Spring is at last upon us, which means that it basically just feels like summer now. But it also means that it’s time to start filling your calendar with upcoming music fests, comic-cons, beer celebrations, food expos and countless other solid events that will make up your entire “sprummer.” Here’s everything worth doing this spring that we know of so far.
Star Wars Celebration
April 13-16, tickets start at $75
There is not another convention in the galaxy that holds a light to this Lucasarts-focused gathering. Bring your friends and family to the only place that will have Mark Hamill, Billy Dee Williams, the guy who played Darth Sidious and a seemingly endless list of other A- to C-list star wars heroes, so kick off your spring here.
Photo via starwarscelebration/InstagramWhiskey Business
April 14, tickets start at $40
Let Orlando Weekly take you down the tastebud rabbit hole that can only be delved into at our Whisky Business event. Sample scotches from Scotland and bourbons created nearby at our music-infested evening of fun-having, food-ingesting and focused drinking.
Photo by Melissa BerriosFlorida Music Festival and Conference
April 20-22, Free Admission
Three days with 15 stages — and the 225 bands that will strut out onto them — is the well-thought-out structure of FMF 2017. Check out some polished and developing acts in your own backyard for a solid weekend of new music.
Photo by James DechertWJRR Earthday Birthday 24
April 22, tickets start at $65
If you forgot acquire a present for Mother Gaia once again then trifle not, comrade, because there is still a chance for you to snag tickets to this event headlined by Sublime with Rome and Alterbridge. We can’t think of a better way to show the earth that you care than by jammin’ out on her outermost crust.
Photo via c2norlando/InstagramSpooky Empire
April 21-23, tickets start at $30
One of the best horror conventions in the country has found a home in Orlando, and this year’s celebrity lineup (which includes Malcolm McDowell, Joan Cusack, Dee Snider, Ernie Hudson and countless more) promises that this spooky dynasty will continue to do so for years to come. Commit to a stress-raising weekend of the good kind and attend, if you dare.
Photo by James DechertGerman Fest
April 22, tickets start at $10
Spring brings with it a sense of renewal, so why not renew your unofficial German citizenship and attend German celebration of season and beer. It’s not just about Oktoberfest, y’know – Maifest is a thing too. This is a must-do if you highly prioritize your pretzel and schnitzel and of course Maibock needs.
Photo via German American Society of Central Florida/FacebookFood Truck Wars
April 22, $10 at the door
UCF’s Bright House Stadium will host a battle of tastes when this war settles down for a battle on UCF’s campus. Free concerts and the college football team’s spring game will be happening at the same time so make a day out of it, why don’tcha.
Photo via ryanliveslife/InstagramCentral Florida Earth Day
April 22, free admission
A more family-friendly and planet-focused Earth Day event can be found at Lake Eola Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., where you’ll find vendors, exhibits and other educational activities.
Photo by Anna McCambridge-ThomasFlorida Film Festival
April 21-30, tickets start at $9
10 days of indie films, panels and forums, parties and special-guest events, including an afternoon with David Zucker and Robert Hays from the guffaw-goading film Airplane! can all be yours with a festival pass. But if you just want to sample a few films and perhaps an event or two, tickets are offered individually as well.
Photo by Liv JonesLeesburg Bikefest
April 28-30, free admission
The world’s largest annual motorcycle event covering 30 blocks will unfold over three days out in Leesburg for the 21st time. Witness hotbod contests, 60 concerts and food from over 200 vendors. And most importantly, rev up your engine for what is sure to be a loud funkin’ weekend.
Photo via grubnwhereabouts/InstagramApopka Art and Foliage Festival
April 29-30, free admission
On a quest for a shrubbery? Let us direct you toward this event that will have a plethora of fancy foliage arrangements and other art exhibitions. The city of Apopka has much greenery to offer the public, so save yourself from a weekend of being indoors and try this late-April event.
Photo via Apopka Art and Foliage Festival/FacebookOrlando Funk Fest
April 29, tickets start at $40
Radio station 94.5 FM is bringing Charlie Wilson, Fantasia and many more to the Central Florida Fairgrounds for a Saturday of soul and funk that will not be matched anywhere else.
Photo via therealtank/InstagramFlorida Salsa Festival
April 30, tickets start at $15
With $2,400 on the line, you know that those competing in the salsa competition will be bringing their most taste stimulating A-games. Weenies need not apply.
Photo via orlandoweekly/InstagramThe St. Johns River Festival of the Arts
May 6-7, free admission
Downtown Sanford will be turned into an art gallery when this festival kicks off next month. The brick-laid street will help guide you through the seemingly endless number of kiosks and tents, all while getting a breath of that Sanford air.
Photo via pamatrelia/InstagramThe Orlando Fringe
May 16-29, tickets start at $15
This festival brings uncensored and unfettered pieces of theatrical art to the forefront of Orlandoans’ focus, with around 500 performances being completed per year. It is a celebration of theater and those who work in it, so if you truly respect pure performance and committed artists, then don’t miss this event.
Photo via rome4three/InstagramBeer ‘Merica
May 15, check website for ticket announcements
You like beer, right? You like ‘Merica, right? Prove it and come check out our mid-may ‘Merica mania-filled event where you can try 100 craft brews all from the good ol’ U.S. of A. Live music and delicious food will also be making an appearance at this event.
Photo by Ryan Glaze & Kara RountreeMegacon Orlando
May 25-28, tickets start at $20
Tim Curry, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Sam Lee and Norman Reedus all headline this convention that is sure to envelop the city for a few days in visiting costumed fanatics, and we here at the Weekly propose that instead of tilting your head in amusement, you instead join in on the fun. Four days of celebrity-led forums, speaking sessions and many more are all beyond worth the price of admission.
Photo via megacon convention/InstagramCentral Florida’s BBQ Blowout
May 27, free admission
Have you been looking for a reason to get back into shape? Why not create one by gorging yourself full of beautifully delicious BBQ from multiple vendors and feel the reason to get back to the gym begin to stretch out your belt. Also you can find post-feast solace in knowing that all the funds go to a good cause led by the Helpful Hands Foundation.
Photo via bbqblowout/InstagramClay County Watermelon Festival
May 27-28, check website for ticket announcements
With activities and competitions for the whole family to enjoy, this celebration of the watermelon harvest is an easy way to form some unforgettable memories over a quickly nearing weekend.
Photo via thunder city derby sirens/InstagramGay Days
May 30-June 4, tickets and events vary
There will be events all over the city, including the Miss Gayday Pageant, an expo and five days and nights of wet wildness, all provided by a plethora of venues and promoters. So find an event that tickles your fancy and indulge in what is sure to be afternoons or evenings brimming with laughs and extensive partying.
Photo via gay days/InstagramBite30
June 1-30, $30
The month of June will bring with it the city-wide exhibition of culinary culture and Orlando’s finest eating establishments.
Photo via orlandoweekly/InstagramFestival of the Sea
June 17, tickets $30 on day of event
Orlando Festival Park hosts an aquatic event that boasts live music, seafood vendors, beer & wine, and many more of the things humans seem to have grown a liking for. Bring the family if you want; the sea is for all ages.
Photo via orlando.adventures/InstagramThe Florida Outdoor Megashow
June 17-18, free admission
Calling all Ted Nugents! Get yourself to this outdoor mega show to ogle the newest and most cutting-edge equipment for salt and freshwater fishing and outdoorsmen. Brace for a long day out on this dry marina.
Photo via thefloridaoutdoorshow/Instagram
