As Florida’s spring season continues to bless the Orlando area with plenty of sunshine and mild temperatures, event organizers are taking advantage by offering an array of local things to do.
The annual Walk for Parkinson, which benefits the Parkinson Association of Central Florida, is back for its 11th annual community gathering and fundraiser this Saturday at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs. This weekend also brings the opening of the 34th Florida Film Festival, a Great Outdoors Weekend at Orlando Science Center and several other springtime events, including one that’s pet-friendly.
Here are ways to enjoy a beautiful spring weekend in Central Florida.
Walk for Parkinson
An estimated 2,000 Central Floridians will rally together to support the Parkinson community of the greater Orlando area this Saturday. The 11th annual Walk for Parkinson is designed to raise awareness and fundraise for programs, education, wellness and research to find a cure. The organization needs additional support in reaching its $150,000 goal.
“This walk makes it feel like you’re fighting the fight and not just having it happen to you,” said Todd Stewart, president of the Parkinson Association of Central Florida and a former Orlando Sentinel editor. “Anything that enhances the quality of life of both people with Parkinson and their caregivers, that’s something we want to be a part of.”
Registration is still available for Saturday’s event at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs.
If you go: The 11th Walk for Parkinson opens for registration at 8 a.m. and opening ceremonies at 9 a.m. April 12 at 274 Cranes Roost Blvd. in Altamonte Springs. More information: parkinsoncf.org
Florida Film Festival
The 34th Florida Film Festival kicks off on Friday night with the opening night film, “Stolen Kingdom,” a documentary that delves into urban exploring and theft at Walt Disney World. The 10-day festival features 185 films from 41 countries with offerings from feature-length narrative films to Florida-based documentaries and animated shorts. Screenings take place at Enzian and Regal Winter Park Village. Festival passes are available or tickets can be purchased for individual films.
If you go: The 34th Florida Film Festival goes on from April 11-20 at 1300 S. Orlando Ave. in Maitland and 510 N. Orlando Ave. in Winter Park. More information: floridafilmfestival.com
Great Outdoors Weekend at Orlando Science Center
Outdoor fun and nature-inspired STEM activities are the focal point of this two-day event at Orlando Science Center. Visitors can create a terrarium, participate in an outdoor scavenger hunt, learn sustainable gardening tips and explore an eco-friendly tiny home. The events are included in general admission or free for members.
If you go: Orlando Science Center’s Great Outdoors Weekend has activities from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 12-13 at 777 E. Princeton St. in Orlando. Daily admission costs $27.99 per adult online or $20.99 per visitor ages 2-11. April 13 is $15 day with a limited amount of discounted tickets. Discounts are also available daily for seniors and students with ID. More information: osc.org
3 more events
- McRae Art Studios hosts its springtime open house, inviting the public into the urban Orlando space where 22 artists work. The event includes a donation bar with beer and wine, plus the chance to browse and buy original artwork. The open house is free and open to the public from 6-9 p.m. April 12 at 1000 Arlington St. in Orlando. More information: mcraeartstudios.art
- Springest International at the German American Society of Central Florida features German cuisine and festival entertainment in Casselberry. The event is essentially Oktoberfest in spring. Guests can enjoy singers, dancers and musicians from Germany, Bulgaria, Scotland, Ukraine, Slovenia, Romania, United Kingdom and more. Tickets are $7 in advance on Eventbrite or $10 at the gate. Children age 11 and younger enter for free. The event is from noon-9 p.m. at 381 Orange Lane in Casselberry. More information: orlandogermanclub.com
- Bark in the Park in St. Cloud gathers the community and pets for a resource fair, activities and hot dogs. The event at Peghorn Park features the unveiling of a Rainbow Bridge at 10:15 a.m. with the event going from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. April 12 at 2101 2101 Peghorn Way in St. Cloud. More information: 407-957-7243
Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.
