Orlando Event Calendar: March 2023

The 17th Wekiva Paint Out will take place from Feb. 27 to March 4 at Wekiva Island. The event brings world-class artists from around the country to Wekiva Island and Wekiwa Springs State Park for a week of plein air paintings inspired by their natural Florida surroundings. ( Courtesy of Wekiva Island)

SPECIAL EVENTS

17th ANNUAL WEKIVA PAINT OUT

Through March 4: A premier plein air art event, with artists painting in the open surroundings of Wekiva Island. The Paint Out helps benefit the Wekiva Wilderness Trust and Keep Seminole Beautiful. Artwork will be available for purchase in-person and online. 1014 Miami Springs Drive, Longwood. 407-463-3363. wekivapaintout.com

UNIVERSAL’S MARDI GRAS—INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS OF CARNAVAL

Through April 16: The party is global this year, with dancers and street performers from beyond the bayou and authentic parade floats straight out of New Orleans. Indulge in Cajun delights and sample cuisine inspired by Carnaval celebrations from around the world while getting down to Louisiana’s unique zydeco music. Included with regular admission to Universal Studios Florida. universalorlando.com

MORSE MUSEUM LECTURE SERIES

Through April 19: The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art’s 2023 free lecture series focuses on historic preservation. 2:30 p.m. Jeannette G. and Hugh F. McKean Pavilion, 161 W. Canton Ave., Winter Park. 407-645-5311. morsemuseum.org

March 22: Henrietta King’s 100+ Year Legacy—The Main House, presented by King Ranch archivist Lisa A. Neely.

April 19: Hidden Treasures—Tiffany Windows at Woodlawn Cemetery, presented by The Metropolitan Museum of Art curator Alice Cooney Frelinghuysen. 

FRIENDS MUSICAL INSIGHTS 2023

Through May 3: The award-winning musical-awareness series presented by the Friends of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra explores an array of musical subjects. The Plaza Live, 425 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando. 407-896-6700. friendsorlandophil.org  

March 3: The Mysteries of Shostakovich’s 10th,  4:30 p.m.

April 4: Women of the Harp, 5 p.m. 

May 2: Mahler’s 5th—Bold and Dramatic, 4 p.m.

SEAWORLD SEVEN SEAS FOOD FESTIVAL

Through May 3: Embark on a voyage of taste as you sip and sample your way around the world. Enjoy live entertainment while deciding your favorites among more than 50 global food offerings, 75 wine and cocktail selections and 75 craft brews. Check website for select dates. SeaWorld Orlando. seaworld.com

TIFFANY—THE PURSUIT OF BEAUTY IN NATURE

Through June 25: American artist and designer Louis Comfort Tiffany’s connections to nature are reflected in the rich hues that distinguish his stained glass art. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota brings to life this connection with Tiffany-inspired kaleidoscopic displays of flowers and foliage in its Tropical Conservatory and throughout the garden. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. 941-366-5731. selby.org

CFWS ANNUAL JURIED SHOW

March 1-31: The Central Florida Watercolor Society’s flagship show brings the best of members’ works to the public for viewing and purchase. Christopher Leeper is this year’s jurist. Opening reception March 10. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Mount Dora Center for the Arts, 138 E. Fifth Ave., Mount Dora. centralfloridawatercolor.org

ARNOLD PALMER INVITATIONAL

March 1-5: Back when this was called the Florida Citrus Open Invitational, the landscape was flush with orange groves. A lot has changed in the nearly 60 years that have passed but this tournament is still one of the biggest draws on the PGA tour. Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge. 407-876-2888. arnoldpalmerinvitational.com

2023 UNUSUAL FRIDA

March 1-31: Iconic Mexican painter Frida Kahlo’s legacy is honored with this juried art show featuring works inspired by her and which represent love, tragedy, suffering, passion and courage. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Osceola Arts, 2411 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee. 407-846-6257. osceolaarts.org

PJ SVEJDA—EVOLUTION OF INNOCENCE 

March 1 – April 1: The Orlando-based artist pulls from her activism for animal, environmental and human rights in her paintings, hoping to tell stories of the coexistence of human, beast and planet by juxtaposing controversial imagery with traditional. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Studio Gallery at Osceola Arts, 2411 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee. 407-846-6257. osceolaarts.org

EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL

March 1 – July 5: Take in enchanting topiaries and gather gardening tips while sampling seasonal foods from the outdoor kitchens found throughout the theme park. Enjoy live music while picking up outdoor-living advice you can use at home.  Epcot World Showcase, Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista. disneyworld.disney.go.com

OKEECHOBEE MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL

March 1-5: Lovers of music and the outdoors will converge on the wilds of Okeechobee for four days of camping, arts, wellness and top music acts, including Odesza, Lil Yachty, Local Natives, Big Boi, Turnstile and Excision. Sunshine Grove, 12517 NE 91st Ave., Okeechobee. okeechobeefest.com

CENTRAL FLORIDA FAIR

March 2-12: Celebrate community at the 111th  anniversary of the Central Florida Fair. Rides, live entertainment, midway games, livestock and culinary competitions make for a traditional family-favorite event. 4603 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando. 407-295-3247. centralfloridafair.com 

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

March 2-12: It’s not all about the strawberry shortcake; there’s a youth livestock show, rides, exhibits of commerce and live entertainment featuring Willie Nelson & Family, For King + Country, Ludacris, Josh Turner, Tanya Tucker, Train, Wayne Newton and many others. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. 303 BerryFest Place, Plant City. 813-754-1996. flstrawberryfestival.com

FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG

March 3-5: This Indycar race is a 1.8 mile, 14-turn circuit of St. Pete streets, circling Pioneer Park, Duke Energy Center for the Arts, The Dali Museum and Albert Whitted Airport. Check online for times. 727-898-4639. gpstpete.com

MISS ROSE DYNASTY 2023 PAGEANT

March 4: The drag queen pageant, hosted by founder Momma Ashley Rose, features interview, evening gown, talent and onstage Q&A portions. 6:30 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org

MONSTER JAM

March 4: They’re here and they are ready to crush everything in their paths. These 12,000-pound monster trucks produce powerful family fun as they send the dirt flying while trying to bury their competition. 7 p.m. Camping World Stadium,1 Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando. 407-440-7900. campingworldstadium.com

OFF THE BEATEN PATH FLORIDA ARTS TOUR

March 4-5: Twenty-three professional artists from West Volusia County open their private working studios for this self-guided tour. Studios are in DeLand, DeLeon Springs and Lake Helen. Use an interactive map on your phone at artstours.org

THE GRAND SHANGHAI CIRCUS

March 6: This multisensory event puts energetic acrobats in the spotlight as they perform breathtaking feats of athleticism. Tradition and skill are exemplified in this exciting show. 10:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. King Center for the Performing Arts, 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne. 321-242-2219. kingcenter.com

LEU GARDENS SPRING PLANT SALE

March 11-12: Growers and vendors offer plants and outdoor accessories for sale to enhance your landscape and home. Experts on hand can help solve your landscaping problems. Bring a wagon for your purchases. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. 407-246-2620. leugardens.org

PATRICK’S TRAVELING BOOK PARTY

March 13: Laughing is not NOT an option when listening to Patrick Hinds’ mashup true crime/comedy podcast, True Crime Obsessed. Onstage, Patrick will entertain with excerpts from his upcoming memoir, “Failure is not NOT an Option,” then play a game with the audience and stick around afterward to say hi to everyone. 7 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org

ORLANDO WHISKEY FESTIVAL

March 17: Sample 100 brands of whiskey, including fine single malts, blends of Scotch and American whiskeys as well as beer and wine and gourmet menu selections, live entertainment and cigar vendors. Orlando Science Center, 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando. VIP 6:30 p.m., GA 7:30 p.m. 407-222-0219. whiskeynbizz.com

THE 64th  WINTER PARK SIDEWALK ART FESTIVAL

March 17-19: One of the nation’s largest and most-prestigious outdoor art festivals, drawing more than 350,000 visitors each year and featuring a wide variety of fine arts and crafts. Booths are located throughout Central Park, along Park Avenue in downtown Winter Park. Friday-Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 407-644-7207. wpsaf.org

MYCON 2023

March 18: “We Love Everything Geek!” fandom convention featuring anime, cosplay, comics, fantasy, toys, artists, exhibitors and gaming sessions. Avanti Palms, 6515 International Drive, Orlando. mystic-con.com

MOUNT DORA SPRING FESTIVAL OF ARTS AND CRAFTS

March 18-19: More than 250 vendors display an eclectic mix of art, collectibles and crafts on the streets of downtown Mount Dora. Besides the fine art and the fun, there will be face painting, wine tasting, festival foods and beverages and surprise entertainment. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 352-217-8390. mountdoraspringfest.com

NATIONAL MISS COMEDY QUEEN

March 23: Drag queen contestants from around the country compete in comedic talent, outrageous evening gown and 60-second spokeswoman segments and will be judged on comedic value, creativity and quick wit. 7 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org

ART IN BLOOM—FESTIVAL OF FINE ARTS & FLOWERS

March 24-26: A museum-wide showcase featuring fresh floral designs inspired by works from the collections in the Orlando Museum of Art. Explore pop-up shops, curated antiques and an outdoor farmer’s market bursting with blooms. 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando. 407-896-4231. omart.org

UPTOWN ART EXPO

March 24-26: Stroll the 45-acre Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs while browsing the works of more than 140 art and fine craft exhibitors. Watch street artists create chalk paintings on the park’s sidewalks and stay for world-class entertainment at the amphitheater. Food trucks, craft beer and more all three days. 274 Cranes Roost Blvd., Altamonte Springs. 407-592-0002. uptownartexpo.com

FLORIDA WILDFLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL

March 25: Vendors line up along downtown DeLand’s West Indiana Avenue to offer gardening and nature-related items for sale and wildflower and gardening experts present educational talks. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 386-738-0649. mainstreetdeland.org

TASTE OF LAKE MARY

March 25-27: The Rotary Club of Lake Mary’s 16th annual evening of fellowship, gourmet dining and networking takes place in the courtyard between the Orlando Marriott Lake Mary and Park Place at Heathrow. All proceeds benefit local charities 1501 International Parkway, Lake Mary. 407-995-7013. lakemaryrotary.com

TASTE OF OVIEDO

March 25: The 29th annual festival features restaurants in the Oviedo area as well as live entertainment, Oviedo Roots Farmer’s Market, fine arts and crafts and many family activities. This year’s theme is Sweet & Savory, with vendors highlighting one sweet or savory dish. The Seminole County Supervisor of Elections office will oversee judging as patrons vote for their favorite themed food. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 1700 Oviedo Mall Blvd., Oviedo. 407-365-6500. owsrcc.org

58th DELAND OUTDOOR ART FESTIVAL

March 25-26:One sure sign of spring is DeLand’s outdoor fine art and crafts festival. More than 130 artists will compete for thousands of dollars in prizes. Festival foods, live entertainment, drawings and more round out the schedule. Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Earl Brown Park, 815 S. Alabama Ave., DeLand. delandoutdoorartfest.com

HITS! THE MUSICAL

March 29: Music legend Dionne Warwick presents 29 young performers aged 10 to 22 who perform nearly 80 of America’s most iconic songs in 90 minutes of dynamic singing and dancing. 7:30 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org

BELLA NOTTE AT BELLA COLLINA

March 31:Spend an evening in Tuscany with Opera Orlando’s immersive production of Rossini’s “The Marriage Contract” and Puccini’s “Gianni Schicchi.” Grammy-winning baritone Gabriel Preisser takes on the role of Gianni Schicchi in this one-night-only experience featuring appetizers, desserts and wine. 7:30 p.m. 15920 County Road 455, Montverde. 407-512-1900. operaorlando.org