Spring is in the air, mamas, and our Central Florida weather is gorgeous out there! While our area is well-known for our theme park attractions, there are plenty of other outdoor happenings taking place right now to keep you and your family active and enjoying these balmy temps. Yes, if you haven’t heard, it’s fair and festival season, and there is nothing better, in my opinion, than arts & crafts, fairway rides and yummy food. Check out what you can find going on in our backyard:
Central Florida Fair
When: This one is happening now! March 9-13 is the last weekend.
Location: 4603 West Colonial Drive, Orlando 32808
The 104th Annual Central Florida Fair is back with 3 Weekends of Food, Rides, Games and Show Attractions. Racing Pigs and Petting Zoo joins over 60+ Midway Rides, Livestock Arena, Horse Shows and Creative Arts and Food Arts to celebrate the community.
Florida Strawberry Festival
When: March 3-13th
Location: 303 N. Lemon Street, Plant City 33563
The Florida Strawberry Festival represents a piece of Americana, a time in American history when fairs and festivals brought communities together through celebrations of their harvests. It has continued to grow in popularity year after year through the preservation of this heritage. Central to its focus, the Festival continues to preserve and enhance the agricultural and historical legacy of the Florida strawberry.
Deland Strawberry Festival
When: March 12 -13
Location: Volusia County Fairgrounds, 3000 E. New York Ave, Deland 32724
Family Fun & Festivities, Fresh Plant City Strawberries, Delicious Food, Free Bounce Houses & Obstacle Course, Art & Crafts, Live Entertainment, Classic Car Display, Pony Rides, Free Petting Zoo, Berry Cute Baby Contest, Vendors inside & out, Face Painting, Strawberry Shortcake & Yummy Treats, Free Inside Kids Zone & Much More!
22nd Annual Taste of Oviedo
When: March 12
Location: Oviedo Mall, 1700 Oviedo Mall Blvd, Oviedo 32765
The 22nd Annual Taste of Oviedo, presented by Air Flow Designs Heating and Air Conditioning, will be taking place at Oviedo Mall on March 12, 2016, from 10 am – 6 pm! Food, fun and FREE ADMISSION for the whole family! Come enjoy delicious dishes from the best local Oviedo restaurants and eateries while the kids enjoy rides and activities in Kids Taste area. Test your culinary skills by competing in the Citrus & Celery Cook-Off or just sit back and enjoy live music all day!
8th Annual Wine & Seafood Festival
When: March 18-20
Location: LakeRidge Winery, 19239 US Highway 27, Clermont 34715
This signature event marks the beginning of springtime and the warmer weather brings people out to enjoy fabulous live outside music and entertainment throughout the entire weekend. Local Artists and Crafters are invited to display their work. Lakeridge wine, beer, soft drinks and a variety of tasty seafood specialties will be available for purchase, along with complimentary Winery tours and tasting.
13th Annual Florida Springsfest
When: March 19
Location: Silver Springs State Park, Ocala 34470
Now celebrating its 13th year, Florida Springsfest (formerly Marion County Springs Festival) combines entertainment and educational activities for the whole family to spread awareness and increase understanding of Florida’s unique natural resources, such as freshwater springs.
Fort Christmas Bluegrass Festival
When: March 19-20
Location: 1300 Fort Christmas Road, Christmas 32709
Bring a lawn chair to sit in and enjoy the music, bands in the past have been: Moonlite Express, County Line, Seminole Ridge & New River. BBQ for sale, homemade ice cream, craft fair. Sorry, no camping.
MacDill AirFest 2016
When: March 19-20
Location: MacDill AirForce Base, 6801 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa 33621
The Tampa Bay AirFest 2016 is MacDill’s opportunity to say “thank you” to our community and the state for all their incredible support.Guests will experience static displays of military aircraft, aerial demonstrations by military and civilian performers, and learn more about the military personnel and equipment MacDill Air Force Base uses to carry out the missions here.
Spring Fever in the Garden
When: April 9-10
Location: Historic Downtown Winter Garden
The Spring Fever in the Garden is for family members of all ages. There will be plants galore for all areas of your home and garden. The live entertainment will be presented throughout the two day event in front of city hall. The Kidzone area will be planning two days of programs that will educate the children about our environment – how to save it and what lives in it. In addition, Drum Magic will be there for interactive fun along with appearances by Ronald McDonald (Sat. only). The Solar Bears and Lowes will also have interactive games and projects scheduled.
New Smyrna Beach SkyFest 2016
When: April 15-17
Location: New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport
The New Smyrna Beach Skyfest is one of the biggest, most popular events in Central Florida – Featuring night and day air shows, entertainment, live animals, a huge carnival, interactive exhibits, helicopter rides, aircraft displays and dozens of vendors.
Florida Blueberry Festival
When: April 16-17
Location: 201 Howell Ave, Brooksville 34601
Come see the historic downtown streets of Brooksville to enjoy Fresh Florida Blueberries, Fresh Blueberry Pies, and Tasty Festival Fare. When roaming the streets watch out for the jugglers and the stilt people. Have a glass of Blueberry Wine at the Island Grove Wine Café. Meander through our Art exhibits and Specialty Retail Tents. Sit in and listen to entertainment by Tribute Bands along with array of other talented musical and entertainment acts.
55th Annual Apopka Art & Foliage Festival
When: April 23-24
Location: Kit Land Nelson Park, 35 Park Ave South, Apopka
The Festival has helped to bring recognition to the unique cultural aspects of the City of Apopka and if’s significant contribution to the National Indoor Foliage industry.The Festival has grown into one of the most respected and well-attended festivals in Central Florida, showcasing Fine Arts and distinctive, high-quality foliage.
Florida Salsa Fest
When: May 1
Location: South Eola Drive, Thorton Park Orlando
This new festival will take place on the brick streets of Thorton park in the heart of downtown Orlando. Come out on your Sunday afternoon to enjoy live Salsa music and yummy salsa tastings, which will include a fun competition among chefs.
Sixth Annual Fairy & Pirate Festival
When: May 7
Location: McKee Botanical Garden, 350 US Highway 1, Vero Beach 32962
Children are encouraged to dress in costume and experience the magical world of fairies and pirates. Themed activities, entertainment, crafts, face painting and more. General admission rates apply.
Are you excited yet? Start marking your calendar and get out there and have some good old-fashioned family fun! There are some great memories to be made this Spring! I’ll see you out there!
NOTE: Some events are subject to weather or last minute changes/cancellations. Always be sure to confirm events page before heading out to your destination.
