5 Must-See Events in Orlando During January 2019

If you’re thinking about buying a home for sale in Orlando or you’re already living here, you probably already know that this city and the surrounding communities are packed with great events for all ages.

January 2019 is no exception. Check out this list of five must-see events in and around Orlando during January to plan out your month!

5 Must-See Events in (and Near) Orlando During January 2019

Walt Disney World Marathon and Walt Disney World Half Marathon
Otronicon
Key Lime Pie Festival
Central Florida Scottish Highland Games
Blue Spring Manatee Festival

Walt Disney World Marathon and Walt Disney World Half Marathon

January 9 through January 13

The Walt Disney World Marathon and Walt Disney World Half Marathon are two separate events that draw crowds of thousands. The annual event sends runners through the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot. The whole weekend, focused on fitness and fun, also features Disney’s Health and Fitness Expo in Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.

More information: http://www.rundisney.com/

Otronicon

January 18 to January 21

Techies already have Otronicon on their calendars – do you? This amazing technology event covers all kinds of future scenarios that put on display how we’ll live, work and play in the future, and you can explore it all through simulation and video games. Most of the tech on display is made right in Orlando. Jump into a cutting-edge medical simulator (no pun intended), a larger-than-life video game experience or a military simulation game, or attend workshops to learn about recent breakthroughs and where technology is headed. The event takes place at the Orlando Science Center.

More information: http://www.otronicon.org/

Key Lime Pie Festival

January 19

Have you ever seen the world’s largest key lime pie? You will if you show up at the Florida Key Lime Pie Festival on Merritt Island. This is the eighth consecutive year for this delectable festival, and this year, you’ll see live music, grab snacks from dozens of food trucks, and have the opportunity to join a key lime pie eating contest. The event is being held at Brevard Veterans Memorial Center on Merritt Island.

More information: http://www.facebook.com/FloridaKeyLimePieFestival/

Central Florida Scottish Highland Games

January 19 and January 20

Do you have a little Scottish heritage? Whether or not your ancestors hail from that part of the world, the Central Florida Scottish Highland Games are a must-see. This fun event takes traditional Scottish sporting events to the next level – and you can explore history, culture and more to learn about the way things work halfway across the globe. You’ll see drum and bagpipe competitions, plenty of highland dancing, archery competitions and sheepdog demonstrations – and you’ll even hear Scottish singers. The event is being held at Central Winds Park in Winter Springs.

More information: http://www.flascot.com/

Blue Spring Manatee Festival

January 26 and January 27

Every year, the Blue Spring Manatee Festival attracts people from all over the state. This two-day event features manatee viewing, presentations by the Central Florida Zoo (including animal ambassadors), lots of arts and crafts, and plenty of kids’ entertainment. The Jeff Howell Band is performing on Sunday at Valentine Park in Orange City, where the whole event takes place.

More information: http://www.themanateefestival.com/

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7 Unforgettable Places to Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2019 in Orlando

New Year’s Eve 2019 is right around the corner – how will you celebrate?

Check out this list of the seven hottest events for NYE this year (plus a few bonuses) to plan your most spectacular bash ever.

7 Unforgettable Places to Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2019 in Orlando

Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or you’d prefer an evening out just for grown-ups, the city of Orlando has you covered. There are huge events planned throughout the city to help you celebrate.

Theme parks
EVE at Universal CityWalk™
NYE Masquerade at 3NINE
Howl at the Moon
BB King’s Blues Club at Pointe Orlando
NYE Block Party at Wall Street Plaza
New Year’s Eve Gala at The Alfond Inn

#1. Theme Parks

All the theme parks – Walt Disney World, Universal, SeaWorld and LEGOLAND – have plenty of big parties planned. Most involve fireworks, character shows and kid-friendly dance parties. Check out the events at each by clicking these links:

#2. EVE at Universal CityWalk™

8 p.m. to 2 a.m., ages 21 and up only.

EVE at Universal CityWalk features six clubs with live bands and DJs, Orlando’s biggest outdoor dance floor and a huge selection of gourmet cuisine.

#3. NYE Masquerade at 3NINE

9 p.m. to 2 a.m., ages 21 and up only.

Dress well and don’t forget the mask for the New Year’s Eve Masquerade at 3NINE at Rosen Plaza Hotel. Enjoy cocktails and light fare as you ring in 2019 in true Orlando style.

#4. Howl at the Moon

7 p.m. to 2 a.m., ages 21 and up only.

Reserve your table at Howl at the Moon for its annual New Year’s Eve bash. Several packages are available, including upper deck and bar seating, as well as extended patio seating, and they include a complimentary champagne toast and party favors.

#5. BB King’s Blues Club at Pointe Orlando

5 p.m. to 2 a.m., all ages

Ring in the new year at BB King’s Blues Club, featuring the BB King’s Blues Club All-Star Band. Reservations range from the bronze package at $20 per person to the platinum package at $75 per person.

#6. NYE Block Party at Wall Street Plaza

8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

The biggest New Year’s Eve block party in Orlando is back – and they’re expecting thousands of guests. The NYE Block Party at Wall Street Plaza features DJ Eric Draven live on stage, huge LED video walls and light shows up and down the plaza, plus eight unique venues to keep the party going.

#7. New Year’s Eve Gala at The Alfond Inn

The Alfond Inn’s eighth annual New Year’s Eve Gala, held in the Park Avenue Ballroom with a live performance by The Buzzcatz, features a premium open bar and champagne toast. You’ll also enjoy chef-attended stations in the Conservatory and a livestream of the Times Square ball drop.

Bonus: More Places to Spend NYE 2019 in Orlando

Check out these other events around Orlando if the big bashes aren’t what you’re looking for:

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3 Fun Things to Do in Orlando in November 2018

When you’re thinking about buying a home for sale in Orlando, whether it’s on the beautiful grounds of the Isleworth Country Club, Sweetwater Golf and Country Club, Bay Hill Club or anywhere else, you’ll be glad to know that Orlando is an amazing community with so many things to do and see. November 2018 is no different – there are dozens of amazing events happening all over the city, and this guide will help you plan your month accordingly.

Things to Do in Orlando in November 2018

32nd Annual Festival of Trees

The 32nd Annual Festival of Trees at the Orlando Museum of Art is a nine-day event. You’ll enjoy daily musical performances, family entertainment and several programs for all ages throughout the museum.

The event kicks off on Friday, November 9, with the tree lighting and champagne reception. Special admission applies to the champagne reception and the following events:

November 10: Breakfast with Santa
November 13: Senior salute
November 14: Rudolph’s Reindeer Romp Party
November 15: India Hicks Pop-up Shop
November 16: Ugly Holiday Sweater Date Night
November 17: Breakfast with Santa

General admission is $15 for adults, $5 for kids aged 3 to 11 and $10 for seniors $65 and over. Military and first responders get in for $10.

Light Up UCF

Light Up UCF at CFE Arena, put on by Duke Energy, is a spectacular light show that features more than 200,000 lights in perfect sync with holiday music. There’s also a Holiday Film Festival, where they’ll show “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “The Santa Clause,” “Elf,” and “Home Alone.” Santa will be there, too, and you can purchase photos with the big guy. There’s a ferris wheel, the Arctic Glide Ice Slide and the Winter Whirl, too, and there’ll be local talent performing on the Community Stage.

Christmas at Bok Tower Gardens

The Holiday Home Tour at Bok Tower Gardens (tickets aren’t available until November 23) is a truly spectacular way to experience Pinewood Estate. It’s transformed into a holiday showplace that reflects the 1940s, and you can see carillon concerts at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

FusionFest

Taking over Downtown Orlando, FusionFest 2018 is a free, two-day celebration that kicks off on November 24. You’ll love checking out the diverse origins and heritages of Orlando through the international food court and marketplace, taking in live performances on the music and dance stages and watching the Diversitastic! Choir perform. There’s a global street dance party, a parade, and a huge fashion showcase, too.

Are You Buying a Home for Sale in Orlando?

If you’re looking for a new home for sale in Orlando, you’ll be happy to know that this community hosts dozens of fabulous events every month – there’s always something to do or see, especially around the holidays.

While you’re here, check out our:

October Events in Orlando for the Whole Family

While there’s no shortage of Halloween events planned in Orlando, there are plenty of other activities that are fun for the whole family (and we’ll cover Halloween in our next post, anyway).

If you’re buying a home for sale in Orlando, check out these family-friendly events to keep you busy all month.

October 2018 Events in Orlando

All of October 2018

2018 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

Join the fun all month at Epcot for the International Food and Wine Festival. This 75-day marathon of food and fun goes into November, so if you can’t make it this month, you’ll still have time. Catch appearances by celebrity chefs and Disney favorites.

More info: https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2018/03/the-2018-epcot-international-food-wine-festival-brings-75-days-of-fall-fun-aug-30-nov-12/

October 1, 2018

25th Anniversary Season Opening: Beethoven’s Ninth

Stop in at the Bob Carr Theatre (401 West Livingston Street in Orlando) to enjoy Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 performed by the spectacular Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.

More info: https://orlandophil.org/orlando-philharmonic-announces-25th-anniversary-season/

October 5

City Unseen

City Unseen at Snap! Space Gallery gives you the opportunity to explore amazing works by internationally renowned artists using augmented reality experiences. You’ll see works by Felice Grodin, Can Büyükberber, Nancy Baker Cahill, Mark Gmehling, Mark Gerstein, Synthestruct, Matt Roberts, Terri Witek and more.

More info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/city-unseen-opening-night-tickets-39370722892

Movie Night at Leu Gardens

Check out Movie Night at Leu Gardens on October 5 and you’ll be scared witless – they’re playing Poltergeist on the big screen. The gardens open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30.

More info: https://www.leugardens.org/movie-night-october-5-730-p-m/

October 6

Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook

Everybody loves Junie B. Jones, and you and the kids can catch a great live-action play of Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook at the Orlando Repertory Theatre.

More info: https://www.orlandorep.com/show/junie-b-jones-is-not-a-crook/

October 7

Florida Wedding Expo

Get ready for those springtime weddings at the Florida Wedding Expo at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, where you’ll find dozens of vendors and enjoy spectacular exhibits covering everything from planning and the big day to the honeymoon and beyond.

More info: http://floridaweddingexpo.com/

October 12

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards BBQ and Blues Festival

Have a blast at the 2018 BBQ and Blues Festival where you’ll enjoy watching competitors from all over the country compete to be “Rib Champion.” Jam to live music with the area’s best blues bands, shop local arts and crafts, and enjoy a free winery tour and tasting.

More info: https://www.lakeridgewinery.com/Events/bbq-and-blues/

Oktoberfest

Have fun with the real deal – Oktoberfest at Avalon Park downtown. The beer garden preview starts on Friday at 5 p.m. and the community festival starts Saturday (October 13) at 5 p.m.

More info: http://downtownavalonpark.com/oktoberfest/

October 19

Immerse

Immerse, presented by the Creative City Project, brings more than 1,000 artists and performers together to create interactive and inspiring displays that will leave you breathless.

More info: http://www.creativecityproject.com/

October 20

Fossil Fair

Swing by the Central Florida Fairgrounds for the Fossil Fair put on by the Florida Fossil Hunters. You’ll learn how to dig all over Florida and find out what you might discover – and there are raffles, vendors and a kids’ dig pit.

More info: http://floridafossilhunters.com/images/2018FossilFairFlyer.pdf

Are You Buying a Home for Sale in Orlando?

If you’re looking for a new home for sale in Orlando, you’ll be happy to know that this community hosts dozens of fabulous events every month – there’s always something to do or see, and not everything revolves around the theme parks.

While you’re here, check out our:

7 Fun Things to Do in and Around Orlando in September

If you’re buying a golf course home for sale in Orlando or you’re still just thinking about moving to the area, you’ll be happy to discover that there’s always something awesome happening here – and September 2018 is no exception. There’s so much going on throughout the month, and here’s a quick list to get you started.

7 Fun Things to Do in and Around Orlando in September

Throughout September

Orlando’s Magical Dining Month

Enjoy Orlando’s Magical Dining Month at restaurants all over the city where you can dive into three-course, prix fixe dinners for $35 each. Here’s a complete list of participating restaurants.

Global Peace Film Festival

Held to promote the U.N.’s International Day of Peace, the Global Peace Film Festival will be held at various locations around Orlando. You can learn more here.

September 12

Water Well Trust Golf Tournament

At 1 p.m., the Water Well Trust Golf Tournament kicks off on the Ritz-Carlton Golf Course in Orlando. While registration is closed, you can still watch the tournament at your leisure. Learn more here.

September 15

Sanford Art Walk

Join the fun on September 15 in Central Florida’s only monthly juried art show. It lasts from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in downtown Sanford. Learn more here.

Inaugural Seasons Blessings Golf Tournament

The Inaugural Seasons Blessings Golf Tournament, where proceeds go toward The Experience Christian Center’s annual Seasons Blessings event in December, takes place on September 15 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can get more details here.

September 21

Cocoa Beach Friday Fest

This monthly event takes place on the third Friday of each month and is geared toward families with kids. There’s live music, plenty of food and a special place for kids to play. It lasts from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in downtown Cocoa Beach. You can get more details here.

September 29 – September 30

Florida Men’s Net Championship

The Florida Men’s Net Championship includes 36 holes of net individual stroke play and will be held at the Grand Cypress Golf Club in Orlando. If you plan to enter, you must do so by September 12, 2018. You can get more information here.

Are You Looking for a Home for Sale in Orlando?

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Call us at 407-529-4621.

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5 Fun Things to Do With Kids in Orlando Before School Starts

Kids who attend Orange County Public Schools go back on August 13, which means there’s not much time left before the first day – but these are a handful of fun activities you can do with your kids to say goodbye to summer in style.

5 Fun Things to Do With Kids in Orlando Before School Starts

Before it’s time to hit the books, take your kids on a fun end-of-summer adventure at:

Castle Park
Skeletons Museum of Osteology
The Great Magic Hall
Orlando Science Center
West Orange Trail

Castle Park

Castle Park is technically called the Winter Park Community Playground, but one visit there and you’ll see why it’s earned its nickname. This fabulous playplace features lots of climbing features, swings and a slide – and it’s one of the most fun in the area.

It’s located at 255 South Denning Drive in Winter Park.

Skeletons Museum of Osteology

The Skeletons Museum of Osteology, located at 8441 International Drive in Orlando, is a great place to spend an afternoon with animal bones. Ticket prices vary, based on the day you go, and sometimes deals are available on Groupon.

The Great Magic Hall

The Great Magic Hall, located at 5770 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee, has amazing matinee and evening performances, as well as a Grand Tour around the entire place – it’s definitely worth checking out if you haven’t been before. You can check out upcoming events here.

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Orlando Science Center

If you’re a Bank of America or Merrill Lynch customer, you get free admission on the first weekend of every month at the Orlando Science Center – just show your card and they’ll let you in. (FYI, this deal extends to the Orlando Museum of Art, the Mennello Museum of American Art and the Orange County Regional History Center, too.) The museum itself offers four floors of amazing exploration for kids and adults, and until August 11, you can check out “Science After Sundown” when the museum is open until 11 p.m.

West Orange Trail

Go for a family-friendly bike ride along the 20.8 paved miles of the West Orange Trail, which starts at 501 Crown Point Cross Road in Winter Garden. Check out the map here to plan your ride with plenty of fun stops, like at the playgrounds at Winter Garden Station, Chapin Station, Apopka Vineland Outpost and Killarney Station.

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Call us at 407-529-4621.

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Things to Do in Orlando in August 2018

If you’re buying a home for sale in Orlando, you’ll love knowing that there’s always something to do or see here – and August 2018 is no exception. So what is there to do in Orlando this August? Check out this action-packed list.

Things to Do in Orlando in August 2018

Every Friday Night in August: Bandshell Live Summer Concert Series

The Bandshell Live Summer Concert Series carries on throughout August with concerts every Friday starting at 7 p.m. Admission is $3 for general, $10 for VIP (which includes a chair), and free for kids under 10. The performers scheduled this month are:

Uncle John’s Band (Grateful Dead tribute)
The Motowners
Night Train (Guns N Roses tribute)
Zendatta (The Police tribute)
The Michael Allman Band

August 1 – August 5: Cirque du Soleil Crystal

Watch world-class skaters and acrobats perform on ice at Cirque du Soleil Crystal, held in the Amway Center downtown. Learn more about Crystal and get tickets here.

August 3: Warped Tour 2018

The Vans Warped Tour features more than 30 bands at Tinker Field in Orlando. Doors open at 11 a.m. and performers include:

3Oh!3
The Interrupters
Issues
Knuckle Puck
Mayday Parade
Pennywise
Reel Big Fish
State Chaps
Waterparks

Quick search for homes for sale in Orlando (keep scrolling for more August events in Orlando):

August 10, 11 and 12: Fall Home and Garden Show

Held at the Orange County Convention Center, the 9th annual Orlando Fall Home and Garden Show will feature home design, garden, healthy living and several other sections, as well as a live birds of prey and pet zone. Learn more and get tickets here.

August 11 and 12: 4-Wheel Parts Orlando Truck & Jeep Fest

The country’s largest off-road touring show, the Truck & Jeep Fest offers free admission at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center. You can learn more here.

August 18: Monster Jam Triple Threat Series

Head to the Amway Center to catch the Monster Jam Triple Threat Series featuring El Toro Loco, Grave Digger, Max-D, Megalodon, Zombie, and more. Showtimes are at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Learn more and get tickets here.

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If you’re thinking of buying a home for sale in Orlando or any of the surrounding communities, we can help you – call us at 407-529-4621.

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3 Places to Enjoy Florida’s Natural Beauty in Orlando

If you’re buying a golf course home for sale in Orlando, you’ll be happy to know that there are a number of amazing parks, preserves and refuges all around the city. These are three of our favorites for a day outdoors with kids, family or friends.

3 Places to Enjoy Florida’s Natural Beauty in Orlando

Spend time in the great outdoors and enjoy some of Florida’s most spectacular natural displays by visiting Wekiwa Springs State Park, the Tibet-Butler Preserve or Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Wekiwa Springs State Park

Nestled at the headwaters of the Wekiva River, Wekiwa Springs State Park is the perfect place to bike, camp or ride horses. The park is part of the Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail, miles of trails and water activities such as swimming, canoeing and fishing. There’s a playground near the picnic area, and you can snorkel in the shallows of the lake (but not in Wekiwa Springs Run, Rock Springs Run or the Wekiva River).

Pets are allowed at Wekiwa Springs State Park, as long as they’re on a hand-held, 6-foot leash at all times and you keep them out of the swimming area.

Tibet-Butler Preserve

The beautiful Tibet-Butler Preserve, located at Winter Garden and Vineland Roads in Orlando, has so much to offer kids and adults. It’s home to the Vera Carter Environmental Center, which provides several exhibits and displays that help you enjoy and understand the area’s natural beauty. Check out the Trailblazer Program, in which you hike 20 miles in the preserve and stop by the preserve office to pick up a copy of a bird checklist – birding is exceptionally popular here.

Dogs and bicycles are prohibited at the Tibet-Butler Preserve.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is open from sunrise to sunset every day, and you can see a huge variety of birds, fish and even endangered species in the park. You’ll also find bobcats, otters, manatee, deer and alligators – and if you’re lucky, you’ll see sea turtles basking on the beach of the Canaveral National Seashore. The park itself has been around since 1963, a year after NASA bought the space for the John F. Kennedy Space Center.

You can fish, birdwatch or stroll along six hiking trails. Seasonal hunting is available, as well. There is a $10 entry fee per vehicle for entry into Black Point Wildlife drive and the boat ramps.

Are You Looking for a Golf Course Home for Sale in Orlando?

We’d love to help you find your dream home in Orlando, so when you’re ready to explore your options, call us at 407-529-4621.

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