The Central Florida area is known for many qualities that make it one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. Of course, there are numerous theme parks and tourist attractions, with Walt Disney World Resort®, Universal Orlando®, and SeaWorld® Orlando among the most famous. Then there are the beautiful beaches on both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts just an hour or two away by car, as well as a climate that offers plenty of warm weather and sunshine throughout the year. A less well-known benefit of all the beautiful Florida weather is that the Central Florida region is the perfect place to attend a festival, with events celebrating just about anything you can imagine, from classic cars to ancient fossils. There's even a festival celebrating the unlikely pairing of fancy donuts and craft beer! So, as you plan your Orlando vacation, take a look at this list of fun and exciting festivals you can attend and enjoy! The Dr. Phillips Center Frontyard Festival – Mary Poppins The Seneff Arts Plaza in Downtown Orlando August 15 at 7:30 p.m. Julie Andrews earned an Oscar for playing the title character in this 1964 classic about a magical nanny who takes two children on amazing adventures. Shown in this outdoor venue adjacent to the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center, guests enjoy watching from individual boxes offering comfortable seating. Food and drinks from local restaurants can be ordered and delivered to your box. Info and Tickets. Peace of Woodstock The Athens Theater in DeLand August 21 at 7:30 p.m. Held at the 100-year-old Athens Theater, a classic Italian-Renaissance style venue, Peace of Woodstock celebrates the historic three-day concert that defined a generation of music in 1969. This music-and-visuals show brings back that 60s hippie vibe characterized by tie-dye shirts, bell-bottom jeans, and peace sign pendants. Info and Tickets. Kissimmee Southeast Exotic Bird Fair At the Osceola County Fairgrounds in Kissimmee August 22 at 9 a.m. A wide variety of exotic birds will be on display, showing off their brilliant colorful plumage at this popular event. If you've ever thought of owning an exotic bird, this is the place to get all the information you need, as well as high-quality feed and other accessories. Info. Rock The Block – Rum Fest Downtown Daytona Beach on A1A September 4 at 6 p.m. This pirate street party and pub crawl will take place on September 4 from 6 p.m. to midnight along Main Street (A1A) in Daytona Beach. The evening includes music, partying, and loads of fun over the Labor Day Weekend. Info. Midtown Music Concert Series Daisy Stocking Park in Daytona Beach September 11 and 25 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The city of Daytona Beach sponsors this monthly event at Daisy Stocking Park, presenting many of the best local bands. Gospel/R&B singer Flo Logan and performer Lois Williams will appear on September 11. The Chris Clarke Jazz Trio will perform on September 25. Admission is free and you can bring your own chairs and blankets. Food and drink vendors will be there to provide refreshments and concessions. Info. Donut Fest Orlando Orlando Brewing September 26 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Donut Fest Orlando features the unlikely combination of uniquely delicious donuts and the craft beer brewed by Orlando brewery in this fun and tasty event. Attendees will also help name Orlando's favorite donut. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Hospitality Fund, a nonprofit organization that supports the hospitality industry and its workers in times of need. This is a great event that is a lot of fun for the whole family! Info and Tickets. The VetteFest Old Town in Kissimmee October 2 at 10 a.m. If you love the sleek lines and macho speed found only in Corvettes, this is an event you are sure to love! Now in its 16th year, Old Town Kissimmee welcomes classic and new corvettes to The VetteFest, so their owners can show off these prized possessions. The event includes a Corvette cruise down Old Town's main street where attendees can line up and watch in awe as they pass by. While you're there, check out Old Town's 50+ shops, restaurants, and attractions. Admission is free. Info. Winter Springs Festival of the Arts Blumberg Blvd. and N. Tuskawilla Rd. in Winter Springs October 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy award-winning art displays at the 16th annual Winter Springs Festival of the Arts. You'll also have an opportunity to meet the artists, enjoy delicious food and craft beers, and let your kids explore the kids' crafts area. Admission is free. Info. Fossil Fair Sanford Civic Center October 16 and 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A favorite with kids who love science, the fossil fair in Sanford will have a wide range of fossils, rocks, minerals, and artifacts on display during this event. There will also be plenty of children's activities, as well as educational exhibits and silent auctions. Admission is $4 for adults and $1 for children. Info. Book Your Exploria Resorts Stay Today Summer Bay Orlando and Grand Seas Resort are the perfect settings for creating unique vacation experiences and unforgettable memories. Either resort is conveniently located to many of these festivals as well as to beaches, theme parks, shopping, restaurants, and more. So hurry! Check out these resort destination offers and book your stay today!
