It’s Valentine’s Day weekend in Orlando, and there are plenty of options for things to do with your partner other than just going out to dinner.
For weekend entertainment and events in Central Florida, enjoy the 16th Annual Love Your Short Film Festival in Sanford, the 11th Annual Indie Folkfest at the Menello Museum, and the 15th Annual Monster Bulls Event at the Silver Spurs Rodeo.
This weekend also includes an outdoor Valentine’s Day concert at Lou Gardens, Wild Love Weekend at the Brevard Zoo, a Valentine’s Day hike at Split Oak Forest, and other arts events.
Love Your Short Film Festival
Visit the Love Your Shorts Film Festival to watch over 70 selected films for this year’s event. All show times are 30 minutes or less.
Attendees can choose from movie blocks categorized by Comedy, Sci-Fi/Horror, Drama, Florida Flavor, and more. The final block of the weekend on Sunday night will highlight the “Best of the Fest” by showing the top films from each block, with $500 prizes awarded in each category. The overall winner, selected by a panel of industry experts, will receive a cash prize of $1,500 and an original metal artwork called “Monroe.”
The Ritz Theater, which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, will host the festival. Located in close proximity to dozens of restaurants, bars and shops in downtown Sanford, festival co-founder Gene Kruckmeyer said out-of-town visitors enjoy exploring the community before and after movie screenings.
If you go: The 16th annual Love Your Shorts Film Festival runs from February 12th to 15th. Tickets cost $12 for each block of movies (excluding $5 for the “E for Everyone” block) or $85 for a weekend pass for all movies. All screenings will be held at the Ritz Theater at the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, 201 S. Magnolia Ave. in Sanford. More information: loveyourshorts.com
Patrick Connolly / Orlando Sentinel
View from the hammock. Indie Folkfest held at the Menello Museum of American Art Sculpture Garden. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Indie Folkfest at the Menello Museum
The popular community event returns to the outdoor Menello Museum Sculpture Garden for its 11th year. Indie Folkfest will feature musicians such as Eugene Snowden, Beamo, Beth McKee and her Funky Time Band, Claire Vandiver and Skinny McGee, and Handshakes.
Visitors can explore food and drink options such as Guesthouse, The Gnarly Cuban, and Smile Ice Cream. The free admission event allows guests of all ages to enjoy yard games, vendors, project stations, and artists.
If you go: The 11th Annual Indie Folkfest at the Menello Museum will be held at 900 E. Princeton St. in Orlando on February 15th from noon to 5 p.m. The free event is family and pet friendly. More information: mennellomuseum.org
monster bulls
Visit the Silver Spurs Rodeo for the 15th Annual Monster Bulls Event. Instead of the usual full-scale rodeo event, this night will feature only bull riding with the “biggest and most ferocious” Silver Spurs bulls, giving the cowboys “the ride of their lives.”
This event coincides with the Osceola County Fair and includes admission to the fair and Monster Bull admission. Earlier in the day, the Silver Spurs Rodeo Parade heads into downtown St. Cloud, starting at 10 a.m.
If you go: Monster Bulls will be held on February 14th at 7:30 at 1875 Silver Spur Lane in Kissimmee. Ticket prices range from $17.50 to $37.50 for reserved seating. Children 3 and under are admitted free in lap seats. More information: silverspursrodeo.com
Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel
Longleaf pine trees reflected in a pond in Split Oak Forest. The day after Valentine’s Day, take a guided hike in a natural area. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Other events
• Kissimmee Art in the Park brings art exhibits, interactive exhibits and food to the community for a night out. Stroll through Ruby Plaza during the event from 5pm to 9pm on February 13th at 201 Lakeview Drive in Kissimmee. More information: kissimmee.gov
• Brevard Zoo’s Wild Love Weekend features themed activities and chats about love in the animal kingdom. Hear more about the zoo’s bird species, from hornbills to flamingos to turkeys. The daily chat will take place from 11am to 3:30pm from February 14th to February 16th at 8225 N. Wickham Road in Melbourne. These activities are included in your zoo admission fee. More information: brevardzoo.org
• Valentine’s Day Concerts at Lou Gardens features Ricky & the Buzzcats, Alma Sky Trio and Nova Classica performing at three different Garden locations. Ticket prices range from $32.53 to $41.62 for the event, which will be held Feb. 14 from 7 to 10 p.m. at 1920 N. Forest Ave. in Orlando. More information: leugardens.org
• A guided hike through Split Oak Forest provides couples with an outdoor option this Valentine’s Day weekend. This hike, led by Bob Stein, will teach people about the history of Split Oak Forest and why it remains an important wildlife corridor today. This event, hosted by Save Split Oak, is free, but pre-registration is required. The event begins at 8:30 a.m. on February 15th at 12175 Clapp Simms Duda Road in Orlando. More information: savesplitak.org
• The Lazy Lovers Milk Mart invites area residents to the Milk District for a day of shopping, eating and drinking after Valentine’s Day. The event will be held on February 15th from noon to 6pm at 2626 E. Robinson St. in Orlando. More information: milkmartorlando.com
• Rockpit Brewing & Distilling is celebrating its 7th anniversary this weekend, with new beer releases and the debut of new spirits, as well as live music and food trucks. The venue will host a free-admission festival on February 13th and 14th at 10 W. Illiana St. in Orlando. More information: rockpitbrewing.com
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