Love was in the air last month as the city of Orlando celebrated Valentine’s Day, but hopefully you weren’t too busy enjoying heart-shaped chocolates to miss out on the rest of the fun February had to offer! We’ve got all the highlights for you including a couple you might have missed from January so sit back, relax and check out our recap of Orlando’s best events, just in case you missed it!
The most action-packed live event on four wheels returned to Camping World Stadium on January 21st! Monster Jam is the world’s largest and most famous monster truck tour featuring the biggest names in monster trucks. World-class drivers competed in both monster truck racing and freestyle competitions that left adrenaline-charged attendees on the edge of their seats. The event showcased the most recognizable trucks in the world including Grave Digger, Maximum Destruction, Monster Mutt, El Toro Loco, Captain’s Curse and Blue Thunder.
Three top entertainment acts joined together for a great cause in the special live show Performers With a Purpose! The family-friendly event featured America’s Got Talent finalist and took place on February 28th at Orlando’s gorgeous Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. World-renowned juggler Charles Peachock hosted the event which also starred powerhouse vocal group The Edge Effect and top ventriloquist Michael Harrison. 20% of all ticket proceeds went directly to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida which feeds the hungry of the Orlando area.
Recognized as the region’s premier food and wine pairing event, the Heart of Florida United Way Chef’s Gala returned on Saturday, February 4th for a night of fundraising and fine dining! The event featured exquisite cuisine from more than 20 of Central Florida’s top chefs, along with thoughtfully paired fine wines, live music, and a silent auction. Hosted by Walt Disney World Resort and raising nearly $300,000 each year, Chef’s Gala is historically United Way’s largest fundraiser for education, income, health and basic needs programs that serve thousands of Central Floridians in need.
Mount Dora Arts Festival celebrated its 42nd anniversary from February 4th-5th! The festival displays works of more than 300 juried artists mixed with live entertainment, children’s activities and more. Both art lovers and casual festival-goers enjoyed the widely popular festival set in the charming hillside town of Mount Dora. Artists competed for awards in painting, printmaking, photography, jewelry, sculpture and numerous other categories. In addition to beautiful artwork at every corner, attendees also enjoyed festival food courts, popular downtown restaurants and local merchant shopping.
The good times rolled in at Universal Orlando’s annual Mardi Gras celebration! For 50 nights from February 4th-March 24th, guests get to experience the Big Easy as they enjoy spectacular performers parading through the streets on festive floats while countless strands of colorful beads are tossed into the crowd. On 12 select nights, guests can also jam out to incredible music from big-name headliners as some of the biggest names in music take the stage for live concerts. From lively parades and delicious authentic Cajun cuisine to world class rides and attractions, Universal’s Mardi Gras is the biggest party of the year—and everyone’s invited!
February 5th was Superbowl Sunday and while the Falcons and Patriots squared off in Texas, some of their biggest fans were cheering them on at Wall St. Plaza Super Block Party. Some attendees grabbed a seat in front of a massive 16ft LED TV setup by Whats2Hot.com while others opted to watch the big game in one of Wall St. Plaza’s 7 fantastic bars. Guests who arrived early got their name on the Super Bowl squares board for chances to win free drinks and prizes every quarter!
February 10th-11th was a dream come true for every automotive enthusiast in Central Florida! The 13th Annual “Cars for the Cure” Heathrow automotive festival was held over that weekend at beautiful Colonial TownPark in Lake Mary, Florida. Lamborghinis, Bugattis, Porsche, and Aston Martins were just a few of the over 150 cars that lined the streets for the largest charitable car show in the Southeast United States. Hosted by the American Lung Association in Florida, Central Florida’s Cars for the Cure showcased an array of the most distinctive and unforgettable cars from around the world. Proceeds from the day long, family festival benefitted the American Lung Association in Central Florida.
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