You know what they say: April showers bring May flowers, so make sure you get outside this month to enjoy the beauty that is Central Florida in the springtime. These past couple months have been packed with family friendly excitement and fun happenings throughout our wonderful city. If you missed any of it, fear not! We’ve got all the highlights for you, just in case you missed it.
Last month, visitors to Disney Springs enjoyed a celebration of the arrival of spring and the cherry blossoms at Morimoto Asia Sakura Festival. The restaurant was decorated up to April 15 in order to showcase all of the beautiful pink blooms of the Sakura. Similar to the festivals in Japan, guests had the opportunity to attend a series of ticketed events and indulge in special menu items inspired by the Japanese cherry blossoms during both lunch and dinner.
The world’s largest bounce house ever created came to Orlando’s Bill Frederick Park from March 30-April 2! Measuring in at 10,000 square feet and 32 feet tall, The Big Bounce America is not your typical bounce house. Families walked through the doors of the inflatable castle and tested their skills on the obstacle course, the basketball courts, and the giant ball pit slide. The structure even featured a DJ booth with nightclub quality sound, lights, a dance floor, and a VIP external dome.
Every year, the Florida Film Festival showcases the best in cutting-edge current cinema and the 2018 event was no different! From April 6-15, attendees enjoyed incredible films, a mix of industry parties, a star-packed attendee list and other special events at the Enzian Theater and around Orlando. Accredited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the festival welcomed more than 25,000 guests each year with more than 100 visiting directors, producers and award-winning talent.
Mouths were watering across Orlando when the 2018 National Pie Championship returned to the Rosen Centre Hotel. From April 6-7, Amateur and professional pie makers from around the globe competed for top honors in dozens of different categories ranging from sweet fruits and creams to nuts and chicken pot pies. There were even gluten-free categories! Entries were crafted on site and judged based on appearance, taste, consistency, crust and overall product—yummy!
April 18 was the ultimate foodie festival as the 33rd Annual Taste of Winter Park returned to the Winter Park Farmer’s Market. Taste of Winter Park showcased more than 40 of Central Florida’s top chefs, bakers, caterers and confectioners as foodies across the city came out eat, drink, and be merry! All-inclusive tickets featured unlimited samples of refreshing beverages, decadent desserts and signature dishes from popular Winter Park dining establishments, such as 4 Rivers, Cask & Larder, The Ravenous Pig, Prato and many others.
On April 21, the city of Orlando was invited to come out and enjoy Arts and Drafts at the House of Blues! The free event celebrated 8 local artists as well as craft beer from Southern Tier Brewery. Attendees enjoyed live music from Mike Lynch Band and The Steve Hogie Band, as well as exciting giveaways from Southern Tier Brewing and House of Blues.
Central Florida Earth Day is an exciting day of colorful and educational exhibits and activities! This year, the free and beloved event returned to beautiful Lake Eola Park on Saturday, April 21. The family-friendly, dog-friendly, alcohol-free, and smoke-free event is now in its 13th year and remains the biggest and best Earth Day festival in Central Florida! Attendees enjoyed everything from Speakers and Environmental Education to an Earth Kids Zone and many Earth-friendly sponsors and vendors.
Winter Park had quite a week of the arts, culture, and fun at the 10th Annual Winter Park Paint Out! From April 22-28, twenty-five professionally acclaimed plein air artists roamed across our charming city to capture many of your favorite landscapes and landmarks with oils, watercolors and pastels. The Albin Polasek Museum, Sculpture Gardens and gallery were free for the public to view all throughout the exciting week long event!