While northern states are experiencing heavy snowstorms and severe snowstorms, Florida’s mild winter temperatures usher in the season for outdoor festivals and community events.
This weekend, furry friends are welcome at Lew Gardens, Orlando’s 50-acre botanical oasis, with a Saturday “Dog Day” event. It’s also the 2025 Vietnamese Lunar New Year Festival at the Central Florida Fairgrounds and Otter Fest on Wekiva Island, a celebration of wine and craft beer.
Other events include the Orange City Manatee Festival, Apopka International Winter Orchid Festival, and the VW Show at Henry’s Depot in Sanford.
Here’s how to enjoy your time outdoors in Central Florida this weekend.
Lou Garden’s Dog Day
Several times a year, the beautiful 50-acre Lou Garden is open to canine companions who are not normally allowed to roam the grounds of Orlando’s botanical oasis. While supplies last, each pup will receive a goody bag with a Leu Gardens bandana. This Saturday, families can take part in a best-dressed dog contest, a look-alike contest, a test to see who’s the best kisser, and more. Doggie Boutique is open from 9 a.m. to noon and offers apparel, treats, toys and more.
If you go: Dog Day at Lew Gardens will be held at 1920 N. Forest Ave. in Orlando on January 25th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $15 per adult, $10 per child and $5 per dog. Children under 4, active duty military, and Lew Gardens members are admitted free. All dogs must be kept on leashes and owners must dispose of their pet’s waste. More information: leugardens.org
Otterfest: Craft Beer and Wine Festival
The 7th annual Wekiva Island Otter Fest features unlimited craft beer and wine, and each ticket includes a sample. Visit Longwood’s riverside hangout this Saturday and sample drinks from 12 breweries and four wineries. Guests can enjoy drinks from around Florida and beyond, as well as sober options for designated drivers and those celebrating Dry January.
If you go: Otter Fest is at 1014 Miami Springs Drive in Longwood on January 25th from 2pm to 5pm with general admission ($55) and VIP admission ($75) from 1pm to 5pm. will be held until. The event is only open to people 21 years of age or older. More information: wekivaisland.com
2025 Vietnam Lunar New Year Festival
As the Lunar New Year approaches, Philip Van Van Minh Parish celebrates the Year of the Snake with a festival at the Central Florida Fairgrounds. Visitors can experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine, traditional performances, and activities for all ages. This event aims to share Vietnamese traditions and customs.
If you go: Vietnamese New Year Festival is free admission on January 25th from 10am to 1am and January 26th from 10am to 5pm at 4603 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando . More information: centralfloridafair.com
Orange City Manatee Festival
Just down the street from Blue Springs State Park, a winter haven for Florida’s sea cows, nature lovers can enjoy food, entertainment, arts and crafts on the weekends. The 40th annual Orange City Blue Springs Manatee Festival features a community fair with entertainment and vendors, as well as manatee viewing and conservation exhibits.
If you go: Orange City Blue Springs Manatee Festival will be held at 1511 W. French Ave. in Orange City on January 25th and 26th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $13 for adults, $10 for dogs, $3 for children ages 4-12, and free for children 3 and under. More information: themanateefestival.com
2 more events
The VW Show at Henry’s Depot attracts vintage car and motorcycle enthusiasts looking for an “extraordinary automotive experience.” Admission is free for the fifth annual show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 212 W. First St. in Sanford. More information: facebook.com/HenrysDepot The Apopka International Winter Orchid Festival brings national and international orchid growers to Central Florida. Vendors selling the latest hybrids and rarest species will be set up at 2800 W. Ponkan Road in Apopka from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Jan. 24-26. For more information, contact us at 407-886-4134 or krullsmith.com.
Find @PConnPie on Instagram or email pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.
