Orlando Events
Events listed below are held in Orlando, unless indicated otherwise.
JANUARY
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Celebration of the life of the civil rights leader; Orlando; http://star94fm.com
Zora Neale Hurston Festival
End of Month; Biggest and best festival in the Orlando area celebrating interpreters and artists of Southern African American culture; theater, dance, vendors, art exhibits, educational programs draw over 100,000 to Eatonville; received a Regional Designation Award in the Humanities from the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games; Eatonville; http://ww.zoranealehurstonfestival.com
FEBRUARY
Black History Month
Various celebrations throughout the city; Orlando; http://www.orlandoinfo.com
Mardi Gras at Universal Studios
Featuring live music, cajun cuisine, parade and more; performers include Donna Summer, Four Tops, Temptations, and Doobie Brothers; Universal Citywalk; http://www.universalorlando.com
Bob Marley Reggae Festival
Universal Citywalk; http://www.orlandoinfo.com
Festival of Rhythm & Blues
Annual music event featuring food, children’s activities, beer garden and arts and crafts; Kissimmee Lakefront Park, Kissimmee; 407-933-8368
MARCH
Caribbean Fusion Concert
Annual music event featuring food, children’s activities, and beer garden; Kissimmee Lakefront Park, Kissimmee; 407-933-8368
APRIL
Kissimmee JazzFest
A concert ranging in talent from local bands to big name artists; Kissimmee Lakefront Park, Kissimmee; 407-933-8368
Central Florida Fair
Central Florida Fairgrounds; http://www.orlandoinfo.com
JUNE
Juneteenth
Annual celebration of African American culture; Orlando; http://www.juneteenth.com
Anniversary Gala
Metropolitan Orlando Urban League, Orlando; http://www.metorlandoul.org
Ethnic Dance Festival
Three weekends of performances showcasing the best of world dance and music representing cultures from around the world; Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco; http://www.worldartswest.org
Monterey Bay Blues Festival
One of the largest blues festivals on the West Coast; past performers include Little Richard, Neville Brothers, James Brown, Keb Mo; Monterey Fairgrounds, Monterey; http://www.montereyblues.com
Stern Grove Music Festival
Free series of concerts featuring R&B, jazz and world music; Stern Grove, San Francisco; http://www.sterngrove.org
AUGUST
Eatonsville Founder’s Day
Speaker presentations, cultural programs and entertainment augment the mayor’s Prayer Breakfast to honor the founders of Eatonville; 407-623-1236
NOVEMBER
Florida Classic
Football game featuring Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman College, a memorable Step show, battle of the bands and golf tournament; Orlando; https://soulofamerica.com/events/black-college-football-classics/
DECEMBER
Kwanzaa Celebration
Begins 12/26; annual 7-day celebration of African American culture at various venues around Orlando metro area; https://soulofamerica.com/events/kwanzaa-celebrations