Annual Capital One Bowl: this New Year’s Day classic, an annual event for over 60 years, is now held at the Florida Citrus Bowl and showcases the clash between two football titans.

Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities: draws more than 100,000 visitors each year. It is an African-American festival celebrating the visual arts, R&B and gospel music as well as award-winning poetry and modern dance.

Mount Dora Arts Festival: Mount Dora magically transforms itself into a giant art museum featuring more than 300 artists and performers, as well as market stalls and games. The event is free to the public, and is sponsored by the Mount Dora Center for the Arts.

Epcot's Black Heritage Celebration: is staged at Epcot and features artisans and storytellers as well as music, cultural entertainment and food all based on African-American heritage.

Kissimmee Bluegrass Festival: is an annual four-day event. The main feature here is bluegrass and gospel music, but you’ll also have lots of arts and crafts booths and Southern food stalls for your enjoyment.

Florida Film Festival: occurs right after the Sundance festival and just before Cannes. This extravaganza is hosted at the Enzian Theatre in Orlando in March. The well-attended festival has been held for more than 20 years.

Orlando Fringe Festival: has developed into a major area event. All members of the family will find something to enjoy, with 100 companies performing in more than 50 shows on nine different stages at regional venues.

JazzFest Kissimmee: Kissimmee’s Lakefront Park is the venue for this well-attended two-day festival. Professional and amateur jazz musicians host performances and there are art exhibits and lots of good food on offer.

Orlando Carnival: this Caribbean-style Mardi Gras happens around the end of May and has been celebrated for almost 20 years. A parade through the city streets is a highlight, ending at Thunder Field, situated across from the Florida Citrus Bowl, where a range of fun events take place.

Zellwood Corn Festival: is an unusual event based around corn. Over 200,000 ears of corn are consumed during the event every year, some for the sheer pleasure of eating it and others as part of corn eating contests.

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival: you will find arrangements of stunning bouquets which will provide a treat for your senses at this very special flower and garden show. 

Sounds of Summer: musicians from the Philharmonic Orchestra stage outdoor performances for the public at the Harry P. Leu Gardens throughout June.

Independence Day Celebration: For family fun and ‘Fireworks at the Fountain’ join in the games and entertainment and sample the food at Lake Eola Park. Or take a trip to Kissimmee Lakefront and join in the fun there.

College Park Rotary Barbecue: Enjoy a day full of fun activities topped off with a BBQ dinner at Orlando's Edgewater High School, leading up to the football game between the Edgewater Eagles and the Oakridge Pioneers. Join in and experience this local tradition.

Rock the Universe at Universal Orlando: Many of the country's top names in Christian rock music come together for an electrifying weekend. Two unforgettable nights of music and ministry are on offer for Christian rock music fans. It is set in the surroundings of the world’s number one movie and TV-based theme park.

International Food and Wine Festival: You can travel around the world without leaving Epcot’s World Showcase Lagoon while you’re sampling a variety of cuisines from more than 30 countries and regions.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween: Guests are invited to join Mickey for a trick-or-treat extravaganza throughout the Magic Kingdom and watch Mickey's ‘Boo-to-You Halloween Parade’. This fantastic Halloween event is scheduled every evening from September through the end of October.

SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular: Another option for Halloween is hosted at SeaWorld with friendly pirates and a chance to trick-or-treat for tons of treasure. Kids can join in the ghostly activities and enjoy the Halloween-themed entertainment.

Fiesta in the Park: Live entertainment and regional arts and crafts are the focal points of this festival held at Lake Eola.

Downtown Disney Annual Festival of the Masters: This major art event showcases more than 200 honourees from art festivals around the US. Paintings, photography, sculpture, printmaking, drawing, glass work and jewellery are featured at this weekend event. Bring the children along to enjoy the live entertainment and activities specially organised for the young ones.

Christmas at SeaWorld: Festive holiday decorations, snow falling at the waterfront and live music performances by classical musicians and carollers create yuletide memories and help you get in the holiday mood. Join the locals and area visitors in the festivities at ‘Christmas at SeaWorld.’

Universal Orlando New Year's Eve Party: Universal Orlando hosts a New Year’s Eve celebration in Florida style. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, the spectacular food, champagne, live entertainment and much more.