Orlando Real Estate Even more than you expected...Orlando has it all!
Located in Central Florida, Orlando has a population of almost 2.5 million people and is the third largest metropolitan area in Florida. Nicknamed “The City Beautiful, ” Orlando is also known as “The Theme Park Capital of the World” and includes major attractions like:
Other Orlando, FL attractions include Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium, Chocolate Kingdom- the Factory Adventure Tour, IFLY Orlando Indoor Skydiving and more.
ANNUAL EVENTS IN ORLANDO:
Annual Capital One Bowl
This six decade-old New Year’s Day classic, now at the Florida Citrus Bowl at One Citrus Bowl Plaza (1610 West Church Street), brings on the clash between two powerhouse football conferences. Call (407) 423-2476 for more information.
CompUSA Florida Citrus Bowl
This nationally televised collegiate football game is played between second-ranked teams from the Southeastern Conference and the Big Ten Conference. The Florida Citrus Bowl at One Citrus Bowl Plaza (1610 West Church Street), hosts the grid action. Call (407) 423-2476 for more information.
The Great Taste of the Grove
Live entertainment, a Kids Zone, dining and nightlife specials highlight this weekend culinary and music festival showcasing the best of Coconut Grove. Call (305) 444-7270 for more information.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Multicultural Celebration
To honor Dr. King’s vision of cultural unity on the weekend of his birthday, Winter Garden Parks & Recreation Department hosts a festival featuring live entertainment, food, children’s activities, dining and drink specials in the restaurants and pubs along Plant Street in downtown Winter Garden. Call (407) 656-4155 for more information.
Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities
This African American festival, drawing more than 100,000 each year, celebrates visual arts, gospel and R&B music, modern dance and Pulitzer-prize winning poetry. Call (321) 281-2085 for more information.
Central Florida Fair
Carnival rides, games, food, music, exhibits and more add to the merriment at the Central Florida Fairgrounds. Call (407) 295-3247 for more information.
Florida Fun Fest
As a Coca-Cola and soda-related item swap meet staged in Altamonte Springs, Florida Fun Fest is sponsored by the Central Florida Chapter of the Coca-Cola Collectors Club. Call (407) 688-7084 for more information.
St. Patrick’s Day Party
Pleasure Island in Downtown Disney hosts a party featuring Irish games, food, music and more. Call (407) 824-4321 for more information.
Florida Film Festival
Right after Sundance and leading into Cannes, this film extravaganza unfolds every March in Orlando in and around the Enzian Theatre, now running well into its second decade. Call (407) 644-6579 for more information.
Winter Park Sidewalk Arts Festival
Some 1,600 artists from around the world apply each year for entry into some 275 slots at this prestigious, nearly half century old show in Winter Park’s Central Park. Call (407) 672-6390 for more information.
JazzFest Kissimmee
Kissimmee’s Lakefront Park features professional and amateur jazz musicians, art exhibits, food and more at this two day festival. Call (407) 518-2501 for more information.
Orlando Carnival
Staged around Memorial Day, this nearly two decade old Caribbean-style Mardi Gras features a street parade downtown leading to Festival Field and Thunder Field, opposite the Florida Citrus Bowl, and adjoing Tinker Field and nearby Orlando Sports Complex, where other events take place. Call (407) 293-2440 for more information.
Orlando Health and Fitness Show
In mid-May, UCF Arena hosts over 120 exhibitors representing the full spectrum of health and fitness professionals, including pediatricians, nutritionists, sports, dance and martial arts trainers, with interactive programs for children, parents and anyone interested in making lifestyle changes. Call (407) 937-9129 for more information.
Orlando International Fringe Festival
With roots extending to Scotland, Orlando’s celebration of the theatrical and performing arts takes place over 10 days in the streets, theaters, and converted office spaces of downtown Orlando. Call (407) 648-0077 for more information.
Port Orange Arts & Craft Show
The Port Orange Association of the Arts hosts vendors, craftsmen and artists in May and December in the town of Port Orange near Daytona Beach, about an hour’s drive northeast of Orlando. Call (386) 756-8700 for more information.
Gay Days in Orlando
From land-based fun at Walt Disney World Resort to Carnival Cruise Line’s Official Gay Days Cruise sailing out of Port Canaveral, Orlando becomes the gay place to be in June. Call (800) 522-2213 for more information.
Florida Film Festival
Featuring more than 100 films, documentaries and shorts from around the world, the Florida Film Festival unfolds at Enzian Theater, 1300 South Orlando Avenue. Call (407) 629-1088 for more information.
International Orchid Fair
Thousands of orchids from growers around the world are showcased at World of Orchids. 2501 Old Lake Wilson Road, Kissimmee. Call (407) 396-1881 for more information.
4th of July Bash in Winter Park
Over the Independence Day weekend, Blue Jacket Park, in the Baldwin Park area of Winter Park, hosts an old-fashioned July 4th celebration, featuring a live performance by the U.S. Navy Band, food and beverage vendors, a kids area, and fireworks in the evening over Lake Baldwin. For more information call (407) 376-7705.
Kissimmee Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration
Kissimmee puts on a large fireworks display, accompanied by a variety of entertainment. Call (407) 93-EVENT for more information.
July 4th Celebration with the Brevard Symphony Orchestra
On Independence Day, families bring their lawn chairs and picnic supplies and gather at Riverfront Park to listen to a free concert by the Brevard Symphony Orchestra, and watch the spectacular Space Coast fireworks over Indian River. 401 Riveredge Boulevard, Cocoa. Call (321) 639-3500 for more information.
Sounds of Summer
Beginning in June and extending through August on selected Thursday evenings at Harry P. Leu Gardens, musicians from the Philharmonic present varied programs including Going for Baroque. Call (407) 896-6700 for more information.
FireFest
Antique fire trucks and equipment will be on display at the Orange County Regional History Century at Heritage Square in mid-August, along with programs covering fire safety and the local history of the fire department, firefighting contests, demonstrations, food, crafts, and mingling with local firefighters. 65 East Central Boulevard. Call (407) 836-8500 for more information.
Summer Music Games World Championships
Drum Corps International stages worldchampionships at the Florida Citrus Bowl. Call (630) 495-9866 for more information.
OUC Downtown Orlando Triathlon
In mid-September, the Orlando Utilities Commission sponsors a race that begins with a swim at Lake Underhill, followed by a bike ride and run through downtown Orlando, ending at Wall Street Plaza with a post race festival including food and drink specials, live music and other family friendly activities. Call (407) 648-4900 for more information.
Orlando Home Show
Orlando Home Show, at Orange County Convention Center, is among the region’s largest consumer showcases for remodeling and interior décor. Call (800) 645-7798 for more information.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween
Mickey hosts a Halloween party featuring trick-or-treating around the park, a children’s costume parade and more in the Magic Kingdom Park. Call (407) 824-4321 for more information.
Downtown Oktoberfest
Over a weekend in mid to late October, in the heart of downtown Orlando, the official celebration of the Honorary Consul of Germany features a biergarten with Oktoberfest beer and traditional German fare, live entertainment, a “Fun”garten of fall crafts, carnival and yard games for the kids, supplied by local vendors. Trinity Downtown, Livingston Street between Rosalind Avenue and Ruth Lane. Call (407) 353-0253 for more information.
International Food and Wine Festival
From late October through mid-November, cooking demonstrations and food and wine sampling from around the world takes place at Epcot Theme Park. Call (407) 824-4321 for more information.
Lake Eola Celebration in the Park
Orlando’s Lake Eola Park features singers, bands and musicians from Walt Disney World Resort, with food, games and fireworks. Call (407) 246-2827 for more information.
Veg Fest
Veg Fest gives you an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy a diverse cross-section of vegetarian cuisine and lifestyle. Discover new products and ideas from exhibitors and enjoy a wide variety of presentations and cooking demos. Non-vegetarian’s welcome. Call (321) 331-1859 for more information.
Festival of the Masters
Downtown Disney is the site of this acclaimed open air art festival. Call (407) 934-7639 for more information.
Festival of the Trees
Festival of the Trees features designer Christmas trees, carolers, seminars and more at the Orlando Museum of Art. Call (407) 672-3838 for more information.
Florida Storytelling Festival
A pair of National storytellers and a couple of Florida storytellers, along with student storytellers and a few ghosts manage to hold crowds spellbound. Call (407) 644-2451 for more information.
Taste of the Village
In mid-November, Riverfront Park in historic downtown Cocoa hosts an exhibition of food, products and services offered by local merchants, accompanied by live musicians throughout the evening. Call (321) 639-3500 for more information.
Fight for Air Climb
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and on the 2nd Saturday, the American Lung Association sponsors a vertical stair climb race at the Bank of America Center in downtown Orlando, with proceeds going to the fight against lung disease. 390 North Orange Avenue. Call (407) 425-5864 for more information.
Christmas Tree Lighting
During the week of Thanksgiving, the Riverfront Park Christmas tree is lit, and children are welcome to visit with Santa Claus, and watch an outdoor movie. Historic downtown Cocoa. Call (321) 639-3500 for more information.
Fiesta in the Park
Outdoor fun and family events, arts and crafts star at more than 600 booths at Lake Eola Park. Call (407) 246-2827 for more information.
Kissimmee Holiday Extravaganza
Kissimmee’s holiday event features live entertainment, some 20 tons of snow, fireworks and more, in and around Lakefront Park. For more information call (407) 932-4050.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade and Party
Throughout most of December, Mickey hosts a special parade and party with fireworks, snow flakes, cookies, hot chocolate and more. Fun starts at closing in the Magic Kingdom. Call (407) 824-4321 for more information.
New Year’s Eve
Celebrants can ring in the New Year on Pleasure Island in Downtown Disney with top-name bands, fireworks, party favors, etc. Call (407) 824-4321 for more information.
Orlando Citrus Parade
Citrus fruit themed floats and marching bands from all over the nation converge on downtown Orlando for this quarter-century old spectacular. Call (407) 423-2476 for more information.
Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights
From late November through the holidays, this light show transplanted from a private residence (after neighbors complained) to Disney MGM Studios, features carolers and some five million lights. Call (407) 824-4321 for more information.
Snow in the Village
Starting in mid-December, holiday carolers, hot chocolate and lots of real snow are featured at Riverfront Park in historic downtown Cocoa, throughout the holiday season. Call (321) 639-3500 for more information.
TOP LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS:
KEY COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES: