Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom at Universal CityWalk will host a lively Jamaican Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, August 7, 2010, starting at 4 PM. Highlights will include live reggae music with Chain Reaction; drink specials featuring Bacardi, Grey Goose and Heineken; Jamaican and African merchandise vendors; and 102 Jamz broadcasting the event live from 4 PM to 6 PM. Admission is free until 6 PM ($15 plus tax after 6 PM). VIP admission is $25 plus tax and includes private balcony access, light appetizers between 8 PM and 1 AM, and free admission to select clubs. You must be 21+ after 9 PM. For more information about the Jamaican Independence Day Celebration at Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom, visit http://www.universalorlando.com/Citywalk/Restaurants/bob_marley_tribute_freedom.aspx.
In addition to world-class theme parks such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando, the Orlando area offers a variety of festivals, events and fairs in 2010 that are sure to please visitors and residents alike. On most weekends throughout 2010, but especially during the fall, you’ll discover lively festivals and events going on somewhere in Orlando. Mark your calendar for the following Orlando events this fall:
2010 Orlando Home Show
October 22-24, 2010 Enjoy interesting exhibits, talk to home improvement experts and listen to special guest speakers at the Orlando area’s largest home design and landscaping showcase, which will take place at the Orange County Convention Center.
2010 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
October 1 – November 14, 2010 Take an eclectic tour of the world at the 2010 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival as you sample delicious foods and fine wines during this international culinary celebration, which also offers nightly Eat to the Beat! concerts, celebrity-che cooking demonstrations, children’s activities and the talents of street performers from acrobats to musicians.
2010 Halloween Horror Nights
September 24, 25 & 30; October 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30 & 31, 2010 Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights, which celebrates its 21st anniversary in 2010, is the largest Halloween event in the United States and spread out over both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Events at the month-long fright fest include specialty designed haunted houses and mazes, inescapable scare zones, a Halloween parade, thrilling shows and live music, as well as an assortment of wandering ghouls, zombies, demons, werewolves, ghosts, goblins and vampires.
2010 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
September 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28 & 30; October 1, 3, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29 & 31; November 1, 2010 This after-hours extravaganza at Disney’s Magic Kingdom allows guests to dress up in Halloween costumes and also features the “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade and the “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks spectacular. There’s trick-or-treating as well and also the opportunity to enjoy rides and attractions from 7 PM to midnight.
2010 SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular
Select Dates in October 2010
Halloween meets the sea at SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular, carving an underwater “fantasea” where children can dance with an ice DJ, learn from a school of fish and play with a sea fairy. SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular uniquely brings children’s “fantaseas” to life with enchanted pathways and charming sea creatures, providing the utmost in family-friendly trick-or-treating.
2010 Children’s Miracle Network Classic
November 11-14, 2010 One of the most popular events on the PGA Tour, the Children’s Miracle Network Classic at Walt Disney World Resort has served as an annual tradition since 1971, the same year Disney World opened its doors. The Children’s Miracle Network Classic, takes place at Disney’s championship Palm and Magnolia courses.
2010 Festival of the Masters
November 12-14, 2010
Festival of the Masters at Walt Disney World Resort is simply one of the most acclaimed open-air art festivals in the United States. Approximately 150 award-winning artists display their diverse wares at this immense outdoor showcase at Downtown Disney that also includes live entertainment, culinary offerings and children’s activities, as well as the House of Blues Folk Art Festival.
Good sources for more information on upcoming Orlando festivals and events include the “Orlando Seasonal Events” section of the Orlando, Florida Guide, as well as the Friday entertainment sections of the Orlando Sentinel and the Orlando Weekly, a weekly arts and entertainment publication.
Seeking spacious and affordable accommodations during your Orlando vacation getaway this fall? Look no farther than Westgate Resorts, which offers spacious suites, abundant amenities and convenient access to Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando theme parks, as well as other Orlando area attractions. Choose from Westgate Resorts properties such as Westgate Blue Tree Resort, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, Westgate Leisure Resort, Westgate Palace, Westgate Towers, Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas. For more information about Westgate Resorts, visit www.westgatedestinations.com.
The City of Altamonte Springs will host the 15th-annual Red Hot & Boom Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 3, 2010, at Cranes Roost Park. Red Hot & Boom will feature live entertainment brought to you by XL106.7 Radio, children’s activities, vendor booths, food, drink and a spectacular fireworks display. Musical artists scheduled to appear at 2010 Red Hot & Boom include 2AM Club, Neon Trees, Jessie James, White Tie Affair, Charice, FeFe Dobson, Big 10-4 and Aaron Fresh. Performances will begin at 4 PM and go until 11 PM. The fireworks display will begin at 9:30 PM. Note: No coolers, personal fireworks or pets will be allowed inside the venue. For more information about Red Hot & Boom, visit www.uptownaltamonte.com.
The City of Orlando Fireworks at the Fountain will take place on Sunday, July 4, 2010, from 4 PM to 10 PM at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando. A “patriotic celebration of fun, food and fanfare,” Fireworks at the Fountain will feature live entertainment, children’s area, free health screenings and a spectacular fireworks finale at 9:30 PM. Don’t miss it!
For more information about 2010 Fireworks at the Fountain, visit www.cityoforlando.net.
Universal Orlando Resort will feature Everclear as part of its ‘Velvet Sessions’ series at Hard Rock Hotel on Thursday, June 24, 2010, at 6:30 PM. The group will perform all of its classic hits such as “I Will Buy You a New Life,” “Wonderful,” “Santa Monica,” “Everything to Everyone,” “A.M. Radio” and more. Velvet Sessions is Hard Rock Hotel’s special rock ‘n’ roll cocktail party and lobby concert held the last Thursday of the month (January through October). A $25 ticket includes free specialty drinks, finger foods and warm-up tunes from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Cash bars and live band from 8:30 PM onward. Tickets are $25 online (ticketing fees apply) or $30 at the door. Valet parking is complimentary for those attending Velvet Sessions, which is a 21 and older event. Visit velvetsessions.com for more information.
Universal Orlando Resort will feature The Psychedelic Furs as part of its ‘Velvet Sessions’ series at Hard Rock Hotel on Thursday, May 27, 2010, at 6:30 PM. The group will perform all of its classic hits such as “Love My Way,” “Pretty in Pink,” “All That Money Wants,” “House,” “Until She Comes” and more. Velvet Sessions is Hard Rock Hotel’s special rock ‘n’ roll cocktail party and lobby concert held the last Thursday of the month (January through October). A $25 ticket includes free specialty drinks, finger foods and warm-up tunes from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Cash bars and live band from 8:30 PM onward. Tickets are $25 online (ticketing fees apply) or $30 at the door. Valet parking is complimentary for those attending Velvet Sessions, which is a 21 and older event. Visit velvetsessions.com for more information.
Universal Orlando Resort will feature The Psychedelic Furs as part of its ‘Velvet Sessions’ series at Hard Rock Hotel on Thursday, May 27, 2010, at 6:30 PM. The group will perform all of its classic hits such as “Love My Way,” “Pretty in Pink,” “All That Money Wants,” “House,” “Until She Comes” and more. Velvet Sessions is Hard Rock Hotel’s special rock ‘n’ roll cocktail party and lobby concert held the last Thursday of the month (January through October). A $25 ticket includes free specialty drinks, finger foods and warm-up tunes from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Cash bars and live band from 8:30 PM onward. Tickets are $25 online (ticketing fees apply) or $30 at the door. Valet parking is complimentary for those attending Velvet Sessions, which is a 21 and older event. Visit velvetsessions.com for more information.
The 2010 Summer Concert Series at Universal Studios Florida will feature live performances from seven of music’s most popular artists starting June 12 and running every Saturday night through July 17, 2010. Each of the artists who will perform at the 2010 Summer Concert Series has scored top 10 hits on the Billboard charts, sold millions of albums worldwide and produced some of today’s most recognizable songs.
Summer Concert Series 2010 Lineup
June 12, 2010 – Train
June 19, 2010 – Pitbull
June 26, 2010 – Earth, Wind & Fire
July 3, 2010 – Pat Benatar & REO Speedwagon
July 10, 2010 – Rob Thomas
July 17, 2010 – Counting Crows
All concerts in the 2010 Summer Concert Series at Universal Orlando will take place at the Music Plaza, the state-of-the-art outdoor music venue located in the front of the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster at Universal Studios Florida. The Summer Concert Series is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida.
For more information about the 2010 Summer Concert Series, and other summer entertainment and offers at Universal Orlando Resort, visit http://www.universalorlando.com/summer.
Orlando to Host NBA All-Star 2012 The most magical week in sports is returning to Orlando for the second time, as the city has been selected to host NBA All-Star 2012. Orlando also hosted the 1992 All-Star Game. The 61st NBA All-Star Game will be played on Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Amway Center, which will also host the T-Mobile Rookie [...]
Walt Disney: Motivational Speaker In addition to being an innovator, visionary and genius, Walt Disney was one heck of a motivational speaker! Below are 10 of my favorite Walt Disney quotes: “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” “We are [...]
Celebrate LEGOLAND Florida’s First Christmas LEGOLAND Florida is getting into the holiday spirit with the first annual Christmas Bricktacular. Festive decorations and sounds of the season will fill The Beginning and Fun Town through the holidays, Dec. 8-31, followed by Kids’ New Year’s Eve on Dec. 31. With more than 50 rides, shows and attractions all dedicated to families with [...]
Call Today for Westgate’s Cyber Monday Deal! Buy 2 Nights, Get the 3rd Night Free!
Must stay 3 nights. Must book on Cyber Monday (November 28, 2011) only for travel thru December 21, 2012. Offer is subject to black-out dates and rate plan availability. Normal deposit and cancellation policies app...
Westgate Resorts: Cyber Monday Deal! Cyber Monday Deal Buy 2 Nights, Get the 3rd Night Free! Must stay 3 nights. Must book on Cyber Monday (November 28, 2011) only for travel thru December 21, 2012. Offer is subject to black-out dates and rate plan availability. Normal deposit and cancellation policies apply. Offer is valid for participating properties only. For more [...]
Westgate Resorts: Black Friday Special! Black Friday Special Stay 2 nights for as low as $139 for entire stay (excluding taxes and resort fees). Studio $139 ($69.50 per night) 1 Bedroom $179 ($89.50 per night) 2 Bedroom $209 ($104.50 per night) Must book on Black Friday (November 25, 2011) only for travel thru December 21, 2012. Offer is subject to [...]
