Events in Central Florida

This July, Keep Orlando Beautiful is joining the global movement Plastic Free July!

Plastic Free July helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities.

The Florida Mall is turning up the holiday cheer all July long! Due to popular demand, the property is hosting its second annual Christmas in July event for families to enjoy all month long. Shoppers will be transported to a sunny North Pole with Santa visits, festive decor, whimsical snowfall, prize pack giveaway, holiday classics and interactive stations around every corner – making The Florida Mall the perfect tropical holiday scene for locals to celebrate the holidays indoors during the hottest time of the year.

With a summer spin on holiday decor featuring flamingos, oranges and beach balls, families can enjoy afternoons full of exclusive activities and promotions throughout July, including:

Santa Photo Fun with Mrs. Claus & Friends: Make memories that last a lifetime with Santa Claus! Every Saturday and Sunday (1 PM – 4 PM), Santa will be holding court in Center Court, soaking up the sunshine and ready to spread holiday cheer. Mrs. Claus will be joining Santa every Saturday.
Family Fun Days Every Saturday: Kids and families can enjoy holiday-themed crafts, engaging activities and special characters every Saturday (1-4 PM).

Holiday Summer Movie Series: Relax and snuggle up with a family-friendly holiday movie with a summer twist and mystical snowfall throughout July.

Surprises Around Every Corner: The Florida Mall will surprise shoppers with unexpected festive delights throughout the mall.

Get ready for a sizzling summer at Bands, Brew and BBQ! This highly anticipated event combines the best of live music, delicious food, and refreshing drinks for an unforgettable day. Featuring top-notch live acts in both country and rock, you’ll be treated to electrifying performances that will keep you dancing and singing along all day long.

Grab a sampling lanyard and indulge in mouth-watering BBQ, a variety of smoked and grilled favorites that will tantalize your taste buds. To quench your thirst, enjoy a wide selection of craft beers, ensuring you have the perfect brew to complement your BBQ feast.

Whether you’re a country music fan, a rock enthusiast, or just someone who loves great food and drink, Bands, Brew and BBQ is the ultimate summer event you won’t want to miss.

Please note: Park admission is required.

Join us for an exclusive evening with the Brugal Rum Brand Ambassador.

Unleash your inner mixologist with this Iconic Rum.

Enjoy light bites as you explore the flavors of Brugal and perfect your cocktail skills.

Space is limited  |  $30 per person  ~ Reserve your spot for this spirited experience.

06:00 PM – 08:00 PM

Get your tickets now!

Join either the 5K or 10 K walks through the 150 acre Oakland Nature Preserve on July 19th, 2025. In addition to providing a window to the ongoing restoration of Lake Apopka, the Preserve features diverse biological, geological, and topographical features, rapidly vanishing in Central Florida. Interpretive signs throughout the Preserve help visitors identify plant species. This walk is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. Pets are not permitted.

Start/Finish: Oakland Nature Preserve
747 Machete Trail
Oakland, FL 34760
Register and begin walking any time between 8:00-8:45 am
Choose from: 10K (6.2 miles) or 5K (3.1miles) routes, walking at your own pace. Printed directions with map are provided. PLEASE CARRY WATER.
Fee: $4 for all walkers. Free for walkers 12 or younger who do not want walk credit.
More information: www.midfloridamilers.org
Contact: Jenny Thomas, 917.881.8358, jftbbtt@hotmail.com

Celebrate summer and support inclusion in our community with light bites, corn hole tournament, raffle, great company, and a complimentary drink – all for a great cause. Come to Grace O’Malley’s in Clermont from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM in casual attire. This free event is courtesy of the Central Florida Dreamplex Foundation.

Register at: https://www.cfldreamplex.com/gather-for-good/

Join us at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens for our third Sunset event of 2025, as we proudly celebrate Black and African American culture and heritage!

Note: The Zoo will close at 4 P.M. and reopen at 5 P.M. for Sunset at the Zoo.

There’ll be:

• Food Trucks
• Vendors
• Entertainment Sponsored by TD Bank
• Tabling Keeper Chats
• Activities for the Kids
• & More!

We’ll reopen the gates at 5:00 p.m. for guests to enjoy exploring the zoo, with music, food & more until the sun goes down!

Special food and beverage options will be available for purchase at Graze inside the Zoo.

SAVE when you purchase your tickets online! Individual Sunset at the Zoo tickets are $6 each when purchased online, and $8 each when purchased on-site.

Online exclusive: Purchase a $44 Family 4-Pack and get 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs and 4 sodas!

Join us for a mouthwatering celebration of plant-based cuisine from around the world. Get ready to indulge in a variety of vegan delicacies that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.

Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025

Location: 25 Wall Street, Orlando, FL 32801

At this event, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a wide range of vegan food, each offering unique and delectable dishes. From vegan burgers and pizzas to exotic salads and desserts, there’s something for everyone.

Whether you’re a committed vegan or simply curious about plant-based cuisine, this festival promises to be a delicious and educational experience. Discover new flavors, learn about sustainable food practices, and connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for a cruelty-free lifestyle.

So mark your calendars and come join us at the International Vegan Food Festival. Let’s celebrate the power of vegan food in a fun and vibrant atmosphere!

Grab a friend and join us at Camp Margaritaville Auburndale for a fun evening of line dancing on Saturday, June 21st from 6:30PM-10PM! DJ Gonzo will be starting the night out with some great hits to free dance to, and local line dance instructor Felicia Jones will be teaching several dances between 7PM and 9PM! The night will end out strong with another hour of free dance. Song requests will be allowed but not guaranteed. Boots and hats are highly encouraged!

Pre-request songs via this link: https://form.jotform.com/242205730809150.

The new Lake Nona Sprint Triathlon on July 27 at 7:30 AM is a thrilling point-to-point race, starting at the scenic Lake Nona Adventure Park, where the action begins with a refreshing swim in the pristine lake water. The bike route will take participants through the heart of Lake Nona, offering breathtaking views and a blend of urban and natural scenery, as they descend on their next transition area at Boxi Park. The atmosphere at Boxi Park will be electric, with friends, family, and fans eagerly awaiting the athletes’ arrival. Here, participants transition from biking to the final challenge the 5K run.

Post-race festivities at Boxi Park include free beer for all participants and access to the Park’s food containers. The entertainment lineup ensures a festive atmosphere, with music, games, and activities for all ages, making it a perfect day out for families and friends!

All participants will receive a custom tech shirt and finisher’s medal. Awards will be given to the top three Overall Males & Females, Male & Female Masters, and top three males & females in 5-year increments.

Get ready for a sizzling summer at Bands, Brew and BBQ! This highly anticipated event combines the best of live music, delicious food, and refreshing drinks for an unforgettable day. Featuring top-notch live acts in both country and rock, you’ll be treated to electrifying performances that will keep you dancing and singing along all day long.

Grab a sampling lanyard and indulge in mouth-watering BBQ, a variety of smoked and grilled favorites that will tantalize your taste buds. To quench your thirst, enjoy a wide selection of craft beers, ensuring you have the perfect brew to complement your BBQ feast.

Whether you’re a country music fan, a rock enthusiast, or just someone who loves great food and drink, Bands, Brew and BBQ is the ultimate summer event you won’t want to miss.

Please note: Park admission is required.

Join us on the first Wednesday of every month at Luminary Green Park for an evening of community, shopping, and cinema!

Luminary Market (5:30 PM – 9 PM)

Explore 20-25 unique vendors featuring local favorites and curated goods, supporting Creative Village’s vibrant community. Whether you’re a resident, student, or worker, it’s the perfect way to connect and enjoy the neighborhood.

KaleidoScope 360° (Showtime: 7 PM) – “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”

Experience a free, family-friendly outdoor movie series featuring stunning LED visuals and immersive sound. Brought to you by Global Peace 360°, presented by the Orlando Downtown Development Board and Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center, and made possible by our generous sponsors.

Free & Open to the Public!

Make the first Wednesday of every month a night to remember—shop, connect, and enjoy the magic of cinema under the stars!

The 10th Annual Florida Kids and Family Expo is coming August 23-24, 2025 to the Orange County Convention Center. With over 200 exhibitors, families can enjoy meeting a variety of schools, entertainment options, sports opportunities, birthday party options, product and service representatives, and so much more.

Come out and enjoy just some of the following:

• Petting Zoo and Pony Rides
• Character Meet and Greets
• Sports Zones
• Multiple Stages with Live Entertainment
• Touch a Trucks
• Get a Face Painting and/or Temporary Tattoo
• Get Discounts, Giveaways, Goodies, and Freebies
• Find Options in Education, Sports, Entertainment, Products, and Services
• Animal Interactions
• Enjoy Princess Makeovers

Tickets are $10 each in advance and $15 each at the door. The Orange County Convention Center has cancelled all community rates for parking on site. Parking is $10.

Meet the Stars of Sugoi Expo

This year’s celebration of Japanese culture brings with it exclusive appearances by Japanese music artists Asaka and Stereo Dive Foundation, both known for anime theme songs. Fans will enjoy live performances and meet & greets with both artists included with admission.

In addition, Sugoi Expo boasts a star-studded roster of English anime voice actors, with special reunions from Sonic the Hedgehog, Pokémon, and more. Guests include Dan Green, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, Eric Stuart, Pete Capella, Lisa Ortiz and AJ Beckles.

Tickets On Sale Now

Tickets start at $27.99 for single-day passes to $699.99 for an all-access Super VIP experience, which includes hotel accommodations. Use promo code SUGOI20OFF for 20% off adult, non-VIP passes. Tickets available now at SugoiExpo.com.