Spring in Orlando: Festivals, Games and Fun for All Ages

Recognized as the entertainment capital of the world, Orlando stands out for offering a full calendar of activities and events throughout the year. In the spring, the schedule becomes even more special, with festivals, cultural and gastronomic events that go far beyond the famous theme parks, reflecting the diversity and cultural richness of the region. 

With options for lovers of gastronomy, sports, cinema, music and even carnival, the season brings events for all audiences and ages. Check out the highlights of the season below: 

THEME PARKS 
Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval (Through March 30, 2025) 
Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval transforms Universal Studios Florida into a grand stage for Carnival-inspired celebrations from around the world. The experience includes international dishes and New Orleans delights, as well as colorful parades and live shows. On select weekends, top artists perform on the Music Plaza Stage, ensuring an unmissable musical lineup. 

Seven Seas Food Festival (Select dates through May 4, 2025) 
The Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld® Orlando features more than 190 dishes and beverages inspired by international cuisine, plus live concerts every weekend. With exquisite dining options and plenty of thrill rides, this festival promises a journey full of flavor and fun.  

Visitors can also savor a variety of global dishes paired with wines, cocktails and craft beers while enjoying live rock, country and Latin music. During the festivities, special events are scheduled for holidays such as Mardi Gras, St. Patrick's Day, Cinco de Mayo and Brazilian Carnival. 

EPCOT® International Flower & Garden Festival (March 5 – June 2, 2025) 
The EPCOT® International Flower & Garden Festival celebrates the arrival of spring with fresh flavors and dazzling floral displays. Held annually, the event transforms the park into a vibrant setting featuring themed gardens, interactive spaces and intricately sculpted floral sculptures of iconic Disney characters. 

During the festival, visitors can enjoy dishes made with fresh ingredients at several outdoor kiosks and participate in immersive experiences, such as learning how to grow healthy food in the park's herb gardens. 

FESTIVALS 
Florida Film Festival (April 11-20, 2025) 
Recognized as one of the most prestigious film festivals in the United States, the Florida Film Festival is an Oscar-qualifying event that showcases the best in independent and international cinema. Over the ten-day festival, guests can watch over 170 films and events featuring filmmakers and celebrities.

Additionally, visitors can enjoy craft cocktails and a delicious menu served at the on-site restaurant, Eden Bar. 

Florida Puerto Rican Parade & Festival (April 26, 2025) 
Part of a statewide initiative that promotes simultaneous parades in several cities across Florida, the Florida Puerto Rican Parade & Festival begins with a lively parade through downtown Orlando and ends at the Seneff Arts Plaza at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. This year, the theme will be “Renewable Energy and the Environment,” and all activities will be dedicated to the city of Aguadilla, also known as the City of Enchantment. 

After the parade, visitors will enjoy Puerto Rican music, traditional local crafts, and many typical dishes from the region. Admission to the event is free, with food and drinks available for purchase. 

Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival (May 13-26, 2025) 
The Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival is a two-week, immersive cultural event featuring hundreds of theatrical performances by local, national and international artists, as well as a free outdoor music festival. Held at Loch Haven Park in Ivanhoe Village, the festival also features programming in surrounding neighborhoods. 

Although many of the shows are aimed at adults, the festival also offers Kids Fringe, a series of attractions specially designed for children. Those who are in the city in January can also check out FESTN4 (January 9-12), a complement to the official May program. 

Outdoor Art Festivals (Through April 26, 2025) 
Orlando hosts an impressive array of nationally recognized art festivals during the late winter and spring. Among them, the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival (March 21-23) stands out as the oldest and one of the largest in the region. Held since 1960, the event has a rigorous selection process and brings together hundreds of national artists showcasing paintings, sculptures, glasswork, jewelry, woodworking and other forms of art. 

Additionally, the season brings other outdoor art festivals, such as UpTown Art Expo in Altamonte Springs (March 28-30), Spring Fiesta in the Park at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando's Thornton Park district (April 5-6), and the Hannibal Square Heritage Center Folk & Urban Art Festival in Winter Park (April 26). All events are free of charge. 

SOCCER 
For soccer fans who don't want to miss the chance to see the world's best player in action, the spring calendar also has plenty of excitement in store. The Orlando Pride (National Women's Soccer League) and Orlando City Soccer Club (Major League Soccer) teams play their games at Inter&Co Stadium, always with lively fans and an electrifying atmosphere. This season, Orlando Pride returns to defend its 2024 league championship title. The team's star player is Marta Silva, who has been named the best player in the league six times.

World by FIFA and the first athlete to score goals in five World Cups. 

Orlando City games: 
March 22: Orlando City vs. DC United 
April 12: Orlando City vs. New York Red Bulls 
April 26: Orlando City vs. Atlanta United FC 
May 10: Orlando City vs. New England Revolution 
May 14: Orlando City vs. Charlotte FC 

Orlando Pride fixtures: 
March 7: Challenge Cup 2025 – vs. Washington Spirit 
March 14: Orlando Pride vs. Chicago Stars FC 
March 29: Orlando Pride vs. San Diego Wave FC 
April 19: Orlando Pride vs. Washington Spirit 
April 25: Orlando Pride vs. Angel City FC 
May 16: Orlando Pride vs. Kansas City Current 

Club World Cup 
Still in the spring of the United States, FIFA will hold the first edition of the new Club World Cup format between June 15 and July 13, 2025, in 11 cities. Orlando will have two arenas participating during the program: Camping World Stadium and Inter&Co Stadium. With 32 teams participating, Brazilian soccer fans can get ready to cheer for the national teams already confirmed, such as Flamengo, Palmeiras and Fluminense.

Source: Visit Orlando.