Florida’s spring season continues to celebrate the Orlando area with plenty of sunlight and mild temperatures, so event organizers take advantage of it by offering local things.
Parkinson’s annual walk, which benefits the Florida Central Parkinson Association, returns to the 11th Community Rally and fundraiser at Crane Roost Park in Altamonte Springs this Saturday. This weekend brings the openings of the 34th Florida Film Festival, a great outdoor weekend weekend at the Orlando Science Center, and several other spring events, including the pet-friendly ones.
Here’s how you can enjoy a beautiful spring weekend in Central Florida:
Walk for Parkinson’s disease
An estimated 2,000 Central Floridians will gather to support the Parkinson community in the Orlando area this Saturday. Parkinsonson’s 11th Walk is designed to increase awareness and funding for programs, education, wellness and research, and to find treatments. The organization needs additional support to reach its $150,000 goal.
“This walk makes you feel like you’re fighting the battle,” said Todd Stewart, president of the Parkinson Association in Central Florida and former editor of the Orlando Sentinel. “Whatever improves the quality of life for both Parkinson and his caregivers, that’s something we want to be involved in.”
Registration will continue to be available for Saturday’s event at Crane Roost Park in Altamonte Springs.
If you’re going: Parkinson’s 11th walk will open at 8am for registration and the opening ceremony will be held at 274 Cranes Roost Blvd on April 12th at 9am. Alta Monte Springs. Details: parkinsoncf.org
Florida Film Festival
The 34th Florida Film Festival opens on Friday night with the opening night film “Stolen Kingdom.” This is a documentary that delves into urban exploration and theft at Walt Disney World. The 10-day festival features 185 films from 41 countries, offering products ranging from feature narrative films to Florida-based documentaries and animated shorts. Screenings will take place at Enjan and Regal Winter Park Village. Festival Passes are available, or tickets can be purchased for individual movies.
If You Go: The 34th Florida Film Festival will be held from April 11th to 20th at 1300 S. Orlando Avenue in Maitland and 510 N. Orlando Avenue in Winter Park. More information: floridafilmfestival.com
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Visitors should check out Tiny Green Home, The Tiny Green Home, a hands-on sustainability education exhibit during a preview at the Orlando Science Center. The 200-square-foot home built by the Orlando Utility Commission, City of Orlando and the OSC will be unveiled this weekend, February 12-15 at OSC at the 2021 Otronicon Interactive Technology Expo. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Amazing Outdoor Weekend at Orlando Science Centre
Outdoor fun and nature-inspired STEM activities are the focus of this two-day event at the Orlando Science Center. Visitors can create terrariums, take part in outdoor scavenger hunts, learn sustainable gardening tips, and explore small eco-friendly homes. Events are included in the general admission fee or free membership.
If You Go: Orlando Science Centre’s Great Outdoor Weekend will be operating from April 12th to 5pm on 777 E. Princeton Street in Orlando. Daily admission is $27.99 per adult and $20.99 per visitor ages 2-11. April 13th is $15 and discount tickets are limited. Discounts are available daily for seniors and students with IDs. Details: osc.org
Three more events
McRae Art Studios will host a spring open house and invite the public to the urban Orlando space where 22 artists work. The event includes a donation bar featuring beer and wine, plus the opportunity to browse and buy original artwork. The open house is free and opens to the public on April 12th at 1000 Arlington Street in Orlando from 6 to 9pm. More details: McRaeartStudios.Art Springest International German American Central Florida Association features German cuisine and festival entertainment in Casselberry. This event is essentially a spring Oktoberfest. Guests can enjoy singers, dancers and musicians from Germany, Bulgaria, Scotland, Ukraine, Slovenia, Romania, and the UK. Tickets are $7 in advance at Eventbrite and $10 at the gate. Children under the age of 11 are free to enter. The event is from noon to 9pm at 381 Orange Lane in Casselberry. More information: orlandogermanclub.com St. Cloud Park Bark brings together community and pets for resource fairs, activities and hot dogs. The event at Peghorn Park will announce the Rainbow Bridge at 10:15am and will host the 2101 2101 Peghorn Way in St. Cloud from 10am to 2101 pm on April 12th. Details: 407-957-7243
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