When central Floridians set sail on another sunny spring weekend in the state of Nikko, there are plenty of events and activities, both indoors and outdoors.
The Orlando Boat Show will return to the Orange County Convention Center this weekend, showing 600 boats from over 80 manufacturers, the biggest production of the event so far.
Orlando area residents and visitors can also enjoy a spring fiesta at Lake Eora, the Maitland Jazz and Blues Festival, Fort Christmas Bluegrass in the Park, the student art show at McRae Art Studios, the student art show at Bloom Bloom at the Orlando Art Museum, and the spring fiesta at Lake Eora park.
Here’s how you can enjoy a beautiful spring weekend in Central Florida:
Orlando Boat Show
The biggest Orlando boat show to date floated at the Orange County Convention Center this weekend, bringing 600 boats from over 80 manufacturers covering 270,000 square feet of floor space. Visitors can browse vessels to suit their lifestyle and budget, including bow riders, centre consoles, deck boats, flat boats, freshwater fishing boats, jet boats, pontoons and surf boats.
“When you enter the show and come down the escalator, you get a view of hundreds of boat birds on the floor,” said Jeff Husby, owner and general manager of Orlando Legal and Nautique. “There are many activities for the whole family. It’s exciting to walk around and see different types of boats, boat colours, new motors, and different brands. There’s family activities, including WaterskiingSquirrel and Fishing Seminar. There’s something for everyone.”
Visitors who purchase at the show will be able to access extended warranty, rebates and other manufacturer incentives.
If you’re going: The Orlando Boat Show will be open from April 4th to 8pm and from 10am to 10pm on April 6th at 9800 International Drive in Orlando. Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased online or cashlessly at the gate. Children under the age of 12 can enter for free. More information: orlandoboatshow.com
Spring fiesta in the park
The seasonal change is celebrated twice a year at a massive art show and outdoor market at Lake Eora Park in downtown Orlando. This year marks the 36-year annual tradition, including hundreds of artists and craft booths, live entertainment and food vendors. The festival is family friendly and pet-friendly.
If you’re going: The Park Spring Fiesta will be open from 5am to 6am on 195 N. Rosalind Ave. April 5th to 6am.
Orlando. This event is free and open to the public, including pets. More information: fiestainthepark.com
Mateland Jazz and Blues Festival
This annual live music event brings together local and tour artists to celebrate traditional and modern sounds over two days. This year’s featured artists include Ebony Carlsons such as Michael Andrew, Chris Kane, Albert Castilelia, Sisandra Lewis, Altul Menesez, Steen Peaches and Buzzkatz. Visitors can also find food and drinks, vendors and children’s entertainment zones to enjoy live music.
If You Go: Mateland Jazz and Blues Festival is open from 6pm to 10:30pm on April 4th and in the independent lanes of 1776 until 2:30pm on April 5th. General admission is free. VIP packages are available. More information: maitlandjazzandblues.com
Three more events
McRae Art Studios hosts an art show featuring students from Edgewater High School and Evans High School. The two-day show focuses on themes of love chosen by students. The show’s opening reception will be on additional hours at 1000 Arlington Street in Orlando from 5pm to 8pm on April 4th and from noon to 3am on April 5th. More details: mcraeartstudios.art fort fort christmas bluegrass in the Park features music for the day outdoors. The event is open to the public for free. Visitors are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and picnics with them or buy from a food truck. The band will play on 1300 Fort Christmas Road on April 5th from 9:45am to 4pm. More details: FCHSINFO.COM ART IN BLOOM returns to Orlando Museum for weekend fundraising and art-inspired floral design. Announced by the 101 Council, the event celebrates spring with flowers and vendors, raising funds for the museum’s educational program. Special events will be held throughout the weekend, including a silent Friday night disco and a mystery home tour on Saturday. General admission hours are 4-6pm on April 4th at 2416 N. Mills Ave. in Orlando. Details: CouncilOf101.org
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