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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.