From Arts to Economic Impact: Orlando’s Winter Season in #FestivalMode

Our winter season is unlike any other — while the rest of the country bundles up, we celebrate outdoors!

From January through February 2026, the greater Orlando area transforms into #FestivalMode with more than 20 festivals. This season kicks off a year-round of cultural festivals where every weekend offers something new to discover. See more visiting: ArtsinOrlando.com/Winter.

From Parades to Poetry

The winter lineup spans genres and generations: historical parades, classical concerts, indie theatre debuts, jazz nights, family-friendly book festivals, and immersive art experiences in the streets. Orlando’s neighborhoods become cultural playgrounds, connecting audiences to art in ways that are accessible, inviting, and unforgettable.

#FestivalMode Lineup

For the most current schedule, go to ArtsinOrlando.com/winter

January

1. Orlando Fringe Winter Mini-Fest | Orlando Shakes – January 7-11, 2026
2. Eatonville’s 48th Annual MLK Parade Celebration | Eatonville – January 17, 2026
3. Scottish Highland Games Festival | January 17-18, 2026
4. Asian Lantern Festival | Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens – Select dates through January 18, 2026
5. Downtown Orlando Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade | Downtown Orlando – January 17, 2026
6. Unity Heritage Festival | Hannibal Square Heritage Center – January, 18-19, 2026
7. Central Florida SaxFest | UCF School of Performing Arts – January 24, 2026
8. Zora! Festival | Multiple Locations – January 30 to February 1, 2026
9. Celebrate Lunar Festival | Luminary Green Park – January 31, 2026

February

1. Arts Weekend | Winter Park Arts & Culture Alliance – February 5-8, 2026
2. DTOLive! Chalk Art Festival | Downtown Orlando – February 6-7, 2026
3. The Bach Festival | Knowles Memorial Chapel & Tiedtke Concert Hall – February 6 to March 15, 2026
4. Love Your Shorts Film Festival | Ritz Theater – February 12-15, 2026
5. Spark STEM Fest | Orlando Science Center – February 14-16, 2026
6. Indie-Folkfest | Mennello Museum – February 14, 2026
7. Dragon Parade & Lunar New Year Festival | Mills50 & AsiaTrend – February 16, 2026
8. Orlando Jazz Fest Concert | UCF School of Performing Arts – February 20, 2026
9. Florida Children’s Book Festival | Orlando Family Stage – February 20-22, 2026
10. IMMERSE FEST | Creative City Project | Downtown Orlando – February 20-22, 2026
11. Lake Nona Art Festival | Lake Nona – February 21-22, 2026
12. Winter Garden Music Festival | Winter Garden – February 21, 2026
13. Reel Short Teen Film Festival | Enzian Theater – February 21, 2026
14. Orlando International Film Festival | UCF Nicholson School of Communication – February 26-28, 2026
15. The New Playwrights Series | Rollins College – February 26-March 1, 2026

Easy to Join In

Many events are free or affordably priced, making it simple for locals and visitors to dive in. Whether you’re planning a weekend outing or a full season of discovery, there’s something for everyone in #FestivalMode.

Explore the full winter festival calendar at ArtsinOrlando.com/winter