Orlando Event Calendar: April 2023

Puerto Rican soprano Camille Ortiz sings the title role in Opera Orlando’s upcoming production of “The Daughter of the Regiment,” April 21 and 23 at Steinmetz Hall. Photo Courtesy Of Opera Orlando

SPECIAL EVENTS

PJ SVEJDA—EVOLUTION OF INNOCENCE 

Through 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

SUN ‘N FUN AEROSPACE EXPO

Through April 2: Look to the skies for jaw-dropping maneuvers at the South’s largest air show, where private pilots and professionals gather to push their aircraft to the limits. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the USAF F-35A Demo Team headline. Explore the huge display of old warbirds and modern aircraft. Lakeland Linder International Airport, 4075 James C. Ray Drive, Lakeland. 863-644-2431. flysnf.org

20th ANNUAL CELEBRATION EXOTIC CAR FESTIVAL

Through April 4: One of the five-best exotic-car shows in the world starts with a VIP street party at Universal Studios CityWalk and ends on the track at Daytona International Speedway. In between is a concours of movie cars, supercars and race cars lining downtown Celebration. This free, all-volunteer event benefits multiple children’s charities, including Make-A-Wish Foundation, Special Olympics and Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. celebrationexoticcars.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

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                  

April 4: Women of the Harp, 5 p.m. 

May 3: Mahler’s 5th—Bold and Dramatic, 4 p.m.

SEAWORLD SEVEN SEAS FOOD FESTIVAL

Through May 7: 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

EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL

Through 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

FIESTA IN THE PARK

April 1-2: The 34th Annual Spring Fiesta in the Park welcomes all to enjoy the springtime beauty of Lake Eola Park while browsing the wares of hundreds of artists and crafters. Savor the flavors from a variety of food vendors and enjoy live entertainment for the whole family. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 512 E. Washington St., Orlando. fiestainthepark.com

KADAN & BROOKLYN ROCKETT MAGIC SHOW

April 2: They might be kids but they are also seasoned professional magicians, stunt artists and illusionists and have appeared in 40 countries and on America’s Got Talent. 3 p.m. Ritz Theater, 201 S. Magnolia Ave., Sanford. 407-321-8111. ritztheatersanford.com

UCF CELEBRATES THE ARTS 2023

April 2-15: Each spring, the University of Central Florida’s student artists come to the Dr. Phillips Center to present a celebration of arts with musicals, concerts, lectures and discussions, multimedia events, chamber music, visual arts and more. Check website for schedule of events. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org. UCF box office: 407-823-1500. arts.cah.ucf.edu

EASTER BUNNY HOP! 

April 4: Join a who’s who of fairytale rabbits as they hunt for the Easter Bunny, who goes missing while searching for misplaced Easter eggs right before the big day! For $25, take a photo with the Easter Bunny once the musical mystery is solved. 1 & 6 p.m. Studio Theater at Osceola Arts, 2411 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee. 407-846-6257. osceolaarts.org

LASERFICHE EMPOWER 2023

April 4-5: Laserfiche experts, thought leaders and innovators explore what’s happening now and in the near future in the world of business management materials and tools. Rosen Centre Hotel, 9840 International Drive, Orlando. 800-204-7234. empower.laserfiche.com

PANTSUIT POLITICS

April 5: Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers, hosts of the critically acclaimed podcast Pantsuit Politics, talk about the politics of the happiest place on Earth in an evening of wisdom, laughter and a nuanced approach to culture. 7 p.m. The Abbey, 100 S. Eola Drive, Orlando. 407-704-6261. abbeyorlando.com

DRAGULA: TITANS

April 8: The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans bring the screams to the stage version of their spinoff reality show with epic battles among fan-favorite monsters. 18 and up. 8 p.m. The Plaza Live, 425 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando. 407-228-1220. plazaliveorlando.org

THE PRICE IS RIGHT LIVE

April 12: “Come on Down!” If you hear that and your name, you just might be on your way to winning fabulous prizes playing classic games like Plinko, Cliffhangers and The Big Wheel in this interactive stage version of TV’s longest-running game show. 

7:30 p.m. The Peabody Auditorium, 600 Auditorium Blvd., Daytona Beach. 386-671-3462. peabodyauditorium.org

FLORIDA FILM FESTIVAL

April 14-23: Now in its 32nd year, this Oscar-qualifying festival features more than 160 films from 37 countries premiering the best in independent and international cinema, plus events where film lovers can mingle with filmmakers and celebrities. Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland. floridafilmfestival.com

4TH ANNUAL ROTARY CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL

April 15: Sample craft beer from various Central Florida breweries while vibing to live music and food truck delicacies to raise funds for brewery-chosen charities and the Rotary Club of Avalon Park. A tent dedicated to oenophiles debuts this year for those who prefer wine to craft brews. This is a 21 and up event and tickets must be purchased through Eventbrite. VIP only ($50) 3-4 p.m., GA ($30) 4-7 p.m. Town Park, Avalon Park East Boulevard, Orlando. 407-494-5441. rotaryclubofavalonpark.org

REPTICON KISSIMMEE

April 15-16: See and purchase live animals from all over the world, buy pet products directly from manufacturers and attend seminars and demonstrations about reptiles and exotic animals. Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Osceola Heritage Park, Hall A, 1901 Chief Osceola Trail, Kissimmee. repticon.com

CENTRAL FLORIDA EARTH DAY

April 22: Vegetarians of Central Florida hosts the largest and longest-running Earth Day festival in Central Florida, now in its 18th year. Enjoy educational exhibits, speakers, live music and family activities. This is a free, vegan, family-friendly, dog-friendly and smoke- and alcohol-free event. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Lake Eola Park, 512 E. Washington St., Orlando. cfearthday.org

THE COLOR RUN

April 22: If you want more color in your life, give this 5-kilometer, untimed, just-for-fun run a whirl. Wear all white at the start and finish in a rainbow of colors from head to toe as runners are doused with colored powders at each kilometer mark. Then head over to the Finish Festival for music, dancing, photo ops, activity booths, food vendors and more massive color throws. 9 a.m. Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee. 321-697-3333. ohpark.com

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS

April 22: Do they need an introduction? The world-famous ambassadors of fun take on the Washington Generals as both teams bring elite athleticism, skill, surprise moves and good times to the court. 2 p.m. Addition Financial Arena, 12777 Gemini Blvd. N., Orlando. 407-823-3070. additionfiarena.com

THE 15TH ANNUAL WINTER PARK PAINT OUT

April 23-29: The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Garden hosts this annual celebration of nature’s beauty. Its sculpture gardens and gallery are free to the public during the weeklong event. Art lovers are invited to watch the 23 plein air artists as they create their works on the grounds and at nearby locations. Artwork will be available for purchase. Sunday 1-4 p.m., Monday-Friday 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Saturday, April 29, from 9 a.m.-noon. 633 Osceola Ave., Winter Park. 407-647-6294. winterparkpaintout.org 

DINO RANCH LIVE

April 27: Disney Junior’s animated series comes to the stage for the first time ever, following the adventures of the Cassidy family as they tackle “pre-westoric” life in a time when the dinosaurs still roamed the land. 6 p.m. Hard Rock Live, 6050 Universal Blvd., Orlando. 407-351-5483. hardrock.com

TASTE OF BALDWIN PARK FOOD & WINE 2023 SPRING

April 27: Foodies will be descending on the lakeside venue to sip and savor their way through unlimited food, wine and craft beer while enjoying live music from two stages. Local restaurants, brewers and wine and spirits vendors will be serving their  specialties. A portion of the proceeds benefits Caring By Sharing United, which assists the homeless, veterans, disabled residents and more. 21 and up only. 7 p.m. Baldwin Park, 4990 New Broad St., Orlando. eventbrite.com

2023 WHITE ROSE TRIBUTE EVENT

April 27: The Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center’s White Rose Award honors individuals who actively work to build a better community in Central Florida. This year the honorees are Florida Blue and the Florida Blue Foundation, led by Central Florida Market President Tony Jenkins. 5:30 p.m. Orlando Science Center, 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando. 407-514-2000. osc.org. 407-628-0555. holocaustedu.org

61st ANNUAL APOPKA ART AND FOLIAGE FESTIVAL

April 29-30: Browse the works of juried artisans and crafters as well as the greenery of the top foliage growers in Central Florida. Presented by the Apopka Woman’s Club and the city of Apopka, the festival promises family fun, entertainment and amazing food. Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Kit Land Nelson Park, 35 S. Park Ave., Apopka. apopkaartandfoliagefestival.org

9th ANNUAL MOUNT DORA BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL

April 29-30: The juicy little blue orb is in everything—yes, even the beer—at this annual festival that celebrates local blueberry farms. Live music and more than 100 vendors provide a fun day for the family. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Donnelly Park, 539 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora. mountdorablueberryfestival.com