GUIDE TO 30 GREAT THINGS TO DO NEAR ORLANDO THIS SEPTEMBER 2023

GUIDE TO 30 GREAT THINGS TO DO NEAR ORLANDO THIS SEPTEMBER 2023

 

JAZZ & BLUES CONCERT

Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 North Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

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Saturday, September 9, 2023

Get ready for  an amazing evening of jazz, blues and a little bit of everything in between from some of the most popular bands in Central Florida. Pack a picnic of your favorite foods and bring seating, alcohol is permitted.  

Concert Map

How it works: 3 bands in 3 locations in the 50-acre gardens. Bring chairs or blanket and sit wherever you like on any lawn area or find a nice spot in a gazebo. Stroll around to the bands and enjoy the gardens. Tickets are only available online, not sold at Leu Gardens. The gardens will open at 6:30 p.m. for guests with tickets. 

Presented By: Harry P. Leu Gardens

Dates: September 9, 2023

Price: $20-30

Time: 7 p.m.

 

 

ART’S THE SPARK!

Orlando Museum of Art

2416 North Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

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Through interactive tours of the Museum’s exhibitions, Art’s the Spark gives those living with memory impairment, or any other neurological impairment, such as early stage Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease, and their healthy caregivers a fun experience, an expressive outlet and an opportunity for adult discussions. The program strives to provide a rich and satisfying experience for all participants. FREE, pre-registration is required. Please call 407.896.4231 ext. 262 or email education@omart.org to register.

Dates: 9/2/2023, 10/7/2023

Price: Free

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

 

CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE: QUEEN ‘A NIGHT AT THE OPERA’

Hard Rock Cafe & Live Orlando

6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819

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Classic Albums Live: Queen’s ‘A Night at the Opera’ comes to Hard Rock Live Orlando.

Presented By: Hard Rock Cafe & Live Orlando

Dates: September 2, 2023

Price: $21 – $36

Time: 8 – 10 p.m.

 

MAITLAND STAGE BAND

Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts

1905 Kentucky Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

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The Maitland Stage Band is supported by PAM (Performing Arts Matter). This 16-piece big band performs modern arrangements, as well as hits from the legends of the big band era. They have played all over Central Florida under direction of trumpeter Rick Ingoglia.

Dates: September 2, 2023

Price: $25

Time: 8 – 10 p.m.

 

WILD FLORIDA 5K

Lake Baldwin Park 4990 New Broad St, Orlando, FL 32814

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RUN WILD FOR FLORIDA WITH CONSERVATION FLORIDA!

This Summer, you’re invited to RUN WILD with Conservation Florida! Join us on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at our annual Wild Florida 5k at Lake Baldwin Park in Orlando, Florida! The run supports our mission to save natural and agricultural landscapes for future generations. Participants will receive a branded 5k t-shirt, medal, and lots of good vibes knowing they are saving land and creating a healthier future for Florida! After the 5k, join Team Conservation Florida for light refreshments and conservation conversations.

Dates: September 2, 2023

Price: $45

Time: 8 a.m.

 

CAMPING WORLD KICKOFF: FLORIDA STATE VS. LSU

1 Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando, FL 32805

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The Florida State Seminoles and LSU Tigers will face off in Orlando to open their 2023 seasons. The 2023 game is the fourth in a multi-year agreement between Florida Citrus Sports and ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, to host a major neutral-site college football game in Camping World Stadium during the opening weekend of the college football season.

Dates: September 3, 2023

Price: Varies

Time: 7 p.m.

 

JAZZPRO SERIES PRESENTS: JOHN REDFIELD TRIO

Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts

1905 Kentucky Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

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John Redfield is an innovative, virtuosic pianist. His rapid-fire playing technique is dazzling, but he also plays melodically and with sensitivity. In John’s playing you can hear the influences of masters like Oscar Peterson and Wynton Kelly, and also stride piano legends like Art Tatum. John will be joined by Doug Mathews on bass and Walt Hubbard on drums for a concert featuring jazz standards and John’s original compositions.

Dates: September 6, 2023

Price: $20

Time: 8 – 10 p.m.

 

THE COMEDY OF ERRORS

Orlando Shakes

812 East Rollins Street, Orlando, FL 32803

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Set during the revelries of Mardi Gras and featuring New Orleans Jazz, Zydeco and Delta Blues music, Shakespeare’s non-stop hilarious farce of love, mistaken identity, and two sets of twins separated as babies – gets swept up in the carnival celebrations. Bring your Mardi Gras beads and let the good times roll!

Presented By: Orlando Shakes

Dates: September 6, 2023 – October 1, 2023

Recurrence: Recurring weekly on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday

Price: Varies

Time: Varies by Date

 

 

 

CANDLELIGHT: A TRIBUTE TO TAYLOR SWIFT

The Abbey

100 S Eola Dr, Orlando, FL 32801

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Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Orlando. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Taylor Swift at The Abbey under the gentle glow of candlelight.

Dates: 9/7/2023, 11/30/2023

Price: $35 – $55

Time: 6:30 p.m. & 9 p.m.

 

BLUE BAMBOO JAZZ FESTIVAL 2023 KICKOFF PARTY

1905 Kentucky Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

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Join us for the Blue Bamboo Jazz Festival 2023! Four concert events September 14th-17th. This kickoff concert will feature Chris Cortez and Friends in the first set, and the Alain Bradette Quartet in the second set. Admission is free for this event, but reservations are strongly suggested. To purchase tickets for all 4 events at a 20% discount, please call Melody Cortez at 407-636-9951.

The Blue Bamboo Jazz Festival 2023 is sponsored in part by United Arts of Central Florida and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Dates: September 14, 2023

Price: Free

Time: 8 – 10 p.m.

 

THE INTERNATIONAL FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL 2023

Festival Park

2911 E Robinson St, Orlando, FL 32803

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The International Food and Drink Festival 2023 at Downtown Orlando is back! Enjoy the best restaurants from Central Florida, exotic drinks, food eating contests, giveaways and more!

Dates: Sunday, September 17, 2023

Price: Free

Time: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

 

21ST ANNUAL GLOBAL PEACE FILM FESTIVAL

400 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801

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Continuing its mission to use creative media as a catalyst to inspire and educate people to initiate positive change in their local communities and worldwide, the Global Peace Film Festival (GPFF) celebrates its 21st anniversary this year.

The Festival’s opening night film to be screened at Enzian Theater on Tuesday, September 19 at 6 p.m. is The League, a film that celebrates the dynamic journey of Negro League baseball’s triumphs and challenges through the first half of the twentieth century. A complete list of films can be found online at peacefilmfest.org.

Dates: September 19, 2023 – September 23, 2023

Recurrence: Recurring daily

Price: Varies

Time: Varies

 

COOKING WITH AMY: 30 MINUTE ITALIAN MEALS

Maitland Public Library,501 Maitland Avenue South, Maitland, FL 32751

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Join Amy as she demonstrates how to make some quick and easy Italian meals. Space is limited for this class and registration is required. Ages 14 and up. RSVP on our website beginning September 1st.

Dates: September 19, 2023

Price: Free

Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m.

 

RUTHLESS!

The Winter Park Playhouse, 711 North Orange Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

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Ruthless! September 22 – October 15, 2023

Previews: Sep. 21 at 7:30pm & Sep. 22 at 2:00pm

This outrageous hit musical comedy garnered rave reviews during its long Off-Broadway run.  Meet Judy, a naive 1950s housewife, and her adorable but sociopath 8-year-old daughter Tina.  Encouraged by her manager, Sylvia, Tina will do ANYTHING to get the lead role in her school play “including murdering the leading lady!”  This fun spoof has its twists, turns and killer laughs!  “A wonderfully smart and funny send-up of every Broadway brat… loaded with campy with and charm.” –Variety.  Book & Lyrics by Joel Paley / Music by Marvin Laird

Presented By: The Winter Park Playhouse

Dates: 9/21/2023, 9/22/2023, 9/23/2023, 9/28/2023, 9/29/2023, 9/30/2023, 10/1/2023

Price: $20 – $46

Time: Varies by Date

 

 

ORLANDO SALSA FESTIVAL

Amway Center, 400 W Church St #200, Orlando, FL 32801

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The Orlando Salsa Festival is coming to Amway Center on September 22, featuring the legendary Willie Colón and El Gran Combo! Prepare to dance the night away to the electrifying rhythms of salsa and experience a once-in-a-lifetime concert event.

Dates: September 22, 2023

Price: Varies

Time: 8 p.m.

 

 

TERRY MYERS QUINTET FEATURING JAIMIE ROBERTS

Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts

1905 Kentucky Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

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Terry Myers is pleased to present the talented and dynamic vocalist Jaimie Roberts! This afternoon will feature jazz standards alongside a selection of Jaimie’s popular material, cabaret numbers, and fresh new songs and surprises! Jaime is a multi-faceted vocalist and comedienne, who has worked professionally in the Central Florida area for many years. Her repertoire is extensive, and performs across all genres from Big Band jazz, comedy and parody songs, Country, Broadway, and more. If you are not already a fan, prepare to fall in love with Jaimie’s larger-than-life stage presence!

The Terry Myers Quintet is: Terry Myers – saxophone, Jaime Roberts – vocals, Randy Morris – piano, Jay Mueller – bass, and Paul Parker – drums.

Terry has had a storied career in Central Florida, including being a band leader at Walt Disney World’s Epcot, the band leader at Rosie O’Grady’s Good Time Jazz Emporium, and as an original member of Bill Allred’s Classic Jazz Band. Terry is the director of the famed Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, and has appeared at many jazz festivals across the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Dates: September 24, 2023

Price: $20 – $35

Time: 3 – 5 p.m.

 

 

HAPPY FRIGHTS

Harry P. Leu Gardens 1920 North Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

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Gather the entire family for a fun, family-friendly Halloween adventure throughout Orlando’s Leu Gardens featuring exciting immersive worlds, live characters, food and trick-or-treating.

Presented By: Creative City Project

Dates: Begins Sept. 29, 2023

 

 

LAKE NONA ORLANDO VEGFEST

USTA National Campus 10000 USTA Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827

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This completely vegan festival will have over 60 vegan vendors including local businesses and special guests from out of town. You can expect live music, speakers, dance classes, yoga classes and other entertainment all free. This is a family and pet friendly event where all are welcome.

Dates: September 30, 2023

Price: Free

Time: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

 

 

OKTOBERFEST

Lake Nona, 6900 Tavistock Lakes Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827

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Oktoberfest is returning on Saturday, September 30 at Lake Nona Town Center with live music, German food from Park Pizza, German themed entertainment, photo-ops, games, and our annual Stein Hoisting competition. This event is free and open to the public, no ticket needed!

Presented By: Lake Nona

Dates: September 30, 2023

Price: Free

Time: 4 – 10 p.m.

 

 

RICKY SYLVIA & THE BUZZCATZ: 70S GOLD

Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts

1905 Kentucky Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

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Dates: September 30, 2023

Price: $20 – $35

Time: 8 – 10 p.m.

 

WISDOM OF WORDS: TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES OF WRITING

Orlando Museum of Art

2416 North Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

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When you see a painting, what do you feel? When you look at a photograph, what memories surface? Tap into your creativity with the use of paintings, photographs, and objects as award-winning writer Elaine Person prompts you to write original stories, poems, and essays. Learn writing tools and techniques. Different genres of writing and reflection will be discussed.

Dates: September 30, 2023

Price: Members $27, Non-members $30

Time: 1 – 3 p.m.

 

 

 

Leu Gardens in Orlando, Florida

FlowersBeautiful Leu Gardens in Orlando is only 15 minutes from Thurston House in Central Florida. It has 50 acres of beautiful land that feature many different types of garden areas – America’s largest camellia collection outside of California, 3 acres of idea gardens, the largest formal rose garden in Florida, a 2 acre tropical stream garden, vegetable andherb gardens, a butterfly garden, succulent garden and palm, bamboo and cycad garden.

The garden hosts weddings almost every day, and has several wonderful locations for these special events. All through the year there are events planned, including night jazz strolls, movie date nights, classes, and plant sales.

The gardens are open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but be sure to check their website for early closings as well as their FREE admissions dates!

Plan ahead for Central Florida Fall Jazz!

One of our favorite things to do is to attend a Leu Garden’s Jazz Stroll. These wonderful night time events take place from 6-10pm. We never miss the Spring & Autumn strolls. Guests have already contacted me about when the next one will be as they want to fly down here from PA just so they can stay here at our North Orlando B&B again, and also attend this October event. They were here at Thurston House during the Spring event but were obligated to attend a wedding.

Path through Leu Garden’s Sculpture Garden

Our North Orlando lodging is the perfect place to stay when visiting Leu Gardens as we are only a short drive away. Get creative and pack a scrumptous picnic dinner to bring. Be sure to include your favorite beverages!  Throw in a couple of chairs or even a blanket and you’ll be all ready to set up near one of the three jazz bands. Get yourselves settled, grab a glass and fill er up, then stroll the many lighted paths that meander through this gorgeous 50 acre botanical garden. This year the Fall Stroll is October 15th. Tickets go on sale a couple weeks in advance and they do usually sell out!

Jazz & Blues in Orlando’s Leu Gardens!

JAZZ AND BLUES STROLL –

Saturday, October 23 – 7:00 – 10:00 pm

Enjoy live blues and jazz under a starry sky inside Leu Gardens’ 50-acre botanic oasis located in the heart of Central Florida featuring the velvety sounds of the Nightly Blues Band, soulful voice of Selwyn Birchwood and Don Soledad Group.  Each band will feature favorite songs as well as originals. Pack a dinner picnic basket full of your favorite foods/drinks and bring chairs or blanket for this outdoor event.  Vendors selling coffee and pastry. 

Serene Cubbedge Room

This yearly Fall event is one of our favorites! We set our chairs up in “our” place, grab a glass of wine and stroll the many luminary lit paths. What a great way to spend the evening! The only thing that could make it better would be to end the day in your beautiful Thurston House guest room, the only bed & breakfast in Maitland and Winter Park.

Planning ahead for Central Florida Fall Events!

The Fall is when things start to get busy again in Central Florida. There is a variety of upcoming events very near to Thurston House B&B in Maitland –

10/1-10/3 – 34th Annual Art Under the Stars – Maitland Rotary Arts Festival 

10/8 – Groovy In The Grove – Maitland History’s 12th Annual Benefit Auction

10/9-10 – 37th Annual Winter Park Autumn Arts Festival

10/23 – Leu Gardens Jazz & Blues Stroll

11/6-7 – Rollins College Family Weekend – Sorry, already full!

11/15 – Taste of Maitland – 13th Annual Maitland Chamber of Commerce event

12/2 – Christmas in the Park – Yearly Winter Park Tiffany event

12/4 – Maitland’s Season of Light

And there is much more coming up…..Keep tuned! Click here to book your favorite room for your favorite event before we are sold out!

Date Night At Leu Gardens!

Date Night Movie – “Duplicity” 

August 6 – Movie begins at dusk.

 Oscar® winner Julia Roberts and Clive Owen star as two sexy spies-turned-corporate operatives in the midst of a clandestine love affair. When they find themselves on either side of an all-out corporate war, they’ll put everything on the line to remain one double-cross ahead in a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse. From writer/director Tony Gilroy (seven-time Oscar®-nominated Michael Clayton) comes the film critics are raving about. (2009, PG-13)

These date nights are a wonderful way to enjoy Leu Gardens in an evening setting. Pack your blanket & dinner basket, and enjoy the show.

Thurston House yard in the morning

Make it an even better night out and book a room at Thurston House too! This Maitland B&B is just 15 minutes from the gardens. We are like a mini Leu Gardens, with our beautiful lakefront setting. Come see!

Annual Plant Sale at Leu Gardens!

Just minutes from Maitland and the Thurston House Bed & Breakfast, Leu Gardens will host their annual plant sale March 20-21. Shop the largest selection of plants in Central Florida!

Leu Gardens butterfly plants

Vendors will be selling a variety of plants including: bamboo, bromeliads, butterfly plants, citrus, ferns, fruit plants, gingers, heliconias, herbs, orchids, palms, roses, trees, vines and outdoor garden accessories! Bring a plant cart or wagon and fill it up! The garden offers free admission these two days too.

Book your room at Thurston House to fully enjoy this event. Our front wraparound porch is a great place to store your chosen plants until you head home.

Valentine’s Week in Orlando!

Even though this entire month can be celebrated by romance, this is the week that most choose. All the local restaurants are offering specials…we are offering a special rate all month too! So, what are you waiting for? Rooms are going fast.

roses at Leu Gardens

One of of favorite places, Leu Gardens, is having a Valentine’s Day Concert – A Night of Swing in the Garden. Tickets are $25pp and can be bought online. Pack a classy picnic, tuck in a bottle of wine, book your room at Thurston House, and celebrate your special someone! The garden is always beautiful in February!!!

Plan ahead – Thurston House, Bed & Breakfast!

Coming up later this year are some wonderful events at Leu Gardens. August 7th brings you this-

BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S Friday, August 7…Gardens open at 6:00 pm        Movie time dusk

Enjoy a romantic movie in a beautiful gardens setting.  Patrons may bring a blanket or chairs and dinner picnic basket.  Garden Admission is $7.00 plus tax adult and $2.00 plus tax child; Garden Members receive free admission on all Date Nights.  Admission is collected at the door.  Sponsored by Women in Film & Television Florida. These Leu Garden night events are always a wonderful and romantic way to while away the night. Pack a wonderful picnic, grab a bottle of wine and off you go…just a few minutes from Thurston House!

Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's

Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's