playground at Coffee Pot Park, with its view of pretty Coffee Pot Bayou. Or head south to the playground at Albert Whitted Park, with its view of Tampa Bay. Be Artsy at MFA and the Morean Arts Center Kids will love the tortuously twisted trunks and radical roots of the towering banyan trees in North Straub Park, very near St. Pete’s Museum of Fine Arts on Beach Drive in St. Pete. (Side note: this a great place for an impromptu family portrait.) Check online or call the museum to learn more about special children's programming. Just a short distance away, the Morean Arts Center on Central Ave. in St. Pete offers free family programs called “Drop-In Art Studios” on most Saturdays (several sessions are offered; preregistration is required) geared toward children ages 5-10. Grab a Bite on Central Ave. in St. Pete If you get hungry, St. Pete’s Central Ave. and the surrounding area offer dozens of bistros and local mom ‘n’ pop restaurants offering affordable lunches. Some pizza and sandwich shops have inexpensive meal specials including drinks. For a tiny splurge, stop in at The Hyppo on Central Ave. for gourmet ice pops in an unbelievable variety of unusual flavorsincluding Kale Apple Cucumber, Peanut Butter Pie or Honey Honey Dew! Learn at Great Explorations Children's Museum Families with toddlers through early-elementary school kids will enjoy the hands-on approach to fun at Great Explorations Children’s Museum on 4th Street in St. Pete. Here, children can create artwork, shop in a kid-sized supermarket or act like a newscaster at a miniature TV news desk. The lovely Sunken Gardens, right next door, is reasonably priced and a great place to walk with kids and look for flamingoes and parrots. Zoom Down a Mega Slide on Treasure Island On Treasure Island, you can have a perfect beach day (and some inexpensive kid-sized fun, too) at Treasure Island Slide Florida, with its giant inflatable slide, bungee trampoline and bounce house. Farther to the north, in Largo, take the kids to the Highland Family Aquatic Center to enjoy several water slides, the pool, a water play area and more. It’s open every day in the summer (check for weekend hours at other times of the year). Take a Bike Ride in Dunedin The Pinellas Trail runs through many cities in St. Pete/Clearwater, including charming Dunedin. The trail is nearly 50 miles long. Dunedin is sweet little town with easy access to the Pinellas Trail. What better place, then, to rent a bike, explore and get some exercise? Check out Kafe Racer for reasonably priced rental bikes and a great little cafe where you can grab a bite before or after your ride. If you're looking for a sweet confection after your outing, head to Strachan's Homemade Ice Cream for a frozen treat. Plan a Beach Day at Fort De Soto Park Families should put Fort De Soto Park on their must-do list while visiting St. Pete/Clearwater for two reasons. The first is the amazing expanse of white sand at Fort De Soto’s North Beach, where tidal variations result in kid-friendly lagoon pools and sandbars perfect for exploring. (There’s also a pirate ship-themed playground adjacent to North Beach.) Fort De Soto Park has won many awards including “Best Family Beach” from both Parents magazine and USA Today. When you’re done playing in the sand at North Beach, it’s time to explore the Spanish American-era fort that is the park’s namesake. Here, kids can run in and out of the cool cement-block chambers that are under the fort – they just happen to be perfect places to shout out a greeting or sing a song. Kids find the other-worldly acoustics fascinating. Don’t miss it. With 35 miles of soft sands fringed by blue-green water, there’s no shortage of beaches for families to explore in St. Pete/Clearwater. As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Gotta Go Orlando is your free guide to all the amazing happenings in Orlando. Every day we offer he most up to date news and information on the best of Orlando and Central Florida. We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links, so certain articles may be paid for, or some articles may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site. For more information or to comment on any article we publish, please feel free to Contact Us.

Orlando goes beyond the Bayou for Mardi Gras! Party at theme park events, parades, live music, food, dink, and of course, beads! Go ahead and get your beads and your party on! If you can’t get to New Orleans to join in with the insane fun that is Mardi Gras, then there is some amazing options in Orlando that'll transport you straight to Bourbon Street! Carnival season is here, get ready to laissez les bons temps rouler at Orlando's 2024 Mardi Gras events! From Mardi Gras theme park events, to local bar crawls, and family friendly celebrations, there is lots of fun ways you can celebrate Mardi Gras around Orlando. Keep checking back as we add more events, parties, and bar crawls! Let the good times roll!! Submit your Mardi Gras event here. Orlando Mardi Gras Events in 2024 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Mardi Gras Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, Jan. 13 - March 3 Let the good times roll with limited-time food, cocktails, entertainment and live music – Mardi Gras style at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The Yardery Mardi Gras Event Sanford January 27, 2024 Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 27 for the ultimate Mardi Gras celebration at The Yardery in Sanford. It's an outdoor, family-friendly and pet-friendly space, complete with cornhole, a tire swing, table tennis, flat-screen TVs, mouthwatering food and refreshing drinks. Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval! February 3 - April 7 2024 It's the beads and fun of Mardi Gras and beyond at Universal Orlando Resort! 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 Mardi Gras at SeaWorld Orlando February 8 - 18, 2024 Let the good times roll with limited-time food, cocktails, entertainment and live music, Mardi Gras style at SeaWorld Orlando as part of the Seven Seas Food Festival. Mardi Gras Sip & Shop February 9, 2024 Get ready to paint the town purple, green, and gold at Oviedo Mall's Mardi Gras Sip & Shop Extravaganza, indulge in a night of festive flair and fabulous finds as you embark on a culinary adventure with with a food and wine Stroll around the mall. Dress in your most festive Mardi Gras attire – masks, beads, and all things glittery are highly encouraged! Casselberry Mardi Gras Music Festival February 9, 2024 Everyone is invited to the 2024 Mardi Gras Music Festival and Casselberry Food Truck event that will be held on February 9, 2024 from 6 - 9 p.m. at Lake Concord Park. This festive lively street party will feature lots of spicy Louisiana Cajun, zydeco and New Orleans R&B sounds to the stage.  Between the music sets, Junkanoo dancers with lots of high energy will entertain the crowd with their drums, whistles, and colorful costumes. Ocoee Mardi Gras February 9, 2024 The Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with the Ocoee Music Festival is introducing a Mardi Gras Block Party and Concert with a local artist and vendors on McKey Street. Join us on Friday, February 9, 2024 from 6 - 9 pm. Come out for live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. Mardi Gras NOLA Nite February 9, 2024 Celebrate Mardi Gras with an amazing New Orleans DJ and awesome food and drinks at Tibby's New Orleans Kitchen in Winter Park! Wear your best Mardi Gras costume and be prepared to catch some beads! Enjoy specialty menu items, cocktails, and King Cake! DJ Grape La Flame will be taking our guests on a musical journey through the worlds of New Orleans Bounce, Modern Hits, Baton Rouge Hip-Hop, and more! Fat Tuesday Street Party at the Promenade at Sunset Walk February 13, 2024 Join the 2nd Annual Fat Tuesday Street Party at the Promenade at Sunset Walk! Prepare to celebrate Mardi Gras like never before. Put on your beads and masks, gather your friends, and come on down to the Promenade at Sunset Walk for a night of nonstop fun Mardi Gras Silent Disco at NYBP Orlando February 16, 2024 Beer, beads, hurricanes, masks, and dancing like you've never seen before-it's the event of the Season at NYBP: Mardi Gras Silent Disco! On February 16, the drinks will be flowing and the dancing shoes will be ON as you grab your switchable headset and dance the night away at NYBP's first Silent Disco of 2024! Fun Spot's HUGE Mardi Gras Event February 17 - March 30, 2024 Fun Spot is all jazzed up for a spectacular Mardi Gras celebration in Orlando and Kissimmee! Experience the spirit of New Orleans right here in Florida as you indulge in mouth-watering Mardi Gras flavors. Snap your best moments at our themed Foto Spots, and don't miss the Children’s Parade taking place every Saturday in Orlando & Kissimmee at 4 pm. Don’t miss all the fun, food and festivity. The 10th Annual Sanford Mardi Gras Street Party February 17, 2024 Grab your beads on Saturday, February 17, 4-9pm and come enjoy the 10th Annual Sanford Mardi Gras Street Party in the ‘Famous L’ between Celery City Craft and West End Trading Co. in beautiful Historic Downtown Sanford! Cocoa Mardi Gras Festival and Parade February 24, 2024 2024 COCOA MARDI GRAS feat. Ripe w / FOX ROYALE & Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. and The Legendary iLs Sont Partis Band and Live Street Performers. Come enjoy a family-friendly Wide Parade with floats from around the county to ring in the Mardi Gras theme. It's a 31-year tradition in Cocoa Village. Mardi Gras at Pointe Orlando March 1, 2024 Mark your calendars for this free event! Pointe Orlando on I-Drive will be hosting a Mardi Gras event on March 1 from 7 - 10 pm. To keep up with the latest news from Orlando, plus deals and discounts in Central Florida, sign up for the the Gotta Go Orlando Newsletter and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. For all the latest events and things to do in Orlando, check out our latest guides: Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Month, Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend, and FREE Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend. For the latest Orlando Theme Park News click here, for the latest Attractions News click here, plus check out Walt Disney World News, Universal Orlando Resort News, SeaWorld Orlando News, LEGOLAND Florida News, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. For the latest Orlando Entertainment News, check out our daily updated news pages: Entertainment News, Live Music & Concerts News, Events & Festival News, Theater & The Visual Arts News, Bar, Club & Nightlife News, and Food & Drink News. To feature your business or events with Gotta Go Orlando, learn more about advertising with us and submit your Orlando events here.

ALL SHOOK UP is a high-octane, fun-filled musical with stories of longing and forbidden love...but most of all...the INCREDIBLE MUSIC! ALL SHOOK UP is the high-octane musical inspired by and featuring the songs of ELVIS PRESLEY. This fun and music-filled show opens February 16 for a limited run until March 10 at the Garden Theater in Winter Garden. It’s 1955, and into a square little town in a square little state rides a guitar-playing young man who shakes up everything and everyone he meets. While the mayor of the town has imposed a law that prohibits loud music, public necking, and tight pants, the townspeople begin to step out of their humdrum lives to dare to experience something more. A jukebox musical loosely based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and other works, this hip-swiveling, lip-curling musical fantasy will have you jumpin’ out of your blue suede shoes with such classics as “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hound Dog,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Don’t Be Cruel.” Four of the cast members bringing the story to the stage are (left to right): Joel Hunt as Dean, Stephanie Dorcely as Lorraine, Rachel Hope Ihasz as Natalie, and John Rochette as Chad. Meet the full talented cast of ALL SHOOK UP! Do you have your leather jacket or poodle skirt ready? There might just be dancing in the aisles for this fun show set in the 1950s! If you don’t have your tickets yet for ALL SHOOK UP, you’d better get hoppin’ because this show opens February 16! Get tickets now. To keep up to date with the very latest happenings in Orlando, sign up to the Gotta Go Orlando Newsletter, and follow us on our social accounts to find the best events: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Discover the best of Orlando with our daily updated news, featuring the Best Things To Do: Entertainment News, Live Music & Concerts News, Events & Festival News, Theater & The Visual Arts News, Bar, Club & Nightlife News, and Food & Drink News. For the latest events in Orlando, check out our events guides: Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Month, Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend, and FREE Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend. To feature your business with Gotta Go Orlando learn more about advertising with us, and to or list your events with us, submit your Orlando events here.

Bull riding, bareback riding, team roping, barrel racing, and of course the rodeo clowns, enjoy it all at this weekend's Silver Spurs Rodeo! One of Osceola County’s longest and most treasured traditions celebrates 80 years of dirt-pounding action in 2024 and returns to the Silver Spurs Arena at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee from Thursday, February 15 - Sunday, February 18. The Silver Spurs 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 a rodeo clown and the famous Silver Spurs Quadrille team, who perform a square dance on horseback, and recently showed the world their skills at the Rose Parade in California! Well known as one of the best indoor rodeos of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), the Silver Spurs Rodeo draws contestants from all over the nation to compete for bragging rights and cold. hard. CASH! The Silver Spurs Rodeo is the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi and is annually ranked among the top 50 events sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). Taking place at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee in tandem with the Osceola County Fair, the Silver Spurs Rodeo in February draws contestants from all over the nation and many national champions to compete for $50,000 in prize money. At the rodeo check out the different riding and roping events, all of which test a cowperson's strength, character, and readiness to be bested by an overly emotional beast and a dust-covered clown. In the dangerous and exciting bull-riding event, riders attempt to ride a bucking bull for eight seconds, and tough and talented cowgirls participate in barrel-racing competitions, in which each contestant rides at full speed around large barrels, making sure to hit the electronic clock upon entering and exiting. The action continues with quadrille performances, which can best be described as square dancing on horseback. Watch couples seated atop prancing horses that weave in and out of different formations to create eye-pleasing patterns while kicking up dust, and don't miss the rodeo clown! Ticket Prices All ticket are good for the RODEO and the Osceola County FAIR! (Ticket must be present for entrance to both events.) All seats are General Admission and first come, first served during the performance only. Seats are not assigned. Thursday, February 15, 7:30pm - Family Night at the Rodeo Free for children 3 and under (lap seating for child) Free for Osceola County students (Must obtain a ticket at the Box Office) $15 per child ages 4-10 (Non Osceola County students) $20 per adult Friday, February 16 & Saturday, February 17, 7:30pm Free for children 3 and under (lap seating for child) $15 per child ages 4-10 $25 per adult in Silver assigned seats $35 per adult in Gold assigned seats Sunday, February 18, 2:00pm Free for children 3 and under (lap seating for child) $15 per child ages 4-10 $25 per adult in Silver assigned seats $35 per adult in Gold assigned seats PURCHASE TICKETS HERE The Silver Spurs Rodeo History The Silver Spurs Rodeo is the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi, but the Silver Spurs Rodeo history stems from a humble gathering of Osceola County ranchers. In 1941, those pioneering ranchers gathered in Tallahassee to ride in the inaugural parade for newly elected Florida Governor Spessard Holland. Their appearance gained statewide attention and sparked the notion that they should continue to gather and enjoy their common interest of horseback riding. In May of 1941, the Silver Spurs Riding Club was formed. The club was very active and quickly grew in popularity across the state. By the end of their first year, they had hosted a small informal rodeo and performed a square dance on horseback known as Quadrille in Moultrie, Georgia. They participated in the state Kiwanis Convention in Orlando and also performed in the Orange Bowl Parade in Miami. In 1942 they performed shows for the benefit of Crippled Children, the American Red Cross and the Army-Navy Relief Show. In 1943, the club members built their first rodeo arena on land donated by Henry O. Partin. That land was located on the corner of today’s Neptune Road and Kings Highway in Kissimmee. In March of 1944, the group staged a show as their contribution to the Fourth War Loan. The admission to the rodeo was the purchase of a war bond. This was the first rodeo held in the Partin pasture and drew about 1,000 people. That initial success led to the first full dress rodeo on July 4, 1944. Then in 1949, the club acquired 15 acres on Highway 192 and started work on the Silver Spurs Rodeo Arena. The first rodeo in this new location was held July 4, 1950, and, in February of 1951, the club held its first mid-winter rodeo. From that point to today, the Silver Spurs Rodeo has been thrilling the residents of Central Florida and tens of thousands of visitors each year. In 1999, the Silver Spurs Riding Club approved the demolition of the old arena and the development of a brand new state-of-the-art indoor facility. In March of 2002, demolition began on the historic arena and construction was soon started on the new multi-purpose Silver Spurs Arena. Reopened in October 2003, the new Silver Spurs Arena boasts 8,300 seats and 12 luxury skyboxes in an indoor climate-controlled environment designed to host rodeos, sporting events, concerts, and more. For more details click here. To keep up to date with the very latest happenings in Orlando, sign up to the Gotta Go Orlando Newsletter, and follow us on our social accounts to find the best events: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Discover the best of Orlando with our daily updated news, featuring the Best Things To Do: Entertainment News, Live Music & Concerts News, Events & Festival News, Theater & The Visual Arts News, Bar, Club & Nightlife News, and Food & Drink News. For the latest events in Orlando, check out our events guides: Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Month, Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend, and FREE Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend. For the very latest Orlando Theme Park News click here, and for the latest Attractions News click here. Plus, check out our daily updated guides to Central Florida's Theme Parks: Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, LEGOLAND Florida, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. To feature your business with Gotta Go Orlando learn more about advertising with us, and to or list your events with us, submit your Orlando events here.

Cheers to Qreate Coffee as they get ready to open second Orlando location. Qreate Coffee + Studio located in the Mills District at 1212 Woodward Street, Unit 1, Orlando, has revealed that they are opening a second location in downtown's Creative Village, located on the ground floor of the Modera Creative Village Apartments. The new location will be slightly different to the original Qreate Coffee.offering mocktails, more food and Asian inspired treats and of course the same hand crafted coffee drinks. The new location is scheduled to open in April, and we will bring you all the latest on the opening details. To keep up to date with the very latest happenings in Orlando, sign up to the Gotta Go Orlando Newsletter, and follow us on our social accounts to find the best events: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Discover the best of Orlando with our daily updated news, featuring the Best Things To Do: Entertainment News, Live Music & Concerts News, Events & Festival News, Theater & The Visual Arts News, Bar, Club & Nightlife News, and Food & Drink News. For the latest events in Orlando, check out our events guides: Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Month, Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend, and FREE Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend. To feature your business with Gotta Go Orlando learn more about advertising with us, and to or list your events with us, submit your Orlando events here.

The Love Your Shorts Film Festival is an epic annual showcase in the heart of Sanford, Florida, where short films from all over Florida, the United States, and the world come to life! The Love Your Shorts Film Festival celebrates short films from submissions from around the world. The event presents the best submissions for the audience to select the winners in several different film genre categories. This years festival takes place from February 15 - 18, 2024 at the iconic 1923 Ritz Theater, one of Florida’s few remaining historic theaters. The festival screen only short films under 30 minutes in length. Films are divided into different blocks for screening and the audience votes for their favorites. The winning films from each block advance to a final block for a panel of judges to pick the overall festival winner. Winners of each block earn the festival's award, the "Monroe," an original piece of metal artwork named after Sanford's Lake Monroe. A brief Q&A session is conducted between the filmmakers and audience members at the end of each block. Click here for tickets. Founded in 2010, this festival is all about embracing and appreciating the incredible art of the short film. From its humble beginnings at the Greater Sanford Regional Chamber of Commerce building known as Monroe Hall, the festival has soared to new heights and now finds its home at the iconic 1923 Ritz Theater, one of Florida’s few remaining historic theaters. During this unforgettable event, film fanatics get to indulge in a kaleidoscope of captivating films, each lasting up to 30 minutes. With a wide array of categories to explore and inspiring film workshops to attend, there’s never a dull moment at Love Your Shorts. But it’s not just about the films. Sanford, the vibrant cultural and county seat of Seminole County, paints a picture of artistic wonder. Nestled along the majestic St. Johns River, this enchanting city boasts a downtown cultural corridor, a plethora of art galleries, an annual art festival, lively community folk performances, and an array of active community theater troupes. It’s no wonder that Love Your Shorts Festival feels right at home here. To keep up to date with the very latest happenings in Orlando, sign up to the Gotta Go Orlando Newsletter, and follow us on our social accounts to find the best events: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Discover the best of Orlando with our daily updated news, featuring the Best Things To Do: Entertainment News, Live Music & Concerts News, Events & Festival News, Theater & The Visual Arts News, Bar, Club & Nightlife News, and Food & Drink News. For the latest events in Orlando, check out our events guides: Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Month, Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend, and FREE Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend. To feature your business with Gotta Go Orlando learn more about advertising with us, and to or list your events with us, submit your Orlando events here.

A lazy-Sunday market full of handmade and local goods, food trucks, music, and fun; indoors and out! It's time to celebrate the inclusivity and diversity of all the different types of love at the Milk Mart Lazy Lovers - Local Art & Food Festival, taking place on Sunday, February 18, 2024. Happening in the Milk District, everyone is invited, all kinds of people, friends, partners, family, and everything in-between! This is the Milk Mart's sweetest market; a perfect weekend day out with your partner, best friends, family, or pups! Featuring over 200 local artists, makers, vendors, pop-ups, and food trucks, a true showcase of Central Florida's flourishing creative scene. there's something for everyone to love! Milk Mart is a quarterly local art and food festival hosted at the Robinson and Bumby intersection of The Milk District, spanning The Nook, Etoile Boutique, Sportstown, Sideward Brewing, Milkhouse, Whiskey Lou's, and Otto's High Dive! To keep up to date with the very latest happenings in Orlando, sign up to the Gotta Go Orlando Newsletter, and follow us on our social accounts to find the best events: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Discover the best of Orlando with our daily updated news, featuring the Best Things To Do: Entertainment News, Live Music & Concerts News, Events & Festival News, Theater & The Visual Arts News, Bar, Club & Nightlife News, and Food & Drink News. For the latest events in Orlando, check out our events guides: Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Month, Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend, and FREE Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend. For the very latest Orlando Theme Park News click here, and for the latest Attractions News click here. Plus, check out our daily updated guides to Central Florida's Theme Parks: Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, LEGOLAND Florida, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. To feature your business with Gotta Go Orlando learn more about advertising with us, and to or list your events with us, submit your Orlando events here.

Experience the enchantment of Scottish heritage at Mount Dora Scottish Highland Festival featuring traditional Highland Games, musical performances, lively dance showcases, and much more. The Mount Dora Scottish Highland Festival is a family-friendly event that celebrates Scottish culture and is packed with lots of fun and entertainment for everyone. The festival features bagpipers, highland athletics, Celtic music, highland dancing, a tartan parade, contests, kids’ activities, food, merchandise vendors, and more. Taking place over three days at Mount Dora's Elizabeth Evans Park, this years festival kicks off Friday, Feb 16 until Sunday, Feb. 18. Traditional Highland Games: Marvel at the strength and skill of athletes competing in traditional Highland Games at the Mount Dora Scottish Highland Festival. From the iconic caber toss to stone lifting and hammer throwing, witness the thrilling competitions that have been part ofScottish heritage for centuries. Bagpipes and Drumming Performances: Enjoy performances by skilled musicians, showcasing the soul-stirring music that defines the Scottish Highlands. Celtic Dance Extravaganza: Experience the grace and precision of Celtic dance troupes as they perform traditional jigs and reels. The vibrant energy and intricate footwork of the dancers add a lively and cultural dimension to the festival. Clan Gatherings: Connect with your Scottish roots or explore new connections at the Clan Gatherings. Learn about ancestral histories, traditions, and perhaps discover new aspects of your Scottish heritage in an atmosphere of camaraderie. Scottish Craft Fair: Explore the Scottish Craft Fair, where artisans and vendors showcase unique Celtic wares. From tartans and kilts to handmade crafts, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Scottish culture and take home a piece of the Highlands. Whisky Tasting and Culinary Delights: Indulge your taste buds in a journey of Scottish flavors with whisky tastings and culinary delights. Experience the warmth and hospitality of Scottish cuisine, from haggis to traditional sweets. Family-Friendly Activities: The festival is designed for families, offering a range of activities for all ages. From face painting and storytelling to interactive demonstrations, there's something for everyone to enjoy. To keep up to date with the very latest happenings in Orlando, sign up to the Gotta Go Orlando Newsletter, and follow us on our social accounts to find the best events: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Discover the best of Orlando with our daily updated news, featuring the Best Things To Do: Entertainment News, Live Music & Concerts News, Events & Festival News, Theater & The Visual Arts News, Bar, Club & Nightlife News, and Food & Drink News. For the latest events in Orlando, check out our events guides: Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Month, Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend, and FREE Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend. To feature your business with Gotta Go Orlando learn more about advertising with us, and to or list your events with us, submit your Orlando events here.

Families have been enjoying one of the worlds largest bounce houses, FUNBOX at The Florida Mall for the past few weeks, and now the attraction has extended its run! Looking for something fun to do for the kids this weekend, then you gotta check out FUNBOX at The Florida Mall which due to demand is extending its run! Due to finish last weekend, FUNBOX will be open this weekend, Saturday Feb. 17 - Sunday Feb. 16, and Saturday Feb. 24 - Sunday Feb. 25. FUNBOX is 25,000 square feet of inflatable fun containing 10 thrilling play zones including the Tumble Temple, Marshmallow Mountain, Gumball’s Gallop and an obstacle course that exceeds all expectations. The play area was designed for kids, but of course it's tons of fun for adults too, with lots of photos ops! Now, following a successful run at The Altamonte Mall, the world's biggest bounce house is bouncing its way down the I-4 to The Florida Mall, with FUNBOX bringing continuous jumping zones, connecting multiple play areas, and more to Orlando. You will discover FUNBOX located in the Florida Mall parking lot in the south side of Macys. Funbox Orlando is only open for a limited time, Fri - Sun, January 26 - 28 or Fri - Sun February 2 - 4, 2024. Each session on FUNBOX lasts 80 minutes and it costs $13 per person, all ages. Tickets are available online: funbox.com/orlando. You can also buy tickets on the day at the venue, but its strongly suggested that you buy your tickets online to ensure entry. Plus, tickets at the door are $24 per person. To keep up to date with the very latest happenings in Orlando, sign up to the Gotta Go Orlando Newsletter, and follow us on our social accounts to find the best events: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. For the latest events in Orlando, check out our events guides: Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Month, Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend, and FREE Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend. For the very latest Orlando Theme Park News click here, and for the latest Attractions News click here. Plus, check out our daily updated guides to Central Florida'sTheme Parks: Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, LEGOLAND Florida, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. To feature your business with Gotta Go Orlando learn more about advertising with us, and to or list your events with us, submit your Orlando events here.

Historic performances, spectacular finishes and amazing memories await you during DAYTONA Speedweeks and DAYTONA 500 - an experience you will never forget! The 66th running of the Daytona 500 will take place on Feb. 18, 2024, with a packed week of on-track action preceding it. Over the course of five days, Daytona will host the season openers of the NASCAR Cup, Xfinity, Truck and ARCA Menards Series. For the second consecutive year, there will be no practice sessions prior to Cup qualifying or the Daytona 500 qualifying races. DAYTONA Speedweeks officially kicks off the NASCAR season with an action-packed schedule of races across several different racing series -- all at the World Center of Racing. 2024 Daytona Speedweeks schedule Tuesday, February 13 2 p.m. – Random draw for Xfinity Series qualifying lineup 4 p.m. – Random draw for Cup Series qualifying lineup Wednesday, February 14 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Daytona 500 Media Day 8:15 p.m. - NASCAR Cup Series single-car qualifying (one lap, two rounds) Thursday, February 15 4:05 – 4:55 p.m. – ARCA Menards Series practice 5:05 – 5:55 p.m. – NASCAR Truck Series practice 7 p.m. - NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying Race #1 (60 laps) 8:45 p.m. - NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying Race #2 (60 laps) Friday, February 16 1:30 p.m. – ARCA Menards Series qualifying 3 p.m. – NASCAR Truck Series qualifying 4:35 p.m. - 5:25 p.m. – NASCAR Xfinity Series practice 5:35 - 6:25 p.m. – NASCAR Cup Series practice 7:30 p.m. – NASCAR Truck Series race (100 laps) Saturday, February 17 10:30 - 11:20 a.m. – NASCAR Cup Series final practice 11:30 a.m. – NASCAR Xfinity Series qualifying 1:30 p.m. – ARCA Menards Series race (80 laps) 5 p.m. – NASCAR Xfinity Series race (120 laps) Sunday, February 18 2:30 p.m. – NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 (200 laps) Daytona International Speedway has been home to the DAYTONA 500 since hosting the inaugural event in 1959. Traditionally held every February, the DAYTONA 500 is NASCAR's biggest, richest and most prestigious event of the year and the season-opener to the NASCAR Cup Series. The 66th DAYTONA 500, the most prestigious event on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule and known the world over as "The Great American Race" will be held on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. Staged on the historic 2.5-tri-oval, the 200-lap, 500-mile event has been captured by racing greats such as Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Cale Yarborough, Jeff Gordon, Dale Jarrett, Bobby Allison, Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Joey Logano, and Austin Dillon. Fans from all 50 states and more than 40 different countries flock to Daytona Beach every year to see which driver will be the next to hoist the Harley J. Earl trophy as a DAYTONA 500 champion. Don't miss out on nonstop action and excitement at the World Center of Racing. With high energy performances, spectacular finishes and amazing memories! Visit DaytonaInternationalSpeedway.com for more information. Back for their 14th consecutive year, the Air Force Thunderbirds will perform the flyover ahead of The Great American Race! Leading the field for The Great American Race, the 2024 Miss America, Madison March will be Honorary Pace Car Driver! It’s about to get Fast and Furious as Dwayne The Rock Johnson is this year’s Grand Marshal for the Daytona 500. To keep up to date with the very latest happenings in Orlando, sign up to the Gotta Go Orlando Newsletter, and follow us on our social accounts to find the best events: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Discover the best of Orlando with our daily updated news, featuring the Best Things To Do: Entertainment News, Live Music & Concerts News, Events & Festival News, Theater & The Visual Arts News, Bar, Club & Nightlife News, and Food & Drink News. For the latest events in Orlando, check out our events guides: Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Month, Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend, and FREE Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend. To feature your business with Gotta Go Orlando learn more about advertising with us, and to or list your events with us, submit your Orlando events here.

The 2024 Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa has released its daily schedule with set times for this years festival, featuring over 50 bands performing on 4 stages over 3 days. The 13th annual Gasparilla Music Festival returns for three amazing days of live music across four stages at its new home of Julian B Lane Riverfront Park in Tampa on Feb 16-18. The festival features musical acts from a wide variety of genres, together with cuisine from the region’s top restaurants, plus this year will include Robert's City Village, a new addition to the festival featuring a marketplace, libations, live art installations, and an expanded Bike Valet service near the main entrance. The daily lineup will see headlining sets by Louis the Child, Big Gigantic, Young the Giant, Coin, Trevor Hall, Lake Street Dive, and more. The 2024 food lineup features some of Tampa's top restaurants serving up the region's best dishes including cuban sandwiches, grouper sandwiches, deviled crabs and more. The festival is kid-friendly with children's activities offered early each day. Voted as "Best Festival in Tampa Bay" the past eleven years! The festival kicks off Friday night with electronic acts Louis the Child, Big Gigantic and Surf Mesa, plus several Tampa artists including Aidan Bissett, Parrotfish, and Pusha Preme. Saturday includes a headline set from Young the Gian, plus COIN, Trevor Hall, Beach Weather and more. The festival is also paying its respect to the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop with performances from legendary trailblazers Goodie Mob and Digable Planets. The festival closes out Sunday with Lake Street Dive as well as a set from Grammy award winning blues star Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and progressive bluegrass group Yonder Mountain String Band. Sunday also sees a special performance from Roosevelt Collier’s GMF Allstar Band which will feature members of Yonder Mountain String Band, Christone “KINGFISH” Ingram, Eddie Roberts & The Lucky Strokes, Steeln’ Peaches, Electric Kif, and more. GMF is produced by the 501(c)(3) non-profit Gasparilla Music Foundation and proceeds benefit youth music education. The Gasparilla Music Foundation was founded in 2011 with financial support from several Tampa Bay area based businesses and the organization’s founding members, The Ring of Fire. Gasparilla Music Festival will be located at Tampa’s Julian B Lane Park this year.  “We are very excited with all of the new opportunities this new venue is providing us to grow and take our festival experience to a whole new level,” said David Cox, Executive Director of the Gasparilla Music Foundation. “And with the help of our community partners, we are proud to still be able to offer affordable presale tickets out to our loyal fans.” Tickets for the festival start at $45 for General Admission and are available here. To keep up to date with the very latest happenings in Orlando, sign up to the Gotta Go Orlando Newsletter, and follow us on our social accounts to find the best events: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Discover the best of Orlando with our daily updated news, featuring the Best Things To Do: Entertainment News, Live Music & Concerts News, Events & Festival News, Theater & The Visual Arts News, Bar, Club & Nightlife News, and Food & Drink News. For the latest events in Orlando, check out our events guides: Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Month, Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend, and FREE Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend. For the very latest Orlando Theme Park News click here, and for the latest Attractions News click here. Plus, check out our daily updated guides to Central Florida'sTheme Parks: Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, LEGOLAND Florida, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. To feature your business with Gotta Go Orlando learn more about advertising with us, and to or list your events with us, submit your Orlando events here.