Orlando, Florida -- Orlando is well-known for offering visitors the opportunity to visit one-of-a-kind attractions, but the destination also gives visitors the chance to attend numerous free festivals and special events. Highlights include The Winter Park Art Festival, ranked sixth best in the country; and Fashion Week at The Mall at Millenia, the place to “see and be seen” while viewing the hottest trends for 2010.
In addition to experiencing all of the free events Orlando has to offer, visitors can take advantage of free admission to attractions, free room nights and free perks throughout Orlando. The “Bundles of Free Smiles” promotion, running through June 30, 2009, combines more than 120 special offers from throughout central Florida’s attractions, hotels, restaurants and golf courses under the theme of “free.” More information is available at bundlesoffreesmiles.com.
The following list highlights some of the free annual festivals and special events during the next six months*. More information is available on Orlando’s online calendar at VisitOrlando.com.
MARCH
Bike Week Orlando
Feb. 28 – March 8
More than 100,000 Harley-Davidson enthusiasts from across the globe turn out for this annual event, headquartered at the Orlando Historic Factory Dealership, a detailed re-creation of the 1910 factory and the 1903 “shack” in which the Harley legend was born. Festivities include live music from local and regional bands, gear-head vendor displays, biker fashion shows, a ride-in/custom bike show, food and drink, a pin run and more. Visitors are also welcome to take part in demo rides at Orlando Harley-Davidson’s newest dealership, East Orlando Harley-Davidson, March 1-9.
orlandoharley.com 407-423-0346
Coppers & Choppers
March 14
The Altamonte Springs Police Department presents its Coppers & Choppers Bike Show. This family friendly event will have vendors, professional builders, bike exhibits, safety displays, a police motorcycle display and great food.
407-571-8180
50th Annual Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival
March 20 – 22
The festival is one of the nation’s most prestigious outdoor arts events, rated sixth best by Sunshine Artists. Some 1,400 artists from around the world apply for entry and an independent panel of judges selects approximately 275 to participate in the show. The three-day event also features show-stopping jazz, children’s activities and great eats.
wpsaf.org 407-672-6390
Mount Dora Village Antique Festival
March 28 – 29
The beautiful streets of Mount Dora will be lined with over 150 vendors displaying antiques.
mountdora.com 352-735-1191
APRIL
Spring Fiesta in the Park
April 4 – 5
Enjoy a myriad of booths offering tasteful regional arts and crafts along the banks of Lake Eola in downtown Orlando. The 19th annual festival provides entertainment, goodies and homemade items for sale.
cityoforlando.net 407-649-3152
Celebration Spring Art Festival
April 4 – 5
The creations of more than 120 fine artists will be on display at the Celebration Town Center. The event features paintings, sculptures, jewelry and more for sale as well as entertainment, kids crafts and more for the whole family.
celebrationtowncenter.com 407-566-1200
Easter Weekend Open House
April 10 – 12
Visitors can browse The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, showcasing the largest collection of Tiffany glass in the world.
morsemuseum.org 407-645-5311
45th Annual Ron Jon Surf Shop Easter Surfing Festival
April 10 – 12
Enjoy the sun, surf and sand along beautiful Cocoa Beach, just one hour east of Orlando, as you watch championship surfers from ages 12 to 80 from around the world compete in this annual surfing competition. An Easter egg hunt and food court, as well as surf clinics and demonstrations are part of the fun.
eastersurffest.com 321-799-8888
13th Annual Leesburg Bikefest 2009
April 24 – 26
Lake County comes alive with the roar of more than 200,000 bikers from throughout the South. Downtown Leesburg is open only to motorcycles for three days of nonstop street party fun. Bikefest features live bands, Ms. Bikefest Contest, Rat's Hole Custom Motorcycle Show, biker games and festive food.
leesburgbikefest.com 352-365-0053
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