Orlando is entering its annual #FestivalMode, a vibrant winter season from January to February 2026 that features over 20 cultural events across the region. As much of the U.S. faces cold weather, Central Florida becomes a hub for outdoor celebrations, drawing visitors and locals alike to a diverse lineup of artistic and community-focused gatherings. n nThe season begins in January with events such as the Orlando Fringe Winter Mini-Fest at Orlando Shakes (January 7–11), Eatonville’s 48th Annual MLK Parade Celebration (January 17), and the Scottish Highland Games Festival (January 17–18). The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens hosts the Asian Lantern Festival on select dates through January 18, while Downtown Orlando holds its Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade on the same day. Additional highlights include the Unity Heritage Festival (January 18–19), Central Florida SaxFest (January 24), and the Zora! Festival (January 30 to February 1), honoring African American heritage through literature, music, and performance. n nFebruary continues the momentum with Arts Weekend in Winter Park (February 5–8), the DTOLive! Chalk Art Festival (February 6–7), and The Bach Festival, which runs from February 6 to March 15 at Knowles Memorial Chapel and Tiedtke Concert Hall. Film enthusiasts can attend the Love Your Shorts Film Festival (February 12–15) or the Reel Short Teen Film Festival (February 21), while music lovers enjoy the Orlando Jazz Fest Concert (February 20) and the Winter Garden Music Festival (February 21). Families are invited to Spark STEM Fest at the Orlando Science Center (February 14–16) and the Florida Children’s Book Festival (February 20–22). n nOther notable events include the Dragon Parade & Lunar New Year Festival in the Mills50 district (February 16), IMMERSE FEST by Creative City Project (February 20–22), the Lake Nona Art Festival (February 21–22), and the Orlando International Film Festival at the UCF Nicholson School of Communication (February 26–28). The New Playwrights Series at Rollins College runs from February 26 to March 1. n nWith many events offering free or low-cost admission, participation is accessible to a broad audience. These festivals not only enrich community life but also contribute to the regional economy by boosting tourism, hospitality, and retail. For updated schedules, visit ArtsinOrlando.com/Winter. n
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From Arts to Economic Impact: Orlando’s Winter Season in #FestivalMode
Our winter season is unlike any other — while the rest of the country bundles up, we celebrate outdoors! n nFrom January through February 2026, the greater Orlando area transforms into #FestivalMode with more than 20 festivals. This season kicks off a year-round of cultural festivals where every weekend offers something new to discover. See more visiting: ArtsinOrlando.com/Winter. n nFrom Parades to Poetry n nThe winter lineup spans genres and generations: historical parades, classical concerts, indie theatre debuts, jazz nights, family-friendly book festivals, and immersive art experiences in the streets. Orlando’s neighborhoods become cultural playgrounds, connecting audiences to art in ways that are accessible, inviting, and unforgettable. n n#FestivalMode Lineup n nFor the most current schedule, go to ArtsinOrlando.com/winter n nJanuary n nOrlando Fringe Winter Mini-Fest | Orlando Shakes – January 7-11, 2026 n nEatonville’s 48th Annual MLK Parade Celebration | Eatonville – January 17, 2026 n nScottish Highland Games Festival | January 17-18, 2026 n nAsian Lantern Festival | Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens – Select dates through January 18, 2026 n nDowntown Orlando Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade | Downtown Orlando – January 17, 2026 n nUnity Heritage Festival | Hannibal Square Heritage Center – January, 18-19, 2026 n nCentral Florida SaxFest | UCF School of Performing Arts – January 24, 2026 n nZora! Festival | Multiple Locations – January 30 to February 1, 2026 n nCelebrate Lunar Festival | Luminary Green Park – January 31, 2026 n nFebruary n nArts Weekend | Winter Park Arts & Culture Alliance – February 5-8, 2026 n nDTOLive! Chalk Art Festival | Downtown Orlando – February 6-7, 2026 n nThe Bach Festival | Knowles Memorial Chapel & Tiedtke Concert Hall – February 6 to March 15, 2026 n nLove Your Shorts Film Festival | Ritz Theater – February 12-15, 2026 n nSpark STEM Fest | Orlando Science Center – February 14-16, 2026 n nIndie-Folkfest | Mennello Museum – February 14, 2026 n nDragon Parade & Lunar New Year Festival | Mills50 & AsiaTrend – February 16, 2026 n nOrlando Jazz Fest Concert | UCF School of Performing Arts – February 20, 2026 n nFlorida Children’s Book Festival | Orlando Family Stage – February 20-22, 2026 n nIMMERSE FEST | Creative City Project | Downtown Orlando – February 20-22, 2026 n nLake Nona Art Festival | Lake Nona – February 21-22, 2026 n nWinter Garden Music Festival | Winter Garden – February 21, 2026 n nReel Short Teen Film Festival | Enzian Theater – February 21, 2026 n nOrlando International Film Festival | UCF Nicholson School of Communication – February 26-28, 2026 n nThe New Playwrights Series | Rollins College – February 26-March 1, 2026 n nEasy to Join In n nMany events are free or affordably priced, making it simple for locals and visitors to dive in. Whether you’re planning a weekend outing or a full season of discovery, there’s something for everyone in #FestivalMode.
