Orlando is a city of celebration.  

Whether we’re admiring and supporting artists, reveling in a new season, or in search of new flavors, we love a reason to gather outdoors and spend time together as a community. 

You can find family-friendly festivals throughout Orlando all year long, but a few have become true traditions over the years.  

As experts in Orlando hospitality over the past fifty years, we've put together a list of the best family-friendly festivals in Orlando.  

Here are the events we know you and your family will love throughout the year.  

Arts Festivals 

Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival 

March 21 – 23, 2025 

The Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival is one of the oldest and largest outdoor art festivals in not only Florida, but the entire country.  

2025 marks the 66th year of the festival, which now attracts over 250,000 visitors every year. Hundreds of artists from around the world showcase their work to be adjudicated by independent judges for a cash prize.  

In addition to admiring the artwork, families can create a unique piece or artwork to take home at the Children’s Workshop. Visit the festival’s community and museum partners for more hands-on arts-and crafts activities throughout the weekend. 

Maitland Rotary Art Festival  

November 

The Maitland Rotary Art Festival is a celebration of community and artwork sponsored by the local Rotary Club.  

For 48 years, the festival has been awarding artists working in a variety of mediums with cash prizes while inviting visitors to admire and purchase artwork.  

The outdoor festival is a great way for families to get outside and enjoy artwork together. There will be live music, food vendors, and plenty of open space for play.  

Fiesta in the Park  

April 5 and 6, 2025 (and November 2025) 

The springtime Fiesta in the Park and its fall counterpart, Fall Fiesta in the Park, are held in the heart of downtown Orlando at Lake Eola Park.  

Browse over 200 craft and artist booths as you take in the beauty of the park and surrounding city skyline. Food vendors will be selling delicious treats, and adult beverages are available in the beer garden.  

Live entertainment will be performing on the amphitheater stage, and kids will love playing and exploring in the AdventHealth for Children Kid’s Zone.  

Kid’s Fringe – The Orlando Fringe 

May 17 - 18, 24 - 25, 2025

The Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival is the longest-running Fringe in the United States, allowing theatre artists a place to produce uncensored, unjuried productions.  

While many of the shows may not be appropriate for younger audiences, Kids Fringe is the perfect place for little ones to practice expressing themselves.  

Kids Fringe includes a variety of age-appropriate live performances, immersive activities, workshops, and art opportunities for kids of all ages.  

The lawn at Loch Haven Park, where Fringe is held annually, is a great family-friendly space with food trucks, art installments, and other family-friendly attractions. 

Fairs and Festivals  

Central Florida Fair  

February 27 – March 9, 2025 

In 2025, the Central Florida Fair will be celebrating its 113th year of festivities.  

This beloved event has a variety of colorful carnival rides and games, live music, livestock exhibitions, competitive exhibits, and plenty of other attractions.  

Indulge in all your favorite carnival treats while you walk through the midway, taking in the sights and smells of a true county fair environment.  

Take advantage of theme nights including Stars & Stripes Night, $2 Tuesday, Pride Night, and Educator Night.  

Florida Strawberry Festival  

February 27 – March 9, 2025 

The Florida Strawberry Festival is the embodiment of Americana, a true celebration of horticulture, agriculture, livestock, fine arts, and more.  

The festival has everything from carnival rides and a kiddie corral to youth livestock shows exhibiting animals and plants raised by kids in the community.  

Check out the Neighborhood Village to admire contest entries like artwork, baked goods, crafts, and other homemade products.  

Bring your appetite to enjoy a wide variety of strawberry treats, like world-famous strawberry shortcake, strawberry brisket tacos, strawberry Dole Whip, and of course, fresh Florida-grown strawberries that are perfect to take home as a souvenir.  

Come Out with Pride Orlando 

October 18, 2025 

Come Out with Pride Orlando is the city’s largest pride celebration of the year.  

This family-friendly event is a colorful festival all about self-expression, acceptance, and love.  

The Come Out with Pride festival features a large parade through downtown Orlando, over 250 vendors showcasing goods and services, live entertainment across three stages, and an area designated just for families with kids.  

Be sure to stick around for the fireworks display at night.

Regular Celebration Spots 

These locations throughout Orlando are known for hosting multiple events and festivals throughout the year. Keep your eye open for whatever celebration is coming soon!. 

Avalon Park  

Avalon Park is a quaint neighborhood in northeast Orlando that is known for its seasonal community events with live entertainment, local vendors, food trucks, and more. 

In the fall, check out their events like Oktoberfest (complete with wiener dog racing) and the festive Halloween Spooktacular.  

In early December, Avalon Aglow kicks off with a parade and ends with fireworks in the town center.  

There are also events to celebrate the 4th of July and New Year’s Eve, as well as a big springtime festival known as Absolutely Avalon.  

Lake Nona 

Lake Nona is one of the most up-and-coming areas in Orlando. As the community grows, so does their calendar of special events and seasonal festivals.  

Their biggest annual celebration is the Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival, an ongoing family-friendly event with a live circus show, story time with Santa and Mrs. Claus, snow-themed activities, and more.  

The Taste of Nona Food and Wine Festival celebrates the best local and area restaurants, while Oktoberfest and Graveyard Smash offer fall and Halloween-themed attractions and activities.  

Check out their calendar to see what’s happening next.  

Winter Garden 

Winter Garden is a true gem of west Orlando. Its downtown is home to dozens of wonderful stores, boutiques, and restaurants, including the acclaimed Plant St. Market and Crooked Can Brewing Co.  

The City of Winter Garden is known for its charming events throughout the year, including their 14-day-long Halloween Experience complete with a hay maze, Halloween light show, and street performers.  

During the holidays, visit Winter Garden and watch it transform into a Winter Wonderland, complete with live entertainment, a holiday light show, the Main Street Holiday Stroll, and horse drawn holiday carriage tours. 

EPCOT Festivals  

Walt Disney World’s EPCOT theme park is known for hosting beautiful festivals throughout the year. Time your visit just right and you could find yourself in the midst of an epic celebration with unforgettable Disney Magic.  

International Festival of the Arts 

January/February  

Celebrate the arts at EPCOT with plenty of opportunities to make your own artwork and see artistry in action.  

Watch artists creating Disney-themed masterpieces, learn how to draw a Disney Character during an Animation Academy session, and take photos at art-inspired photo ops throughout the park.  

Enjoy colorful cuisine that looks almost too good to eat and catch a performance of the DISNEY ON BROADWAY concert series featuring real Broadway stars from the biggest Disney Theatrical Productions hits.  

International Flower & Garden Festival 

March/April/May 

During the International Flower & Garden Festival, EPCOT comes alive with gorgeous living sculptures of Disney characters, covered in vibrant greenery and flowers.  

This beautiful springtime event also features a butterfly garden and a scavenger hunt perfect for younger visitors to explore.  

Enjoy food made with garden-fresh ingredients prepared in outdoor kitchens and take in a show during the Garden Rocks Concert Series.  

International Food & Wine Festival 

September/October/November 

Foodies rejoice! This festival is the perfect opportunity to try innovative flavors from around the world.  

As you travel through the EPCOT World Showcase and beyond, you’ll find Global Marketplaces serving dishes inspired by a multitude of countries and cultures.  Grownups can pair their orders with fine wine, craft beer, and spirits for the ultimate tasting experience.  

The Eat to the Beat Concert Series hosts some of the hottest names in music today and from nostalgic times gone by.  

Don’t forget to collect exclusive festival merch as you make your way through the park. 

International Festival of the Holidays 

December 

The International Festival of the Holidays showcases beautiful holiday traditions and customs from around the world.   

Meet Santa Claus, participate in the festive Holiday Cookie Stroll, and hear Holiday Storytellers share legends and lore from around the world.  

Every night, the Candlelight Processional tells the story of Christmas with a massed choir, 50-piece orchestra, and a celebrity narrator.  

You can also indulge in traditional holiday treats and dishes inspired by flavors you’ll find traveling the world during the holiday season.

 

Looking for other holiday and winter festivals in Orlando? Check out our blog here.  

Get Festive with Us at Rosen Inns  

 There’s always something to be celebrated in Orlando, whether it’s our community, local artists, or the season.  

When you stay at a Rosen Inn hotel, you’ll be close to the best family-friendly festivals in Orlando.  

When you’re not exploring the city’s best fairs, art shows, and celebrations, you can make the most of your stay by taking advantage of our beautiful swimming pools, arcade rooms, and plush beds.  

Family is important to us, and we’re dedicated to making sure your family feels comfortable and welcome throughout your stay.  

Our Kids Eat Free program is designed to help families save on dining that’s nutritious and delicious. At least one restaurant at each Rosen Inn hotel allows children under 5 to dine for free with one paying adult. 

Choose a Rosen Inn hotel for your next visit and let us show you why we've been an Orlando favorite for 50 years.