The annual must-visit ZoraFest headlines Orlando Events; (c) Soul Of America
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
