More than 20 arts groups offer free admission for Winter Park's Weekend of the Arts

It’s much too easy to take for granted the wealth of cultural opportunities available in Winter Park. “Oh look, there’s Billy Collins, former poet laureate of the United States,” we might say offhandedly. Or, “Huh, the largest collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s work in the world,” or even, “Hmm, one of the longest-running Bach Festivals in the country.” It’s time to wake up and smell how lucky you are, people! This weekend, the city of Winter Park launches a coordinated attack to get you out into the streets (and the parks, and the museums, and the library), the first of what they hope to make an annual tradition. More than 20 arts groups offer free performances, exhibitions, or admission Friday through Monday, from a night of jazz at Blue Bamboo to a grand choral masterwork in the Knowles Memorial Chapel to “Be My Neighbor Day,” a tribute to Rollins alum Fred (“Mr.”) Rogers. Pro tip: This would be an excellent time to slip into the Morse Museum for free and stand in awe before the massive, mind-blowing Albert Bierstadt painting “The Domes of the Yosemite,” which was unveiled Feb. 13.

various times and locations throughout Winter Park | cityofwinterpark.org | most events are free; some events require