Central Florida has so much to offer visitors.
While many visitors come for the theme parks, they soon discover the State has so much more to offer visitors, including:
- Fantastic Atlantic and Gulf coast beaches,
- A unique natural environment, and
- Many local events and attractions.
If, like us, you were looking forward to the Moonstone Music Festival (due to run April 30 – May 1) you’ll be sad to hear the event has been cancelled. The good news is
a) the event has been rescheduled for later in the year (September 24 & 25) and
b) there are plenty of other events to enjoy around Orlando this month.
Here’s our pick of them.
1 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival
This year’s Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival opened on March 2, and will continue until May 30. In addition to the wonderful blooms, topiaries and exhibits around the park, there is a whole programme of events which will inspire young and old alike.
2 Orlando City Soccer Home Games
Tickets to watch the Lions are in pretty high demand following the ‘Fill the Bowl’ campaign, but if you can get your hands on some you can be sure of a great atmosphere. The draw-filled results table so far this season doesn’t do justice to the thrills of a last minute claw-back and a heroic man-down performance. Now captain Kaká is back, expectations are high.
There’s two home matches at the Orlando Citrus Bowl this month, an evening match on 4th April against last year’s champions the Portland Timbers and an afternoon kick-off against Boston’s New England Revolution on the 17th.
3 Orlando Magic Home Games
If basketball is more your thing, then there’s four opportunities to catch the Orlando Magic in action this month as the season draws to a close. If you are travelling from outside the USA, then I recommend getting tickets for one match at least. Being a spectator at an NBA game offers a unique cultural experience and thrilling opportunity to experience the excitement and traditions of a live game for yourself.
4 Blues at the Winery
The Lakeridge Winery is not too far from Kissimmee or Davenport and well worth a day trip out. You can learn about local grape varieties and Florida winemaking in the visitors’ centre, sample a few vintages in the tasting tour, or pick up a few bottles of wine and other local produce in the giftshop.
If wine + music is your idea of a good time (and, frankly, who’s isn’t?) then there’s another reason to visit Lakeridge this month: a weekend long mini-festival of blues music on 9th and 10th April.
5 Viva la Musica at SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld has enjoyed a lot of good press lately after its announcement to end its Orca breeding programme. A change of focus to rides (like Mako which opens later this year) and events will be welcomed by many as the park looks to turn around its declining fortunes. On two Saturdays in April (16 & 23) and two in May (7 & 14) guests can enjoy concerts by popular Hispanic artists and bands and authentic Latin food.
6 Florida Blueberry Festival
Blueberries might not be the first fruit that springs to mind when you think of Florida. And indeed, April is a great month to pick your own Valencia oranges in the State.
However, this wonderful little festival in the picturesque town square of Brooksville offers a lovely alterative family day out if you want to slip back into a quieter pace after the theme parks. There will be stalls, food trucks, blueberries and family fun on April 16 and 17 in historic downtown Brooksville. Find out more in this great preview on the brilliant Florida Rambler site.
7 Earth Day in Orlando
April 22 is Earth Day, an annual event aimed at showing support for environmental protection. Orlando will be celebrating Earth Day for the 11th year running at Lake Eola Park between 10am and 6pm on Saturday April 23. The team behind it promise a day of family-friendly, dog-friendly, alcohol-free, smoke-free and vegan fun. If you’re worried that doesn’t leave a lot of fun, then be reassured there will be plenty of exciting, colourful and educational exhibits and activities!
8 Earth Day at a State Park
If you like to give something back while on your travels, then Earth Day is the perfect excuse. In addition to its programme of events, Florida State Parks is asking for volunteers at many of its parks. Find out more on the Florida State parks website.
9. Halifax Oyster & Music Festival
This is a party with a purpose: proceeds go towards local oyster bed restoration efforts. What better excuse to head over to Daytona Beach and enjoy (and I quote) “two beautiful days filled with good food, live music, cold beverages and even colder beer!” It all kicks off Saturday April 23 at 11am (until 8pm) at City Island, behind Daytona Library in Downtown Daytona Beach for just $7 for a day admission and children 10 and under going free.
10 Orlando Ballet
Central Florida is as rich in culture as it is in nature and the Dr Phillips Centre is at the heart of Orlando’s cultural life. This April there are two classic ballets on offer there:
• Russian Ballet Orlando presents Esmerelda and the Hunchback on April 3.
• Beauty and the Beast runs April 29 to May 1.
As usual, if you would like tickets (for any of these events) with the best discounts – underwritten by a best-price guarantee – then please contact me on:
(USA) 321 710 8779
(UK) 0333 332 1411
For a full list of upcoming events in Orlando and Central Florida, please read our events page.
