It’s hard to think about Orlando without seeing images of Mickey Mouse and his Disney friends. But beyond the cartoon clichés of the city, there are plenty more interesting things to keep kids and adults busy throughout the year. It’s artistic, vibrant, chilled-out and interesting, and the attractions include a bunch of vivid and varied events and festivals.
Orlando Mardi Gras is one of the biggest Mardi Gras festivals in the whole of the states, and offers all of the fun and excitement you’d expect. The festivities include big-name headliners, dancing, parades, beaded beauties, lip-smacking Cajun cuisine and more. The party lasts for fifty nights, which gives attendees plenty of time to get their fill of food and fun! It has a great atmosphere, smiling faces and warm welcomes… and it’s full to the brim with gumbo, booty-shaking and bags of spirit!
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is a green bonanza of botanical beauty, with vibrant and verdant displays of flowers, plants, shrubbery, trees and a whole host of natural wonder. If you’re a fan of flora, it doesn’t get much better than this. The event also includes tours, themed displays, interactive areas, outdoor kitchens and fantastic performances. It’s important to note that this event takes place inside Disney’s Epcot, but it’s a fantastic occasion if you like your share of green-fingered fun!
Orlando Fringe Festival offers a fantastic array of theatre, music, dance and art, with fourteen days of varied, unique and obscure performances and exhibitions. The festival seeks to promote, advertise and provide fringe artists in an accessible and affordable way, and it’s a great way to see a variety of interesting, unusual and challenging art. All of the offerings strive to show integrity and innovation, and there really is something for everyone. Whether you’re an aficionado or just an interested newbie, there’ll be something here to take your fancy.
Music fans can get their ears around some tunes at the Juneteenth Music Festival, which offers jazz, blues and gospel. It has a storied heritage, and previous performers here have included the likes of BB King, Louis Armstrong and Ray Charles.
Throughout the city, festival seekers are also able to find events dedicated to art, films and sports along with loads more food, flowers, drinks and music. It’s a beautiful place with a friendly vibe and it’s packed full of fun!